OPA helps Lily, Pit Bull Ambassador celebrate her birthday by giving dogs a second chance

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- The Woodlands' goodwill canine ambassador and therapy dog, Lily, celebrated her third birthday last week in a huge way. Three years ago, Lily was surrendered to a local shelter after having been discarded by a breeder that didn’t like her markings. Fortunately, she was given a second chance. Lily was not only adopted by a loving forever family but has gone on to become a therapy dog who is very active in our community. In addition to conducting weekly visits with elderly residents, some of whom suffer from Alzheimer’s, she hosts collection drives to help people and pets. Lily also advocates responsible pet ownership and safety around dogs through public awareness events and presentations.

On Wednesday, January 15, Lily gave the “Gift of a Second Chance” to 10 at risk dogs from MCAS by sponsoring their transport to the Dakin Pioneer Humane Society in Dakin, Massachusetts, where they will have a 99.9% chance of being adopted. The transport is one of Operation Pets Alive, a Woodlands based 501(c)3 non-profit, flagship programs. Lily chose to team up with Operation Pets Alive after seeing the incredible impact they have made in the community. After meeting with OPA president, Marcia Piotter, Lily found that they share the same goals of promoting responsible pet ownership, educating the public about adopting shelter pets, spaying and neutering, and helping make a positive difference for shelter pets in the community.

“Lily’s Birthday Gift ~ Transport #82” departed from Best Friends Pet Resort after a birthday celebration that included cake for the fosters and volunteers attending, goodies for the dogs being transported and lots of pictures. Each transport dog received a special tennis ball toy and bandana from Lily commemorating their journey and a personally pawtographed letter to their adopters, letting them know that these “Dixie Dogs” (as they are affectionately known in the northeast) are indeed special pups. As they boarded the transport, the volunteers affectionately kissed and hugged their fosters goodbye, gave them their personal toys and treats to enjoy their ride, and wished them and the transporters well. Peruse pictures of Lily’s party on Facebook.

After three days and several Twitter updates on the status of the dogs’ journey, news came of the dogs’ arrival in Massachusetts on Saturday. Lily’s friends received a rock star welcome and their story even aired on the local news with coverage by Channel 22 announcing the arrival of the “Dixie Dogs.” For these dogs and the others on the transport, a happily ever after is almost surely guaranteed, many maybe within a week.

Now the community has an opportunity to help more homeless dogs from the shelter. Sadly, many of Lily’s friends from the shelter were not able to make the journey due to illness or lack of funding. There is a new group of pups ready for transport but in need of funds. The good news is that they have an opportunity to board the next transport, which departs on Wednesday, January 29 if sufficient funds are raised on their behalf. Lily is asking her friends and the community to help her continue giving the “Gift of a Second Chance” to more shelter dogs by making a donation to fund their transport. An individual dog can be sponsored for $200, although partial donations in any amount are accepted. According to Lily, just like random acts of kindness, “No donation is ever too small, especially when it will be used to save a life!” Donations should be made directly to Operation Pets Alive through their PayPal account. Credit and debit cards are accepted as well. Please click on the plus sign to add a note in the “Add special instructions to seller” field stating “for Lily’s friend”, and the name of a specific dog to sponsor if desired. On departure day each of “Lily’s friends” will receive a special bandana commemorating their journey and thanking their sponsor(s).

OPA is a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) corporation. Donations to OPA are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by U.S. law. Please consider asking your employer for any corporate matching programs available. As of the end of September 2013, Operation Pets Alive has transported over 1,055 animals, adopted over 876 animals, assisted with the distribution of over 1,470 spay/neuter vouchers and TBR’s over 394 cats/kittens. Operation Pets Alive has several flagship programs that are significant because they reduce shelter intake and increase live release of animals. These include a targeted spay-and-neuter for large dogs; transports of long-term at risk shelter dogs to organizations in northern states via the P.E.T.S. truck transport or by Cloud Nine’s small plane for Flight for Life; Foster and Adoption Program, and a Trap-Neuter-Return for feral cats.

Operation Pets Alive and Lily, Pit Bull Ambassador & Therapy Dog can both be found and followed on Facebook.