ASPCA Unveils The Carroll Petrie Foundation Dog Rescue Project: A Million Dollar Effort to Save More Lives

New program will help thousands of dogs and puppies find loving homes through relocation from overcrowded shelters

NEW YORK, Sept. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) today announced the establishment of The Carroll Petrie Foundation Dog Rescue Project, a new $1 million initiative that will fund much-needed treatments and services for shelter dogs and puppies at municipal animal sheltering organizations, ultimately preparing them for transport from overcrowded shelters to give them the best chance of finding permanent, loving homes. The project is being made possible thanks to a generous donation from Mrs. Carroll Petrie, a respected international philanthropist. 

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"We are incredibly thankful to Mrs. Petrie for enabling us to establish The Carroll Petrie Foundation Dog Rescue Project – a unique program that will go a long way in helping save the lives of animals across the country," said ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres. "We are hoping the project will be a shining example of the impact generous donors can have on animals, and that it will inspire other organizations to look beyond the walls of their facilities for new collaborations and partnerships."

Mrs. Petrie stated: "Dogs have always been a joy and comfort to my family. And now through the ASPCA's efforts, puppies and adult dogs who have been abandoned or deserted due to horrific natural disasters, neglect or owners' economic choices will be cared for and nurtured, and hopefully more will find compassionate homes."

The ASPCA, through The Carroll Petrie Foundation Dog Rescue Project, aims to save 16,600 dogs before the end of May 2013, through a per dog or puppy subsidy for each animal transferred out through the following types of programs:

• Transfer to rescue groups;
• Transfer to other shelters;
• Adoptions through foster "Adoption Ambassador" programs; or
• Adoptions through permanent off-site partner locations.

The subsidy per dog or puppy can be used for anything from crates and gasoline purchases for transport vehicles to "make-ready" veterinary services for the dogs (i.e. spay/neuter, health certificates, vaccines) that will prepare them to leave the shelter. Participating organizations may also choose to give all or part of the money to the rescue groups or destination shelters that take the dogs, helping to offset their costs. The subsidy will only apply to lives saved above and beyond each participating groups' previous year's numbers.

The funds for the program will be distributed by the ASPCA to the participating shelters across the country. Participating organizations so far include:

• Animal Shelter of Pell City, Inc. in Pell City, Ala.
• Oxford-Lafayette Humane Society, Inc. in Oxford, Miss.
• Valencia County Animal Control in Los Lunas, N.M.
• Beaufort County Animal Shelter & Control in Beaufort, S.C.
• Greenville County Animal Care Services in Greenville, S.C.
• Animal Care Trust dba/McKamey Animal Center in Chattanooga, Tenn.
• Central Missouri Humane Society in Columbia, Mo.

"The participating organizations are taking such an important step by joining this project," said Sandy Monterose, senior director of community initiatives for the ASPCA. "By expanding relationships with shelters and rescue groups in their region and other parts of the country to move these dogs, they're not only alleviating the burden on their own facilities, but they are giving these animals a much-needed second chance at life."

The program is already being used to treat dogs. Some of the animals who've been helped through The Carroll Petrie Foundation Dog Rescue Project at one of the participating organizations – Oxford Lafayette Humane Society (OLHS) in Oxford, Miss. – include:

• Thomas, a six-month old, extremely timid pup was surrendered to the shelter by his owner along with his four other siblings in June 2012 because their health was declining and they could not properly care for Thomas. The dog's littermates were relatively easy to find homes for, but Thomas was overlooked because he was so shy. The shelter staff tried to encourage him to play with other puppies his same age and size, but he'd soon find a corner to curl up in or hide behind a dog house. Every day, staff worked on socializing him to people and other animals, and every day he showed a little improvement. One of OLHS' rescue partners, Southern Jewel Dog Rescue in Olive Branch, Miss. expressed an interest in him, and after he was transferred to their rescue, they continued to help him along his journey to becoming a happy, friendly pup. Thomas was adopted in a matter of days to a loving family in New England.
• Bobby, a four-year-old Beagle, came to OLHS as a stray from a neighboring county in May 2012. Despite being relatively overweight – rare for the dogs they typically take in – Bobby appeared to be in good health. After a month at the shelter, he was placed with a foster family where he remained for another month before Southern Jewel Dog Rescue accepted him into their care. Bobby found a permanent home in New England in two days. His new guardians say he is continuing to grow in ease and confidence and is as happy as he could be, greeting every dog and person and winning the hearts of all who cross his path.
• Buckeye (renamed Haywood) and his five other siblings were surrendered to OLHS by their guardian when they were four or five weeks old. They were quickly placed in a foster home, and while two found permanent homes locally, the other four (including Buckeye) were transferred to Snooty Giggles Dog Rescue in Thompsons Station, Tenn. The litter was a huge hit with adopters and Buckeye – who was adopted shortly after – was renamed Haywood. He's now in a loving home in the New England area.

About the ASPCA®

Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is the first animal welfare organization in North America and serves as the nation's leading voice for animals. More than two million supporters strong, the ASPCA's mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. For more information, please visit www.ASPCA.org, and be sure to follow the ASPCA on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

SOURCE ASPCA