jeudi 11 juin 2026

Celebrating 103 years of compassion

Your legacy, like Margarita's, can ensure safety and care for animals.
 
 
Give Monthly

Dear aze, 

We recently shared the story of Margarita Kjerbol, who turned her lifelong love for animals into a lasting legacy with Seattle Humane by including a gift in her will. 

Her 103-year journey reads like a novel, from her childhood as a Russian refugee comforted by her dog, Patapouf, to surviving WWII and later immigrating to Seattle with her family and beloved dog Douchka. Through a century of monumental change, the animals in her life have brought her joy, comfort and love. 

"The genuine love and joy shown by happy pets cannot be compared. People often go through tough times and emotions, but pets show their love and sense to comfort and cheer us up again." 

That deep compassion for animals is why Margarita chose to include Seattle Humane as a beneficiary in her will, ensuring future generations of pets receive the utmost love and medical care. 

Like Margarita, you can plan for the future and protect the people and animals you love. Using our partnership with FreeWill, a free online tool, you can create or update your will in 20 minutes or less. It is completely free, and it makes it easy to safeguard your pets and loved ones. 

Legacy gifts from donors like Margarita make it possible for Seattle Humane to provide shelter, lifesaving medical care and adoption services for thousands of animals every year. You can build your own compassionate legacy with a gift in your will that costs nothing today. 

You're invited to Seattle Humane's Ice Cream Social!

Join us at Marymoor park on July 18
 
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Youre Invited

July 18, 12 - 2 p.m.
Marymoor Park | Redmond, WA
Velodrome Picnic Area

lundi 8 juin 2026

At 103, Margarita's love of animals will live on

Her legacy reflects a life of compassion. Yours can, too.
 
 
Give Monthly

Dear aze,

 At 103 years old, Margarita Kjerbol has lived through a century of big changes. Her life and legacy reflect what has always remained: her profound love for animals. 

Born Margarita Belzig von Kreutz, she spent her early years in Russia and Europe, witnessing the upheaval of World War II. Her beloved childhood dog, Patapouf, brought comfort, loyalty and love, even in the hardest moments. 

As she built a new life in Venezuela years later, she met and married Georg Kjerbol, a Danish civil engineer whose very first gift to her was a dog named Douchka. 

Douchka was a beloved companion and always by Margarita's side, accompanying the family on their move to Seattle in 1961. This loyal friend helped her navigate the joys and challenges of life in a new country. 

After Douchka passed, Margarita never stopped finding joy in caring for animals. She quickly befriended the pets of neighbors and loved ones, sharing: 

"The genuine love and joy shown by happy pets cannot be compared. People often go through tough times and emotions, but pets so often show their love and basic sense to comfort and cheer us up again." 

This profound bond between people and animals inspired Margarita to think about the future, including the future of animals who will need care long after she is gone. That’s why she chose to include Seattle Humane as a beneficiary in her will. 

Like Margarita, you can create a will that reflects your enduring love for the people and animals in your life. It only takes 20 minutes and is completely free with our trusted partner, FreeWillYou can choose loving guardians for your pets, outline their care needs and make a lasting impact for animals in our community. 

Celebrating 103 years of compassion

Your legacy, like Margarita's, can ensure safety and care for animals.   ...