Tell us about your dog.
Athena is a 4-yr old Golden retriever, with a loving personality. She’s a part of our blended family of five children, and what makes her special is she’s our 5th girl in the home. Yes, my husband and son are completely outnumbered by girls.
How did your dog come into your life, and how has your relationship grown over time?
We adopted Athena when she was 8 weeks old and brought her home the day after, Christmas in 2020. She was our COVID baby and quickly acclimated to a house full of children, love, and a lot of noise. Over time Athena became one of the students being home schooled.
Has your dog ever helped you through a tough time or big life change?
A few months before we brought Athena home, I had suffered a miscarriage going into my second trimester. This loss was devastating not just for me and my husband, but for our four children. The home that was once filled with laughter, fun, and noise became quiet, sad, and filled with grief. This was not an emotion we were used to navigating as a family. The loss of this baby had gutted our family. Athena’s loving and fun demeanor quickly took over our home and helped us all cope with the loss of our baby.
What is your favorite pet charity and why?
I understand that for many families like mine, our pets are a part of our journey. Which highlights the critical work I get to do in my professional life, along an amazing team. At Chapman Partnership we believe in keeping families together. Our on-site dog kennel provides a haven for the canine companions of residents, ensuring that individuals experiencing homelessness don’t have to choose between their pets and a path to stability. Visit give.chapmanpartnership.org/dogkennel, for more information.
Heidi Alzate Kaufman
EVP of Strategy & Development at Chapman Partnership
305.329.3004
halzate@chapmanpartnership.org
