Chad Atkins, Paw Works co-founder, dies at 44
Chad Atkins, co-founder of the nonprofit Paw Works animal rescue near Camarillo, died Saturday early morning in his Ventura residence.
Bryan Diaz, Atkins’ partner for around 20 several years, said the cause of demise was coronary heart failure. His death was a surprise as Atkins was healthier and confirmed no signs of coronary heart challenges, Diaz reported. Atkins was 44.
“We’re unquestionably devastated,” mentioned Brittany Vizcarra, Paw Works’ director of functions. “I never imagine any one has thoroughly grasped the actuality of the situation however. We have his voice in the back of our head stating, ‘Stop crying and function.’”
Atkins co-started Paw Will work in January 2014 with Christina Morgan, the present CEO. The nonprofit that rescues puppies and cats from substantial-eliminate amenities in the course of the condition has an animal rescue facility in close proximity to Camarillo, a veterinary clinic in Thousand Oaks and an adoption heart in The Oaks mall.
The organization is well-known among the celebs. One of the rescue’s canine, a pet named Mac & Cheese, was highlighted at the Academy Awards in March together with actor Jamie Lee Curtis as component of a Betty White tribute.
Not very long following his visual appeal at the Oscars, Mac & Cheese was adopted by John Travolta.
Vizcarra claimed Atkins’ passing will not stop the animal rescue from its mission. In simple fact, Paw Works’ workers is rallying about the death of their co-founder and urgent forward with a minimal-cost spay and neuter clinic.
In November, the Camarillo animal rescue moved into a larger facility exterior city limitations in an unincorporated location of Ventura County. Upgrades to the new assets are getting break up into a few phases. Vizcarra said phase a single, which included utilities and basic population places, is complete.
A spay and neuter clinic was prepared for stage three, but Vizcarra explained Paw Operates will start building on the challenge as quickly as it can raise about $200,000. Paw Operates has lifted $10,000 so significantly.
“With Chad’s unexpected passing, it would be the most appropriate issue to emphasis on,” Vizcarra said. “It’s accurately what he would want. He did not like to waste time.”
To donate to the clinic, pay a visit to www.pawworks.org/donate and publish “Chad” in the memo. Other methods to donate are stated on the organization’s Instagram web page. The nonprofit grossed just around $1.5 million in 2020, in accordance to the organization’s most current tax filings.
Atkins’ demise is the hottest in a series of issues Paw Will work confronted in the previous year.
In June, a 3-yr-previous rescue pet dog named Quite Woman was stolen from the Camarillo animal rescue. The canine was observed alongside Freeway 101 in Newbury Park soon after apparently staying struck by a automobile. Really Girl was rushed to Paw Performs Veterinary Medical center wherever she afterwards died.
Then in August, the animal rescue announced it would no lengthier take canines and cats mainly because the firm was dealing with eviction and scrambling to uncover a new locale.
Right after looking at several locations in the county, Paw Operates was capable to find a more substantial facility in September just outside of Camarillo. The animal rescue moved into the new constructing in November.
‘Our rock’
Atkins was born on Sept. 25, 1978 in Fresno. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in enterprise administration, management and functions in 2001 from CSU Fresno. Then in 2004, he commenced S.L.P. Doggy Day Treatment in San Francisco, which he ran till April 2014.
Exterior of get the job done, Diaz reported the Paw Performs co-founder was the supervisor and time keeper of the connection who could thrust individuals exterior of their comfort zone.
“We relied so considerably on Chad for remaining our rock,” Diaz explained.
Atkins was also a social butterfly who could make mates with strangers in minutes. Diaz remembers a latest vacation to New York where Atkins stayed in city to have lunch when Diaz went snowboarding.
During his 20-moment meal, Atkins experienced befriended the operator of the restaurant, the head bartender and the people today sitting down close to him.
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Beside his tenacity and good-natured temperament, Diaz claimed Atkins’ smile is what very first grabbed his consideration.
On their initial day over 20 a long time in the past, Atkins fulfilled up with Diaz at his apartment. When Diaz opened the doorway, he saw a “tall, handsome, dark-haired dude with a fantastic smile.”
“He was generally pretty enthusiastic about our relationship,” Diaz mentioned. “He told me, ‘You’re it.’ He picked me, and I feel so lucky.”
Atkins is survived by Diaz, their son Sebastian Atkins and his brother Shawn Atkins. The spouse and children is continue to scheduling the specifics of his funeral but explained the ceremony will be non-public.
Brian J. Varela handles Oxnard, Port Hueneme and Camarillo. He can be attained at [email protected] or 805-477-8014. You can also come across him on Twitter @BrianVarela805.
