MSPCA-Angell Establishes Buynitsky-Wingham Memorial Dog Training Scholarship

Friends of Animal-Loving Couple who Died Tragically Seed Scholarship with $7,000 Donation

BOSTON, Oct. 8, 2015 – Tatyana Buynitsky and her husband Rory Wingham’s love of animals was as profound as the love they shared for each other. Devoted dog parents to rescues Sawyer and Finn, the newlyweds were killed in an automobile accident in December 2014, along with Finn, who they had only recently adopted.

Tatyana and Rory, who lived in Boston, volunteered with local animal shelters and were especially taken with the plight of dogs whose behaviors—whether aggressive food guarding or undue fear of strangers—left them vulnerable to surrender by individuals unable to train them.

After their deaths, friends of the couple—along with Intuit, Inc.—began soliciting donations to establish a memorial scholarship to offset the cost of behavior training for dog owners who otherwise could not afford it, and whose dogs might be vulnerable to surrender without it.

Over $7,000 has been raised so far, enough to establish a scholarship program that will offset the cost of training for nearly 30 dogs and the individuals and families who love them. The MSPCA hopes that additional donors will come forward to grow the program, so as to help even more dogs well into the future.

First Behavior and Training Scholarship Program for the MSPCA  

Dr. Terri Bright, who heads the organization’s Behavioral Services department, was touched that such goodwill could emerge from tragedy. “All of us who knew Tatyana and Rory were devastated to learn of their deaths—and we humbly accept this donation, which will help so many dogs become better citizens in the world.”

Dr. Bright first launched the training department, as it was known then, at the MSPCA in 2007 and has since grown the program to over 30 classes per week. She designs training and enrichment programs for dogs in the MSPCA’s Boston adoption center and implements curriculum and teaching for staff and volunteers in the SAFEWALK program, which she created in 2009.

Donating to the Buynitsky-Wingham Memorial Dog Training Scholarship Anyone who wishes to donate to the scholarship fund may do so by contacting Sandra Wong at 617-541-5046 or swong@mspca.org. All monies raised will be used for the training of dogs owned by individuals who otherwise would not be able to afford the service.

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The MSPCA-Angell is a national and international leader in animal protection and veterinary medicine and provides direct hands-on care for thousands of animals each year. Founded in 1868, it is the second-oldest humane society in the United States. Services include animal protection and adoption, advocacy, humane education, law enforcement, and world-class veterinary care. The MSPCA-Angell is a private, non-profit organization. It does not receive any government funding nor is it funded or operated by any national humane organization. The MSPCA-Angell relies solely on the support and contributions from individuals who care about animals. Please visit www.mspca.org and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mspcaangell