In honor of National Rescue Dog Day, Bob’s contributed a Random Act of Kindness donation to support the Valley Shore Animal Welfare League near the brand’s New London, Connecticut store.
This donation was inspired by a grassroots fundraiser held by the Bob’s New London store team during the 2023 holiday season.
Store manager, Heather Petrarca, said the store location has been fundraising for various charities every year. “As a team, we voted to determine what type of charitable giving we were going to do in 2023 and the animal shelter won the vote,” she explained. “Everyone gave what they could. We ended up having enough to purchase the most expensive item on the shelter’s wish list, which was an outdoor kennel.”
“I am always so moved to learn about acts like this,” said Bob’s Discount Furniture Regional Manager, Melissa Ortins. “One of Bob’s core values is giving back to the community so I am not surprised to know the store team did this but I am certainly inspired by their commitment to others, especially animals in need.”
Shelter Director Delilah Lord expressed her gratitude for the outdoor kennel and additional donation. “We were surprised last year when we got the call, and we really needed it and I was just over the moon,” she said.
Delilah noted that the Valley Shore Animal Welfare League has housed as many as 20 dogs at a time, many with medical bills in addition to basic care needs. For example, Charlie, an eight-year-old rescue, has been at the shelter more than a year and has needed more than $3,000 in medical care.
In addition to the contributions to the Valley Shore Animal Welfare League, Bob’s donated sofas to Pack Leaders Rescue of Connecticut as well as contributed Random Acts of Kindness donations of $2,500 each to Hearts of Hope Dog Rescue in Michigan, PALS Animal Shelter in Missouri, and Fancy Cats & Dogs Rescue Team in Indiana.
