By Victoria Mullen, WKTV
Lynn Hopkins’s bond with her rescue cat, Jack B. Nimble, is rewarding on myriad levels. Besides the close companionship the two enjoy, Hopkins and Jack share their time with seniors in assisted living environments, as well as students who are in dire need of de-stressing before exams.
And then, there is the little matter of a certain, er, jackpot that recently paid off big-time, thanks to Petco Foundation and Hopkins’s unwavering faith in Jack. Each year, Petco invites people across the U.S. to share the story of how their adopted pet changed their lives during Petco’s annual Holiday Wishes campaign, giving the organization that they adopted from a chance to receive a grant award.
Hopkins knows a sure bet when she sees it. First, she spotted Jack at Crash’s Landing a few years ago and couldn’t resist adopting him. Second, she identified in Jack certain personality traits that catapulted him into the pet therapy field. Third, this past fall, she came across Petco Foundation’s application for the Holiday Wishes campaign and knew Jack had a winning story.
“Petco’s application said they would only guarantee full review of the ‘first 10,000’ entries so it was pretty long odds,” said Hopkins. “The application materials said the winners would be announced in November, so the first week of November, I checked the website and found out the winners were being announced on the 16th. I didn’t tell anybody when the announcement was scheduled in case we didn’t win anything.”
But when it came time for the live video feed on Petco’s website, you can bet Hopkins was glued to the screen.
“Other than the first prize, they did not announce the winners in any particular order,” she said. “Out of more than 10,000 entries, there were 51 winners. They were like 3/4 of the way through before our prize was announced and I was losing hope, then the picture of me with Jack in his stroller popped up and then the grant amount—$25,000. I was totally thrilled—I had fantasies about winning a big grant but didn’t really expect it.”
Next, it was time to share the great news with Dr. Jen Denyes, veterinarian and founder of Crash’s Landing. The timing couldn’t have been better—the organization’s annual fundraiser, Whiskers and Wine Gala, took place Nov. 17th, and this was an exceptionally welcome announcement.
“When I learned of the award, I was rendered temporarily speechless, and that never happens to me,” said Denyes.
Depending on the grant’s restrictions and requirements, the funds could go toward renovating the organization’s kitchen, a long-overdue project. The kitchen is central to the organization; it’s a hub of activity, where food is prepped, dishes washed, sundries stored, and litter boxes cleaned.
Keeping Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary humming along good and strong—and the cats healthy, safe, and well-fed—requires a budget of $14,500 per month. And that just covers the basics, such as rent, utilities, medical expenses, food (wet and dry), litter, and cleaning supplies (including paper towels, cleansers, and detergent). The organization relies on donations; monthly cat sponsorships; grants; and its largest fundraiser, Whiskers & Wine, to remain open.
Once the Petco funds are disbursed to Crash’s Landing on Dec. 18th, Denyes will know better how the money will be spent.
You may remember Jack’s story published here on wktvjournal.org this past September (Jack, the therapy cat puts a spark in the spirit). As we accompanied Hopkins and Jack on their rounds, it was clear that the bond between feline and human was strong.
So, the short version of the backstory: Jack B. Nimble is a shelter rescue who grew up to be a therapy cat.
“Jack’s visits bring joy to seniors and hospice patients who have had to give up pets they can no longer care for,” Hopkins wrote on the Petco application.
“Patients who barely respond to the people around them will respond to Jack, drawing comfort from his snuggles and purrs. Faces light up when they see him, and agitated patients become calmer while petting him. Many of the nursing home residents look forward to Jack’s visits all week. And he has given me a new purpose and mission now that I’m retired. I never would have volunteered with the Hospice program or visited the nursing homes on my own, but I cherish the opportunities I have now to share Jack with people who take so much comfort from his presence.”
Hopkins and Jack also participate in end-of-semester student de-stress days at a local college. The college provides activities to give students some relief from the stress of upcoming final exams, including bringing in several therapy dogs for the students to interact with—and as of last year, one very special therapy cat for students to pet and hold.
Crash’s Landing welcomes donations in the form of sponsorships, food, and cash. Go here to learn how to donate.
To learn more about Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary, go here.
