It all started with one city dog, a cocker spaniel named Shakespeare, who came to Reno with his owner to live out his final years with green grass and tranquility. After his death, his grieving owner decided to keep his memory alive by starting a non-profit in his name. This non-profit would help other animal lovers when their dogs and cats were suffering, and they didn’t have enough money for veterinary assistance. Almost $600,000 and several thousand animals later, the Shakespeare Animal Fund is still going strong helping local animals survive and thrive. In honor of their next decade of service to Northern Nevada communities, Shakespeare has created a year-long initiative to raise an additional $75,000 for one purpose only: increase the amount offered to individuals whose animals need expensive surgery or other life-saving procedures. Shakespeare has been in the business of helping local pets and their people since January 2004, Including the elderly and disabled whose dogs and cats mean the world to them. This 501(c)(3) non-profit has worked with returning veterans, the homeless, and a myriad of individuals whose monthly income barely takes care of their own needs, let alone expensive veterinary bills for their pets. Animal lovers often do without their own necessities, including food and medicine, in order to save money to get their beloved pets needed medical help. Of course, that’s when the Shakespeare Animal Fund steps in. How can you help? - Stage your own “Going on 21” party to celebrate our 21 years serving the community. We’ll provide all the ideas you need. Just email Jwebb.shakefund@gmail.com - Become a community liaison, helping to connect donors and sponsors with Shakespeare - Join our board. We are always looking for smart people to help us continue to grow - Learn more about upcoming events including Applause for Paws in August & Halloween Howl in October Why is Shakespeare Animal Fund important? Without Shakespeare, so many local animals would suffer and die. When the organization first opened, a woman called, distraught someone had shot all her dogs. One was still alive, with its paw dangling from a wound. She could only raise $20, but Shakespeare paid for the amputation. Another man had three dogs poisoned, and Shakespeare was able to save two. Calls and emails come in routinely with puppies dying of parvovirus, animals attacked, hit by cars and a myriad of other desperate needs. Shakespeare Animal Fund is often their last hope.