By Shelby Clark
Tail Wagger's 1990, a non-profit organization that works for animal welfare, recently won one of ten $10,000 grants. The money comes from the "Purely for Pets Holiday Wishes Grant Campaign" sponsored by Ellen Degeneres, Halo, and the Petco Foundation. Over 4,500 applicants applied to the contest, which was created to award non-profits who saved animals and gave them homes by the holidays.
Tail Wagger's 1990 was the only Michigan organization to win one of the prizes.
Based out of Livonia, the organization entered the contest with "For The Love of Hope," a story about the journey of a seven-month old kitten they received in Sept. of 2013. The cat had burns covering her entire back, ears burnt to nubs, and other signs of long-term torture.
The story received publicity ranging from Huffington Post to a Facebook page that received donations from other countries, including Germany and the United Kingdom.
After a 95 day long recovery process, which included intensive procedures at Michigan State University, Hope found a home with one of Tail Wagger's local supporters. The story can be found by looking for "For the Love of Hope" on www.youtube.com.
Tail Wagger's 1990 plans to use the unrestricted funds to fund multiple problems to benefit area pets, including a possible spay/neuter clinic open by March. The organization also will put money to The Hope Fund, a program to help animals in need of critical care.
Tail Wagger's 1990, dedicated to "helping people help animals," is located at 28402 Five Mile Road, Livonia. For more information on donating or visiting the organization, call 734-855-4077 or visit http://www.tailwaggers1990.org. A blog about Hope's journey can be found on the website.
