Make a Difference with the Rico Fund

Fur-Ever Friends founded the Rico Fund in 2004 to assist Rico, a retired K-9 Officer stricken with bone cancer. The eight-year-old Belgian Malinois had served five years with the Winston-Salem Police Department when diagnosed and found a permanent, loving home with his handler, Officer Tony Dunn.

Although Fur-Ever Friends was able to raise money for chemotherapy, Rico lost his battle in June 2004. Rico touched the lives of many people in the community and beyond. Those who donated to the fund wanted Rico’s legacy to live on.

To honor Rico’s memory, the directors of Fur-Ever Friends decided to continue raising money to assist animals with severe illnesses and injuries. During the five years following its inception, the Rico Memorial Fund has provided medical assistance for hundreds of animals.

The Rico Fund saves the lives of animals daily. Some of these situations have included animals being thrown from moving vehicles and that have been left behind in abandoned homes. The fund also provides assistance to families who can’t afford life saving treatment for their beloved pets. All requests are evaluated based on need in order to help as many animals as possible.

If you would like to honor Rico and his contribution to our community, please consider making a tax-deductible donation. It’s a marvelous way to make a difference. Click here to see real examples of animals in the Piedmont area helped by the Rico Fund.