The extraordinary rescue and recovery account of a charming Labrador Retriever name Pepper recently won the first place prize in a competition conducted by Purina Pro Plan and Rally to Rescue. As stated in a MarketWatch.com report, Sheryl Hogan rescued the abandoned pooch and her Den Animal Rescue team was awarded the grand prize in recognition of the hard work they put in to get Pepper back on her feet. When Sheryl found Pepper abandoned on the road in February 2010, she refused to leave the traumatized pooch alone and ensured that Pepper got all of the professional medical and emotional attention she deserved to bring her back to normal.   

How Sheryl Hogan found Pepper

Pepper was tossed from a car and abandoned on the highway. Sheryl happened to watch this alarming incident on a snowy February day as she was driving back after rescuing animals slated to be put down. If not for Sheryl, Pepper would not have lived through the cold wintry day on her own. Sheryl rescued Pepper and traveled to the vet only to find out that Pepper had suffered several fractures and hip dysphasia. Pepper also exhibited signs of considerable hair loss from malnutrition and parasites. Pepper had suffered a lot of psychological trauma, and was tremendously untrusting and apprehensive.

Pepper’s winning battle against all odds

Sheryl knew that Pepper really needed emotional and physical care for a long amount of time. She resolved to care for Pepper herself instead of just giving her over to foster homes. Sheryl sat by Pepper for months and talked to her each day before she slowly but surely started accepting affection through labrador retriever gifts and gained trust. In the beginning afraid of the smallest noises, Pepper ultimately found her stride and became a very happy dog. Pepper has become a permanent member of the Hogan household. Pepper is also an important part of Hogan’s animal rescue shelter. This beautiful story of inner strength and determination to survive is a ray of hope for other pet devotees.

How Rally to Rescue and Purina Pro Plan help

Over sixty articles were provided to the judging panel that narrowed it down to 10 final contestants. More than 12,000 votes were taken from June through October who agreed that Pepper’s story of endurance was a source of inspiration.  Pepper and Sheryl will be recognized on Thanksgiving Day before the National Dog Show. The winning pair will also get exclusive backstage tours and tickets. As well as a personal interaction with well-known dog expert David Frei, Sheryl’s Den Animal Rescue also will receive $5,000 worth pet food coupons from Purina Pro Plan to aid in providing a healthy eating plan to the rescued animals.

Purina Pro Plan expressed their thanks in rewarding such acts of bravery and courage along with commitment. Calling this adventure a beautiful illustration of pet rescue, the contest is an attempt to honor teams that work towards a better life for abandoned pets through adoptions and volunteering. The Rally to Rescue is an integral part of a pet rescue project organized by Purina Pro Plan and has helped over 400,000 pets get a supportive home. The organization has additionally donated over $1 million to the project in the last two years.

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