The Columbo Fund

Columbo received a second chance thanks to the extraordinary kindness of many people. As a stray dog, he had been hit by a car outside Columbus, Georgia, where passing bicyclist Jarrett Little spotted him on a ride with friends. Jarrett decided to help the injured dog, carefully putting him on his back and pedaling the 7 miles into town. By chance, visiting Mainer Andrea Shaw encountered the pair, and she decided to adopt Columbo on the spot. She rushed him to the nearest animal clinic where veterinarians treated multiple fractures.  She named him Columbo to honor his Southern roots. When he was well enough, Andrea arranged for him to hitch a ride to Maine. Now, he lives on Andrea’s horse farm in Gorham, with a family that loves him dearly.

Columbo’s story went viral, and hundreds from across the country reached out to Andrea, wanting to help Columbo in his new life. Since Columbo was well again, Andrea decided to use his story for the greater good and pay it forward.

And so the Columbo Fund was born: dedicated funding for urgent and specialty veterinary care for shelter dogs at Midcoast Humane, the same care that saved Columbo’s life.

The Columbo Fund will help our shelter pay for orthopedic surgeries, trauma and emergency care, dental procedures, and cardiological and neurological consultations and treatments.

Columbo’s story in the Portland Press Herald and CBS News
Columbo and Andrea on Rachael Ray
Adventures of Columbo on Facebook