Help for animals can sometimes be found in surprising places. Here’s one:
Have you ever heard of Bissell…you know, the people who make vacuums and floor cleaning products?
Bissell has been around for 140 years, and, like most companies, its main mission has been to make and sell great products. But that objective has expanded to include animal welfare.
It all happened because of a hurricane and a beloved rescue dog.
Let me explain.
First, the hurricane
Cathy Bissell lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan. When Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana and stranded hundreds of thousands of animals, the Humane Society in Grand Rapids was among the shelters that took in some of those homeless pets.
Cathy was moved by the plight of these animals and other shelter pets, and began holding an annual fundraiser for shelters and rescues.
Next, the Rescue Dog
Coincidentally, Cathy’s passion for shelter animals grew when she adopted her first rescue pet, a black lab named Bear. “He was so wonderful,” she says, “I couldn’t believe somebody would give up such a regal and sweet and loving dog.”
She describes this as a life-changer. She became even more dedicated to making a difference for homeless animals.
So, she formed the Bissell Pet Foundation. It’s supported by fundraising and another important element: $10 from the sale of every Bissell pet product goes to the Foundation.
Cathy has raised close to $4 million, using it to provide grants to shelters and rescues in all 50 states, specifically for spay/neuter programs, adoption, foster care and microchipping.
Maryland’s Allegany County Animal Shelter and the MD SPCA in Baltimore are among those to receive these grants.
Tina Rafferty, the executive director of the Allegany County Animal Shelter says she’s deeply appreciative for a $6,500 Bissell Pet Foundation grant. It helps pay for spay/neuter of shelter and free-roaming community cats.
Rafferty praises Bissell, saying, “She has… remained committed to something that is her passion which is her love for animals. I think that’s what people should do…find your passion and give back to your community.”
At the MD SPCA, the Bissell grant helps provide free spay/neuter surgeries for those living in low-income
ZIP codes of Baltimore City.
Jim Pierce, the MD SPCA Executive Director says, “These grants help reduce overpopulation in our community and help keep pets in their homes instead of being surrendered to local shelters.”
The Bissell Pet Foundation has 3,000 shelter and rescue partners and grows every month.
“The need is endless,” says Cathy. “So, I’m always looking to get more money any way I can so I can continue my work.”
On the Foundation website, there’s a call to action: “Cathy urges everyone…to open their hearts and adopt a shelter pet…it will change you forever.”
So, even if you can’t start a foundation, if you don’t have time to volunteer, or if you lack money to donate, adopting gives you the power to make a difference in one animal’s life. The impact is huge.
Cathy (pictured above with Taz, adopted 2014; Roxy, adopted 2011; Riley, adopted 2016; and KC)
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