Join Our Story: Help Us Bring Home an Irish Setter Puppy

Hello, my name is Fr. Ignatius Gauvain. I am an Orthodox Priest with a family of seven children, living on the grounds of St. Tikhon's Seminary and Monastery.

This Tuesday, May 21, our beloved family dog Coffee was killed by a car speeding through our posted crosswalk while he and I were trying to cross the street. The driver did not even stop but just sped from the scene. I tried to comfort Coffee as much as I could, as he was in great pain. He died on the way to the veterinarian hospital.

Our family, along with many of our students' families, live on this road. We regularly have hundreds of children on our campus. This tragedy could have been much worse; it could have been a child instead.

Our God, through His creative power, can bring good even from an evil act. After all, He saved the universe through the murder of an innocent Man. Our township has petitioned the state to lower the speed limit on St. Tikhon's Road, to post a flashing pedestrian sign at our crosswalk, and to install signs that show how fast drivers are traveling. The State Police have promised to observe the road, provide speed enforcement, and speak to the state authorities on our behalf. All we need is for the state to give us permission to make these changes. If our beloved Coffee's death can lead to a safer road for our children, it won't make his death good, but it will give it some meaning.

So far, people have said the right things, but our community is working hard to write to our officials and keep the spotlight on this issue so that it does not get lost in the mix.

In the future, we may start a GoFundMe campaign if we need support to pay for these changes to make St. Tikhon's Seminary and Monastery campus safe.

But that is not what I am asking for now.

I am asking here for help in acquiring another Irish Setter.

We adopted Coffee from a priest whose growing missionary work in Jamaica was taking more and more of his time. We began dog-sitting Coffee to help and were surprised when my wife and daughter, who are allergic to most dogs, were not allergic to Coffee's breed. (Apparently, this is a thing; you can be allergic to some dog breeds and not others.) This made it possible to adopt Coffee into our family, where he was an absolute comfort to myself, my wife, and my children. As some may know, the life of clergy children can be difficult; because this is a seminary, it is compounded as my children's friends are always leaving. Coffee was supposed to be a friend that would not soon leave. We started watching him when he was one year old, we joyfully celebrated his second birthday this month, and we all felt deeply his too-soon tragic death this week.

I know it seems like a lot to ask for help in funding a purebred dog, but my wife's and daughter's allergies are a significant consideration. The cost includes not only the dog but also fees, vaccines, microchipping, and a dog license. My children are committed to raising what funds they can. Our family would deeply appreciate any help you can spare.

Thank you.

Additional Request:

If helping financially is not possible for you at this time, would you consider calling our representatives to encourage PennDOT to give us permission to make our road safer? We regularly have hundreds of children on our campus, and your support could make a significant difference.

Sign Our Petition:

https://forms.gle/4cP9HbuALyRnNrDt7

PA House Rep. Jones: (717) [phone redacted]

PA House Rep. Olsommer: (570) [phone redacted]

PA Senate Sen. Brown: (570) [phone redacted]

I will keep everyone updated in this space.

Thank you for your support in any form.