Jen Atkin has discovered a silver lining in the tragedy of her dog’s death.
In an Instagram post published on Wednesday, the celebrity hairdresser said that her rescue dog Chewy had died after being bitten by a coyote.
When Chewy was killed by a coyote early in the morning, Atkin posted a picture of the pet on Instagram with the statement, “Yesterday morning we lost our beautiful love Chewy.”
The post also included images of Chewy and surveillance video of the terrible coyote assault. “My baby is no longer with me. Our hearts will be devastated for the rest of our lives.”
“It’s been tough to write this, and we discussed whether or not to share the video (on the final slide), but we need other families to see it,” she said. “There were no cautions given to us. We had never seen or heard of coyotes in our new area, nor had we come across their droppings. It was blazing hot outside.”
In addition to detailing the tragic tragedy that claimed her dog’s life in order to safeguard other dogs, Atkin used her Instagram post to raise money for animal shelters and rescue organizations.
In her Instagram post, Atkin said, “All we ask is that in the time it would take you to send condolences or flowers, you please go to our link in my bio and make a donation of $1, $5, or whatever amount you choose to @wagsandwalks in our Chew Chew’s honor.”
“Take our anguish and shattered hearts and use them to attempt to rescue more shelter animals. That is all we can do. If you are able, please foster. Families that are unable to pay for emergency surgery at their local veterinary clinics may get assistance.”
A response to this plea for money resulted in a massive outpouring of support for Wags and Walks, a Los Angeles-based rescue organization that adopted Chewy out to Atkin.
Chewy has received more than $80,000 in contributions in his honor, according to Wags and Walks, after Atkin’s post on Instagram was made public.
The funds will be put into the Chewy Fund, which was just established by Wags and Walks. The money raised will be utilized to assist in the rescue of hundreds of dogs from high-kill shelters, as well as to provide these dogs with the life-saving medical treatment and love they need in order to live long and happy lives in forever homes.
On Monday, Atkin shared a poignant Instagram post in response to the enormous amount of money she had received.
“The numbers are continuing to rise. No one could have prepared us for the outpouring of love that greeted us not only from our immediate family and friends (who held Chewy in such high regard that we literally have a group chat called Puppy Parent Support Group), but also from everyone we’ve met, strangers who enjoyed watching Chewy, and people with similar stories of loss “She wrote a letter.
“Chewy was there for a reason. I realize what you’re talking about now. My baby’s death was not in vain.
She was the most vocal, the quickest runner, and the most generous fundraiser, having earned about $80,000 to support the medical needs of other fur kids. She went ahead and did it “Atkin went on to say something else later in her piece.
Wags and Walks intends to raise $50,000 for the Chewy Fund on Giving Tuesday (Nov. 30), which would enable the organization to assist dozens of more dogs.