An outstanding rescue and recovery story of a sweet Labrador Retriever name Pepper recently won the 1st place prize in a competition conducted by Purina Pro Plan and Rally to Rescue. As indicated by a MarketWatch.com report, Sheryl Hogan rescued the abandoned dog and her Den Animal Rescue team was honored with the grand prize in recognition of the efforts they put in to get Pepper back on her feet. When Sheryl found Pepper abandoned on the road in February 2010, she refused to leave the devastated dog alone and made certain that Pepper got all the professional medical in addition to emotional attention she deserved to bring her back to normal.
How Sheryl Hogan found Pepper
Pepper was thrown from a car and deserted on the highway. Sheryl happened to observe this terrible incident on a cold February day as she was driving back after rescuing animals slated to be euthanized. If not for Sheryl, Pepper would not have managed to make it through the freezing wintry day on her own. Sheryl rescued Pepper and went to the vet only to discover that Pepper had encountered many fractures as well as hip dysphasia. Pepper also exhibited signs of acute hair loss from malnutrition and parasites. Pepper had been through a lot of emotional trauma, and was incredibly untrusting and frightened.
Pepper’s winning battle against all odds
Sheryl knew that Pepper really needed emotional and physical treatment for a long period. She chose to take care of Pepper herself versus handing her over to foster homes. Sheryl sat by Pepper for several months and talked to her each day before she slowly began accepting affection through a labrador gift and gained trust. At first frightened of the smallest sounds, Pepper soon found her stride and became a happy pooch. Pepper is now a permanent member of the Hogan family. Pepper is also an important part of Hogan’s animal rescue shelter. This impressive account of inner strength as well as determination to survive is a ray of hope for many other pet lovers.
How Rally to Rescue and Purina Pro Plan help
More than 60 tales were sent in to the judging panel that narrowed it down to ten finalists. More than twelve thousand votes were taken from June through October who concluded that Pepper’s story of endurance was a source of inspiration. Pepper and Sheryl will be recognized on Thanksgiving Day before the National Dog Show. The winning duo will also receive exclusive backstage tours and tickets. Together with a personal interaction with noted dog expert David Frei, Sheryl’s Den Animal Rescue will also receive $5,000 worth pet food coupons from Purina Pro Plan to assist with providing a healthy eating plan to the rescued animals.
Purina Pro Plan expressed their appreciation in rewarding such acts of courage and also commitment. Calling this story a glowing illustration of pet rescue, the contest is an attempt to honor establishments that work towards a better life for abandoned pets through adoptions and volunteering. The Rally to Rescue is a part of a pet rescue plan set up by Purina Pro Plan and has helped more than 400,000 pets find a nurturing home. The group also has contributed over $1 million to the program during the last two years.
