A fundraiser for SafeHouse Center in memory of a magical pup
Last week I wrote about artist George Rodrigue’s deep grief and loss after his beloved pup Tiffany passed away. My version of Tiffany—and perhaps why that story resonates so deeply for me—was named Jelly Bean, an amazing tri-colored Corgi who I had the honor of spending 17 great years with. Jelly Bean, as Tiffany did for George Rodrigue, brought me so much joy, caring companionship, and comfort over the years. She helped me through any number of hard times, showed me resilience through her own medical challenges over the years, and helped me through many of my own. Jelly Bean taught me about unconditional love, and how to live life happily and fully every day. For most of her life, she ran with me regularly each afternoon. Even now, many years later, I can’t help but smile as I think about her positive, generous presence of spirit.
The grief that followed Jelly Bean’s death on May 27, 2015 was very difficult for me to deal with. In an effort to make something positive out of the pain of her passing, we decided to start a fundraiser in her memory. At the suggestion of Marsha Ricevuto who helped care for Jelly Bean over the years, we named it the “Jelly Bean Jump Up.” Because providing safe spaces for victims of domestic abuse is so critical in modern society, because we live so close to SafeHouse Center, and because many of the staff would see Jelly Bean and me jog by each afternoon, we decided that we would use the Jump Up to raise money for SafeHouse.
If you don’t already know it, SafeHouse Center is the local shelter for victims of domestic abuse here in Washtenaw County. For many, trapped in violent home situations with no place to go, SafeHouse offers exactly what its name implies—a safe shelter that takes in those in need. Because SafeHouse will also accept people’s pets (many victims of domestic abuse, I learned from the SafeHouse staff, will stay in unsafe homes for fear of leaving their animals behind and in danger), the fundraiser feels all the more fitting.
The Jelly Bean Jump Up, formally held each February, has been a beloved annual activity here in the Zingerman’s ecosystem for the past nine years. A few years ago, we introduced an “early entrée” to the event by creating a special canine-focused calendar to raise additional funds. The calendar features a dozen or so local dogs (and one cat), and thanks to the generous donation of printing services by Dollar Bill Printing here in town, every $20 from each calendar sale goes directly to SafeHouse Center. This year’s stunning photography was provided by our very own Melaina Bukowski and her images turned out beautifully!
In his book Blue Dog, George Rodrigue reflects on his time in the studio long after his dog Tiffany, who became the Blue Dog as Rodrigue delved into Deep Understanding. He writes about a painting he created of himself and his pup—an experience that resonates with me even now:
Occasionally my hand reaches across to the side of my throne and comes to rest on the head of Tiffany, the Blue Dog of my heart, who rides with me in triumph for all who have the eyes to know she is with me. The same, I will say, holds true for me too with Jelly Bean. With all that said, buy a calendar to support SafeHouse Center, help victims of domestic violence in our community, and honor the memory of the amazing little Corgi who contributed so much to my life, or perhaps a pup from your past whom you miss just as deeply. As you hold that thought, imagine the beautiful, joyful smile that Jelly Bean brought into my life—and the lives of so many others—over the years.
The Jelly Bean Jump Up Calendars (which include photos of three of Tammie’s and my pups) are available for sale at the Coffee Company, Deli, and Roadhouse. If you live out of town and want to buy some calendars, email Melaina at [email protected] and she’ll get you set up!
