helping HANDS
She’s All In Robin Smith Salzman is a hands-on helper to many causes BY » Karel Bond Lucander PHOTOGRAPHY by » Lisa Crates
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Officially, Robin Smith Salzman may only be dog mom to Taco, Belle, Annie and Aubie, but she has helped thousands of other area dogs and cats thrive. In 2003, Robin and her husband, Jack, bought the Lake Norman Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM dealership, relocated from Florida and became Cornelius residents. Since then, they have generously donated their time, finances and more than half a dozen vehicles to animal welfare organizations. “There are a lot of peo26 LimitlessMagOnline.com | June 2020
ple in our community who dedicate their lives to animal advocacy, and we are happy to be able to support them and their work,” says Robin. As co-owner and marketing director of the dealership, Robin was first approached by the Humane Society of Charlotte. After answering their call with donations, she has since assisted Lake Norman Humane, Holly’z Hope, Stand for Animals, FurBabies Animal Rescue, Humane Society of Anson County and the Lake Norman Lucky Cat Program. Her association with Lucky Cats began when Robin spotted a feral cat in the Cornelius McDonald’s parking lot, and it has led
to a strong, long-standing relationship. “She is a great supporter and a big part of what our organization has become,” says Robin Byrd, executive director of the Lake Norman Lucky Cat Program. “If we run into something we can’t resolve on our own, we go to Robin, ask her for her recommendations and she makes it happen. Recently, she most graciously agreed to be on our board of directors. She has already been so instrumental in helping us raise awareness and move forward with our mission. She and Jack are just wonderful people and do so much in our community and beyond.”
As kids both Robin and Jack had pet dogs, but the couple didn’t have one in their home until their 18-year-old daughter had a seizure and couldn’t drive. “She asked for a dog, and it grew from there,” she says. Local canine-advocacy organization, Holly’z Hope, is thankful for her love of dogs. According to Founder and CEO Holly Davis, “communities have been changed because of Robin.” As she says, “Robin has had an unwavering support that lends credibility to Holly’z Hope – she responds to immediate needs, checks in, sends kind words, and her backing has allowed us to get additional support.”
