Amy's Purpose turns tragedy into triumph, helps promote vet careers

It was like any other beautiful high desert morning for author DeAnn Lubell. Relaxing on her patio with her beloved dogs, she had gone inside to grab a cup of tea for scant seconds when she sensed something ominous. She raced outside just in time to see three large coyotes standing over the lifeless body of her precious "soul dog," Amy.

Determined to turn her grief into something positive, a new nonprofit soon emerged. Lubell knew that the loss of Amy had to have a bigger purpose, leading her to create Amy's Purpose with a mission to do everything possible to prevent similar tragedies. Her passionate quest quickly inspired a fierce crusade for pet safety and pet welfare that has been enthusiastically embraced by the community.

"Since I began Amy's Purpose four years ago, the nonprofit has grown quickly," Lubell says. "The reaction from the community has been overwhelming, and we know we are saving pets' lives in our mission to educate residents about predators that live among us.

"I hear heartwarming stories all the time that prove our mission is working, such as one lady who truly feels that if not for our 'beware of predator's mission,' her little dog would have been lost. She was out on a walk, armed with attack spray that we recommend in case of a wild predator or loose dog attack. Coyotes soon surrounded both her and her little dog. Using the spray, she and her dog were able to escape to safety."

A growing mission

This legacy of love has already proven to echo far beyond Amy's tragic passing in its growing mission to prevent countless others from suffering similar tragic losses. Amy's Purpose is all about education in its dedication to predator awareness by promoting safety information to help protect our beloved pets. However, its mission also comprises community-based education outreach programs and local student veterinary assistance scholarships to help rectify the current local emergency veterinarian care crisis.

Always striving to add more educational opportunities, Amy's Purpose is currently working on establishing a streamed speaker's series to address the dangers of wildlife to stray domestic animals and even humans, as well as continue to provide social media opportunities for alerts on predator sightings while granting pet owners a space to share their own stories.

Vital scholarships combat pet health care shortage

"A crucial mission of Amy's Purpose is providing veterinary assistant scholarships, which are a vital need in our community," Lubell says. "We are currently in a major veterinary care shortage crisis. So far, we have awarded 20 full scholarships. It is so gratifying to know that Amy's Purpose is filling a much-needed void in our high and low deserts that treasure its pets."

The veterinary assistant scholarships have been awarded to local individuals interested in veterinary care through a partnership with PaCE, a Partnership and Community Education program at College of the Desert for the past two years.

"The scholarship program has been very popular and successful," says Susan Francis, the Amy's Purpose board member who oversees the scholarship program. "Amy's scholarships help all our valley's animal populations while benefiting many local students interested in animal sciences as a career."

One recent graduate who received an Amy's veterinary assistant scholarship, Daniela Sanchez Rojo, is now working as a vet assistant at a La Quinta pet clinic where she did her externship. "I have known since I was little that I wanted to be a veterinarian one day," says Rojo. "I moved here from Mexico and could not afford the class, but my aunt found out about the Amy's Purpose scholarship. I was so excited when I was chosen. My co-workers at the clinic are helping me to continue with my dream. I am so grateful to Amy's Purpose."

Support Amy's Purpose at 'Night With Liberace'

On Oct. 13, Amy's Purpose will present a special fundraiser at the historic estate Casa de Monte Vista in Palm Springs, where the 2013 award-winning movie "Behind the Candelabra" was filmed. The event will celebrate the legacy of Palm Springs' premier dog lover, the legendary Liberace.

"We're heralding Liberace's pageantry and animal advocacy," says Amy's Purpose event producer Bruce Fessier, "but we're also celebrating the fun and majesty of his music to remind folks of what a great pianist he was. He was the first to fuse classical and popular music with elaborate production."

The No. 1 Liberace tribute artist in the country, David Maiocco, will perform, as will Liberace's protégé and Las Vegas entertainer extraordinaire Jere Ring and local cabaret artist Francesca Amari. Guests have several ways to support this benefit for improved veterinary services and pet safety education. Visit amyspurpose.net for detailed event information and tickets.

Become an Amy's Angel

There are myriad ways to get involved and support Amy's Purpose. Learn more at amyspurpose.net or call president DeAnn Lubell at (760) 220-8713.

Amy's Purpose board member Kathy Strong is a freelance travel writer, travel book author, crime book editor and animal lover.