Wednesday, February 10, 2016 – New York, NY – In advance of next week’s 140th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, today, 10 loveable rescue dogs strutted their stuff at “Best in Rescue,” an event featuring a representative sample of the amazing dogs available for adoption from shelters and rescue organizations in New York City. Sponsored by the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals (Alliance) and Bideawee, the event, held at the Bideawee shelter in Manhattan, focused attention on the critical need for pet adoption.
Jane Hoffman, Alliance President, said, “All of today’s participating pooches are winners because of their unique and endearing qualities. Each deserves and needs a loving forever home. I encourage New Yorkers who are looking for a family pet to choose adoption. Parents looking to introduce an animal companion into their family have the important opportunity to show their children how adoption plays a significant role in saving the life of a vulnerable pet. I’d like to thank Bideawee and, of course, today’s ‘Best in Rescue’ stars for helping us shine a spotlight on the importance of adoption.”
Dolores Swirin-Yao, President of Bideawee, added, “We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the Alliance to showcase the amazing qualities of our ‘Best in Rescue’ dogs. We like to think of our pups as the ‘full package.’ More than just a pretty face (although their cuteness is undeniable), shelter dogs are affectionate, smart, and make wonderful pets. Many thanks to the Alliance for joining us in celebrating the animals who will go on to provide joy, comfort, and lifelong companionship to their future families.”
Participating pooches, who each took home a special “Best in Rescue” ribbon, included:
 Best EarsCarmen, a five-month-old Terrier mix, is timid at first, but once she feels comfortable, she enjoys snuggling and her joyful attitude shines through. |
 Best Fetch PlayerSara Kay is a fantastic seven-month-old Terrier mix who is smart, confident, social, active, friendly, and loves attention. This affectionate pooch loves playing with other dogs. |
 Best Special Needs PupLacey, an adorable five-month-old long-haired Chihuahua mix, is living with a heart defect. |
 Best Loyal FriendPenny Lou is a cute and gentle long-haired Chihuahua mix of eight years. Since she came to Bideawee, being loved became a new signification in her life. Penny Lou is very timid and needs some time to feel comfortable. However, once her trust is gained, she is incredibly sweet, loving, and loyal. |
 Best ListenerMitzi is a gorgeous three-month-old Boxer mix who is timid at first, yet very affectionate and sweet. This adorable pup loves company, has a big heart and is in need of attention and love. |
 Best WaggerA Chihuahua mix of two months, adorable Noel is bright, active, and playful, yet very loving. In addition, she is affectionate and absolutely loves getting attention! This sweetheart is friendly with other dogs. |
 Best EyesLibby is a gentle, three-year-old Basset Hound mix with irresistible brown eyes who would be good around children. |
 Best CharmerCami is a six-month-old Siberian Husky mix boasting a snow white coat and charcoal nose. She is looking for a home that can dedicate the whole day to her. |
 Best Lap DoggieShy at first, Penny is an adorable Chihuahua mix of two years. This little pup is very shy, but once she feels comfortable, she is truly amazing. She is loving, gentle, joyful, and in need of lots of love and attention. |
 Best Puppy FaceA sublime two-month-old Terrier mix puppy, Tater wins over everyone’s heart. He is extremely sweet and loving. Social and curious, Tater is also an affectionate pup. He likes playing and cuddling and is friendly with other dogs. |
Hoffman and Swirin-Yao stressed four good reasons for adopting a family pet from a shelter or rescue group instead of purchasing from a pet store or irresponsible breeder:
- Shelters and rescue groups know their animals’ personalities and are great at matching pets with prospective owners.
- Adopting a pet from a shelter or rescue group avoids supporting puppy mills, which breed animals under cruel and deplorable conditions.
- Shelters and rescue groups offer a wide variety of breeds and mixes, including many pure breeds.
- Rescue pets have already been spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and many have been microchipped; and adoption fees generally are considerably lower than fees charged by pet stores and breeders.
If you would like to adopt any of the dogs above, please visit: www.bideawee.org/Adopt-Search
About the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals®
The Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals® is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity that works with more than 150 partner rescue groups and shelters to offer important programs and services that save the lives of NYC’s homeless animals. We are supported entirely by donations from foundations, corporations, and individuals and receive no government funding. Since our founding in 2003, we have remained committed to transforming New York City into a community where no dogs or cats of reasonable health and temperament will be killed merely because they do not have homes. www.AnimalAllianceNYC.org
About Bideawee
Bideawee, which means “stay awhile,” in Scottish, is one of the country’s oldest and most respected animal welfare and pet adoption organizations. Founded in 1903, Bideawee has been cultivating and supporting the lifelong relationships between pets and the people that love them for more than 100 years. Bideawee provides an array of high touch services including adoption centers, animal hospitals, pet therapy programs, and pet memorial parks that serve pets and pet lovers on their lifelong journey together. Bideawee is a not-for-profit 501(c) 3 humane animal organization and 100% of Bideawee’s funding comes from private sources. Bideawee operates one facility in New York City and two on Long Island, one in Wantagh, and one in Westhampton. www.bideawee.org
Media Contacts
Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals
Colleen Roche, LAK Public Relations, Inc.
Phone: (212) 575-4545
E-mail: croche@lakpr.com
Bideawee
Melissa Treuman
Phone: 1-866-262-8133
E-mail: melissa.treuman@bideawee.org
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