2009 Iams Home 4 The Holidays Launches
Between October 1st 2009 and January 4th 2010, Iams Home 4 the Holidays (IH4TH) hopes to find homes for 1.5 million adoptable pets. Alongside more than three thousand animal organizations from around the world, Iams is working with two-time Academy Award®-winning actress Hilary Swank and founding partner Helen Woodward Animal Center. Over 3 million animals have found homes as a result of the program over the past decade.
Inspired by the success of the program, the company is joined by Swank to help shine a massive spotlight on the need for pet adoption. Joining Swank in the cause are her dogs Karoo and Rumi. Karoo, a Corgi-mix was rescued a few years ago from the roadside in South Africa and just last October, Swank adopted Rumi, a golden retriever-blend from a participating IH4TH animal shelter in Los Angeles.
"It’s so rewarding to look into an adopted animal’s eyes and see how thankful they are that you saved their life," said Swank. "I am a true believer in pet adoption and have rescued many animals throughout my life. I hope everyone will join our mission this holiday season so more pets can experience the gift of love and family."
"We couldn’t be happier that IH4TH has grown to include nearly 3,500 participating animal organizations from around the world, all dedicated to helping promote pet adoption," said Mike Arms, founder of IH4TH and president of Helen Woodward Animal Center. "There are millions of beautiful, amazing animals waiting families to love them and we want to help them find their forever home. The more foot traffic we can get into these organizations through awareness and education, the better, so these orphaned animals will no longer be homeless."
With as many as 8 million homeless animals in the United States alone, there is a significant need to educate people about the importance of pet adoption. IH4TH provides resources and tips to help new or soon-to-be pet parents make thoughtful and informed decisions about adoption. Every family who adopts a pet through the program will receive an Iams adoption kit and DVD loaded with important information about nutrition, training and proper care to ensure that the relationship with the new animal starts off on the right paw.
