The PEDIGREE Foundation Awards 10 Innovation Grants to Increase Dog Adoptions

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Dec. 8, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- The PEDIGREE Foundation announced today the recipients of 10 Innovation Grants in recognition of their pioneering new ideas to help find dogs a forever home. Thanks to the generosity and donations from dog lovers across the country, the foundation is proud to award $226,000 to selected local shelters and rescue groups as one-time grants to fund creative projects aimed at increasing dog adoptions.

In recognition of their unique programs, the 10 selected recipients will each receive $10,000 to $25,000 in grant money. Chosen out of more than 200 grant applications, these 10 organizations truly demonstrate their ability to bring new and innovative ideas to help improve adoption rates and the welfare of animals within their communities.  

"The PEDIGREE Foundation is proud to recognize all of the Innovation Grant recipients for the great things they do for dogs," said Debra Fair, The PEDIGREE Foundation President. "Everything we do is for the love of dogs and we're proud to support others who share in our passion. From community outreach to rescue programs, these organizations go above and beyond every day, and we're excited to see how this funding will aid in the adoption of more dogs."

2010 Innovation Grant Winners

The grant money, to be used within a one-year period, will assist homeless dogs with a variety of needs, including; behavior training, feeding, housing and support for medical issues:

• Central Missouri Humane Society of Columbia, MO, was awarded $25,000 for a project that hopes to facilitate successful adoptions of shelter dogs and help combat veterans fight post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms as they re-integrate into civilian life. This project was created in collaboration with Dr. Rebecca Johnson of the Research Center for Human and Animal Interaction at the University of Missouri's College of Veterinary Medicine.  
• Charleston Animal Society of North Charleston, SC, was awarded $15,000 for a program that will ensure domestic animals are placed with the right individuals. Their initiative aims at increasing dog adoption during peak months of intake.
• Dubuque Regional Humane Society of Dubuque, IA, was awarded $25,000 for its "Corporate for Canines" program. This program presents a new way of partnering with corporations and bringing adoptable pets to the public.
• Houston Humane Society of Houston, TX, was awarded $25,000 to fund its "Diamonds in the Ruff" adoption program geared toward helping dogs that take a little longer than others find a home. The program provides community education and intensive behavior modification training to help less-adoptable dogs get ready for their new forever homes.
• Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA) of Los Angeles, CA, was awarded $25,000 for their training services program called Helping Enhance Animals Lives (HEAL). This funding will help continue to improve the lives of shelter pets through training and enrichment activities.
• Leon County Humane Society of Tallahassee, FL, was awarded $25,000 for their "Rescue Waggin" program that moves dogs from rural shelters with high euthanasia rates and little chance of adoption. The dogs receive veterinary care and are put up for adoption with the hope of finding them a loving home.  
• Muttville Senior Dog Rescue of San Francisco, CA, was awarded $12,000 to help underwrite the shelter's Welcome Home Kits for the "Seniors for Seniors" program, greatly reducing the initial financial impact of adopting a dog. The shelter rescues older dogs (seven years and older) from euthanasia and places them in homes with local senior citizens.
• North Shore Animal League America of Port Washington, NY, was awarded $25,000 to help conduct 77 adoption events, which will help approximately 700 animals, many of whom would be otherwise destroyed, find forever homes.
• Washington Animal Rescue League of Washington, DC, was awarded $25,000 to help underwrite its dog rehabilitation program. The program aims to decrease return rates of dogs by making them ready for adoption with intensive behavior training and rehabilitation prior to adoption.
• West Suburban Humane Society of Downers Grove, IL, was awarded $24,000 to help fund the organization's successful Special Training and Reinforcement (STAR) Dog Program. The funds will help rehabilitate shelter dogs exhibiting difficult-to-handle or aggressive behavior so that they may have a better chance at being adopted out permanently.

History of The PEDIGREE Foundation

Through no fault of their own, nearly four million dogs end up in shelters every year, and only half ever make it out. That's why in 2006, the PEDIGREE® Brand started the PEDIGREE® Adoption Drive and in 2008 formed its own foundation. The PEDIGREE Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charity, is dedicated to helping dogs in need find loving homes by supporting the good work of shelters and breed rescue organizations throughout the country. As part of its ongoing commitment to this cause, the PEDIGREE® Brand has raised more than $6 million dollars to date, and the PEDIGREE Foundation has awarded $2 million dollars since its inception in 2008. This year alone, the Foundation has awarded nearly $976,000 to 1,147 non-profit shelters and dog rescues. For more information about The PEDIGREE Foundation, log on to http://www.pedigreefoundation.org/.

About The PEDIGREE Foundation

Formed in 2008 by the PEDIGREE® Brand, The PEDIGREE Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping dogs in need find loving homes by supporting the good work of shelters and dog rescue organizations throughout the country. Through no fault of their own, more than four million dogs end up in shelters and rescue organizations every year, and nearly half of them never find a place to call home.

The foundation provides grants to 501(c)(3) shelters and dog rescue organizations nationwide and encourages dog lovers to adopt, volunteer and donate to support the cause. For more information or to make a tax-deductible donation online, visit www.pedigreefoundation.org.  All donations go directly to help us help dogs.  

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SOURCE The PEDIGREE Foundation