In March of 2017 in Columbus, IN, Jackie Watts, age 33, tried to rescue a blind, elderly poodle from traffic and return the dog to its home. She ran after the scared little dog until they both reached the banks of Flat Rock River, which was swollen with recent rain. Sadly, despite her selfless efforts, both Jackie and the dog got caught up in the rushing water and drowned.

Because Jackie loved animals and was active in many groups that cared for animals, the Bartholomew County Humane Society set up, in her memory, a special medical fund for older animals that need extra care at the shelter. These needs include: