Art Benfield Animal Shelter Gift

My father, Arthur Benfield, was a man who believed that, "One person can't change the world, but they can certainly change their little piece of it." Because of that drive to help others, he spent his lifetime working to change the lives of many people and animals in Pueblo, CO.

On February 27, 2016, Arthur died suddenly from the H1N1 influenza virus and left behind not only a legacy of service but also some unfinished business: Two big projects at the SoCo Spay and Neuter Clinic in Pueblo Colorado (http://www.socospay.com/). We need your help to make one final change in Arthur's part of the world.

The first project my father was envisioning was a "cat patio" for the shelter's permanent cat residents. Currently these cats live in a basement with no real access to fresh air, sunlight, or moths to chase. Arthur wanted to create an access point from that basement room to a small fenced in "cat patio" on the small grassy area near the clinic's parking lot. The project will cost $10,000 for fencing, parking barriers, and basement access and the clinic is ready to build as soon as the money is raised.

My father also dreamt of creating a dog playground and visitation area for the canines who need exercise while waiting for adoption. Arthur wanted to get fun and long lasting "playground" equipment for the dogs to enjoy outside and also wanted to provide benches for onlookers. My dad figured that even if someone can't manage, afford, or keep an animal of their own, they should still have a place to go see and play with them. A $5,000 dog playground would build seating for humans and interactives for dogs while also building friendships that last forever. Again, the clinic is ready and willing to create just such a space immediately if the funds can be raised. 

Arthur's legacy, first as a public school teacher for 30 years and then as a active community member who donated, organized, and worked on behalf of those less fortunate, lives on in the lives and thoughts of many people. However, the void that is created by his passing within the community can not be overstated. For his friends and family to know that his impact could become a permanent part of one of his favorite charities would be a tremendous final gift from Arthur to the world.

All funds raised will benefit the SoCo Spay and Neuter Clinic. Even the smallest of donation can make an important impact. If, and when, we exceed the $15,000 goal the clinic will direct that money toward another program my dad championed: providing free vaccinations to the animals of veterans and/or homeless individuals.