Ann Ramage Helping Local Animals in Need

By Angelica Watts, Digital Marketing Assistant

Tax Partner Gives Back to the Richmond Animal Community

Ann was introduced to the Richmond Animal League (RAL) in November 2007 by a mutual friend who happened to volunteer at the local organization. Ann was looking to adopt a pet, and it just so happened that RAL is where she encountered her current pet, Ruby, a Boxer mix in need of a permanent home.

Having come across Ruby with the help of the Richmond Animal League and relishing the great experience, Ann thought it would be the perfect idea to look into volunteer opportunities with the organization.

VOLUNTEERING WITH RICHMOND ANIMAL LEAGUE (RAL)

Ann began volunteering with RAL in the summer of 2008, after the conclusion of the busy tax season. She would often work the “Dog Crew” every other Wednesday night, where they provide dog walks to get the dogs comfortable on leashes and with people; medicines like eye drops; wash laundry and dishes, and give feedings and run cleanings as needed.

While volunteering one evening in 2012, Dinwiddie County Animal Control brought in a Beagle mother and her puppy in need of care. Ann ended up spending the majority of her night tending to the puppy in need, providing the love and attention he required. Before her volunteer shift ended, she decided to foster the Beagle puppy, who happened to get along with Ruby so well that Ann decided to adopt him.

“I finally realized that Mac should stay with me, so I am a foster failure; apparently the first time foster failure rate is around 80 percent.” A “foster fail” is an endearing term for someone who was temporarily fostering a dog in the process of being prepared for adoption and decided to adopt the dog themselves.

Throughout the years, Ann was able to stick to her volunteer schedule with the Richmond Animal League. Keiter works with Ann to help her maintain a flexible work schedule, while supporting her commitment to RAL through flexible schedule options like working from home.

“Richmond Animal League does a really great job.  I’m proud to say that I play a role in their ability to provide hope, help, and shelter to the local animals in need. I’ve had such an amazing experience with both of my dogs who I connected with while working with RAL. Knowing how much I enjoy Ruby and Mac, the positive impact they’ve had on me, and knowing the influence pets can have on others are the reasons why I really like volunteering with Richmond Animal League” Ann said.

Ann continues to serve the Richmond Animal League every other Wednesday evening, working the Dog Crew and tending to any additional administrative needs that may rise.

Keiter Community Donation

As part of our 40th anniversary and community celebration, Keiter will make a monetary donation to four selected RVA not-for-profits. The organization that receives the most votes will receive the largest donation. RAL is one of the selected organizations.

About Richmond Animal League

The Richmond Animal League (RAL) is the area’s oldest non-profit “no-kill” organization committed to reducing the homeless pet population in the Richmond area. Founded in 1979, RAL provides temporary housing, medical treatment, sterilization, and quality care to over 1,700 companion animals each year until they are adopted into permanent and loving homes.

Learn More.

Ways to Give.

About Ann Ramage

Ann is a Tax Partner at Keiter with over 20 years of tax experience in the public accounting space. Ann applies her experience to provide tax planning opportunities and insights to operating entities, investment partnerships, trusts and high wealth individuals and families. Currently, Ann works closely with individuals and family offices to address their various tax compliance, consulting and estate planning needs. She also serves as an advisor to her clients on matters indirectly related to taxes.