Of Dogs and Men:
New Gift Supports Ryan Veterinary Hospital
What started with a "little stray dog
[who] followed [him] home from
the grocery store" turned into a lifetime
passion for Paul James. "That dog was
the best therapy," says Mr. James, a Navy
veteran, who, at the time, was recovering
from the trauma of Pearl Harbor. "I have
had dogs ever since."
Charles A. Gilmore, Jr., Mr. James’s
business partner of more than five
decades, has the same passion for dogs,
and together they have built a life surrounded
by canine companionship. As
they will tell you, they have always had at
least one dog and twice counted 12
"pups" among their family responsibilities.
When these Philadelphia residents talk
about going to the hospital, they are
likely referring to the Matthew J. Ryan
Veterinary Hospital of the University of
Pennsylvania. "We wouldn’t think of
going anywhere else," says Mr. Gilmore.
Messrs. James and Gilmore are both
quick to praise the Hospital’s quality care
and friendly staff, all of whom seem to
share a great fondness for these two men.
Future visitors to the Hospital will also
come to know the pair when entering
what will soon be a refurbished lobby
named in their honor. Messrs. James and
Gilmore have committed $100,000 to
this project and others at the Ryan Veterinary Hospital, adding to their
legacy of giving through gift annuities,
estate plans, and annual contributions.
Their thoughtful planning and generous
spirit clearly reflect their regard for the
hospital. "We just want to show how
much we appreciate the wonderful care
we have received over the years. They
have always treated us so well."
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"Gift planning" has allowed Paul James (right) and
Charles A. Gilmore, Jr. — pictured with Sprocket,
their latest canine companion — to leave a legacy of
giving at the School of Veterinary Medicine and the
Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital of the University
of Pennsylvania.
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