THE ABBY FOUNDATION  
(a division of SPA -- A SAFE PLACE FOR ANIMALS)

My name is Jules Wortman.  I am a resident of Gallatin, Tennessee and have become involved with SPA.
I recently lost my beloved and treasured dog Abby and have been on a roller coaster of emotion since her passing.  I knew I wanted to do something in her honor and felt
that the best way was to help others and touch people like she did throughout her life.  When I found out about SPA and their hopes and dreams I felt this was the perfect
place to have the ABBY FOUNDATION.  WE have big dreams and lofty goals to bring a safe, educated, loving and responsible facility to care for all types of needy animals
here in Middle Tennessee.

Below is a testament to how my little rescue changed my life.  
I hope you will join us in helping to raise funds to properly care for needy animals in a safe environment.

It may sound like a cliché', but Abby truly was a 'very special dog!

She was one of four puppies which were orphaned soon after they were born.  When I got a call from a friend to come down to where they were to see if I would be interested
in adopting/’rescuing’ one of the adorable, Bischon - mix puppies. I didn't hesitate in choosing the smallest and only female of the litter...thus one of the best decisions I have
ever made!  The name Abby, just seemed to fit for her --- and so it was!

That day began an eleven- and –a- half year time of my life that I can't even imagine what it would have been like without her in it!
She brought so much joy, happiness, fun into my life; however, not just to mine but to just about anyone who spent even just a few minutes around her.  Most anyone who
met her sensed a special ‘spirit’ of love, peace, joy and just a friendliness and welcoming disposition.  She was a combination of  adorable,  ornery,  lovable  and  loving,
'attitude-taking', smart, beautiful and cute,  friendly little dog anyone could ever hope to own and have as a family member.  She definitely was ALL of that.  It makes me
happy and comforted to know that I gave Abby so much love and the best care even a much-loved person (human) could expect or have.  She, in turn, reciprocated it to me,
unconditionally, through good as well as some difficult times in my life.

In March of 2008, she passed.  I have to believe that it was just her time.  I'm so glad she had a wonderful life and a very short time of illness and discomfort.  To know that
she was a 'rescued' puppy and was able to affect so many people in so many ways gives me comfort and that no amount of $$$ money  could have brought me a better pet.

I would like for her spirit to live on and continue to help and encourage as it did during her life.  I believe SPA is the ideal place that this could be a reality and more
specifically, a special room in her memory, the "Abby Room".  A play on words for "the abbey"; the dictionary defines it as:  a monastery or convent, the church of an abbey
(abbot means the superior of the monastery) and (abbess means the superior of the convent of nuns); basically a SAFE PLACE of highness.  So "The Abby" would be that
safe place the many animals would first go at SPA to start their new life.

Abby Wortman was the daughter of Jules Wortman.  Abby was also considered Jules’ assistant to many as she attended meetings, parties, friends and neighbors homes and
was always there to make sure her mom was on top of her game.  The Abby represents  true selflessness and unconditional care and there are so many parents and
children in this world that need it and that also give it.  The Abby is a giver and we all hope you will find it in your heart that when you are making a donation to help SPA and
the rescue of displaced animals you will think of us.

SPAs mission is that of a pure heart and desire to help others in need.  If you would like to make a donation in the spirit of ABBY Wortman, please make a check out to SPA
and annotate the "Abby Foundation" on the check or click here for additional options.