Inspired through the years by the love of their dogs—from small toy breeds to large working dogs—one couple decided to make a difference in the lives of dogs and cats across the region: by supporting research at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine with a deferred $10 million gift.

Although the gift will remain anonymous at this time, its incredible generosity and transformative nature are acknowledged, and the college celebrates these donors who have placed their trust in its research, both now and in the future.

Of particular significance is that the couple’s animals had never received treatment at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Instead, conversations with their local veterinarian, who spoke of the college and its leadingedge care and top-notch veterinary training, inspired the couple to reach out for further information.

Once they had become members of the veterinary college family, the couple decided to create an endowed fund to support research benefiting dogs and cats. For many years now, the fund has made a difference in the lives of beloved companion animals.

The couple then elected to grow the endowment through an estate gift, the size of which was not revealed until fall 2019, timing that perfectly aligned with the launch of Boundless Impact: The Campaign for Virginia Tech—and the veterinary college’s far-reaching goals.

As part of its strategic aspirations for the next five to 10 years, the college plans to grow its research programs, including clinical research trials that offer innovative treatment options for pets. This couple’s generosity well positions the college to enhance its clinical trials program in the coming years, creating expanded opportunities for many more dogs and cats to benefit from groundbreaking research.

Besides supporting research, this $10 million gift not only will enable the college to recruit world-class researchers, but also will inspire other animal lovers to give generously in support of the college’s pioneering work that improves the lives of animals and the people who love them.