The Petco Foundation Honors Southern Pines Animal Shelter

This is a press release from Petco Foundation.

HATTIESBURG, MS - The Petco Foundation recently honored Southern Pines Animal Shelter at the foundation’s annual awards gala on June 8th. Southern Pines was presented with the Paul Jolly Compassion Award, which recognizes organizations whose passion for animals moved them to make a difference.

The Petco Foundation gathered more than 450 guests at this year’s “Celebration of Love” Lifesaving Awards, which recognized seven organizations and individuals from across the country for their dedication, determination and actions to create lifesaving impact for pets in need.

Southern Pines Animal Shelter was honored for proving that saving shelter animals is possible everywhere in the United States. Southern Pines led a dramatic shift in saving animal lives by implementing a variety of programs and transforming their relationship with the community. Southern Pines has over a 95 percent lifesaving rate for Hattiesburg’s homeless pets and is now saving animals in surrounding communities.

“The Petco Foundation’s Lifesaving Awards are a way to celebrate and recognize the incredible, lifesaving work that takes place across the country,” said Susanne Kogut, president of the Petco Foundation. “The individuals and organizations honored this year are changing the landscape of animal welfare and setting an example for others. We’re grateful for all they do to save lives and are thrilled to bring their work into the spotlight.”

“It’s such an incredible honor to be recognized for the work Southern Pines is doing for the cats and dogs across Mississippi,” said shelter director, Ginny Sims. “It’s truly a testament to the amazing things our community can accomplish for animals in need when we all work together. We just want to thank our volunteers, fosters, donors, and supporters for investing in our mission and working alongside us so that together we can save more lives than ever before.”