Meet the Rescues
Jan’s love for animals was evident throughout her life, most specifically in the way she loved her dogs. Anyone who knew Jan loved at some point on Madison, Carson, Scout, Izzie, or Eeyore. They were her “pups,” her love mugs, and her peace, love, and belly rubs! They were also so lucky to have had Jan as a mom.
One of Jan’s own ideas before passing was to engage local rescues with Barnes-Jewish Hospital, specifically the cystic fibrosis and transplant floor. During her last stay there, Jan and Danielle were allowed to bring their three dogs to the floor to stay with Jan. During these visits Jan realized more could be done to allow all patients to share the love she felt having her pups in the hospital and the comfort it provided for both them and her. So came the idea for the foundation to work with local rescue agencies to financially support them, and in turn, allow for visits to Barnes.
Get to know the “pups!”
Madison O’Keefe
One of Jan’s first loves was her black lab Madison. Madison entered Jan’s life around 1992 as a puppy from Rushville, Illinois, Jan’s hometown. For the next ten years Madison and Jan were inseparable and went everywhere together. It was common to see Madison riding shotgun with Jan on every trip she took. Jan’s family recalls many family events in Rushville where Madison would be loving on all Jan’s nieces and nephews, as well as her mom. Madison was considered a part of their family.
One of Jan’s first loves was her black lab Madison. Madison entered Jan’s life around 1992 as a puppy from Rushville, Illinois, Jan’s hometown. For the next ten years Madison and Jan were inseparable and went everywhere together. It was common to see Madison riding shotgun with Jan on every trip she took. Jan’s family recalls many family events in Rushville where Madison would be loving on all Jan’s nieces and nephews, as well as her mom. Madison was considered a part of their family.
Carson O’MalleyJan’s first rescue pup was Carson. Carson was loved on quickly by Jan and also attended Kamp K9 Dog Daycare. He was a big boy and very protective of Jan when he was around her, always keeping an eye on any visitors or anyone who got close to her. Outside of being her protector, he was a sweetheart, loveable and loyal. Carson’s life was cut short and the loss of Carson, so quickly, bothered Jan for quite a long time. However she felt blessed with her “big boy” and his big presence in her life.
Jan’s first rescue pup was Carson. Carson was loved on quickly by Jan and also attended Kamp K9 Dog Daycare. He was a big boy and very protective of Jan when he was around her, always keeping an eye on any visitors or anyone who got close to her. Outside of being her protector, he was a sweetheart, loveable and loyal. Carson’s life was cut short and the loss of Carson, so quickly, bothered Jan for quite a long time. However she felt blessed with her “big boy” and his big presence in her life.
Scout O’Leary
The yellow lab “love mug” Scout entered Jan’s life during the time she also had Carson. She wouldn’t know it yet, but Scout would be the longest dog in Jan’s life, living to the age of 14. She would also see Jan through many small setbacks with her health and through a double lung transplant. Jan would never say she had a favorite “pup” but watching her and Scout would melt anyone’s heart.
The way they played catch, walked, and cuddled together, and the amount of loyalty they had was breathtaking. Scout and Jan both fought major health issues in 2019 with Danielle providing caregiving to both of them. Scout was there to see Jan pass and then joined her mom in heaven three months later, after making sure Danielle was okay to carry on. Everyone who knows Jan smiles at the reunions she had with Madison, Carson, and eventually Scout. We envision them all playing together with such happiness now.
Scout O’Leary
The yellow lab “love mug” Scout entered Jan’s life during the time she also had Carson. She wouldn’t know it yet, but Scout would be the longest dog in Jan’s life, living to the age of 14. She would also see Jan through many small setbacks with her health and through a double lung transplant. Jan would never say she had a favorite “pup” but watching her and Scout would melt anyone’s heart.
The way they played catch, walked, and cuddled together, and the amount of loyalty they had was breathtaking. Scout and Jan both fought major health issues in 2019 with Danielle providing caregiving to both of them. Scout was there to see Jan pass and then joined her mom in heaven three months later, after making sure Danielle was okay to carry on. Everyone who knows Jan smiles at the reunions she had with Madison, Carson, and eventually Scout. We envision them all playing together with such happiness now.
Izzie O’Dea
Izzie entered Jan’s life with Scout as Jan’s second rescue dog. Izzie was at a kill shelter and was rescued by Jan shortly before her time would have been up. As a chocolate lab/pointer mix, Izzie was full of energy from the start, wanting to run/walk and hike on any trip! She also loved the water early and anything that involved her mom and Scout.
Izzie has the great mixture of being protective like Carson was and loyal like Scout. When Danielle entered Jan’s life the connection with her and Izzie was evident early. She became Danielle’s running buddy, assistant volleyball coach, and lifelong friend. Jan often joked she lost Izzie to Danielle, but as Izzie laid besides Jan when she passed you knew it was her last wish to protect Jan on her way to heaven.
Izzie was 12 when the foundation was started and was spunky as ever. She lived two years after her mom and kept Danielle company with walks, short runs, playing ball and going everywhere with Danielle. Izzie passed away on May 30th 2022, joining her mom and all the pups above in dog heaven.
Izzie O’Dea
Izzie entered Jan’s life with Scout as Jan’s second rescue dog. Izzie was at a kill shelter and was rescued by Jan shortly before her time would have been up. As a chocolate lab/pointer mix, Izzie was full of energy from the start, wanting to run/walk and hike on any trip! She also loved the water early and anything that involved her mom and Scout.
Izzie has the great mixture of being protective like Carson was and loyal like Scout. When Danielle entered Jan’s life the connection with her and Izzie was evident early. She became Danielle’s running buddy, assistant volleyball coach, and lifelong friend. Jan often joked she lost Izzie to Danielle, but as Izzie laid besides Jan when she passed you knew it was her last wish to protect Jan on her way to heaven.
Izzie is now 12 and spunky as ever. She doesn’t run as far, but she enjoys her walks, playing ball, and being allowed to go everywhere with Danielle.
Eeyore O’Riley
Eeyore or “E” and “TT” as Jan lovingly referred to her was also a rescue. Jan got her after Izzie and for a long while it was the three Amigas (Scout, Iz, and E) in Jan’s life. E is a corgi/dachshund mix with her own distinct personality. She often acts scared and lowers her head, to which Jan would always make sure to hold her and raise her head, reminding E how strong she was. E loved Jan and their cuddles together. Eeyore and her wiggle butt and kisses were always Jan’s favorite.
E is now 10 years old and continues on to protect and love on Danielle. E is feisty, funny, and loves her walks and treats. She is loudest dog on the block when you take her for walks, and she also makes sure to keep an eye on Danielle.
Eeyore O’Riley
Eeyore or “E” and “TT” as Jan lovingly referred to her was also a rescue. Jan got her after Izzie and for a long while it was the three Amigas (Scout, Iz, and E) in Jan’s life. E is a corgi/dachshund mix with her own distinct personality. She often acts scared and lowers her head, to which Jan would always make sure to hold her and raise her head, reminding E how strong she was. E loved Jan and their cuddles together. Eeyore and her wiggle butt and kisses were always Jan’s favorite.
E is now 10 years old and continues on with Iz to protect and love on Danielle. E is feisty, funny, and loves her walks and treats. She is loudest dog on the block when you take her for walks, and she also makes sure to keep an eye on Danielle and her sister.
