Josephine Sacco of Groton loved her dog, Snooky.

Before she passed away in May 2006, she decided to ensure that other animals in her area would be cared for, too. So, she left a bequest to the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut that will support organizations that provide care and comfort for animals in the town of Groton forever.

The widow of the late Gabriel Sacco, Josephine was a long-time resident of Groton. With the help of her attorney, Suzanne Kitchings of Kitchings & Potter, LLC, and People's United Bank Wealth Management & Trust, she created a trust which, upon her death, established the Josephine and Gabriel Sacco Fund for Animals at the Community Foundation.

Over the last 12 years, the Saccos’ compassionate generosity has saved and enhanced the lives and quality of life to countless animals through 30 grants totaling $110,000, to organizations such as Groton Animal Foundation, Animal Welfare League of New London County, Beech Brook Farm Equine Rescue and Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, a legacy of impact that will continue forever.