Glastonbury Small Business Spotlight: With Love From Lily

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this exciting series — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

Business: With Love From Lily, Inc.
Owners: Melissa Albrecht, Joanna Kamis, Gina Kopcinski and Melissa Farrell 
Website: www.WithLoveFromLily.org
Address: P. O Box 200, Glastonbury, CT 06033

How did you come up with the name?

Our non-profit was created in memory of my Black Lab, Lily. She passed away in December after a short battle with cancer. Vet expenses can be devastating. I was fortunate enough to do everything I could to try to save Lily, but many families cannot. In the end, she wasn’t strong enough, but I can be at peace knowing I did everything I could. Lily inspired me to start our non-profit. Whenever we can help, we want people to consider it a gift from Lily. You can read more of Lily’s story on our website.

Why start a business in this town?

We’re from Glastonbury, but we want to serve the Greater Hartford area.

What business are you in?

Our mission is to provide financial assistance to low income families, especially seniors and people with disabilities, when their pets become ill and there is a positive prognosis. We also collect pet food donations to distribute to families or other rescues/shelters and encourage people to get involved in all animal welfare causes.

What’s the most difficult challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?

There are so many pets that need care and sometimes, their prognosis is poor. While we’d love to help everyone, we need to help those that will benefit the most. It’s a very difficult decision to have to turn people away.

What’s been your proudest achievement since opening?

We have only been live online since the end of June. We have been receiving very positive feedback from the community. We are so excited to know that there are so many people out there willing to help. We’ve been able to help other charities, such as Presents for Paws, with pet food donations. Looking forward to partnering with veterinarians and other non-profit leaders in the very near future.

How does your business give back to the community?

We love our pets and know there are families out there that love theirs too. Animal companionship is so important. We want to make sure families and their pets live long, happy lives together.

Would you like to see your small business showcased in this series? Email wendy.mitchell@patch.com.