PET AGE Presents
Ovations Philanthropy Award
Erin Fitzpatrick, owner of Tracks (Batesville, Ind.), in April
was named the winner of the first PET AGE Ovations Award for
her far-reaching efforts on behalf of homeless animals.
Fitzpatrick accepted the award, the grand prize in a yearlong
program to recognize pet industry professionals exemplifying
the spirit of philanthropy, in April during H.H. Backer’s
Pet Industry Spring Trade Show in Atlantic City, N.J.
“Erin’s advocacy work has effected social change
in her community,” said Elaine Fogel, an independent
consultant specializing in the nonprofit and services sector.
“It has affected all types of pets in Batesville and
beyond. Not only does Erin offer her own company’s services
pro bono, she also speaks to youth groups, affecting their
attitudes towards pet care and responsible ownership. The
end result of her work is impressive, especially the launch
of a spay/neuter program that should reduce the number of
pets requiring adoption.”
“We’re very pleased to present this award, the
first of its kind in the pet industry, to Erin,” said
Karen Long MacLeod, associate publisher/editor in chief of
PET AGE. “It just goes to show you don’t have
to be a big company to do big things.”
In addition to bringing Erin and her husband, Rob, to Atlantic
City for the presentation, PET AGE donated $350 to People
Assisting Animals In Need, a nonprofit animal welfare organization
that provides spay/neuter assistance to pet owners, and medical
care, foster care and adoption services for dogs and cats
in parts of Decatur, Franklin and Ripley counties in Indiana.
[June 2006 PET AGE]
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