Delaware Humane’s Reggie’s Fund gives pets and owners a second chance

Delaware Humane Association, a statewide animal welfare organization with adoption centers in Wilmington and Rehoboth Beach, recognizes the financial strain COVID-19 has cost countless pet owners this year. As the pandemic continues and unemployment rates increase, more pet owners are finding it difficult to financially support their pets. Many are faced with the heartbreaking decision of whether or not they need to surrender their animals in order to stay afloat themselves.

DHA works toward combatting animal surrender through a variety of relief services such as free pet food pantries and offering affordable spay/neuter surgeries. Fortunately for DHA and local pet owners, longtime supporters of DHA, Tatiana and Gerret Copeland, have come up with a new way to ensure pets can stay in their homes: a generous, life-saving donation called Reggie’s Fund.

Reggie’s Fund is a fund gifted by the Copelands that will help to offset the cost of veterinary medical services for pet owners who otherwise cannot afford them. Specifically, the fund aims to prevent owners from having to surrender or euthanatize their pets due to high medical costs. Especially now with the financial strain that COVID-19 is having on so many, Reggie’s Fund is timelier than ever.

Tatiana and Gerret Copeland are longtime supporters of DHA and were instrumental in DHA’s Wilmington facility renovation in 2014. Since 2014, DHA staff and volunteers have cared for thousands of homeless animals in the The Tatiana and Gerret Copeland Animal Care Center. Reggie’s Fund was originally created by the Copelands in memory of their beloved dog Reggie, who they adopted from DHA. “Reggie was such a loving, warm, and mischievous dog. We were fortunate in finding him at Delaware Humane Association,” said Tatiana Copeland. Copeland adds, “He enriched our lives for many years, and my husband and I wanted to create a fund in his memory to help dogs get the best medical care.”

While Reggie’s Fund is primarily for dogs, cats are also eligible. DHA staff are not available to respond or make decisions 24 hours a day for emergencies, but those interested in learning more about Reggie’s Fund can contact DHA, or be referred to DHA through their veterinarian. The Copelands and DHA believe that every animal out there deserves a loving home and to stay in that home, regardless of financial circumstance. Reggie’s Fund aims to help keep animals in their homes and remain with their owners at a time where companionship is needed more than ever.

DHA embodies the spirit of making friends for life by connecting animals in need with loving members of the Delaware community. DHA’s supporters help the organization continue to aid homeless or injured animals, and find loving families to care for them. To donate to DHA, go to delawarehumane.org/donate. For more information about Reggie’s Fund, email canderson@delawarehumane.org or call 302-571-0111, Ext. 404.