As Executive Director of the Second Chance Humane Society, I woke this morning with profound sadness at the news of Dr. Jane Goodall’s passing. I feel privileged to offer this tribute—not just as one who watched her life’s work in awe, but as one who was fortunate enough to meet her on two occasions.

When I first met Dr. Goodall, I was struck immediately by her quiet authority and warmth. On our second meeting, at a conference in Toronto, we spoke for a few minutes about the challenges facing animals today—and she smiled when I told her that I had my dog, Nautic, with me at the conference. She looked me square in the eye and said, “Everybody feels better when there is a dog in the room. Please bring your dog to my keynote speech later this morning.” At her speech she even called my dog, not me, to join her on stage!

I have never forgotten that. In our darkest moments in animal welfare, when budgets are stretched, cases are heavy, and hope feels distant—I recall her words. They remind us of the power of companionship, empathy, and the healing presence of animals.

Dr. Goodall was a giant in the world of science and conservation. Beginning in 1960 at Gombe Stream in Tanzania, she pioneered long-term systematic observation of chimpanzees, documenting that they use tools, maintain complex social bonds, and exhibit distinct personalities and emotional lives—findings that challenged long-held assumptions about the human/animal divide. She founded the Jane Goodall Institute in 1977 and launched the Roots & Shoots youth program, mobilizing thousands of young people to act for animals, people, and the environment. Over her life she earned numerous honors, including the Damehood (DBE), the Templeton Prize, and the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Her passing leaves a void not only in the conservation community, but in every corner of the animal welfare and humane world—where her voice always reminded us that all lives have dignity, that empathy matters, and that real change begins with compassion.

To the staff, volunteers, adopters, donors, and supporters of Second Chance: let us carry forward her spirit in our work. Let us make our care more thoughtful, our advocacy more fearless, and our belief in redemption for every creature more steadfast. Let us honor her memory by continuing to open doors—for dogs, cats, wildlife, and people—to second chances.

May Dr. Goodall’s legacy guide us, and may we always remember that, as she told me, a dog in the room can soften hearts, open minds, and remind us of why we do what we do.

With gratitude and determination,
Nicholas Gilman