April 12, 2012
Earlier this week, we wrote about the major success of the first-ever ASPCA Mega Match-a-thon. Over the weekend of March 30, more than 6,000 animals found homes, thanks to the collaboration of 200+ rescue groups in 53 communities across the country.
In total, the ASPCA granted $492,250 to support the nationwide adoption event, and we couldn’t be happier with the results.
Emily Klehm, executive director of South Suburban Humane Society (SSHS) in Chicago Heights, Illinois, told us that SSHS adopted out two of its long-term foster residents, Bob the Coonhound and Pippen, a black Lab mix, and took in over $3,000 in donations. Over the weekend, SSHS also found a home for St. Louis, an abandoned Shih Tzu. “St. Louis was tied to the door of the shelter about a month ago,” Emily writes. “He was so horribly matted that the mats were tearing his skin, and he had open, infected wounds.”
After a month of much-needed TLC, St. Louis made his first public appearance during the Match-a-thon. “A woman and her teenage daughter brought their perfectly groomed—complete with pink bows—Shih Tzu to meet St. Louis,” Emily explains. “They got along like long-lost siblings, and the family adopted him. They promptly went to buy a carrying bag and bows for his hair as well. So, he is literally going from the worst of lives to the best of lives.”
Angela Speed of the Wisconsin Humane Society told us her organization had set a weekend goal of 150 adoptions. A special-needs Shepherd mix named Dolly took home the honor of being the 150th adoption. “We were so delighted and surprised that, in a sea of puppies, one special couple chose her over every other dog,” says Angela. “They had been watching her on our website all weekend and decided to come in on Sunday morning to meet her. They have a quiet home and lots of time to dote on Dolly. She may only live a few years, but she will have a life full of love and joy.”
Check out some of the amazing notes we received in the days following the event!
It’s hard for me to express in all the right words what it meant to us to be grant recipients from the ASPCA, and to have your support and confidence that we could do this. Thank you on behalf of all of us here at SCHS, all the groups that were so touched to be participating, and ALL those wonderful cats and dogs who found forever homes this weekend.
Julia, Scott County Humane Society
Georgetown, KY
Sixteen shelters in Southern California participated in the ASPCA Mega Match-a-thon, and we DOUBLED the numbers from the same weekend last year. We had a tremendous outpouring of enthusiasm from shelter staff, the public and the press—it's been a virtual love fest!
Melanie, Bark Avenue Foundation
Studio City, CA
We would like to thank the ASPCA for your sponsorship and support. Your guidance has been crucial in making this event a success—and a real success it was!
Danijela, Humane Society of Greater Miami
Miami, FL
Thanks to the generous grant from the ASPCA, the Austin Humane Society was able to orchestrate an absolutely wonderful event, and I am happy to report we exceeded our goal of 200 adoptions!
Rachel, Austin Humane Society
Austin, TX
A big thank you to the ASPCA for providing our groups the opportunity to be a part of this great event. Our kennels are pretty bare this morning!
Debbie, Augusta SPCA
Augusta, VA
The icing on the cake was that 10-year-old, sight-impaired Mario was the final adoption. He was all by himself in the puppy room looking very sad and lonely. Now he and 303 other deserving souls are happy, comfortable and, no doubt, being showered with love in their new homes. Who needs Mega Millions when we have Mega Match-a-thon??!!
Denise, Jacksonville Humane Society
Jacksonville, FL
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