Talker’s Fund for Animal Welfare

Talker’s Fund for Animal Welfare was established by John and Mary Perry in memory of their beloved cat “Talker.” Distributions from this fund directly benefit select animal welfare organizations in Portage County.

A unique aspect of Talker’s Fund is its connection to newly published children’s book entitled “The Cat That Wouldn’t Purr”. The book, which tells the story of a young male cat named “Talker”, was written by H. Page Stephens (Cleveland) and John Perry (Kent), and is illustrated by Akron-based illustrator Chuck Ayers. Ayers is known for both the nationally syndicated Crankshaft and Funky Winkerbean comic strips.

There are a number of gifts available to donors for their contributions to Talker’s Fund:

  • A copy of the book is a gift for a $20 donation
  • An autographed copy of the book is a gift for a donation of $25.
  • One of three different, limited edition large prints from the book signed by Chuck Ayers, is a gift for donations at the $60 level.
  • A copy of the book and a print are gifts to our donors at the $75 level.
  • An autographed copy of the book and a print are gifts at the $80 level.