Victoria Wells - Funeral, Memorial, Help Animals

The death of Victoria Wells was totally unexpected. It has devastated her friends and family, fellow musicians, her fans, and her clients. We are raising money to cover Victoria’s funeral expenses, to hold a memorial in her honor, and to benefit animals.

You may know Victoria Wells as the dynamic purple-haired ASPCA dog trainer on the Animal Planet TV show “Animal Precinct”. Or you may know her from her music videos or from seeing her perform live as she wrote, sang, played piano and guitar, and recorded songs on her own and with other artists, in the U.S., Brazil, and abroad. Maybe you took one of her yoga classes. Perhaps she assisted you or your animal to achieve greater physical and emotional health, as a licensed reiki practitioner. You might have inspired one of her artworks.

You could have heard Victoria talking about animal behavior on a podcast. It’s possible that she signed your dog training certificate or you have notes from one of her classes, as she trained thousands of people to be able to help their dogs to have better lives, and to keep their dogs from being re-homed due to behavioral issues. She may be the reason your dog survived after a history of abuse and neglect, because she patiently worked hard to alleviate the issues of traumatized dogs, so that they could be adopted into families. Maybe you just thought that Victoria was the coolest person in the room - and you would be right.

Victoria Wells was so many incredible things, and she touched the lives of countless people and animals. Every person who met her was in awe of her talents, as they seemed to be boundless. Many people will likely remember her for her exceptional sense of humor, her spunk and creativity, her fearlessness to be herself, her desire to stand up for anyone who might have needed help, and her unbelievable kindness.

Victoria had the unique ability to keep her focus on helping dogs that needed rehabilitation, and to remain positive about those dogs’ abilities for healing, when many people would have given up hope. For all of the trauma she had to have experienced in helping animals who came from the most horrifying circumstances, she still reserved the tenacity and desire to make things better for all of the animals and people in her life.

The last day that I spent with Victoria was in October 2022, at a yearly birthday fundraiser that I hold for my pit bull Stevie Nicks, to raise money for animal rescue groups. Another dog was food aggressive and was growling and lunging at Stevie. Victoria stood up and put herself in between Stevie and that dog, so nothing would happen to either of them. She was a fierce protector of animals, and she was doing what came naturally to her. When I thanked her, she said “It’s a good thing I was wearing my Guardian Angels jacket today!”.

I met Victoria as a college kid 20 years ago, after I adopted my first dog from the Manhattan shelter, a puppy named Patti Smith. I had never had a dog before, and my supposedly small dog was swiftly growing into a pit bull. I didn’t know who to ask for help, so I naively called the ASPCA and asked to be connected to “that dog trainer with the purple hair on TV.” The woman on the phone laughed, but said she would give her my info. I couldn’t believe Victoria called me the next day.

Victoria epitomized all of what I loved about New York City and why I moved here. The amazing punk rock clothes, the hair, the makeup, the jewelry. Her confidence, her walk. Her expansive laugh that echoed down the street. I was mesmerized by all of it. When I first met her, I felt intimidated. By the end of the first training session though, I had forgotten that I was anxious. When I was with her, I could be me. That was one of the many beautiful qualities that this woman possessed - making you feel comfortable and less afraid to be whoever you are.

By the time that I stopped needing training sessions, we had developed a friendship. When Patti was nearing the end of her life, Victoria reminded me of all the other dogs, who could use me as their parent. She helped me to move on and adopt Stevie Nicks. And I always loved when she would answer my texts with Stevie Nicks song lyrics!

Victoria may have looked tough, and she was never afraid to back down when she believed in something. But there was also a heart of gold underneath. We have truly lost a powerhouse of a person.

It is heartbreaking when we think about all of the animals who would have benefitted from her love and care for so many more years, and all of the people who would have been touched by her future music endeavors and by her friendship. But we take solace in recognizing the major impact that she has had on this world, even if the years were far too short.

You have an opportunity to participate in thanking Victoria, remembering her, and helping to offset costs at a terribly sad and difficult time. Your donation would also enable us to help animals in the way that she always did when she was here with us.

I’m so sorry to everyone that has had the unbelievable privilege of knowing Victoria. We cherish our memories and we will love her forever.

Just when I call, you can walk gently through my shadow. Just like the white winged dove. -Stevie Nicks