Debbie Martin celebrated what would have been her great-aunt’s 89th birthday last week by establishing a fund at a local veterinary hospital to help elderly people take care of their pets.

Martin, of Sedalia, said her great-aunt, Irene Hieronymus, of Sedalia, tiffany sale Oct. 23, 2008. Hieronymus loved her mixed-breed dog Sandy and wanted to make sure Martin continued to take care of her after her death.

“It’s my four-legged inheritance,” Martin said. “She is one that aunt Irene adopted from the Mid-Missouri Humane Society.”

Hieronymus was much more than an aunt to Martin. After Martin’s grandmother died, Hieronymus took on the role of grandmother, friend, aunt and second mother.

Nearly two years later, Martin still has a hard time fighting back tears as she speaks of her aunt.

“They were very close,” Martin’s mother, Gladys Schoen, said.

Martin and Hieronymus would talk on the phone or in person daily and Martin never missed a chance to visit or help her aunt with tasks around the house.

“They had a very close bond,” Schoen said.

Martin began to speak with her family about establishing a fund for senior tiffany rings sale who need help paying for veterinary care of their pets in honor of Hieronymus.

Sandy was Hieronymus’ best friend. The two would often take five or six walks a day and visit with neighbors.

“Sandy was the great socializer,” Martin said. “She kept her active and she kept her outside.”

Martin said Hieronymus always took good care of Sandy and she wants other senior citizens to be able to provide for their pets even if they are on a limited income.

“We’re wanting every senior to keep their pets in good health like she did,” Martin said.

A fund has been established at Flat Creek Veterinary Hospital in memory of Hieronymus. The fund will provide assistance to seniors needing help with veterinary costs.

“It’s probably the best birthday present I could have ever given her,” Martin said.

Donations to the fund will be accepted by contacting the hospital at 827-2057. tiffany bracelets sale of the hospital will determine how the funds are distributed on a case by case basis.

Credit: The Sedalia Democrat, Sedalia, Mo.