Dear Friends and Clients,
It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of my former veterinary school classmate, my best friend of 30 years, my brother from another mother, James Edwin Speir, DVM. Jim was living his life in the Dominican Republic doing what he loved most by serving the community of less fortunate animals, providing compassionate veterinary care through a local Dominican rescue, Cocomutts.
In order to keep his dream regarding animal rescue alive, I am asking for donations for this special cause. Donations made with the reference “In honor of Dr. Jim Speir” will be matched by Shari Shakun of Cocomutts Inc. and her husband through September 30, 2024.
Donations can be made Care Of: Shari Shakun of the US nonprofit organization Cocomutts Inc. in the following ways:
Venmo: @shari-shakun.
Zelle: 508-361-0134.
Checks can be made payable to Cocomutts Inc
Mail: Shari Shakun c/o Cocomutts Inc, 8 Neck Hill Rd, Mendon, MA, 01756
Tax ID of Cocomutts Inc is #99-1883608
Please put James Speir in the memo of any funds sent so that it can be noted and designated as a matched donation.
Jim unfortunately lost his life on February 7, 2024 due to a single motorcycle accident on a rural road in the Dominican Republic.
Two weeks before Jim died, another kind and gentle animal advocate and environmentalist, Michel, who Jim was working with was building a veterinary hospital and animal rescue and sanctuary, suddenly and unexpectedly died at the local gym while working out. This left Jim, Jana, and Shari of Cocomutts, Inc. to continue to care for over sixty dogs. Jim took great pride in going there and getting to know each animal and helping with their feeding and care.
After Jim’s death, we were all grief stricken and paralyzed, and the veterinary clinic remains 80% complete, but construction has halted due to lack of funds.
In honor of Jim Speir and the legacy of his life, donations made to Cocomutts, Inc. will be 100% used for the completion of the veterinary clinic and the continued care of all of these animals and the surrounding pets of the community.
Jim knew that we were all different, but we were all connected. Before he passed, he had finally found his home away from home, living his most ideal, simple life of helping animals in a Spanish speaking community that he loved.
Thank you for your consideration. Your donation big or small will be made with matching funds through September 30, 2024 and will go a long way toward the continued care and survival of animals in need.
In loving memory of Dr. James Edwin Speir, DVM
August 18, 1970 – February 7, 2024
Sincerely,
Dr. Joe Martins, DVM
Belle Mead Animal Hospital
