By Stacy N. Hackett
Posted: July 15, 2008 2 a.m. EDT
From a kitten found abandoned in a flower planter at a mall to a Tonkinese who suffered from living with an animal hoarder, the stories shared by small rescue groups across the country tell of cats and dogs that beat the odds and found loving homes.
Now Purina Pro Plan invites the public to vote for the pet they believe has made the most significant transformation in the Rally to Rescue “Doing More for Pets” Rescue Stories contest.
More than 70 stories were submitted for the contest, and were narrowed down to 10 finalists. The feline finalists include:
- Cher, a kitten who was abandoned at a mall with four littermates. Cher was nominated by Jana Benitez of Feline Friendz in Omaha, Neb.
- Edmond, a Tonkinese cat rescued from a severe hoarding situation, who now lives with two cat friends in his new home. Edmond was nominated by Deb Shrieves of Rocky Mountain Siamese Rescue in Greeley, Colo.
- Mouser, a gray tomcat that frequently visited the yard of Pet Haven Animal Rescue in Fort Smith, Ark. When he finally was caught, he had a tumor removed from his neck and became the Pet Haven mascot.
Until October 31, 2008, pet lovers can vote for one of these cats or another favorite rescued animal at the Rally to Rescue website. The winner will be announced in November at the National Dog Show presented by Purina. The pet rescue group that nominated the winning pet will receive $5,000 in coupons for Purina Pro Plan pet food.