Those involved in ensuring the welfare of animals, including people interested in veterinary medicine, will benefit from the new Arthur and Nancy Hattan Fund through the Tipp City Foundation.
The Hattans were married in 1975 and have lived in Bethel Township since 1979, coming to Miami County from the Dayton area.
Arthur Hattan taught at the Northridge schools and Dayton City Schools before taking a job with Hohman Plating. Nancy Hattan worked at Hohman Plating before joining Hobart Corp., where she worked until the company was bought by Dart and Kraft.
The couple had no children, and both came from families where dogs were members. There was a natural gravitation towards dogs joining their family and later, when the couple moved to the country, they also welcomed horses.
“Both have been a part of our family most of our lives,” the Hattans said.
At one time, they had 11 horses, including show horses, broodmares and foals. “That, as horse people can tell you, is a full-time job,” Arthur Hattan said.
When they owned Morgan horses, they showed them from Detroit to Atlanta and Boston to Denver.
The Hattans also were long- time owners/breeders of Cocker Spaniels and are current Papillon owners. “A dog gives its heart to its caretakers like no other animal we know. The more affection you show to a dog, the more you receive in return. It is a win/win relationship for dog and caretaker,” they said.
As they aged, the Hattans explored financial options for the future. “When donating to a foundation, you want to be able to see the fruits of your donation. For that to happen, the sooner the better,” Arthur Hattan said of the fund’s creation.
Over the years living in the rural township, they had adopted Tipp City as their city. Utilizing options of the Tipp City Foundation, therefore, was a natural choice.
"We hope that the fund will be able to both benefit animals and animal groups as well as those who are studying to be able to serve the animal community,” Arthur Hattan said.