Donor Spotlight: Karen Tosh and Tracey Maclin

Tracey Maclin and Karen Tosh are quietly passionate about their love and appreciation for animals. As a retired family lawyer and a law professor, their professional lives involve helping and teaching others, while their personal lives are filled with countless examples of their dedication to saving animals. They personally champion animal welfare, and chose to support ARL to amplify those efforts. Karen was “born to love animals”, and her family had many dogs and rabbits, while Tracey’s appreciation for animals evolved over time. Since they met, Tracey and Karen’s home has been sanctuary for many rescue dogs, but Tracey fondly remembers their first pet, a yellow lab named Democrat, who was their companion for 15 years. Today, their poodle mix Pippin and beagle mix Benny, both rescued from shelters, are strong personalities in their home. Karen believes that a person’s character is reflected in their treatment of animals. She prides herself on the high level of care they have given to the animals in their life, and for providing them with a voice. Both she and Tracey are motivated to protect animals from suffering, and they choose to support ARL because of its success in addressing the root causes of cruelty and neglect. Many years ago, this hard-working pair learned the often-unknown plight of horses and donkeys who are sent to slaughter, and were compelled to help. Since then, they have supported the rescue of many of these animals, and currently care for 6 rescued miniature horses at their home and a nearby farm. If not for space limitations, they would certainly rescue more! Though Tracey considers their philanthropy to be “just a drop in the ocean”, they work diligently to provide animals with the compassionate care they deserve, both personally and by supporting ARL. He thoughtfully explains, “I’m only here for a little while, but I will do what I can.” He feels it is part of his life’s work to care for their animals and support nonprofits that do the same.

To learn more about the many ways you can support the animals you love, visit arlboston.org/donate