Mary Jane Meng deeply appreciated the characteristics and quality of life in Madison both during her tenure as an assistant professor of physical therapy at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and after her retirement. Mary Jane also loved dogs, in fact, even at 82 years old, she had a golden retriever of her own. She was passionate about the importance of a good police force to the health of the City and she was an admirer of Madison Police Chief Noble Wray.

In July, 2006, Mary Jane Meng formed a very special bond with the Madison Police Department's newly formed K-9 Unit: she donated $100,000 to Capital K-9's. Mary Jane's donation was a great boost to the all-volunteer, charitable organization which was only halfway to its goal of providing the financial support for six K-9 teams. Her donation will allow the MPD K-9 unit to add a fourth police dog in 2007 and better equip the three dog teams placed in service in 2005 and 2006.

Capital K-9's was almost unable to tell you about Mary Jane and her incredible generosity because she was reluctant to let us publicize her donation. She told Carol Grob, President of Capital K-9's, "You can use my name if you tell them my donation was made to encourage others to give to Capital K-9's."

Mary Jane Meng was a delightful, articulate, vibrant and sharing individual. She invited her friends at Meriter Terrace in Madison to join her when Greg and Johnny, the Madison Police Department's active K-9 officers, visited her. Mary Jane also had a good sense of humor. When she presented her check for $100,000 made payable to Capital K-9's, she followed it by handing Chief Noble Wray a $5.00 bill and said, "For the dog license for your new dog."

Mary Jane Meng passed away on August 22, 2006. Capital K-9's will be working with Mary Jane's family to name the next MPD K-9 to honor her generosity.