| Press Release | Source: The Friends of Amigo Foundation |
Friends of Amigo Foundation Joins Forces with the Humane Society of the United States to Benefit Hurricane Katrina Animal Rescue Fund
Thursday September 1, 9:04 am ET
"It was a natural evolution to create these CauseCollars so that animals themselves could champion their own welfare," says Frances Hayward, President of the Friends of Amigo Foundation. "In this time of incredible need, we're grateful to be able to help support the people and animals of the Gulf Coast region."
Stephanie Shain, Director of Outreach for Companion Animals at The HSUS, adds, "The Humane Society of the United States is always ready to respond to natural disasters such as this. And to help with our efforts, we plan to donate all initial proceeds from the sale of the CauseCollars to The HSUS Disaster Services program. That way, the 'Be Kind' collar will help the animal victims of Hurricane Katrina and other disasters."
A companion "Be Kind" human bracelet to benefit Animal Rescue Fund (ARF) of the Hamptons' animal welfare disaster relief campaign will be available at the ARF website: http://www.arfhamptons.org .
Numerous animals have been affected by the hurricane, with reports indicating that many have been separated from their human companions. The HSUS has worked to help place adoptable animals evacuated into adoption programs in Texas and surrounding areas, and currently has teams assisting animal victims in Mississippi. The HSUS expects to be deployed in the affected areas for the foreseeable future.
About Amigo and the Friends of Amigo Foundation
The inspiration for these collars came from a young mixed breed dog named 'Amigo,' a former stray "potcake" from Grand Bahama Island who was rescued by benefactor Frances Hayward. Starving and diseased, Amigo was just three months old when he was found. Rehabilitated and nurtured, he epitomizes a true rags-to-riches story, going on to 'stardom' in his native Bahamas by serving as the poster boy for the local Humane Society of Grand Bahama and ultimately becoming a media star, as the 'face' of the Bahamian "potcake." (Potcake, the Bahamian term for mongrel dogs, refers to the cake that forms at the bottom of the pot of 'peas and rice,' a Bahamian staple, which is typically fed to dogs throughout the Caribbean.)
From the moment he was rescued, Amigo exhibited a clearly special intelligence, personality and confidence and in the loving care of Ms. Hayward, his natural charms have flourished. Now residing primarily in New York City (but ever loyal to his Bahamian roots), Amigo's adorable looks, sweet, extroverted personality as well as his tremendous charisma have made him the perfect poster boy for this collaboration of the Friends of Amigo Foundation and The Humane Society of the United States on behalf of animals everywhere.
Amigo has been the recipient of the "Ambassador of Goodwill" award by the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons (ARF), in Southampton, New York, presented by film star Alec Baldwin. His photograph has appeared in the Sunday New York Times and many other publications. Amigo has also served as the Goodwill Ambassador for the Grand Bahama Humane Society. The Friends of Amigo Foundation was formed to champion animal welfare issues.
About The Humane Society of the United States
The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization representing more than nine million members and constituents. The non-profit organization is a mainstream voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals and equine protection, disaster preparedness and response, wildlife and habitat protection, animals in research and farm animal welfare. The HSUS protects all animals through education, investigation, litigation, legislation, advocacy, and field work. The group is based in Washington and has numerous field representatives across the country.
Be Kind CauseCollars can be purchased online at http://www.hsus.org after September 6th. Until the end of September, proceeds from the sale of the Be Kind CauseCollars will go towards The HSUS's Disaster Services program. Subsequent sales will support companion animal programs of The HSUS.
CauseCollar(TM) is a trademark of The Humane Society of the United States.
Source: The Friends of Amigo Foundation
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