Animal rescues receive grants from Petco

They remain in the running for additional ‘The People’s Choice’ grants

Forever Home Rescue and Spay and Save Animal Rescue received donations from the Petco Foundation.

Forever Home Rescue of Spring City and Spay and Save Animal Rescue of Norristown recently received donations from the Petco Foundation as part of the company’s annual Holiday Wishes campaign.

Forever Homes Rescue and Spay and Save were selected as winners from more than 5,000 stories that were submitted by animal adopters across the country. Each story celebrated how their adopted pets have changed and enriched their lives.

The Petco Foundation selected 54 organizations from the pool of 5,000 submissions as winners. The winning animal welfare organizations referenced in the stories as the adopting organizations have received a total of $750,000 — including a $100,000 grand prize — in grants to celebrate their lifesaving work.

“We were amazed by the wonderful stories shared by adopters during this year’s Holiday Wishes campaign. Each story perfectly illustrates how a pet’s love changes everything — ranging from a small update to one’s personal routine or a larger impact on your sense of perspective,” said Susanne Kogut, executive director of the Petco Foundation, in a press release. “That’s why at the Petco Foundation we’re thrilled to celebrate that love with the individuals and families who shared their experiences with us as well as the animal welfare organizations who work so hard year-round to save lives.”

Forever Home Rescue was awarded $5,000. The agency was nominated by Lindsey Getz who shared her story entitled “New Kitten Helps Fam-

ily Dog Overcome Separation Anxiety,” about her adopted kitten, Pete. According to its website, (www.foreverhomerescue.com), Forever Home Rescue was established in 2007 and is “dedicated to aiding those less fortunate.”

Spay and Save was awarded $25,000 from the Petco Foundation. The organization was nominated by Arnold Richter, who shared his story, “Quirky Dog Teaches Family the Value of Acceptance,” and original song about his adopted dog, Scooter. Alan’s full story includes a video of his song.

According to its website (w w w.spayandsave.org/), Spay and Save issues discount spaying and neutering certificates provided by participating veterinarians; provides a telephone “matchmaker” referral services for persons who must give up their pets or foster animals for adoption, and for those who wish to adopt a pet and provides an information service for current or prospective pet owners who have questions about pet behavior or pet care as well as other services.

While the stories range from inspiring, to humorous and even a few lifesaving narratives, each celebrates how these adopted pets have positively changed and enriched the nominators’ lives, according to the release.

The initial awards have been made to the 54 finalists, but for the first time, the Petco Foundation invited animal lovers to play a larger role in fulfilling Holiday Wishes. Through Dec. 31, fans read all of the finalists’ stories and voted for their favorites to win the People’s Choice Award at petco.com/holidaywishes. The five organizations with the most votes will receive additional funding ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 to support their work. Results of the People’s Choice Award will be revealed in January.

To learn more about the Petco Foundation’s grant work, visit petco.com/ petco-foundation.

SUBMITTED PHOTO The Petco Foundation recently presented grants to two area animal rescues: Forever Home Rescue of Spring City and Spay and Save Animal Rescue of Norristown. Shown here are representatives from the rescue and the Petco Foundation and the adopters that...

SUBMITTED PHOTO Pete, a kitten adopted from the Forever Home Rescue in Spring City by Lindsey Getz and her family, has helped ease separation anxiety for her canine sibling. Forever Home Rescue recently received a $5,000 grant from the Petco Foundation.