Roy and Vlasta Pikal Trust — Guardian Society story shared

Recently, Dogs for Better Lives (DBL) was notified of the passing of Vlasta F. Pikal. Early in 1999, Vlasta and Roy Pikal created a Charitable Remainder Unitrust, naming Dogs for the Deaf as a recipient of a portion of their estate.

We are so grateful to those who share our concern for people with disabilities and the dogs that assist them, and we hope to share some of their history with you.

Roy and Vlasta were both from second generation Czechoslovakian immigrants. They grew up in Minnesota, where each of their families had immigrated. Although, Vlasta's cousin Eleanor did not know exactly, she believes Vlasta and Roy likely met at a social gathering. Eleanor recounts that in those days, there was no TV or Internet, so a family's entertainment often came from music. Most members played at least one instrument and played at home or in larger community social gatherings where dancing was enjoyed.

Roy's brother, Wally Pikal, was a trumpet player, and he started a band called "Wally Pikal and the Dill Pickles". Roy, who played the trombone, eventually joined his brother's band. Later Vlasta, who played piano, followed suit, and joined the band.

Roy's brother Wally had a unique talent that took him to multiple stages. The following clip is from a time that he was invited to share his talent of playing three trumpets all at one time! Wally Pikal 3 trumpets — YouTube

Roy and Vlasta remained in Minnesota for their entire lives. Roy and Vlasta's families were originally farmers, and so they continued in the family business. Eleanor recalls that Vlasta also worked for 3M corporation for a time as well. Eventually, Roy retired from pig farming and purchased a large RV.

They joined the Good Sam Club and went on to enjoy camping during their retirement years. This is likely how they heard of Dogs for the Deaf. Eleanor shared that they always had a dog.

Vlasta and Roy made their first gift to DFD in 1991 and continued to give annually until the last gift recorded in 2017. Roy passed in October of 2012 and Vlasta passed in August of 2022.

Dogs for Better Lives will receive a portion of their estate — something Vlasta confided to her cousin Eleanor early in their retired years. We are grateful to Eleanor for sharing some of the aspects of Roy and Vlasta's life. Their legacy of compassion will live on in the dogs that are trained, and the lives subsequently changed. Thank you, Roy, and Vlasta, from all of us at Dogs for Better Lives, and all those who will be touched by your gift for generations to come.