It’s been nearly three decades since Drina Gentry and her spouse Rick Brittain first met the late Dr. Don Burton. They were new to Columbus and their beloved dachshund Rex needed emergency medical care for a spine issue. In characteristic fashion, Dr. Burton kept his veterinary office open late that day to meet them and assess Rex.
According to Gentry, Dr. Burton offered both hope and healing for their dog’s complex problems. While waiting to hear a prognosis for Rex, Gentry noticed a flyer about Ohio Wildlife Center in the waiting room. When she asked Dr. Burton about the organization, it was the start of a long conversation that led to volunteering, board member service for the Center, and the recent decision to donate a significant life insurance gift for the Wildlife Hospital.
“Ohio Wildlife Center has such a positive impact on the community and relies on volunteer help and the generous contributions from individuals and businesses,” Gentry said. “The passion of Don Burton helped cement the value the organization provides to the community,” she added. “The insurance investment vehicle is a way to give now and also a means for the gift to grow and become self-sustaining,” she said.
Being part of the Center as volunteers and board members provided a unique perspective for the couple as they watched Dr. Burton’s vision unfold over the years. Gentry, a nurse, initially volunteered in animal care at the hospital on Sundays. She worked with Dr. Burton to develop volunteer policies and procedures for the hospital and later served as board chair for two years.
“The most exciting thing during my tenure on the board was acquiring the Cook Road property for developing as an Education Center,” she said. “It allowed for more educational opportunities by being able to set up day camps, which provide the next generation of wildlife caretakers with an appreciation for wildlife.”
While Brittain also helped out at the hospital on Sundays with laundry and food prep, he eventually assisted the Center’s treasurer with accounting tasks. When a new treasurer was needed, he joined the board to carry out those duties as well.
After many years of service, the couple stepped back from volunteering due to professional and family demands. With Gentry’s retirement in 2014, she once again returned to hospital volunteer duties as a shift supervisor. In March, when the COVID-19 pandemic limited volunteers on-site, Gentry became part of the homecare team and took in orphaned and baby mammals.
“I really enjoy providing care to the patients,” she said. “It gives me the chance to learn so much about the various species’ needs and how we can help them in their path to recovery.”
“I also love helping to make and strengthen that all important connection between people and wildlife,” she added. “I don’t think the community always understands how helping animals helps people too. I believe Ohio Wildlife Center plays a big part in educating the public about how our lives are interwoven,” she noted.
Directing a gift now that will continue to grow with the Center will make a difference, the couple said.
“I believe many people not directly associated with the Center do not realize that the organization does not receive any taxpayer funds from government agencies for daily operations,” Gentry said. “What is important to us is being able to provide support to an organization we believe in.”
For more information about setting up a bequest or legacy gift to support wildlife, contact jconry@ohiowildlifecenter.org