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| Contact: | Kim Noetzel Communications Manager 623-587-2872 KNoetzel@PetSmartCharities.org |
PetSmart Charities Rescue Waggin' transport program extends growing national program west to California, relocating at-risk dogs to uncrowded shelters
Program Kicks Off with Bon(e) Voyage Party at Los Angeles Area Shelter
Young Actor Malcolm David Kelley, Walt on ABC’s Hit Show “Lost”, Helps Send Off First Load of Dogs
Young Actor Malcolm David Kelley, Walt on ABC’s Hit Show “Lost”, Helps Send Off First Load of Dogs
LOS ANGELES (Oct. 27, 2005) — What if you could save thousands of homeless dogs by just moving them around, carting them in comfort to communities where they are guaranteed a companion and a loving home?
It’s a simple idea, yet a challenging one to execute—until now. An innovative Rescue Waggin’ program has been developed by PetSmart Charities to give thousands of exuberant tail-wagging dogs and puppies a second chance at life. With the launch today of its newest truck in California, PetSmart Charities is reaching across the nation to save dogs from the risk of euthanization by transporting them from crowded shelters in urban areas, to partner shelters in need of more adoptable dogs.
“We know that wonderful homes potentially await these dogs if we can get them to the right communities,” said Susana Della Maddalena, PetSmart Charities executive director. “The Rescue Waggin’ is the nation’s first and only nationwide pet transport program and will bring hope to thousands of homeless animals each year. We rejoice every time one of our transported dogs gets adopted.”
Rescue Waggin’ California destination shelters thus far include: San Diego Humane Society and SPCA, Sacramento SPCA, Berkeley East Bay Humane Society, San Jose Animal Care and Services, Sonoma Humane Society, Humane Society Silicon Valley, and Placer SPCA. Source shelters thus far include: SEAACA, SPCA LA, and Madera County Animal Control.
The first Rescue Waggin’ began its life-saving trek in 2004 in the Midwest, where more than 4,000 pets have already been transported to their new hometowns and adopted.
California marks the second major step in a national expansion that will see a third region added in spring 2006. The program will also tackle the root of the problem at its source by funding corresponding spay/neuter and capacity-building grants for partner agencies. Rescue Waggin’ also recently participated in the transport of hundreds of animals abandoned by Hurricane Katrina.
To inaugurate the program in California and recognize ‘Adopt a Shelter Dog’ month in October, PetSmart Charities hosted a festive Bon(e) Voyage party today for the first official load of dogs and puppies to ride the Rescue Waggin’. The event was held at the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA) located at 9777 SEAACA Street in Downey. Dogs were groomed by Malcolm David Kelley, the youngster who plays Walt on ABC’s hit show “Lost”, had their “Doggie Passport” photo taken with him, and then given a bone and rope chew toy for the road.
Human attendees were, of course, served a “doggie bag” lunch and provided with a gift bag of commemorative goodies from the celebration.
“We’re honored to host the Rescue Waggin’ launch at SEAACA,” said Dan Morrison, executive director for SEAACA. “This program has made a huge difference in the lives of dozens of animals placed from our animal care center into other (less crowded) shelters across the state. It’s fitting that we give the Rescue Waggin’ a home per se as they’ve done just that for many of our animal friends here at SEAACA,” said Morrison.
The Rescue Waggin’ affords plenty of luxury for its passengers. A state-of-the-art custom-designed transport vehicle, the Waggin’ comfortably, safely and humanely transports the dogs on long-haul trips. Drivers trained in pet care and animal first aid monitor the dogs during transport via closed circuit video. The canine passengers enjoy climate-controlled individual quarters, and fresh water throughout the trip.
Corporate sponsors for the Rescue Waggin’ program include Nutro Products, Inc., The Bramton Company, and Central Garden and Pet. PetSmart Charities also receives funding for this program from PetSmart customers and associates, and the animal-loving public. To learn more or to make a donation to Rescue Waggin’ or PetSmart Charities, visit www.petsmartcharities.org or call 1-800-423-PETS.
About PetSmart Charities
PetSmart Charities (www.petsmartcharities.org) creates and supports programs that save the lives of homeless pets, raise awareness of companion animal welfare issues, and promote healthy relationships between people and pets. Since 1994, PetSmart Charities, an independent 501(c)3 organization, has donated more than $39 million to animal welfare programs and, through its in-store adoption programs, has saved the lives of more than 2.3 million pets.
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Editor’s/Producer’s Note: There will be a VNR/B-Roll from the event for download available the day of the event. Information pertaining to the footage is below:
WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 27, 3:30 p.m. PDT and repeats 6:30 p.m. PDT
SATELLITE: IA5C Band, Transponder 23, standard audio 5.8R and 6.2L
CONTACT: Larry Frank, US PlanB, (888)US-PLAN-B, Larry.Frank@USPlanB.com,
Day of event: cell (818) 535-2672