WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, December 2, 2020 — American Humane, the country’s first national humane organization, today announced that Animal Rescue and Vet Support Services (ARVSS) received a grant from American Humane’s Feed the Hungry fund. Located in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, ARVSS is committed to rescuing animals in need, supporting communities without access to shelters, and educating the public on humane issues.
“Animals have a special place in my heart, and I am saddened to see so many being abandoned and left hungry as a result of this sweeping COVID-19 pandemic,” said Jean Shafiroff, national spokesperson for American Humane’s Feed the Hungry campaign and renowned philanthropist. “We must ensure that rescue organizations have the basic resources necessary to care for these defenseless animals who are in dire need of a forever home.”
Like every other business or organization in America, rescues and shelters are struggling to maintain basic services and care for their animal residents in the face of the current worldwide pandemic. Thousands of animals are being left without homes and facilities are in desperate need of general supplies. Detrimental natural disasters including hurricanes and wildfires have further heightened the situation. In response to the overwhelming number of calls received from animal rescuers, shelters and first responders, American Humane launched the Feed the Hungry fund to feed and care for animals across the country who have been abandoned during the coronavirus crisis. The fund seeks to raise much-needed resources to help shelters and rescue organizations that are not only struggling to keep the lights on, but also to keep critical supplies like food stocked.
“In these unprecedented times of COVID-19, ARVSS is so grateful for the support,” said Diane Sanders from ARVSS. “Normally we would be holding fundraising events like dog washes and picnic raffles to raise the money for the dogs care. In the midst of the pandemic we have had to modify our efforts. Thank you so much for selecting ARVSS to receive such a generous grant.”
ARVSS is a volunteer run non-profit organization that rescues adoptable dogs from high-kill shelters in the mid-west, including “special needs” dogs that require dire medical attention and lengthy rehabilitation time. The shelter also takes in stray dogs and puppies. All rescue dogs are kept in foster care until they are adopted. Additionally, the team works to increase community awareness of humane issues in the world of animal rescue through public meet and greets and other events. American Humane’s Feed the Hungry grant will help ARVSS continue to provide critical medical treatment to dogs in need, including lifesaving surgeries, even as they face financial setbacks in the face of the pandemic. Once treated, the dogs have a better chance of finding their forever homes.
To help shelters continue to save lives during this unprecedented crisis, consider donating today. Learn more at www.americanhumane.org/feedthehungry.
About American Humane
American Humane is the country’s first national humane organization. Founded in 1877, American Humane is committed to ensuring the safety, welfare, and well-being of animals, and our leadership programs are first to serve in promoting and nurturing the bonds between animals and people. For more information or to support our work, please visit www.americanhumane.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
