As we celebrate Leave a Legacy Month this May, we’re inspired by the generosity of individuals like Lisa Studnicki Hunt, who has made a powerful commitment to support the Oakville & Milton Humane Society (OMHS) through a gift in her Will. Lisa’s journey with OMHS has been a personal one, marked by her deep love for animals and her steadfast support for their well-being.
Lisa has been an unwavering supporter of OMHS for more than a decade, contributing as a donor, monthly supporter, attending events and supporting programs like the lottery and calendar sales. Her dedication to the mission of OMHS is deeply personal, stemming from her own experience with her beloved cat Oliver.
In 2024, Lisa’s heart broke when she lost her sweet cat Oliver to Chronic Kidney Disease. She and her husband Kevin had worked closely with their veterinarian to treat Oliver effectively for close to a year and a half to provide him with the best quality of life possible. “He was my little guy, and I was blessed to be his mom and protector for nearly ten years,” Lisa recalls. “Losing Oliver was devastating. The team at OMHS is there for animals like Oliver every day, and I wanted to do my part to support them.”
“OMHS was there for me when Oliver passed away,” Lisa explains. “I was able to donate his specialized kidney food to help other cats in need. They supported my husband and I (and Oliver’s brother, Eli) during the grieving process and we will never forget this.” For Lisa, leaving a legacy gift to OMHS is her way of giving back to those who provide comfort and care to animals like Oliver.
Reflecting on her experience with Oliver, Lisa believes that a society’s true character is revealed by how it treats its most vulnerable members, including animals. “When Oliver became sick, I saw how fearful he was. Being able to help him with the right treatment made me feel empowered. I couldn’t imagine him being alone and terrified through his illness,” she says. “OMHS offers this same comfort to so many animals who have no one to care for them during their toughest times. It’s my duty to support that.”
Lisa’s commitment goes beyond immediate needs—she finds solace in knowing that her legacy will help OMHS continue to provide care for animals in perpetuity. “It brings me peace to think that when I’m long gone, I will continue to be a small part of the outstanding services OMHS offers,” she says. “No pet or pet owner will be turned away because of a lack of resources, and that’s something I want to ensure.”
Lisa’s love for animals started early in life, when she brought home her first kitten at the age of eleven or twelve. “My sweet mother, who was allergic to cats, let me keep Willy, and over time, she adapted to having him around. From there, we adopted many cats, some with special needs. My parents always provided a peaceful and happy household for all of them (and me).
Leaving a gift to OMHS in her Will is, for Lisa, a meaningful way to ensure that her hard work and love for animals continue to benefit them long into the future. “If animals are your ‘children,' as they are mine, this is a very meaningful exercise. Knowing that my legacy will help vulnerable animals and the wonderful staff who care for them gives me peace.
Lisa’s generous decision to include OMHS in her estate planning will ensure that future generations of animals receive the care, love and respect they deserve. Her legacy will be a lasting testament to her deep compassion and commitment to the well-being of animals in need.
If you’d like to learn more about how you can leave a legacy for vulnerable animals, please contact Lisa Ashby, Manager of Planned & Annual Giving, at legacy@omhs.ca. Your legacy can help ensure a brighter future for animals, just as Lisa’s has done.
