This nationwide campaign from Purina's Pro Plan brand promotes the amazing, but often untold, stories of pet rescue and raises awareness about its importance. "Doing More for Pets" honors rescued pets that have overcome great odds to survive and thrive under harrowing circumstances, thanks to the incredible hard work and dedication of small pet rescue organizations. One hundred and twenty one rescue stories were submitted, and a judging panel selected the 10 most inspiring success stories as finalists.
From July 15 through Oct. 30, pet lovers across the country can visit www.rallytorescue.org to view the 10 finalist pet rescue stories and help make one canine or feline a star with their vote. The rescue pet and owner featured in the story that receives the most votes will win a trip to the National Dog Show. The pet rescue organization that submitted the winning story will receive $5,000 in Purina® Pro Plan® brand pet food.
"These 10 stories are truly moving and make you appreciate just how much life and love these pets still have to give," said Heather Gettys, brand manager for Purina Pro Plan. "Each story is incredible, and we're proud to help shine the light on these pets and the amazing people who rescued them."
Doing More for Pets Rescue Stories Contest Finalists Pets honored as the 10 finalists in the "Doing More for Pets" Rescue Stories Contest include:
- Willow was found hit by a car and all alone, scared with little hope. Yet just as quickly as Willow's life had become bad, some very caring people stepped in and helped it turn around for the best.
- Just when a Great Pyrenees puppy needed a second chance, a concerned veterinarian and a devoted rescue group were able to help provide the care and compassion he deserved.
- When a rescue group heard of an abandoned dog dumped on the streets, they gathered their friends and made it their mission to get him out of the cold and into the warm, loving home he deserved.
- When a very sick dog was surrendered by a family who couldn't afford his medical bills, a devoted rescue group stepped in. They not only ensured Buddy received the care he needed, but found him a new family to love again as well.
- Thanks to the kind spirit of one special person, a cat named Paxton who started out on a rugged path was able to find a road that led to love, compassion and a new friend just like himself.
- Neglected for weeks after being hit by a car and seriously injured, a boxer named Faith found love through a Pug rescue willing to extend their warm hearts.
- When seven cats from New York City were in desperate need of a new home, fate stepped in and gave them a chance at a whole new life -- out on the farm.
- After an injured Springer Spaniel was found lying on the side of the road, one person's heartless cruelty was instantly outweighed by the love, care and generosity of many others.
- The simple, forgiving nature of a dog was all it took for a mistreated black lab to make his way out of harm and into the lives of a family he truly deserved.
- Almost no one thought the extremely sick Great Pyrenees dog had a chance -- except for one rescue group. They did everything they could to save him, and their dedication paid off.
Purina Pro Plan's Rally to Rescue program is committed to raising funds and awareness for smaller pet rescue organizations nationwide that often may have been overlooked by donors or adopters due to limited fundraising and marketing efforts. Since the inception of Rally to Rescue in 2005, more than 227,000 pets have found loving, forever homes. But, there is certainly more work to do and Rally to Rescue is dedicated to reaching the goal of 300,000 adoptions by the end of 2009.
Rally Across America
In order to reach this 300,000 adoption goal, Rally to Rescue is hitting the road traveling to eight cities across the country through its Purina Pro Plan "Rally Across America" 2009 program. At the events, residents will have the opportunity to learn more about pet rescue and adopt dogs and cats from local Ambassador organizations. In addition, event goers will receive training tips from Purina Pro Plan trainer Melissa Heeter and her rescue dog Viola. Heeter will provide customized training techniques based on the different personalities of rescued pets. Pet owners can use these techniques at home with their own pets or their newest four-legged friend.
"Some potential pet owners hesitate to adopt a rescue pet because they believe they were relinquished/affected/harmed due to behavioral problems from past treatment or neglect and may not be a good fit for their home," Heeter said. "We want to help prospective adopters understand that with just a little training and patience, rescue pets will feel more at ease in their new environment, making for a happy and lasting relationship."
To learn more about the Purina Pro Plan Rally to Rescue campaign or find out where the Rally Across America tour will be traveling this summer, go to www.rallytorescue.org.
Pro Plan Rally Across America
To help achieve the program's 300,000 adoption goal, Rally to Rescue is hitting the road traveling to eight cities across the country via the Purina Pro Plan Rally Across America 2009 tour. At the events, local residents will have the opportunity to learn more about pet rescue and adopt dogs and cats from local Ambassador organizations. In addition, event goers will receive training tips from Purina® Pro Plan® trainer Melissa Heeter and her rescue dog Viola. Heeter will provide customized training techniques based on the different personalities of rescue pets. Pet owners can use these techniques at home with their own pets or their newest four-legged friend.
Doing More for Ambassadors Nationwide
Smaller pet rescue organizations help place nearly half a million dogs and cats in homes each year and represent nearly 45 percent of all pet adoption agencies but they often don't receive the attention or funding they so desperately need. In addition to the "Rally Across America" tour, Rally to Rescue Ambassadors will host adoption and fundraising events at retailers across the country throughout the summer and fall. Ambassador will have adoptable pets on-site, "Doing More for Pets" t-shirts for sale and information about how to get involved in local pet rescue efforts. Whether it's volunteering, donating funds or pet care items, or adopting a furry friend, every little bit helps to make a difference in a pet's life.
"The Rally Across America tour helps shine a light on pet rescue nationwide and finds loving homes for a great deal of deserving pets," said Tim Koester, manager of Purina® Pro Plan® Rally to Rescue®. "As we continue to raise awareness and funds for local pet rescues, we also want to remind pet lovers that there is much more they can do to help pet rescue organizations in their community. Not everyone is able to bring a pet into their home, but the simple act of volunteering time or donating a pet care item can make a big difference to these selfless organizations."
To find an event close to you, purchase a "Doing More for Pets" t-shirt or to apply to become a Rally to Rescue Ambassador, visit www.rallytorescue.org Organizations that meet program requirements and are selected by Purina Pro Plan receive assistance such as marketing and event planning guides.
Nestlé Purina PetCare Company promotes responsible pet care, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets. A premiere global manufacturer of pet products, Nestlé Purina PetCare is part of Swiss-based Nestlé S.A., the world's largest food company. Rally to Rescue is not a 501(c)(3) organization.
Contact:
Josh Rangel: 312.729.4168
GolinHarris or Jadea Abolahrari: 314.982.3981
Nestlé Purina PetCare Company
