(PRESS RELEASE) Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation named the American Pet Products Association as a Hope Award recipient for the organization’s work to promote the human-animal bond. The award was named after an inspirational rescue dog who overcame steep odds to stand and walk again, and represents individuals and organizations that go to extraordinary lengths to achieve their goals.
“APPA has done incredibly effective work elevating human-animal bond benefits through their membership of more than 1,300 pet product manufacturers, importers, and distributors,” said ARF co-founder Tony La Russa. “APPA extended essential, early support as our Pets and Vets program began its national expansion, and they’ve remained an enthusiastic, engaged, and creative partner.”
ARF’s Pets and Vets program is Saving Both Ends of the Leash by pairing carefully selected dogs rescued from overcrowded shelters with veterans challenged with PTSD and other mental health diagnoses. The program’s national expansion includes a new 7,893 square foot Pets and Vets Center, scheduled to open later this year, which will serve as a training facility for partner shelters replicating ARF’s shelter-to-service dog model, in an effort to serve more veterans and save more dogs throughout the country.
APPA CEO Steve King accepted the Hope Award at ARF’s 29th annual Stars to the Rescue benefit show in Walnut Creek, CA. “Throughout its history, APPA has developed and driven significant programs to strengthen the industry, increase pet ownership, and build awareness of the joys and health benefits of pet ownership,” said King. “We’re proud to be a part of the Pets and Vets program, serving the needs of both homeless animals and our military heroes.”
americanpetproducts.org, arflife.org