Community Connection

Leading Responsibility With Compassion: An Interview With Robert Cooper About the Gulf Coast Humane Society

by iman zekri, esq.

As a distinguished attorney and compassionate community member, when Robert Cooper is not representing clients in real estate and corporate matters, he serves on the Board of Directors for the Gulf Coast Humane Society. The Gulf Coast Humane Society is a nokill animal shelter that was established as the first non-profit animal welfare organization in Southwest Florida in 1947. “Our mission at the Gulf Coast Humane Society is to care for companion pets in need by offering safe refuge, providing medical care, and facilitating adoptions,” Cooper shared. Cooper joined the Board of Directors after being asked by a former board member to help the organization during a time of financial and other difficulties. Recognizing it would be a disaster for Lee County if the Gulf Coast Humane Society permanently closed its doors, Cooper jumped into action, calling in a few favors from some trusted friends, to help put the Gulf Coast Humane Society back on the path to greatness. “Our work is not done yet,” Cooper said. “The Gulf Coast Humane Society provides an absolutely necessary service to the animals and community; it provides an adoption center, offers low-cost spay and neutering, and promotes education and awareness to the public about the welfare of homeless pets.” This year, the organization is aiming to spay or neuter 9,000 cats and dogs, find forever homes for 3,000 cats and dogs, and complete more than 15,000 patient visits in its affordable veterinary clinic. “The Gulf Coast Humane Society is on pace to hit each goal. The organization is also excited about a grantfunded remodeling project later this year that will update its dog and cat adoption areas as well as the lobby,” Cooper shared. Additionally, the Gulf Coast Humane Society collaborates with United Way to organize “Beesley’s Paw Prints” programs where volunteers and therapy dogs visit nursing homes, schools, and partner agencies. The pet therapy visits can assist those affected by depression, improve mood and stimulate laughter, and help patients feel valued and loved. Cooper explained, “The Gulf Coast Humane Society does not receive funding from

any government entity or other humane organization, nor is it affiliated with any other national or local humane organization. We rely on donations, bequests, fundraising events, and grants to sustain our programs and services.” Upcoming events that benefit the Gulf Coast Humane Society include the Fast and the Furriest 5K run or 1-mile fun Robert Cooper walk on December 3. The Gulf Coast Humane Society’s annual Celebrity Chef Festival also returns in early 2023. “The work we do is only possible with the support of those in our local community. There is an absolute need for donations in the form of time, money, and services,” Cooper said. Anyone interested in getting involved with the Gulf Coast Humane Society can visit www.gulfcoasthumanesociety.org to make monetary donations, apply to be a volunteer, and obtain information on how to adopt a furry friend. The Gulf Coast Humane Society is open seven days each week for adoptions.

Iman Zekri is a Divorce, Marital and Family Law Attorney at Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A. . Iman can be reached at (239) 344-1119 or iman. zekri@henlaw.com.org.