Local Pet Valu locations celebrating pets with in-store fundraisers
Caring for my pets is the most gratifying experience of my life.
Carly Tiller has six rescue animals, both furry and scaly. Both of her dogs, a quirky miniature pinscher ground mix and a goofy rottweiler who loves to snuggle, were abandoned on the streets of Mexico. One of her two adoring rabbits was stranded after a flood in her community, and she nourished two snakes back to health. Every one of these creatures is family to Tiller, as are the rescue dogs she fosters on their way to their forever homes.
“I can’t imagine my life without pets,” says Tiller, whose family owns a Pet Valu franchise in Okotoks, Alta. “My pets bring me so much joy and fulfillment to me every single day. Once you have a pet, there’s no life without it.”
Tiller has a knack for working with rescue animals who need extra care and attention. Rasta, her mini pinscher mix, was timid and terrified of people when Tiller first adopted her—a result of having been abused and abandoned. Now, Rasta is a certified therapy dog, carrying herself proudly when she visits seniors and kids, putting smiles on the faces of everyone she meets. “The bond between human and dog— there’s nothing like it,” Tiller says. “Caring for my pets is the most gratifying experience of my life. When I see my dogs share their love and affection with complete strangers, it’s so rewarding.”
June is Pet Appreciation Month at Pet Valu, an opportunity to recognize the enormous impact pets have on our wellbeing. Throughout the pandemic, pets have played an even greater role in enhancing our lives. Since March 2020, there has been a surge in pet adoptions across Canada as individuals and families have turned to animals to help them through the era of social isolation. By providing comfort and companionship, as well as a reason to get outside, pets have helped Canadians deal with loneliness and stress and get much-needed exercise. Pets simply have a way of making us happier.
Throughout Pet Appreciation Month, Pet Valu will be helping rescue animals. More than 600 stores in the Pet Valu family (which includes Bosley’s by Pet Valu, Paulmac’s Pet, Tisol and Total Pet) will raise funds and collect product donations for an animal shelter or charity in their community. With each store selecting a local charity, hundreds of different animal shelters and organizations all across Canada will benefit.
Pet Valu Okotoks will be raising funds for Heaven Can Wait Animal Rescue Foundation, which provides shelter, care and nourishment to abandoned, abused and homeless
animals in High River and surrounding areas. At any given time, founder Kim Hessel and her team care for approximately 150 to 200 animals, focusing on companion animals.
Hessel started Heaven Can Wait after seeing a critical need to help rural animals following a particularly horrific case of animal abuse in the region. The foundation’s work is never-ending when it comes to the care for and protection of neglected animals.
“Heaven Can Wait has always been there for the community,” Tiller says. “Kim’s efforts to go above and beyond are exemplary. They are notfor-profit
and rely on the support of the community to help animals in need.”
During Pet Appreciation Month, all of Pet Valu’s 600+ stores (which include Bosley’s by Pet Valu, Paulmac’s Pets, Total Pet and Tisol) will be selling paper PAWS. The PAWS can be dedicated to a pet or loved one and will be pasted on a wall or window in the store. All proceeds from PAW sales will be donated to the store’s designated charity.
One hundred per cent of donations will support these local organizations.
Product donation bins will also be present at each store so customers can donate needed items to the local charity, such as food, litter, leashes, collars, toys, treats and cleaning supplies.
Pet Valu celebrates Pet Appreciation Month to give local rescues, shelters and charities a much-needed boost, says senior marketing manager Alison Preiss. These organizations need donations more than ever, with COVID-19 restrictions forcing many of them to cancel vital fundraising events.
“Our stores are true community members,” says Preiss. “If a small rescue desperately needs kitten milk, our stores will help get the word out.”
Preiss can also attest to the joys of having pets; her two dogs, Bee and Pretzel, have helped boost Preiss’ mental and physical health throughout the pandemic. “They helped me keep to a routine, reduced stress, and are always there to talk to and cuddle with,” she says.
“There are many proven benefits of pet ownership to health, but it’s the love and devotion to each other that helps in tough times like these.”
To support a pet rescue, shelter, or charity in your area, visit your local Pet Valu or visit