Ivan R.

Ivan Rich, known as Van, was distraught after he lost his beloved senior Schnauzer, Lady Di. He was a Schnauzer man, and he wanted another female Schnauzer.

Fortunately, Van learned about Kenzie who had recently come to Muttville from a shelter in Bakersfield. When they met, his eyes lit up and it was love at first sight!

Van and Kenzie became fast friends and constant companions.

During the day, Van and Kenzie would walk around the neighborhood, waving at people driving by. At night, Van would massage her in his lounger. They were such a well-known duo that the local newspaper featured Van and Kenzie in a Sunday edition. It delighted him to further the mission of rescuing senior dogs.

"She's about my same age in dog time," Van told the newspaper, "and now she's my total life...Kenzie means so much to me. I thank Muttville every day".

Van passed in 2016, and he left part of his estate to Muttville. His dear friends Gene and Toniann came to Muttville to honor Van and to bring his gift to help other senior dogs. They were honored to be a part of Van and Kenzie's legacy.