Pat Bird's lifelong Gift to Pets and People

In 1985, Pat Bird walked through the doors of Humane Colorado and adopted two cats. That same year, she began volunteering, not knowing it would become a commitment that would last four decades and touch countless lives.

"I felt an immediate connection," Pat recalls. "It didn't take long before I wanted to giveback. Volunteering became part of my routine, part of my purpose."

Over the years, Pat has been a cornerstone of the Humane Colorado community. From hands-on work with animals to her service in our Pet Assist program, she has given generously of her time, energy, and compassion. Now, as a member of the Dr. Mary E. Bates Founders Society, Pat has also included Humane Colorado in her estate plans, ensuring her legacy of service continues well into the future.

"I wanted to support an organization that's making a real difference," Pat says. "The range of services Humane Colorado provides, from foster programs to veterinary care to education, is remarkable. My planned gift is away to help continue that work."

One of Pat's most meaningful roles has been as a Pet Assist foster volunteer. The Pet Assist program helps those needing a temporary place for their pets to live due to such circumstances as hospitalization, housing insecurity, domestic violence, and other crises. Pets are placed in loving foster homes for short-term care, with each case evaluated individually based on the person's situation and the shelter's resources.

Pat remembers one story that still brings her joy: There was a man who was experiencing homelessness. He had the opportunity to go out of state and train for a commercial truck driving license, but he refused because he couldn't take his dog, and he wasn't going to relinquish him. Through Pet Assist, I was able to foster his dog while he attended school. A few months later, he came back, got his dog, and started a new life. He couldn't have done it without knowing his dog was safe. That's the power of this program.

Currently, Pat lives with her cat, Jenny, and has made arrangements for her care if anything should happen. "I have plans in place for Jenny, but it gives me peace of mind to know the Pet Guardianship program exists as a backup," she says. "It's one less worry."

For Pat, supporting Humane Colorado through a planned gift is a natural continuation of a lifetime of service. When asked why she included Humane Colorado in her will, Pat summed it up beautifully: "Humane Colorado has, from the beginning, felt like family to me, and we all want to leave money to our family. I came for the animals and I stayed for the people. Most of my dear friends today are folks I met at Humane Colorado over the years."

Thanks to donors like Pat Bird, Humane Colorado can continue to provide safety, support, and hope, to animals and their people, for generations to come.