Pet Rescue Groups Honored for Their Commitment to the Homeless Pet Crisis

WASHINGTON, May 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Whether it was working around the clock and risking personal safety during the days following Hurricane Katrina to save abandoned pets or driving more than 200 miles a day to rescue a dog or cat, America's pet rescue workers go to extraordinary lengths to help save man's best friends each and every day.

In celebration of National Pet Week, today Purina(R) Pro Plan(R) honored 10 passionate pet rescue workers and their four-legged friends in Washington, D.C. The workers' pet rescue organizations were recognized for their exceptional efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of homeless dogs and cats and their commitment towards the Pro Plan Rally to Rescue campaign in 2005, a program dedicated to raising funds and awareness for pet rescue nationwide.

Smaller pet rescue organizations place nearly a half a million dogs and cats in homes each year, and represent nearly 45 percent of all pet adoption groups. However, they are often overlooked by potential donors and adopters due to their more limited fundraising and marketing capabilities.

The rescue workers traveled from across the country to Washington, D.C., where they accepted an award on their organization's behalf, along with a special recognition from actress and pet lover Kristin Davis ("Sex and the City", Disney's "The Shaggy Dog."). Individuals honored included:

-- Alexandria Whitney, representing Guardians for Animals (Troy, Mich.)

-- Caroline Marie Ivey, representing Weimaraner Rescue of North Texas- Dallas (Dallas, Texas)

-- Chuck Daly, representing Delaware Valley Siberian Husky Rescue, Inc. (Horsham, Pa.)

-- Diane Roberts, representing Tampa Bay German Shepherd Rescue (Riverview, Fla.)

-- Gail Orth-Aikmus, representing Heartland Weimaraner Rescue (Pleasant Valley, Mo.)

-- Grace Acosta, representing Gulfstream Guardian Angels Rottweiler Rescue (Miami, Fla.)

-- Leann Zalasky, representing Rescued Racers (St. Ann, Mo.)

-- Lisa Scarbrough, representing Coastal Pet Rescue (Savannah, Ga.)

-- Mary Linda Huggins, representing PAWS of Northeast Louisiana, Inc. (Monroe, La.)

-- Sarah Webster, representing Noah's Ark Foundation, Inc. (Springfield, Va.)

"It was a pleasure to be here today to help celebrate the amazing work of these organizations," said Kristin Davis. "It's the efforts from these smaller organizations that really make a difference in their communities. The animals need these wonderful people and it is an honor for me to have met these extremely dedicated volunteers."

In addition to the official recognition ceremony, the honored guests spent the afternoon briefing their local congressional members on their perspective of a day in the life of a rescue worker, including their unique success stories. From establishing a literacy program that helps children by having them read to dogs to developing a special spay and neuter program for low income families, the rescue workers had plenty of real life examples to share.

"Each of the rescue worker's organizations honored here today has done so much to help drive awareness for the cause and to help homeless dogs and cats find loving homes," said Ken Wilhelm, director of Pro Plan Rally to Rescue. "The Rally to Rescue Recognition Event not only allows us to thank them for their hard work, but brings to life the great efforts that are being done for pet rescue on a daily basis. We look forward to the continued success of these individuals and their organizations in the coming years."

The event also served as the official kick-off for the Pro Plan Rally Across America tour, which is dedicated to raising funds and awareness for pet rescue nationwide. The 11-market tour will travel across the country from May through October 2006. In each city, local pet rescue organizations will be on hand with adoptable pets and information about how to get involved in pet rescue. Each stop features a fundraising initiative in the form of a virtual walk. During the event, consumers are encouraged to log mileage on treadmills set up at each tour event in exchange for a donation to the participating local pet rescue groups. Pro Plan will donate $5 for every five minutes walked by participants. For a complete tour schedule or more information, log on to http://www.rallytorescue.org .

All of us with Heartland Weim Rescue would like to thank Purina Pro Plan's Rally to Rescue Team for chosing us for this great honor. To have been selected for your program to begin with has been wonderful, now this 2006 Excellence Award, we feel overwhelmed. Your committment to our groups has been outstanding. Together with MBS Associates, Golin-Harris, and Kickin Cow Promotions you made this a trip one we will never forget.

We want to thank Karin Bakken of DC Weim Rescue for allowing us to borrow Dana, her weimaraner to represent our breed of choice. Dana is a very sweet girl, and it was a pleasure to have her "stand in" as a Heartland Weim. We also want to thank you for picking us all up at the airport, playing taxi for us and for the wonderful new friend we have found in rescue.

Congradulations to the 9 other groups who were also chosen, it was a pleasure to meet and share this award with you. To the groups that will follow by being honored next year, you have alot to look forward to.

If your rescue group is a 501c3 organization and your not yet a part of Purina's great Rally to Rescue program Click Here to find out details, and otain the application to apply.