YARDLEY, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--PetArmor, a brand focused on protecting pets by making veterinarian-quality products more affordable, today announced a unique social media initiative to raise the visibility of Operation Freedom Paws. Operation Freedom Paws’ mission is to match war veterans, many with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other invisible wounds, with shelter dogs and train them as a team to navigate life together. Operation Freedom Paws’ Founder and Executive Director, Mary Cortani, has been named one of CNN’s 2012 Top Ten Heroes. She is vying, amongst nine others, to be named the CNN “Hero of the Year” for 2012, an honor that spotlights “everyday people changing the world.”
In addition to its work protecting and raising the profile of shelter animals, PetArmor®, the No. 1 generic Fipronil flea and tick preventive at retail, is seeking to encourage fans, friends, veterans and all pet lovers to vote for Mary Cortani as the 2012 CNN Hero of the Year.
“In September, we experienced Mary’s work at Operation Freedom Paws first hand and captured an amazing video, which is now live on our website at petarmor.com/operationfreedompaws,” says Alex Kaufman, President & CEO of FidoPharm, the makers of PetArmor®. Mr. Kaufman went on to say that “through the video we see how the dogs and veterans train together and ultimately save each other. Over the next few weeks we will be promoting the video and Operation Freedom Paws through our social media platforms including Facebook®, Twitter and blogger outreach to generate awareness of this incredible organization.”
“We value our relationship with PetArmor®, which this year alone has donated over 15,000 doses of flea and tick protection and thousands of dollars to rescue organizations across the country,” says Julie Morris senior vice president of community outreach for the ASPCA. “Mary’s commitment to using shelter dogs in her program demonstrates the incredible resilience of these dogs and their desire to love and serve.”
“Operation Freedom Paws trains veterans and others with disabilities to train their own service dogs. We leverage the ability of the canine-human relationship to help our veterans regain their sense of purpose, worth and value to society and their community,” says Mary Cortani. “We are proud to partner with PetArmor® on this project; we share a common purpose and dedication to pets and providing our war veterans with shelter dogs.”
Alex Kaufman added, “We believe strongly in the mission and vision of Operation Freedom Paws and we are honored to help protect the dogs, which are protecting our military heroes who have protected our freedom.”
About CNN Worldwide
CNN Worldwide, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner Company, is the most trusted source for news and information. Its reach extends to nine cable and satellite television networks; one private place-based network; two radio networks; wireless devices around the world; CNN Digital Network, the No. 1 network of news Web sites in the United States; CNN Newsource, the world’s most extensively syndicated news service; and strategic international partnerships within both television and the digital media. For more information, visit www.CNNPressroom.com.
About Operation Freedom Paws
Founded in January 2010, Gilroy, California based Operation Freedom Paws is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that matches dogs with individuals who have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Complex-Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) and/or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) symptoms, or other physical, neurological, psychological or mobility needs.
We train the individual to train their own dog, and then certify them together as a service dog team in a 32-week program. Most of the dogs come from rescue shelters. This unique opportunity enables our clients to feel safe and secure, and to manage their day-to-day lives. The very special therapeutic canine-human relationship helps them get back out in their communities and begin to view their future with renewed hope. www.operationfreedompaws.org
About FidoPharm
FidoPharm is a leading companion pet health product company committed to providing consumers with best-in-class companion pet health products that contain the same active ingredients as branded veterinary products, but at a significantly lower cost. FidoPharm products, including PetArmor® flea & tick preventive – which contains the same active ingredient as Frontline® TopSpot® – are available at major retailer’s nationwide, offering consumers the benefits of convenience and cost savings to ensure the highest quality care for their pets. FidoPharm is a subsidiary of Velcera, Inc., located in Yardley, Pa. www.PetArmor.com
About the ASPCA
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is the first animal welfare organization in North America and serves as the nation’s leading voice for animals. More than two million supporters strong, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. For more information, please visit www.ASPCA.org, and be sure to follow the ASPCA on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Frontline® is the registered trademark of Merial. Frontline® and Merial are not affiliated with PetArmor®