Two local pet adopters’ stories selected as winners in annual Petco Love Stories campaign, surprising Shelter to Soldier, Inc. with $6,000 lifesaving grant award. Now Shelter to Soldier, Inc. Can Earn $25K More with Public’s Vote.
Oceanside CA— Shelter to Soldier, Inc. was surprised with a $6,000 check from Petco Love during a celebration at Petco today, all thanks to stories submitted by local residents Dustin Potash and Nicky Moore in the Petco Love Stories campaign.
Dustin and Nicky’s heartwarming stories of how their adopted dogs changed their lives were selected as two of 100 Love Stories winners from across the country this year. Now Shelter to Solider, Inc. can earn up to an additional $25,000, but they need the community’s support. From now through Dec. 15, noon CST, the public can vote for Shelter to Soldier, Inc. winning story in the People’s Choice competition at petcolove.org/lovestories.
“We are honored to be a recipient of Petco Love’s ongoing support, and tremendously thankful that two love stories of the Shelter to Soldier program will be highlighted at this celebration. Together with Petco Love, we are ‘Saving Lives, Two at a Time’ and creating significant change in the lives of veterans suffering from invisible wounds from combat, and homeless dogs without a voice,” said Kyrié Bloem, Cofounder and Vice President at Shelter to Soldier, Inc. “Now you can help us save even more pet lives by voting for our story in the People’s Choice competition.”
People’s Choice Competition: The top five stories with the most votes will earn additional grant funding from $5,000 to $25,000. The deadline to vote is December 15, 2021, noon CST. Winners will be announced before Christmas. To view all 101 stories and vote for a favorite, visit petcolove.org/lovestories.
Winning Stories
Dustin & Nigel
A veteran named Dustin was diagnosed with PTSD and depression after deployment and needed support to move forward in his life. Together with a service dog named Nigel, Dustin made strides toward healing and hope and embraced a fresh start.
Nicky & Moose
Moose is a retired service dog with an incredible career in helping veterans thrive through Shelter to Soldier. Today, he continues to make a difference to adults and children alike as a Canine Ambassador therapy dog, bringing caring and compassion to veterans and his local military community as a whole.
Since 2013, more than 20,000 adopters have shared how their pets have changed their lives in the annual campaign, with Petco Love, with partner BOBS from Skechers, granting nearly $7 million to the hardworking animal welfare organizations making these adoption matches possible. For more, visit petcolove.org/lovestories.