DALLAS, TX (January 27, 2010) — Just weeks after its pledge to provide a $50,000 challenge grant to The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) in supporting Haitian animal rescue efforts, American Dog Rescue (ADR) is pleased to report the campaign is building international awareness and saving animals in the devastated country.
MSNBC-TV referenced the challenge grant on Sunday during its interview with Andrew Rowan, CEO of Human Society International, who leads the international arm of the HSUS that is coordinating rescue operations in Haiti. The team’s early arrival in the country, ahead of other rescue groups, is in part, because of ADR’s contribution and focus on Haiti immediately after the crisis.
“We were the first animal welfare organization to send a response team to Haiti, and we’re now assembling a second wave of veterinarians and disaster responders to make their way to the affected area,” writes Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of HSUS, on his blog. “We plan on being deployed for weeks and to not divert our focus from this crisis.”
Perhaps the most exciting news is also one of the most improbable and remarkable of stories involving an urgent plea from an American couple that were forced to leave their two dogs behind following the earthquake.
The couple initially contacted ADR, who in turn notified HSUS, and were able to locate the pets and return them to the United States this week. Bella and Dieter, two dachshund mixes, are no stranger to natural disasters; the two dogs were previous victims of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and were adopted by the couple following the storm’s aftermath.
Arthur Benjamin, founder and president of ADR, plans to continue the organization’s focus on Haiti alongside ADR’s mission the domestic needs of homeless animals, especially dogs.
“I am grateful for everyone’s help and support,” said Benjamin. “Helping dogs is one of my core passions, aside from my work in helping people pursue better lifestyles through education. The substantial donations coming into www.americandogrescue.org are making this international rescue effort, and the work we’re doing in communities throughout the US, a reality.”
Aside from driving ADR’s efforts, Benjamin is Vice Chairman & CEO of ATI Career Training, a Dallas-based education company. ATI is a multi-campus institution offering specialized training in a variety of skilled career programs within such areas as automotive repair, business, electronics, English as a Second Language, fitness, health and wellness, HVAC/refrigeration, information technology and welding. ATI offers more than three decades of training experience and commitment to individuals aspiring to better their lives through career education.
American Dog Rescue www.americandogrescue.org is a tax-exempt, non-profit 501(c)3 organization committed to finding a home for every adoptable dog in the United States. American Dog Rescue is committed to placing healthy dogs in permanent homes that are the right fit for the animal and its family. Donations can be made by visiting www.americandogrescue.org/donate or calling 801-944-3023.