Petco Love Honors Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary

A Newtown pet adopter’s heartwarming story about how their adopted dog has changed their life has earned the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary a lifesaving grant award from Petco Love.

National nonprofit Petco Love, in partnership with BOBS from Skechers, invited adopters to share how their pet has changed their life to give the organization they adopted from a chance to receive a lifesaving grant in the Petco Love Stories campaign. Judy Thomas’ story was selected as one of 100 national winners from thousands of submissions to help the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary earn a grant from Petco Love.

In a special celebration, Petco Love will surprise the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary with a grant award ranging from $1,000 to $100,000. The adopter will also receive BOBS from Skechers shoes and a Petco shopping spree to spoil their beloved pet.

"These powerful Love Stories reflect the importance of pets in our lives. Whether the best or worst of times, the love of pets can change everything,” said Petco Love President, Susanne Kogut. "Reading these touching tales strengthens our resolve to create a world where every shelter pet finds a loving family, and no pet is unnecessarily euthanized. This year, we are proud to award more than $1 million to further empower lifesaving organizations, like the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary, that work tirelessly to save pet lives."

"We are humbled that our work would be in company with so many special Love Stories and groups forging a kinder and gentler world. The Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary was founded in my daughter's memory and her compassion for all creatures, great and small. To receive a grant and work with Petco Love affords us the opportunity to honor Catherine’s mission and help so many more animals in need, and for that, I am truly grateful,” said Jennifer Hubbard, Executive Director at the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary.

Animal lovers can now help the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary earn even more lifesaving funds by voting for their story in the People’s Choice competition at petcolove.org/lovestories. The top five stories with the most votes will earn additional grant funding from $5,000 to $25,000. Voting closes Dec. 15, noon CST.