The Romeo Fund
Mary Beth started The Romeo Fund in honor of her beloved dog Romeo to provide lifesaving preventative care to pets and families most in need. Romeo was a beloved pet who brought so much love and comfort to his family and those he met. In Romeo’s memory, this Fund’s purpose is to keep pets happy, healthy, and at home with the families that love them.
Presently, Mary Beth serves on Heaven Can Wait Animal Society’s Board of Directors.
Launched February 2023
The Romeo Fund will help pets and pet parents that need additional financial support to help with spay and neuter services and vaccinations.
Since its launch, the Romeo Fund has helped over 58 cats and dogs access life saving veterinary services.
Romeo’s Story
In Memory of Romeo Hartleb – A Life Well Lived
On November 13, 2022, I had to say goodbye to Romeo, my 11-year-old Alaskan Klee Kai. Romeo was one of a kind and brought joy to many people. He helped a friend get over their fear of dogs. He made a homeless man smile and laugh when Romeo stopped to say hello on one of our walks. I will never forget the joy on that man's face. Children especially loved him, and he would stop to give them kisses. He lived life on his terms and was happy, playful, and affectionate and could howl with the best of them. His unconditional love for so many brought out the best in others.
Romeo did not have an easy start in life. He was adopted by a couple from a responsible breeder and returned due to difficult personal circumstances. He was adopted again… and returned due to a job change. I contacted the breeder for assistance in finding an Alaskan Klee Kai to rescue just as she had learned that Romeo was losing his second home. As fate played its part, the breeder was already scheduled to travel to Las Vegas and now Romeo would accompany her.
I truly believe this was a beautiful synchronicity and as Romeo's third dog mom, I am grateful that we found each other and shared many fun years together. He is missed by many, but his memory lives on with The Romeo Fund. I can think of no better way to honor Romeo’s life than by saving the life of another animal.
