Way back in August, I posted a story called Let the Sunshine Win. Guess what! She did!
Check out the formal announcement. Congrats to NASPR and Sunshine and thanks to Purina for recognizing their amazing story and supporting rescue!
Cypress is in front of Debby Smith with NASPR (left), Chrissa O’Shaughnessy with Purina Pro Plan (center) and Jean Patton, Cypress’s owner (right)
A Tail Above The Rest
Doing More™ for Pets Contest Recognizes “Sunshine” for her Amazing Story of Survival
ST. LOUIS, MO. (Nov. 24, 2008) – Sunshine is truly a unique pet … one who desperately needed the help of a rescue group despite the fact that she had kind and loving owners. Because of her incredible story, the Shar-Pei, was named the grand prize winner in the Pro Plan® Rally to Rescue™ Doing More for Pets Rescue Stories Contest at the National Dog Show Presented by Purina.
When the dog North American Shar-Pei Rescue (NASPR) called Sunshine was rescued, her pelvis was broken in four places, she had deep cuts and severe head trauma that affected her eye. It seemed unlikely she would survive, but thanks to NASPR, she not only survived, but was re-united with her original owners, who’d been looking for her for more than two years. As the grand prize winner, Sunshine, who is now called her original name, Cypress, will show her thanks by bringing $5,000 worth of Pro Plan® brand dog food back to NASPR.
“It’s really an honor to recognize a dog like Cypress and the people of North American Shar-Pei Rescue,” said Chrissa O’Shaughnessy, Pro Plan brand Marketing Manager. “Anyone who has ever lost a pet knows the pain that Cypress’ family went through, and the joy they received when Cypress came home thanks to the people at NASPR.”
The Purina® Pro Plan® brand launched the Rally to Rescue™ Doing More for Pets Rescue Stories Contest for the second year in order to chronicle the amazing but often untold stories of pet rescue, and increase awareness of small pet rescue organizations. More than 70 rescue stories were submitted and a judging panel selected 10 that stood above the rest. These stories demonstrated that by doing more and going the extra mile, these dedicated pet rescue workers changed the lives of 10 exceptional dogs and cats. From June through October, pet lovers across the country were invited to vote for the story that most touched their hearts, in order to select a grand prize winner.
Cypress’ story would have never been told without the dedication of Debby Smith from NASPR. Debby, who recognized the resemblance between the dog she called Sunshine and a missing dog named Cypress, not only arranged the reunion between the dog and her owners, Jean and Adrienne Patton, she also submitted the dog’s story to the Doing More for Pets Rescue Stories Contest.
As part of their grand prize, Debby, along with Jean and Cypress, won a trip to Reading, Penn., to attend the National Dog Show Presented by Purina. As unique as Cypress’ story is, there are countless other unbelievable tales like hers from pet rescue groups across the country. These stories re-affirm the purpose, effort and devotion of pet rescue groups across the country. To read more of these incredible stories, visit www.rallytorescue.org.
Ambassadors to the Rescue
The program is an extension of the Purina® Pro Plan® Rally to Rescue™ campaign, which is dedicated to raising funds and awareness for pet rescue nationwide. The honored pets could not have survived without the passion and commitment of the committed rescue organizations known as Rally to Rescue Ambassadors and their selfless pet rescue workers. These tireless individuals work to ensure the safety and well-being of homeless dogs and cats. Thanks to the efforts of these organizations, each year thousands of dogs and cats are rescued, brought back to health and placed in loving homes.
Smaller pet rescue organizations are often overlooked by potential donors and adopters due to their more limited fundraising and marketing capabilities. Rally to Rescue helps nearly 500 rescue organizations across the country give homeless pets the nutrition and care they need and the forever homes they deserve.
To learn more about the Pro Plan Rally to Rescue campaign or to purchase a “Doing More for Pets” t-shirt, go to http://www.rallytorescue.org.
Cypress, Debby and Jean, flew to the National Dog Show Presented by Purina aboard Midwest Airlines as members of the airline’s Premier Pet Program. The program is an industry leader for providing special services to pets and is pleased to lend its support to the Rally to Rescue campaign. For more information about Midwest Airlines and its Premier Pet Program, visit www.midwestairlines.com.
Nestlé Purina PetCare 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.
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