The Goodness of Character: ARSF’s Enduring Commitment to Animal Welfare

Continuing A Legacy of Love for Animals

“Compassion for animals is intimately associated with goodness of character.” This well-known quote by philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer perfectly captures Adam R. Scripps’s feelings toward animals. He was deeply devoted to their well-being, and supporting animal welfare—especially for those most in need—became one of his passions and a guiding principle of his foundation. Today, the Adam R. Scripps Foundation (ARSF) continues this legacy, carrying forward his vision of a kinder, more compassionate world for animals of all kinds.

A Vision of Hope, Born from Loss

Adam was a devoted dog owner for most of his life. While caring for his beloved dog, Dozer, who was diagnosed with cancer late in life, Adam met a woman facing an agonizing decision: she was considering putting her own dog down because she could not afford the necessary care. Moved by her situation, Adam paid for the dog’s treatment—and soon after, resolved to ensure that no one in his small Texas town would ever have to make such a choice.

This commitment to helping animals with treatable medical conditions, regardless of their owners’ financial circumstances, inspired ARSF’s support of The Pet Fund—a national nonprofit dedicated to funding veterinary care for those who cannot afford it.

Extending Reach: Improving Quality of Life for Animals

As Adam continued his philanthropic work, a photo of a dog in a “wheelie cart”—a mobility device that allows dogs with physical challenges to run, play, and enjoy a full, happy life—caught his attention. As an outdoor enthusiast who valued an active lifestyle, Adam was deeply moved by how such support could transform an animal’s quality of life. Inspired, he began seeking out organizations that offered these opportunities to disabled dogs.

Today, ARSF is proud to support Pets With Disabilities, a sanctuary and rescue dedicated to helping disabled dogs and cats. The organization not only provides lifelong care for animals with special needs but also offers valuable resources to families whose pets have become disabled or who are considering welcoming a pet with a disability into their homes.

Recognizing that every dog deserves a safe and loving home, ARSF was also proud to award a grant to Dog Is My CoPilot. This team of dedicated pilots and animal advocates works to reduce euthanasia rates by flying nearly 1,000 animals each month from overcrowded shelters to adoption centers and ultimately their forever families. Through this grant, ARSF helps give thousands of animals a second chance at a happy, healthy life.

The Healing Bond: Supporting Animals Who Support Us

The profound connection between humans and animals can spark healing, resilience, and hope in both directions. Recognizing this, ARSF proudly supports organizations that harness the power of the animal-human bond—not only to improve the lives of people in need, but also to give animals a meaningful role in that process. Through grants to equine therapy programs and innovative service animal organizations, ARSF helps facilitate life-changing partnerships that benefit both people and animals.

Among these initiatives is UpReach Therapeutic Equestrian Center, which partners with horses to inspire hope, foster independence, and improve the well-being of individuals with and without disabilities. ARSF also supports Puppies Behind Bars, a unique organization that trains incarcerated individuals to raise service dogs for wounded veterans, first responders, and law enforcement. In the process, the program transforms lives on both ends of the leash—offering crucial support to those in need and giving incarcerated individuals a renewed sense of purpose and the opportunity to give back to society.

A Legacy of Compassion in Action

In 2023, the Adam R. Scripps Foundation awarded $1,611,100 in grants to animal welfare organizations of all kinds, continuing Adam’s mission to help whenever and wherever the need arises. Through this ongoing commitment, the foundation ensures a brighter future for animals—and for the people whose lives they so deeply touch.