TurfMutt Encourages Pet Lovers to Participate in Change a Pet's Life Day on January 24

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 17, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Lucky the TurfMutt, a former street dog who is now the spokesdog of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute's (OPEI) environmental education program, encourages pet lovers across the country to participate in Change a Pet's Life Day on January 24. Lucky was rescued by Kris Kiser, President & CEO of OPEI, and his life has never been the same. Now he's "pawing it forward," by sharing this worthy cause. Change a Pet's Life Day draws attention to homeless pets and encourages people to consider adopting a pet from their local shelter or rescue organization and spreading awareness of animal welfare issues.

"I didn't know Lucky was a superhero when I rescued him, but that's the great thing about taking the leap to change a pet's life. It's an act that has ripple effects you can't begin to imagine," says Kiser. "Sure, I gave Lucky a good home, but he's given me so much more, and I know there are plenty of pets in shelters who have the same capacity to make a huge impact. They just need someone to give them a chance."

Kiser says there are many ways pet lovers can change a pet's life, including:

• Adopting a pet from your local shelter
• Fostering a pet for a rescue organization
• Volunteering at your local shelter
• Spreading the word about the benefits of adopting a rescue pet
• Sharing your pet rescue story with friends and family
• Helping an elderly friend or neighbor by offering to walk their dog or spend time cuddling their cat

"There are millions of cats and dogs who are currently in shelters across the U.S.," says Mr. Kiser. "Lucky and I encourage everyone to help where they can."

In addition to encouraging pet adoption, Lucky the TurfMutt crusades for living landscapes by teaching kids and their parents about the many health and environmental benefits of their family yard. To learn more about TurfMutt's mission to save the planet one yard at a time, visit www.TurfMutt.com.

About TurfMutt
TurfMutt was created by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute's (OPEI) Research and Education Foundation and has reached more than 68 million children, educators and families since 2009. Through classroom materials developed with Scholastic, TurfMutt teaches students and teachers how to "save the planet, one yard at a time." TurfMutt is an official USGBC^® Education Partner and education resource at the U.S. Department of Education's Green Ribbon Schools, the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Green Apple, the Center for Green Schools, the Outdoors Alliance for Kids, the National Energy Education Development (NEED) project, Climate Change Live, Petfinder and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In 2017, the TurfMutt animated video series won the coveted Cynopsis Kids Imagination Award for Best Interstitial Series. TurfMutt's personal, home habitat also is featured in the 2017 and the upcoming 2018 Wildlife Habitat Council calendars. More information at www.TurfMutt.com.

Media contacts
Ami Neiberger-Miller, Four Leaf PR on behalf of OPEI, 703-887-4877, [email protected]  
Debbi Mayster, Four Leaf PR on behalf of OPEI, 240-988-6243, [email protected]

SOURCE Outdoor Power Equipment Institute