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| Western PA Humane Society |
Western PA Humane Society's Shannon McCarthy and
visitor John Martin. |
If you'd like to help support your local animal shelter but aren't sure if you have the time or resources, consider helping a shelter win a million-dollar makeover*.
You needn't go further than your computer to help your shelter in Zootoo's online shelter makeover contest. Founded by pet lovers, Zootoo turns individual feedback on pet products, services and current pet news into points for competing shelters. Users select which shelter they'd like to support and then review and rate pet-related items to increase that shelter's chances of winning.
The winning shelter can earn a makeover valued at up to $1 million*. There also are 19 cash prizes available for other shelters in the running. Any sized shelter can win—but they need your points!
| Zootoo.com Update |
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Zootoo.com founder Richard Thompson will appear on the Ellen DeGeneres Show Wednesday, Jan. 9 to reveal the final outcome of the Monkey Run Project, a special rescue makeover that was presented on Ellen's Nov. 15 show to Janice Wolf of the Rocky Ridge Refuge in Monkey Run, Ark.
For the makeover, The Humane Society of the United States, Zootoo.com, The Ellen Show, workers and volunteers rebuilt a pole barn and storage building for the famous Watusi "Lurch" and more than 50 of his friends. |
A Shelter's Point of View
The Western Pennsylvania Humane Society is very excited to be a part of the Zootoo.com community, according to director of development Allison Sanders.
"We first entered the contest in the hopes of winning the shelter makeover or a sizable amount of cash but have since realized what a great resource Zootoo is for all animal lovers," she said. "We are still trying to win much-needed funds for our shelter, but we feel especially good about passing on the word about this site because it will help our supporters get information about products and services that will ultimately help their pets."
"The Zootoo makeover would mean so much for our shelter and our furry, four-legged residents," said Sanders. "The Western PA Humane Society is an open-door shelter which means we never turn away any animal for any reason. Last year, there were 13,242 animals brought to our shelter—and the number seems to rise every year. This makeover would allow us to expand our building and cage space so we could care for more of the deserving animals that come through our doors every year."
As of early January, 854 shelters were in the running for the makeover. Registration and point accumulation for the makeover search ends March 31, and a winner could be announced in May.
Share Your Points (And Appreciation)
"The shelter makeover contest is the perfect way to show your appreciation for your local animal shelter," said John Snyder, vice president of the Companion Animals section of The HSUS. "Joining Zootoo.com and earning points for the shelter of your choice is a free, easy way help make a million-dollar difference for a shelter in need."
When you register, you can earn 100 points for the shelter of your choice. Each review you write for pet products—from food to toys and accessories—can earn another 20 points. If you refer a friend to the site, you earn another 100 points. So while you scan Zootoo.com for suggestions on the best pet toys and healthiest food, you can give your shelter some thanks for all it does for animals in your community.
Zootoo suggests that you make it your monthly goal to refer the shelter makeover contest to five new people. You can even earn points by updating your profile with information and pictures of you and your pets.
Want to join in on the fun? Join Zootoo.com, or log in to your account to earn points for your favorite shelter today.
*Actual makeover value depends on the condition of the shelter and judgment of Zootoo House Inc.
Updated Jan. 7, 2008.
