In 2021, HuggleHounds® launched our Huggle Cause™ initiative, a celebration of the HuggleHounds® heart at the center of all we do, and included on every product we make. Given the pandemic and the resulting turbulence it created for so many around the world, our Heart felt more meaningful to us than ever before. Huggle Cause™ raises awareness of causes and initiatives near and dear to our hearts, as we select a special toy for your furry friends, and pair the toy with a nonprofit organization doing great work! For each toy sold, a portion of the proceeds are donated to the select nonprofit.
We kicked off the year by highlighting our friends at Warrior Canine Connection using our Limited Edition Labrador Retriever toys. These two adorable canines - one Black and one Yellow - were only available for a short time as they debuted our Huggle Cause™ and paid homage to service dogs the world over. WCC is especially important to HuggleHounds®, as we’ve worked with them for a number of years and greatly admire their mission. A pioneering organization that utilizes clinically-based Animal Assisted Therapy to help wounded Warriors reconnect with life, their families, their communities and each other, WCC enlists recovering Warriors in a therapeutic mission of learning to train service dogs for their fellow Veterans. By interacting with the dogs from puppyhood to training to adult service dogs, Warrior Trainers benefit from a physiological and psychological animal-human connection. As a result of their efforts, Veterans with disabilities receive the finest in trained service dogs. Stay tuned as we plan an exciting return of WCC-pups in 2022!
Please visit Warrior Canine Connection: http://warriorcanineconnection.org/
In February, our team selected House With A Heart Senior Pet Sanctuary. Using two seasonal heart-shaped toys, it served to remind us that while February may be National Heart Health month, there are efforts underway all across the country to mend the hearts of pets by giving them a healthy, heart-filled home. Sanctuary residents are dogs and cats who have lost families and homes, often due to an owner's passing, and because of their advanced age and medical condition, have less chance of being adopted. Once a dog becomes a resident, they have a loving home for life. The Sanctuary's mission is to provide a ''Helping Hand" for senior pets. For the residents, the Sanctuary provides, love, affection and shelter. Dogs receive medical care as needed, such as diagnostic screenings, dental care, surgery, and medications. For senior dogs, the sanctuary provides another helping hand by encouraging others to provide forever homes through the House with a Heart ''Sanctuary of Your Own" program.
Learn more by visiting: https://housewithaheart.com/
Our March donation was directed to VCA Charities, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to helping pets in need receive access to care. Since 2005, VCA Charities has provided free veterinary services, medication, food, and financial support to more than 100 nonprofit shelters and animal welfare organizations in local communities and across the nation. Together with individuals like you, VCA Charities makes a better world for pets-and the people who love them.
To learn more, please visit: https://vcahospitals.com/in-the-community/vca-charities
April is Autism Awareness Month, and HuggleHounds® took the opportunity to work with NEADS World Class Service Dogs. For children with autism or other developmental disabilities, a NEADS Service Dog can make all the difference. NEADS Service Dogs are trained in a variety of tasks that can address a range of symptoms, behaviors and issues caused by a child’s autism. This task work can help with the child’s socialization skills, behavioral skills, and fine and gross motor skills. NEADS Service Dogs for Children with Autism are selected for their special chemistry with children. All NEADS Service Dogs are gentle, tolerant and well-trained, but each has its own personality that can be matched with an appropriate child. Some children may benefit from a dog that seeks out attention and elicits play. Other children may require a quiet, somewhat reserved dog to make them feel more comfortable. The type of dog that best suits a child’s needs is determined during the interview process.
To learn more, visit https://neads.org/
In May and June, HuggleHounds® saluted Humane Rescue Alliance, a not-for-profit organization in DC that provides direct rescue and care of animals in need, cruelty investigations and local animal control services, robust regional community support programs, and a premier transport program that works to solve pet overpopulation. After merging with St. Hubert's animal welfare center in New Jersey, HRA has become the first regional, community-based, multi-state animal welfare organization in the nation. HRA promotes compassion and encourages people to find joy, comfort, and companionship through the love and appreciation of animals. Remarkably, last year, HRA saved 15,211 lives through adoption and transport, distributed more than 450,000 pet meals to low-income families, and HRA's field officers responded to more than 20,000 calls for help in NJ and DC. HRA protects animals, supports families, and advocates for positive change to create a world where all animals can thrive.
Learn more by visiting https://www.humanerescuealliance.org/
Over the summer of 2021, Huggle Cause™ is supporting Living Free, a 501(c)3 nonprofit animal sanctuary whose primary mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome dogs and cats whose time is up at public shelters. Nestled in the mountains of Southern California, they have created a refuge for animals in need of a second chance. With an expansive 155 acres, their property gives animals the necessary space to revitalize, run and live free. Living Free is also home to War Horse Creek, an immersive transition training program using rescued wild mustangs to assist veterans as they adjust to civilian life. War Horse Creek will be launching publicly later in 2021. Living Free is a home for all, a place where you can hear animals playing, people laughing and hearts healing. They are dependent upon adoptions, volunteers and donations to continue their life-saving work.
Please make sure to visit https://living-free.org/ to see how you can help.
Stay tuned as our Huggle Cause™ continues throughout the year!