Abused Animals Get a Second Chance at Life

Iams Home 4 the Holidays Program Launches Annual Adoption Program

Iams^® Home 4 the Holidays (H4TH), one of the most successful pet adoption programs in the world, recently launched their annual adoption program, announcing their most aggressive goal to date: find loving homes for at least one million animals between Oct. 1, 2008 and Jan. 5, 2009.

Desperate Housewives Star Partners with Iams Adoption Campaign

To help accomplish this goal and to bring greater awareness to pet homelessness, H4TH has partnered with award-winning actress Felicity Huffman (best known for her role on Desperate Housewives) to serve as its North American Ambassador.

Unfortunately, some of the animals adopted from shelters participating in the H4TH program come from abused backgrounds, but have gotten a second chance at life and love because of people who have opened their hearts and homes to these animals in need.

Saving Sevi

Sevi, a two-year-old Border collie, was horribly abused as a puppy: her abusers duct taped her snout shut and would tear off the fur on her muzzle when they removed the tape; they also broke her tail. Sevi was taken in by Border Collie Rescue in Ohio, and was soon adopted by a loving family. They knew they had to have Sevi when she rolled over to let them to rub her belly and then covered them with kisses.

Zoey’s Transformation

Zoey, a two-year-old collie mix, was rescued from an animal shelter in West Virginia. Her previous owner had abused her, and Zoey was scared and aggressive—and often growled—when first adopted. After she learned her new owners were not abusers, Zoey opened up and now cries with excitement when one of her owners returns home from work.

A Second Chance for Oliver

Oliver, a two-year-old mixed breed dog, was also successfully adopted through the H4TH program. Also abused as a young puppy, Oliver is scared of strangers—especially those wearing hats—but warmed up quickly. His owners describe him as the “love of their lives” and are proud of his ability to shake paw, roll over and balance a cookie on his snout.

Sevi, Zoey and Oliver’s stories are just a sampling of the success of the Iams H4TH program. The campaign has helped more than two million families adopt a pet, including nearly 500,000 pet adoptions last year alone.

Adopt an Orphaned Pet

The H4TH campaign brings together approximately 3,000 pet adoption centers as part of this program to raise awareness on pet adoption. Potential pet owners considering adopting are encouraged to visit animal shelters and rescues to adopt their new fuzzy friend.

Families that adopt a dog, puppy, cat or kitten will receive an Iams Adoption Kit as part of the program, which contains tips and information on pet care, behavior, training and nutrition, along with coupons for other pet services. To learn more, visit www.iamshome4theholidays.com.

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