Cat Lover Donates $7.6 Million To UC Davis Vet School

DAVIS (CBS) - A woman who made a fortune in real estate and public relations has given UC Davis a big thank-you for caring for her cat - a $7.6 million donation to the school's veterinary medicine program.

Maxine Adler brought her cat "Du Bee" in for cancer treatment 10 years ago. The multi-colored feline didn't survive the diagnosis, but the treatment he received helped him live longer. And that left his owner eternally grateful.

"She was so impressed with the medical treatment and care of Du Bee that she made a contribution," said Bennie Osburn, dean of the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.

A contribution indeed. The $7.6 million to set up an endowment for pet cancer research is one of the largest donations in school history. There is a catch, however.

"The stipulations are that she wants these things named after Du Bee because Du Bee meant a lot to her," Osburn said.

So any cancer treatment uncovered using the money must include her cat's name.
Not a problem, Osburn said.

"We pretty well like the name Du Bee around the school," he said.

Du Bee's owner also left behind one more stipulation. An annual "Du Bee award" will go toward researchers who make advances in pet cancer therapy.

"She was a very compassionate person and one that did love animals and wanted the help for animals in any way we can do it," the dean said.