Sixty-nine formerly homeless pets—including Herman, a 100-pound Great Pyrenees dog, and Alina, a two-pound black kitten—are in new homes today after being adopted through the annual Dumb Friends League’s Pledges for Pets Telethon, held Jan. 30. Hundreds of people responded to the five-hour live broadcast on FOX31 by visiting the League’s two shelters and taking home a pet or by calling in pledges to help the 101-year old local, nonprofit humane society.
In addition to promoting pets for adoption, the telethon featured the League’s community services, including providing safe havens for lost pets; receiving relinquished pets; investigating animal abuse and neglect; offering humane education in area schools; and providing donor-subsidized spay/neuter clinics in underserved parts of metro Denver .
Telethon viewers called or e-mailed pledges that reflected the organization’s value to the community. In all, more than $300,000 was raised—an all time record amount.
“We sincerely thank all those who pledged their support during the telethon,” said Bob Rohde, Dumb Friends League president and CEO. Rohde also extended his thanks to the event’s generous sponsors, including FOX31, Hill’s Science Diet, HomeAgain and KOSI 101, for helping push the annual fundraiser to new levels.
Funds raised during the telethon help the private organization care for roughly 30 percent of the metro Denver area’s lost and relinquished cats and dogs. More than 18,000 pets were saved last year alone.
Animal lovers who missed the telethon can still make a pledge online at ddfl.org or by calling (303) 751-5772 through Feb. 14. For more information about the Dumb Friends League, visit ddfl.org or call (303) 751-5772.
