RAYLAND — A Rayland resident is in the process of starting a nonprofit organization that will help local animals find their forever homes.

After losing his beloved dog Sam in 2017, Ken Suter said he wanted to give back to animals in need by starting a nonprofit in his honor. Samaritan for Pets is a nonprofit organization that will open its doors later this year.

“In December 2017, my massively beloved dog Sam suddenly passed away. After suffering horribly for the past two years, I created a nonprofit to help pets, and people, called Samaritan For Pets, in honor of Sam. I will dedicate the rest of my life, and hopefully beyond, to this incredible journey,” Suter said.

The nonprofit will initially sponsor local shelter animals, helping them find loving homes. Suter said it will help cover the costs of the adoptions. Sam, a terrier, was a rescue from the Jefferson County Animal Shelter.

“I want to help people find and keep their one-in-a-million pet, like Sam was. … Our slogan is ‘Assisting pets find their forever homes and helping people find and keep their forever treasurers,'” he said.

Additionally, Suter said he also plans to help cover medical costs of animals in need of high-cost surgeries.

“For people who go in to the vet and their dog is really sick and they can’t afford to pay for an expensive surgery, we will help cover the expenses. People whose pets are really dear to them, those are who I want to help,” he said.

Suter said his goal is to build a multi-use facility that will potentially house dozens of cats and dogs.

“My goal is to acquire a large plot of land and build the most unique, amazing multi-use facility called Sam’s Pet Palace. It will have the public in awe, where they can come to and enjoy,” he said.

Currently the nonprofit is working on creating its website where people can not only donate to the nonprofit but also receive free pet-loss grief counseling, which is something Suter said greatly helped him through the death of his dog a few years ago.

Suter said he hopes to have the organization up and running within the next few months. The coronavirus had temporarily put his plans on hold, but he said they are now moving forward.

“I am anxiously waiting for the country to return to normal and Samaritan For Pets will be ready to take the Ohio Valley by storm,” he said.