ZOOTOO TO THE RESCUE!

Zootoo’s Founder, Richard Thompson, had a dream – a dream to help America’s needy animal shelters. In October 2007, Richard, together with his ‘animal lovers’ website Zootoo.com, launched the first ever shelter makeover contest, in which a deserving shelter would be awarded a makeover valued at up to one million dollars. Over 3,000 packages were sent to shelters across the country, but only 947 took the challenge and signed up – Little Shelter was one of the 947 shelters. And so began the six months of competing in the hopes that Little Shelter would become the lucky recipient of the million dollar shelter makeover.

Stage one of the contest encompassed points earning. Points were earned by having supporters not only join Zootoo.com, but also by reviewing animal related products and services, and commenting on animal news articles. This stage of the contest ended on March 31st, putting the 20 shelters with the highest points into stage two. Little Shelter finished 4th in the nation and was the highest ranking New York shelter at this stage.

Little Shelter was the first shelter to be toured by Richard Thompson and the Zootoo crew, kicking off stage two of the contest, as they embarked on a tour of all top 20 shelters. They came to see what Little Shelter was all about, and show them what we’re all about is exactly what we did. We know they were impressed as they toured the shelter and were given a comprehensive overview of all the wonderful programs we offer. Local politicians including Town of Huntington Supervisor, Frank Petrone, Senator Carl Marcellino and Suffolk County Legislator, Steve Stern, were on hand to show their support, as were many members of the public.

Finally it was time for the announcement of the top 3 contenders. As representatives from the top 20 shelters in the Zootoo.com Shelter Makeover contest stood together on stage at the Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando on May 15, they looked and felt like one big family. Although most had never met before, a very strong connection was felt, knowing that each and every one of them had devoted their lives to helping homeless animals. It was no easy feat attaining top 20 status, but as Richard Thompson stated at a dinner he hosted the night before, there could only be one winner of the grand prize, but we were ALL winners.

There was not a dry eye in the house as clips from the shelter tours were played. As each shelter representative was called to the stage, friends and supporters in the audience felt their hearts burst with pride. Then, with nervous anticipation, we waited for the announcement of the top 3. Richard then called out the names of The SPCA of Ohio Valley, Stray Rescue of St. Louis and Jefferson County SPCA. Although Little Shelter’s name was not called, we were absolutely thrilled for the lucky three shelters. We knew that they were all very deserving, and that it didn’t matter who won, because in the big scheme of things ANIMALS won! No shelter in the top 20 walked away empty handed. The remaining 17 shelters received $5,000 and were surprised with an additional $1,000 from Pedigree.

The winning shelter was announced live on the Mike & Juliet show on May 21st, and Little Shelter would like to congratulate Stray Rescue of St. Louis. We know that their makeover, valued at up to one million dollars, will enable them to continue doing great things to help homeless animals.

The Zootoo experience has been wonderful and positive for Little Shelter. The contest has bought us closer together with our community, increased our networking with other shelters nationwide, and made more people aware of the great work we do. We received great publicity with stories in the New York Times, Daily News, New York Post and many local newspapers, as well as news coverage on ABC Eyewitness News, NBC and Long Island News Tonight. Zootoo has also made had a huge impact on the animal welfare movement. Thanks to Zootoo, more people are now aware of where their local animal shelter is, the benefits of adopting a companion, and how to be a responsible pet owner.

Little Shelter is honored to have been able to take part in this contest, and we look forward to seeing the many great things that Zootoo has planned to help homeless animals in the future.