It’s common for pet owners to develop kinships with their pets, and for good reason. Pet ownership can provide companionship, reduce stress and blood pressure, increase empathy and self-esteem, and improve mental and physical health for people of all ages. For some pet owners, the connections can become so strong that it gets difficult to separate their own identity from those of their four-legged friends. With Rebecca Ann Capitano and her husky mix, Aurora, some would say they shared the same identity. Truly inseparable, they traveled together everywhere, very often to Zoar Valley, but it was in one another’s company when they felt most at home.

The world lost Rebecca and Aurora in early 2023, as the result of an automobile accident. To her friends and family, Rebecca was short on words. She had an unspoken yet unbreakable relationship with animals, with whom her timid and shy personality would disappear. From an early age, she found comfort and purpose in protecting their welfare, and was a favorite pet sitter for friends and neighbors. Cleaning kennels and feeding dogs at a local animal shelter paved the way for Rebecca to earn blue ribbons at New York State skills assessment challenges with Erie 2-Chautauqua Cattaraugus BOCES (E2CCB). She also earned a veterinary technician scholarship, secured the role of Dog Warden for the Town of Poland, and became one of the area’s most popular pet groomers. Fortunately, Aurora was a willing practice subject, often modeling new grooming styles and colors as Rebecca refined her skills.

Rebecca passed away just as she was achieving recognition and growing in her purpose. It is with that realization that the Rebecca Ann Capitano Award was established – to keep Rebecca’s passion for animals alive in others. The annual award will be presented to a graduating E2CCB senior in the small animal science program for their continued study in the animal sciences field.

“It brings us some comfort knowing that future animal science students will get this extra boost to continue their studies and that their careers will support animal welfare for years to come,” noted Rebecca’s father, Paul. “That’s what Rebecca would have wanted – to know that her love for animals and their care will live on.”

“She left us far too early, but it’s only right that when it was time for Rebecca to make the journey to heaven, she did it with Aurora at her side. The two really did travel everywhere together.”

To make a gift to remember Rebecca and honor her impact with local animals, click here.

The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation administers over 700 endowments in support of emerging community needs, charitable organizations and local students pursuing higher education. For more information visit www.crcfonline.org or contact Lisa Lynde, Donor Services Officer at 716-661-3390 or llynde@crcfonline.org