Starbucks Focus is a way to give a special “Thank You”, to one of our Starbucks family members. Whether an employee or a customer we are all part of the Starbucks family.
This Focus is dedicated to James (Jimmy) Paddon. Jim has been a regular part of the Starbucks family for quite some time. Four years ago, Jim thought he was coming in for his daily cup of Pike’s Place Coffee and walked out with a special needs doggie. Starbucks had sponsored this special dog through the non-profit organization, Homeward Bound. The organization finds homes for dogs who are living on borrowed time and are to sick to be adopted through the Humane Society. Lucy was a 2 ½ year old beagle, who needed heart surgery and would not survive another 2 years without it. Lucy won Jim over with their first meeting, she jumped onto Jim’s lap and has had him wrapped around her paws ever since. During the journey to help Lucy, there were obstacles to overcome. First the University Doctors went on strike and would only take dogs who were seriously ill, Lucy fit were the bill. The University had invented a devise that could be inserted through the artery preventing the need for heart surgery. Lucy was the 80th dog to receive this operation. While completing the procedure, Jim found out that Lucy had been shot as a puppy and a bullet was lodged in her chest. The decision was made to leave the bullet; since removing it would cause more damage. Thanks to Jim and Homeward Bound, Lucy got a second chance! Jim and Lucy are now spokes people for Homeward Bound and have added to their family the new addition of Pipster, a very shy Beagle Terrier mix. This is a special THANKS to Jim for opening up his heart to Lucy, and brightening up our mornings here at Starbucks! |