The Rebecca Ann Capitano Award has been established at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. Capitano, who died earlier this year, is pictured with Aurora, her husky mix. Submitted photo

It’s common for pet owners to develop kinships with their pets, and for good reason. Pet ownership can provide companionship, reduce stress and blood pressure, increase empathy and self-esteem, and improve mental and physical health for people of all ages.

For some pet owners, the connections can become so strong that it gets difficult to separate their own identity from those of their four-legged friends.

With Rebecca Ann Capitano and her husky mix, Aurora, some would say they shared the same identity. Truly inseparable, they traveled together everywhere, very often to Zoar Valley, but it was in one another’s company when they felt most at home.

The world lost Capitano, 24, and Aurora in early 2023 as the result of a vehicle accident.

To her friends and family, Capitano was short on words. She had an unspoken, yet unbreakable relationship with animals, with whom her timid and shy personality would disappear.

From an early age, she found comfort and purpose in protecting their welfare, and was a favorite pet sitter for friends and neighbors. Cleaning kennels and feeding dogs at a local animal shelter paved the way for Capitano to earn blue ribbons at New York state skills assessment challenges with Erie 2-Chautauqua Cattaraugus BOCES. She also earned a veterinary technician scholarship, secured the role of dog warden for the town of Poland and became one of the area’s most popular pet groomers.

Fortunately, Aurora was a willing practice subject, often modeling new grooming styles and colors as Capitano refined her skills.

Capitano passed away just as she was achieving recognition and growing in her purpose. It is with that realization that the Rebecca Ann Capitano Award was established — to keep her passion for animals alive in others. The annual award will be presented to a graduating E2CCB senior in the small animal science program for their continued study in the animal sciences field.

“It brings us some comfort knowing that future animal science students will get this extra boost to continue their studies and that their careers will support animal welfare for years to come,” said Capitano father, Paul. “That’s what Rebecca would have wanted — to know that her love for animals and their care will live on.”

“She left us far too early, but it’s only right that when it was time for Rebecca to make the journey to heaven, she did it with Aurora at her side. The two really did travel everywhere together.”

To make a gift to remember Capitano and honor her impact with local animals, visit crcfonline.org/give.

The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation administers over 700 endowments in support of emerging community needs, charitable organizations and local students pursuing higher education. For more information visit crcfonline.org or contact Lisa Lynde, Donor Services Officer at 716-661-3390 or llynde@crcfonline.org