ST. LOUIS, Nov. 12 Sometimes you got to have "Faith." Neglected for weeks after being hit by a car and seriously injured, a Boxer named Faith found unexpected love through a Pug rescue organization willing to open their hearts. Because of the incredible story of Faith's survival and recovery, Alabama Pug Rescue has been named the grand-prize winner of the Pro PlanŽ Rally to RescueŽ Doing More(TM) for Pets Rescue Stories Contest.
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When Pam Mayes from Alabama Pug Rescue received a call from her veterinarian asking if she could help locate a boxer rescue organization, she exhausted her resources but was unable to find a good fit. After hearing Faith's full story, Mayes, who lives in Jemeson, Ala., knew immediate action was needed and brought the boxer in her home as part of their "pug pal" program. Faith had been surrendered to a local shelter with her jaw hanging from one side, a crushed pelvis and a massive infection from open wounds left untreated for weeks after she had been hit by a car. In addition, numerous reconstructive surgeries left her with only half of her lower jaw. Faith remained at the veterinary clinic for several months before Mayes could take her home to recuperate and begin the emotional healing.
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While Faith adjusted to her physical disabilities, Alabama Pug Rescue began to gain her trust, and her transformation to date has been nothing short of miraculous. Now, happy and healthy, Faith wags her tail in excitement as she plays with a squeaky chew toy, is able to finish a whole meal, has learned how to sit, and best of all, goes to sleep without fear. Mayes and Faith will be honored at the National Dog Show Presented by PurinaŽ at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pa. on Nov. 14. As part of the grand prize, Alabama Pug Rescue will receive $5,000 worth of Pro Plan(Ž) brand pet food for the organization.
"It's an honor to recognize such an extraordinary dog like Faith and the compassionate, dedicated people of Alabama Pug Rescue," said Heather Gettys, senior brand manager for PurinaŽ Pro PlanŽ. "Faith's will to live combined with the incredible compassion from Pam Mayes and her organization truly make for a remarkable story, which gives hope to all rescue pets and those who care for them."
The PurinaŽ Pro PlanŽ brand launched the third annual Rally to RescueŽ Doing More(TM) for Pets Rescue Stories Contest to chronicle the amazing but often untold stories of pet rescue and to increase awareness of small pet rescue organizations' tireless efforts. More than 100 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 July through October, more than 20,000 votes were cast by pet lovers across the country for the story that most touched their hearts to help select the grand-prize winner.
Faith's story would have never been told without the dedication of Mayes. Although she's part of a breed-specific pet rescue organization, she opened up her heart and home to a boxer in need. After Faith's extraordinary recovery, Mayes submitted the dog's story to the Doing More for Pets Rescue Stories Contest.
As unique as Faith's 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 or www.facebook.com/rallytorescue.
Pro PlanŽ Rally to Rescue
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. However, they often don't receive the attention or funding they so desperately need. Through the Pro PlanŽ Rally to RescueŽ program, PurinaŽ Pro PlanŽ brand pet food is committed to Doing More(TM) to support smaller pet rescue organizations across the country. The program helps give rescue pets the nutrition and care they need and the loving homes they deserve.
Since the inception of Rally to RescueŽ in 2005, more than 255,000 pets from Rally to Rescue Ambassador shelters have found loving, forever homes. But, there is still much more work to do and Rally to RescueŽ is dedicated to reaching its goal of 300,000 adoptions by the end of 2009.
Doing More(TM) for Ambassadors Nationwide
As part of the Pro PlanŽ Rally to RescueŽ program, Rally to RescueŽ Ambassadors host adoption and fundraising events at pet retailers across the country. Ambassadors may have adoptable pets on-site, Rally to RescueŽ T-shirts with four unique designs for sale to help fund local rescue organizations and information about how to get involved in helping 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.
To find out more about Pro PlanŽ Rally to RescueŽ and the Doing More for Pets Rescue Stories Contest, or to apply to become a Rally to RescueŽ Ambassador, visit www.rallytorescue.org.
Nestle Purina PetCare promotes responsible pet care, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets. A premiere global manufacturer of pet products, Nestle Purina PetCare is part of Swiss-based Nestle S.A., the world's largest food company. Rally to RescueŽ is not a 501(c)(3) organization.
Contact: Melissa Hevner: 312.729.4262 GolinHarris or Jadea Abolahrari: 314.982.3981 Nestle Purina PetCare Company
SOURCE Pro Plan Rally to Rescue
