On Tuesday, March 26, 2013 Animal Compassion Network (ACN) will be driving another 950 miles up to deliver a van full of 17 dogs and puppies into the open arms of the Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem, Massachusetts. The shuttle will be embarking from the Asheville Petco store located at 825 Brevard Rd. at 5:30 pm. An hour before departure, the employees of Petco will help drivers walk and prepare the vanload of dogs for the long trip ahead.
More than 600 dogs and & cats have been saved from shelters all across WNC through this groundbreaking and lifesaving transport program initiated by Animal Compassion Network in November 2011. This grassroots non-profit spearheaded the creation of the Appalachian Animal Rescue Coalition (AARC), joining together area rescue organizations and shelters to relocate WNC shelter animals who cannot find homes locally. And although tireless efforts, determination and open hearts drive this program, it is the generous funding of the program’s benefactor – the Petco Foundation – that has made this journey a reality for hundreds of homeless pets.
“The Petco Foundation is honored to partner with the Animal Compassion Network to further our mission to develop and support local Companion Animal Transport programs. The Animal Compassion Network is a perfect example of a great organization that makes a tremendous impact on improving the lives of animals,” said Paul Jolly, Executive Director of the Petco Foundation.
According to Eileen Bouressa, Executive Director of ACN, “We were pleased with the results of our initial efforts in 2011 to send one transport of dogs to safety per month. But with this grant for $100,000 from the Petco Foundation to fund additional transports, we now are sending out an average of five vanloads of shelter dogs and cats per month. The Petco Foundation has given a second chance to hundreds of shelter pets this year, and we anticipate a long and successful relationship with the Petco Foundation to continue our lifesaving work for years to come.”