Charleston law firm gives back to animal shelter 

By Jason Thomas
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The pets of a man who died from injuries sustained in an auto accident are benefiting from a donation made by a North Charleston law firm. 

The Joye Law Firm, a North Charleston-based personal injury law practice, presented a $100,000 memorial contribution to the Charleston Animal Society in early June. The firm represents the estate of Johnny Scott, a local man who was paralyzed and later died from injuries sustained in an automobile collision, according to a Joye Law Firm news release.  

Even while hospitalized and fighting for his life, Scott’s main concern was making sure someone was caring for Gina and Luca, his two beloved Cane Corsos, the release stated. During their time of need, the Charleston Animal Society stepped up and provided care and shelter to the dogs, who were often seen playing together in the facility’s play yard.  

“For Johnny, like for many of us, his dogs were more than pets. They were family,” said attorney Jeff Gerardi, the attorney handling Scott’s case and a fellow dog-lover, in the release. “This contribution will go to help other families and pets during difficult times, which we feel is an appropriate way to honor Johnny’s memory and help preserve his legacy.” 

The firm’s $100,000 will go toward revitalizing the shelter’s play yard, the same area that was so special for Gina and Luca during their time there, the release stated. The yard will be renamed in honor of Scott and his dogs. The shelter is at 2455 Remount Road. 

“The Animal Society did so much good during such a bad situation,” attorney Ken Harrell, managing partner of the Joye Law Firm, which sits just over a mile from the shelter, said in the release. “The people of Charleston are extremely lucky to have a world-class animal rescue organization right here in our backyard. Our firm has been a proud supporter of theirs for the past 15 years, but getting a firsthand view of how they went above and beyond under these tragic circumstances gave us pause. 

“We knew we needed to recognize the good they did for our client and his dogs, as well as for the thousands of others in our community during their time of great need.”