Fundraiser by Sue Richardson & Team Paws Up

in memory of her beloved Summer and Chopps.

December 1, 2025

I first met Sue Richardson in the spring of 2015.

She had contacted me and told me she was fundraising for our spring event.

On the day of the event, she presented me with a check in the amount of $4,500.

Well, I nearly fell over; it was shocking that some one I didn’t know, who had no ties to the Shore or to our shelters, would provide that level of support.

In the years to follow, Sue went on to be our largest fundraiser of all time, raising over $30,000 throughout the years.

I am forever grateful to her and all those who contributed to her efforts in support of our cause.

This past March Sue told me she had to make the difficult decision to help her precious “Summer” cross the rainbow bridge.

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This was a heart wrenching decision for Sue as they had such a special connection.

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I knew the time was drawing near, as Summer’s health had been slowly declining in the recent months. Summer’s favorite place was the beach, and in her last months, when she could no longer make it on her own, Sue would load her up in her little red wagon and they would make their way on down to their happy place.

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Then just a couple months later, Sue lost “Chopps,” who she affectionately referred to as her “super dog.” Perhaps this is when she made the decision to turn her pain into something positive.

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Once again Sue contacted me and told me of her plans; a personal journey to overcome her grief and fundraise for our cause. She signed herself up for a solo 200-miler in OBX, a place near and dear to her, with the hopes of healing her broken heart.

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This is a testimony as to what one person can accomplish, and how we can be a part of something bigger than ourselves and truly make a difference.

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I am forever thankful for all she’s done to support the animal orgs who serve the Eastern Shore of Virginia.

5,000 Friends of Animal Control ES

3,000 SPCA ES

1,000 Dogs Deserve Better ES

1,000 Kindness Matters Rescue

500 Doggone Happy Rescue

500 Northern Accomack Community Cats

300 Island Kitties Rescue

$11,300