(Front row) Laura Becker with Angel, Maria Alverez, Glenn Siegel with Tina and Brandy Billinghurst; (back row) Jessica Feola, Ivette Jardines, Bruette Ragosa, Sam Cohen, Mickey Smith, Gary Lesser, Beth Guzman, Kellie Doherty, Christine Gonsalves, Debbie Scott and Brenda Casten.
Tina is a four-year-old terrier mix. She misses her four-legged friends who have found forever homes, but she is also happy for them. She hopes someone will eventually adopt her as well, although she has been rejected time and again. Tina is blind, but what she lacks in vision she certainly makes up for with a huge heart. She has a lot to give. One local law firm is determined to find Tina, and other dogs like her, a forever home. Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith is dedicated to giving back to the communities it serves. The personal injury law firm, with 11 lawyers and four local offices, including one in Wellington, still abides by the moral directive of its founder, Joe Lesser. In 1927, Lesser founded the firm by opening an office in West Palm Beach. He believed in providing excellent representation for the firm’s clients — that
was a given. Lesser also believed strongly in giving back to the community, noting, “In the time we have on this earth, we have the opportunity and obligation to make a difference in some way.” One of the many ways in which the firm tries to make a difference is through its Paws for Patriots campaign. Longtime Wellington resident and law firm partner Mickey Smith is particularly proud of this initiative. “This program is a partnership with Big Dog Ranch Rescue,” Smith said. “We seek to place dogs from the ranch, ages two and up, with veterans and first responders. The law firm has commit-
Firm partners Mickey Smith and Glenn Siegel with sponsored dog Tina.
ted to paying the adoption fee for 100 such placements.” What he loves about the Paws for Patriots initiative is that he is unsure who benefits the most from it. “Anyone who has ever had a rescue animal knows that wellington the magazine | september 2019
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