Loggerhead Marinelife Center Honors Gordon Gray Circle Members At Celebration Dinner
Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC) hosted an appreciation dinner for its prestigious Gordon Gray Circle members on Thursday, Dec. 5, at the center. More than 160 guests attended to celebrate LMC’s 41st anniversary and the nonprofit’s historic achievements in ocean conservation and sea turtle rehabilitation.
Loggerhead Marinelife Center on page 2
Fallen Patriots Announces Its Inaugural Palm Beach Gala Hosted By CBIZ
Popular New York City Gala Branches Out To Palm Beach
Children of Fallen Patriots (CFP) Foundation will hold its first-ever Inaugural Palm Beach Gala hosted by CBIZ on March 7, at the prestigious Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach after four successful galas in New York City. This event promises to be an extraordinary evening of tribute, hope, and community support for military families who have made the ultimate sacrifice while illuminating the critical mission of supporting children who have lost a parent in military service.
The event commences at 6 p.m. with the cocktail reception, where distinguished guests will join cochairs
Matt and Jill Schecter to celebrate the resilience of military families and provide support through educational scholarships to military children who lost a parent in the line of duty. These scholarships cover the gap in government benefits to help facilitate debtfree graduation and upward mobility.
Local Homebuilder To Be Honored
Founded by CEO David Y. Kim and his wife Cynthia Kim in 2002, Fallen Patriots has provided over $70 million in scholarships to over 3,500 military children from all branches of our armed forces who lost a parent. This ensures that the children of America’s servicemen and women can pursue higher education without the stress of a financial burden. The organization also provides professional development opportunities through internships, full-time job placements, and career training, ensuring upward mobility for Gold Star children who have experienced loss.
“Recreating the New York City gala in Palm Beach allows us to foster new connections and expand our mission of
Fallen Patriots Announces on page 4
At Inaugural March To End Homelessness
The Lord’s Place is honoring GL Homes with the MARCH Award for its unparalleled efforts in helping to break the cycle of homelessness.
70-year-old Lenwood was chronically homeless for more than fifteen years when he met The Lord’s Place outreach and engagement team at its Meal Mobile feeding site in Belle Glade. Lenwood began receiving weekly hot meals and essential lifesaving services. A few months ago, the outreach team moved Lenwood into his own apartment in Riviera Beach through The Lord’s Place supportive housing
program. Thanks to the Meal Mobile – a comprehensive service delivery bus for those experiencing homelessness that is operated by The Lord’s Place and fully funded by GL Homes –Lenwood’s hopelessness was transformed into hopefulness. Today, Lenwood has restored
Lenwood, client of the Lord’s Place, with Robbie Yancy, peer advocate of The Lord’s Place.
dignity, a support system, and a place to call home for the rest of his life.
Lenwood’s story is a testament to how community partnerships can assist local
agencies in doing the work needed to serve those less fortunate. It is also one of the many reasons why The Lord’s Place is recognizing GL Homes as a phenomenal corporate partner that has made unparalleled contributions Local Homebuilder To Be Honored on page 3
Niles and Nancy Citrin
Misha Ezratti, Sarah Alsofrom, and Diana Stanley in front of the Meal Mobile. Photo by Tracey Benson Photography
Meg Miller, Tony Lourido, Alyse Lemstrom
Rick and Christie Stone, Doug Gray
Marinelife Center from page1
Sponsored by Northern Trust and supported by the BOV Foundation, the event included a moving speech by LMC’s CEO Andy Dehart and an honorary tribute to the late Gordon Gray by LMC Board Member Ray Graziotto. Guests enjoyed dinner, cocktails, and music courtesy of SandyJames Fine Food & Productions, Gelato&Co., Sailfish Brewing Company, and Vida
Guy Sullivan, Brian Crowley, Josh Guittap
Henry and Barbara Garrana
Leonard Klorfine, Ofelia Utset
Tom Kodadek, Monique Brechter, Norma Klorfine, Dayrn Kirchfield
Lee and Jenny Owen
Alyse Lemstrom, Orson Whitfield
Loggerhead
Caña Rum.
Photos courtesy of Loggerhead Marinelife Center.
Andy Dehart, Amanda Joiner, Lauren Proenca, Gui Proenca
Lauren and Gui Proenca, Todd and Kami Batchelder
Mark Freeman, Jody Passov, Kelley Scott
in helping to break the cycle of homelessness and combat hunger in Palm Beach County. The Lord’s Place announces it will honor GL Homes with the first M.A.R.C.H. Award (Mobilize, Advocate, Respond, and Commit to end Homelessness) on Friday, Feb. 28 at the inaugural March to End Homelessness.
“We recognize and applaud GL Homes’ philanthropic philosophy and its Vice President of Community Relations Sarah Alsofrom who, together with company employees, make a difference in the communities where they live and work throughout Florida,” stated Diana Stanley, CEO of The Lord’s Place.
Managing GL Homes’ statewide philanthropic efforts since 2015, Alsofrom oversees the organization’s focus on homelessness, hunger relief, and children and education through its donations to 150 charities throughout Florida and beyond.
The Lord’s Place and GL Homes are celebrating their 10th anniversary in partnership. Since 2014, GL Homes has donated more than $900,000 to The Lord’s Place. Their most notable project together is the Meal Mobile, a transformative vehicle that delivers meals and drives its wrap-around services directly to the most vulnerable individuals living on the streets.
GL Homes has been the presenting sponsor of The Lord’s Place Annual Ending Homelessness Breakfast since 2019. The local home builder is also the presenting sponsor of The Lord’s Place inaugural March next month.
In addition to GL Homes being part of the solution in addressing homelessness through The Lord’s Place, the corporation also supports Gulfstream Goodwill and has built affordable housing in The Pines (Delray Beach) for those doing farm work in the Glades.
“GL Homes is excited and honored to be recognized with The Lord’s Place inaugural M.A.R.C.H. award! Our commitment to ending homelessness in Palm Beach County is unwavering. It is through our collective advocacy, compassion, and commitment that we will break the cycle of homelessness,” stated GL Homes President Misha Ezratti.
Homelessness is a serious social and economic issue impacting all levels of our society. The Lord’s Place recognizes that all people deserve respect and a place to call home. The inaugural March to End Homelessness is part of The Lord’s Place’s effort to spread community
and national awareness, raise the much-needed funds to provide the resources, programs, and services needed, and recognize those who are partnering in helping to break the cycle of homelessness.
The significance of the event is to educate participants and change the lives of those who are homeless. By marching through West Palm Beach, The Lord’s Place wants to raise awareness of the estimated 3,000 men, women, and children without a home on any given night in Palm Beach County. In the United States, many Americans are forced to choose between basic necessities like purchasing food, paying rent, or going to the doctor. The fact is more than 770,000 Americans are homeless on a typical night.
Since 1979, The Lord’s Place has been finding solutions and providing services to take more people off the streets and into homes. All are invited to join this profound movement advocating for those who are homeless and raising crucial funds to support them.
“Carry your sign high and show that you believe everyone deserves a roof over their head. Homelessness is often unseen or pushed aside but let this be a day to stand strong and march to break the cycle of homelessness for our most vulnerable neighbors living in Palm Beach County,” commented Stanley.
The 5K march is open to everyone in the community. Participants can choose to march beginning at The Lord’s Place Fortin Family Campus (2808 North Australian Ave.) at 2 p.m.,
WORLD CLASS HEART CARE REDEFINING
join at any point along the route, or come for the program at the final destination in downtown West Palm Beach.
Individuals, corporations, business and community leaders, schools, and groups will gather at Lake Pavilion for the celebratory event that will take place from 4 to 6 p.m.
Participants can help raise money for this event by creating a team and challenging their friends and co-workers to help end homelessness. The goal is to have 200 people march and attend the program and to raise a minimum of $350,000. Funds raised will be matched by The Honorable Ann Brown.
“As we march forward, we speak for those who cannot and lift up those who have lost their way. Our path to raise awareness about the men and women living on the streets is only possible with the support of our friends, neighbors, and other generous corporate partners. Please join us as we give voice to the most vulnerable and neglected in Palm Beach County,” encouraged Alsofrom. Visit TheLordsPlace.org/march for more information.
When it comes to hearts at Cleveland Clinic, you can’t miss a beat. You seek the best care possible, work with the brightest minds, and leave no stone unturned to get to the heart of the matter. Because understanding is always the first step to overcoming. For every heart in the world. See how we’re advancing the future of heart care at Cleveland Clinic in Stuart and Port St. Lucie. Visit ClevelandClinicFlorida.org/Heart to learn more.
Individuals experiencing homelessness receiving hot meals from the Meal Mobile at its feeding site in Belle Glade. Photo credit: Downtown Photo
Sarah Alsofrom and Diana Stanley at the Engine Starting Ceremony for the Meal Mobile on Sept. 18, 2023. Photo by Tracey Benson Photography
Lenwood, client of The Lord’s Place, sitting in his new apartment.
Elder Estate Planning
Handling A Loved One’s Debts After They Die
By Anné DesormierCartwright, J.D., Esq.
Americans are, quite literally, getting buried in debt, with nearly half expecting to pass away with outstanding debts.1
Generally, a person’s debts do not go away when they die. Some types of debt, such as federal student loans, are typically forgiven upon the debtor’s death, but private loans and cosigned accounts may still be owed after the debtor has passed away. State laws also play a factor in the post-death debt settlement process.
While nearly half of Americans think they will pass on their debts when they die, you can take proactive steps now to protect your loved ones from inheriting or becoming responsible for your debts. If you are an estate’s executor/ personal representative or have been contacted by a debt collector about a deceased family member’s debt, you should understand your rights and obligations.
One Nation, Under Debt
Debt is as old as civilization itself. Lending at interest can be traced back to ancient Mesopotamia and the use of promissory notes to facilitate trade. The United States has carried debt since its inception, borrowing money from domestic investors and the French government to fund the Revolutionary War.2
Total consumer debt eclipsed $17 trillion in 2023, up from $15 trillion in 2021, according to credit reporting agency Experian.3 The largest and most common debts include
● mortgages ($11.5 trillion in 2023),
● auto loans ($1.51 trillion),
● student loans ($1.47 trillion),
● credit cards ($1.07 trillion), and
● personal loans ($571 billion).4
The total average individual debt balance in 2023 was $104,215, up from $101,915 in 2022 and $96,371 in 2021.5
According to Debt.org, 73 percent of Americans die owing money.6 The average amount of debt they die with is nearly $62,000.7
What Happens To Your Debt When You Die
You are probably familiar with the expression “buried in debt.” It might hit close to home if you are like most Americans struggling to pay off existing loan balances. However, do you know what happens to your debt when you die?
The answer depends on factors that include the type of debt and the state where you live. In most cases and most states, your loved ones are not stuck with your unpaid bills because creditors are paid only from the assets (e.g., a home, car, bank accounts, investment accounts) that are (i) part of your probate estate and go through a probate court or (ii) in your revocable living trust.
If you do not leave behind enough assets in your probate estate and living trust to fully cover the debts owed, creditors may have to settle for what is available. There are some exceptions to the idea that surviving family members and other heirs are not on the hook for the debt, including
● a person who cosigns on a loan;
● the spouse of a deceased person who lives in a state with community property laws (Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin); and
● the spouse of a deceased person who lives in a state that
requires a surviving spouse to pay certain healthcare expenses and other kinds of debt.
The rules governing when a surviving spouse is responsible for paying unpaid medical bills are complex and vary by state. It is important to work with an experienced estate or trust administration attorney to ensure that your affairs are wound up correctly.
Surviving spouses and adult children are frequently contacted by debt collectors attempting to collect on bills for the medical care of their deceased loved one, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. However, unless the survivor also agrees to the medical debt or is responsible under state law, they are generally not liable for the debt.
Not All Debts Go Away At Death
Debts not inherited by a specific individual under the exceptions described above do not just disappear, except for debts that are dischargeable by death.
For example, federal student loans, including direct subsidized loans, direct unsubsidized loans, direct consolidation loans, federal family education loans and federal Perkins loans, are usually discharged when the borrower dies, as long as the loan servicer receives proof of death.8
Private student loans are a different story. Some lenders of private (i.e., nonfederal) student loans offer a death discharge, although it is not the norm. They may come after the loan’s cosigner (if there is one) or the estate for repayment of the outstanding balance on the loan.
Secured Versus Unsecured Debt
Determining how and when to pay a debt after the debtor has passed away and who or what may owe the debt can depend on whether the debt is secured or unsecured
● Secured debt is backed by collateral (a tangible asset the lender can repossess or sell if the borrower does not pay back the debt). Common examples of secured debt are mortgages (secured by the real property) and car loans (secured by the vehicle). Secured debts are typically paid off before unsecured debts when a probate estate is settled during the probate process. If estate assets are insufficient to cover the secured debt, the lender can seize the collateral to recoup their losses.
In rare cases and under select jurisdictions, legal protections may be available for surviving spouses who wish to remain in a primary residence subject to a creditor’s claim. These protections may delay or prevent foreclosure if the spouse cannot pay off the mortgage in full.
● Unsecured debt is not backed by collateral (that is, there is no specific asset backing the debt). Unsecured debt includes credit card debt and personal loans.
Unsecured creditors have lower priority than secured creditors in probate. If the probate estate has enough funds, unsecured debts are paid off before any inheritance is distributed. However, if the estate lacks sufficient funds to satisfy all its debts, unsecured creditors are typically last in line for repayment and may not receive the full amount they are owed.
Funeral expenses also take priority over some creditor claims. Any state and federal taxes that the decedent owes, as well as probate estate administration expenses incurred during probate (e.g., legal and accounting fees), may also supersede creditors.
Knowing which debts have priority over others in probate is the responsibility of the estate’s executor/personal representative. If the individual assigned this role in an estate plan does not follow state probate laws, they could be personally responsible for debts that should have been paid but were not because the executor did not pay creditors in the correct order.
How To Plan For Debt And Leave More Money For Your Loved Ones
“You can’t take it with you” applies to what you owe every bit as much as what you own.
Your outstanding debt could create potential complications for loved ones. Your family may not personally get stuck with your unpaid bills; however, if you do not pay off your debts before you pass away, they may be forced to deal with debt collectors harassing or contacting them. Worse still, there may not be any money or property left to distribute to your loved ones in probate court or through the trust after everything has been liquidated to pay creditors. Here are some protections that your loved ones are afforded:
● State and federal law limits whom debt collectors are authorized to contact—and how they can contact them—to discuss outstanding debts. Spouses and other survivors should not automatically assume that they have to pay and should delay any conversation regarding payments of outstanding debts until they have discussed the specific circumstances with a lawyer. Collectors who go too far or provide misleading information can face potential consequences.
● When a beneficiary inherits a home, they also take possession of the home subject to any outstanding mortgage and are ultimately responsible for that debt. Anyone inheriting a home or other significant asset, such as a vehicle, with an outstanding loan balance must know their obligations to the lender. They may have to sell the house to pay off the mortgage or apply to transfer the mortgage to their name. In addition, individuals have the right to refuse a gift from an estate if they do not want or cannot afford it. In some cases, federal law will allow a decedent’s heirs to assume the mortgage on a property without triggering a due-onsale clause, ensuring that the loan remains in place after the owner’s death.
● Every state has different laws and procedures surrounding debt repayment. Things can quickly get complicated, so it is best to work with a local estate or trust administration lawyer if there are any concerns about how unresolved debts could affect the surviving family.
Estate planning is about the legacy that you leave behind. If that legacy includes debt, an estate planning attorney can offer advice for getting it under control during your lifetime or help your family deal with the consequences of your debts after death. Call us if you need assistance planning for your debt or winding up a loved one’s affairs.
If you have questions about your estate plan and what documents you should have in place to plan your estate, schedule a free consultation today by calling our office at (561) 694-7827, Anné Desormier-Cartwright, Esq., Elder and Estate Planning Attorneys PA, 480 Maplewood Drive, Suite 3, Jupiter, FL 33458.
The content of this article is general and should not be relied upon without review of your specific circumstances by competent legal counsel. Reliance on the information herein is at your own risk, as it expresses no opinion by the firm on your specific circumstances or legal needs. An attorney client relationship is not created through the information provided herein.
To comply with the U.S. Treasury regulations, we must inform you that (i) any U.S. federal tax advice contained in this newsletter was not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by any person for the purpose of avoiding U.S. federal tax penalties that may be imposed on such person and (ii) each taxpayer should seek advice from their tax advisor based on the taxpayer’s particular circumstances. 1Myles Ma, SPFC, 46% of Americans expect to pass on debt to their loved ones when they die, Policygenius (Jan. 9, 2024), https://www.policygenius.com/life-insurance/2024-financialplanning-survey-passing-on-debt-after-death.
2FiscalData, https://fiscaldata.treasury.gov/americas-financeguide/national-debt.
3Chris Horymski, Experian Study: Average U.S. Consumer Debt and Statistics, Experian (Feb. 14, 2024), https://www. experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/research/consumer-debtstudy/#s3.
4Id.
5Id.
6Bill Fay, What Happens When People Die with Debt: Who Pays? (May 16, 2023), https://www.debt.org/family/peopleare-dying-in-debt.
7Id.
8FederalStudentAid, https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/ forgiveness-cancellation/death.
Financial Focus®
What Should You Know About RMDS?
By Sally Sima Stahl
You may spend many decades contributing to your IRA and 401(k), but eventually you will likely need to take the money out — in fact, you must take the money out or face penalties. What should you know about these mandatory withdrawals?
Here are some of the basics:
• What are they called? Mandatory withdrawals are technically called required minimum distributions, or RMDs.
• When must I take RMDs? If you were born before 1951, you’ve probably already begun taking RMDs. If you were born between 1951 and 1959, your RMD age is 73. And if
Medicare Corner With Kathy O
Since the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is ending Dec. 7, I’d like to offer some general Medicare tips and advice.
The single most important thing you can do for yourself is to have your own agent. Your agent is an amazing resource to reorder lost cards, answer benefit questions, give a list of specialists, review notices, claim statements and so much more. Your agent can even answer questions about those pesky TV ads and all the gossip from your friends about Medicare. Best of all, there is no cost to have an agent.
Moving? Do not change your address with your Advantage, supplement or drug plan carrier prior to your move without first speaking to your agent – if you don’t have one, find one. When you call member service and change your address, they may cancel your plan at the end of the current month, even if you don’t move until next month. This could unknowingly leave you with no coverage.
The special enrollment period for moving outside your plan service rules are: 1) if you tell your plan before you move, your chance to switch plans begins the month before the month you move and continues for two full months after you move, or 2) If you tell your plan after you move, your chance to switch plans begins the month you tell your plan, plus two more full months.
It is also important to change your address with Medicare. This is done through Social Security by phone or online at ssa.gov.
Why is Social Security involved when I need services with Medicare? Social Security (SSA) is the gatekeeper for Medicare. Your earnings are tracked by SSA and you must qualify with 40 work quarters to receive Medicare. Medicare also relies on SSA to determine your Part B Premium and, if you receive SSA benefits, to collect your premium. If you are not receiving SSA benefits, you will be billed quarterly by Medicare.
If you still need to review or change your Medicare plan, open enrollment is Jan. 1 to March 30 and you may qualify for a special enrollment. Call me! If you have new Medicare Topic suggestions, email me at czak82@aol.com.
I speak Medicare: Supplement, Drug Plan and Advantage Plan.
For your free Medicare plan review please call me, Kathy Olejniczak, agent, at (561) 835-5413 or cell/text (561) 212-7640.
you were born in 1960 or later, your RMD age is 75. You can postpone accepting your first RMD until April 1 of the year after you reach your RMD age, but this will result in two RMDs for the year. After you take your first RMD, you must take subsequent ones by December 31 of each year.
• What penalties will be assessed if I don’t take all my RMDs? For every dollar not withdrawn, the IRS will charge a 25 percent penalty, but this can drop to 10 percent if you subsequently withdraw the correct amount within two years.
• Which accounts have RMDs? RMDs apply to traditional IRAs, as well as other types of IRAs, including SIMPLE and SEP IRAs. RMDs don’t apply to Roth IRAs. RMDs also apply to traditional 401(k)s, but not Roth 401(k)s.
• Can I withdraw more than the RMD for any given year? Yes, you are free to take out as much as you want. However, if you take out more than the RMD for one year, you can’t apply the excess to the RMD for the next year.
• How are RMDs calculated? Typically, your RMDs are determined by dividing your account balance from the prior December 31 by a life expectancy factor published by the IRS. Your financial professional should be able to perform this calculation for you.
• If I have multiple accounts, do I have to take an RMD from each one? If you are taking RMDs from a traditional IRA, you must calculate each RMD individually, but you can take the total amount from one or more IRAs. If you’re taking RMDs from a 401(k) or similar plan, you must take the RMD from each of your accounts.
• How are RMDs taxed? You are typically taxed at your income tax rate on the amount of the withdrawn RMD.
You may be able to avoid taxes in a particular year if you transfer your RMDs to a qualified charity in what’s known as a qualified charitable distribution.
• If I inherit an IRA or 401(k), am I subject to RMDs? Yes. When you take RMDs from an inherited account, you generally must withdraw all the funds within 10 years, as opposed to over your lifetime, which is the RMD window that applies to your own accounts. The rules are somewhat different if you inherit an IRA or 401(k) from your spouse. In any case, though, you’ll want to consult with your tax advisor about how to take RMDs from an inherited account. If you’re already subject to RMDs, be sure you’ve taken them before the year ends. And if you haven’t yet started taking RMDs, learn as much as you can about them — because the more you know, the more likely you’ll make the right moves at the right time.
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Edward Jones, Member SIPC.
Edward Jones is a licensed insurance producer in all states and Washington, D.C., through Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P., and in California, New Mexico and Massachusetts through Edward Jones Insurance Agency of California, L.L.C.; Edward Jones Insurance Agency of New Mexico, L.L.C.; and Edward Jones Insurance Agency of Massachusetts, L.L.C.
Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax advice. You should consult your qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.
Contact us at (561) 748-7600, Sally Sima Stahl, CFP® AAMS™, 1851 W. Indiantown Road, Ste. 106, Jupiter, FL 33458.
The Pet Cottage Post
Love In Action: Thor’s Heartwarming Journey To A New Home
As February rolls in with its celebration of love, we at The Pet Cottage are reminded of the countless ways love shines in the bonds between people and their pets. For us, love is the foundation of everything we do — the love it takes to relinquish a cherished companion when life circumstances make it impossible to care for them, and the love that finds these pets a new family to cherish them.
Take Jerry and Thor, for instance. Jerry, a cancer survivor, shared an unbreakable bond with his 120-pound Dutch Shepherd, Thor, for five wonderful years. Thor was not just a dog; he was Jerry’s best friend, constant companion, and loyal
confidant. But when Jerry’s cancer returned unexpectedly, he faced a heart-wrenching decision. Moving to Australia to live with his daughter for treatment was the best choice for his health, but the lengthy flight and mandatory quarantine would be too much for Thor.
Jerry’s priority was finding a loving new home for Thor, where he could thrive. He tried on his own and through his vet, but no match felt right. Then a friend, Jane, told Jerry about The Pet Cottage, and he reached out to us in late November. With a flight booked for December 23, the timeline was tight, but our mission was clear: find the perfect Forever Guardians for this intelligent, active, and affectionate dog.
At The Pet Cottage, we believe every pet deserves a home that matches their unique personality. We arranged two meet-and-greets with potential families, one even including a skilled dog trainer for introductions. However, despite their interest, neither was the right fit for Thor. Jerry began to worry that Thor might need to be boarded while we continued the search. But I, Wendy, the founder and executive director of The Pet Cottage, assured him that miracles do happen.
And happen they did. Just days before Jerry’s departure, Marcia reached out to us. She and her husband, Michael, had been following Thor’s story and felt a pull to reach out. Experienced with large dogs and with a spacious acre of land and a pool — a dream for Thor, who loves to swim — they were eager to meet him.
When we visited Marcia and Michael’s home, it was clear: this was the one. Jerry had the chance to meet them and see the wonderful environment Thor would call home. The bond was instant, and Jerry left for Australia with peace of mind, knowing his beloved companion was in loving hands.
Today, Thor lives happily with Marcia and Michael, enjoying his new home and their expansive backyard. Jerry stays in touch through WhatsApp, sharing updates and photos, and The Pet Cottage remains committed to supporting Thor and his Forever Guardians for the rest of his life.
At The Pet Cottage, we witness love in its purest forms every day. Whether it’s the selfless act of rehoming a beloved pet or the joy of welcoming a new furry friend into your heart, love truly is all around us.
If you’d like to learn more, donate, or become a Forever Guardian, visit www.thepetcottage.org. Together, we can create a world where pets and people truly belong.
This February, we celebrate the love that makes miracles happen — the love that brought Thor to Marcia and Michael, giving Jerry peace of mind during a difficult time. Thank you to everyone who supports our mission and helps us create these beautiful stories of love and connection.
Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at The Pet Cottage!
