Nascar Champion Tony Stewart Gives $10,000 to Colorado Dog Rescue

PEYTON, Colo. - Jan. 6, 2015 - PRLog -- In awarding the grant, Stewart's foundation noted that it was very impressed with National Mill Dog Rescue and their education efforts that so dramatically improve the lives of the dogs.

"We couldn't be more proud of this recognition," said Theresa Strader, National Mill Dog Rescue founder and executive director. "Hundreds of worthy applicants from all over the country applied for funding. For us to be among the chosen few speaks not only to our mission but to Mr. Stewart's strong commitment to helping at-risk animals.

"We can certainly make good use of the money. Every rescue trip we make costs an average of $2,500. Our total expenses from rescue through adoption are now more than $70,000 a month.

"What is particularly great is Stewart's 'Accelerating Change' approach," Strader said. "Through his website and social media, the grantees are featured all year long. People visiting his site or liking him on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube can link to all of the outstanding organizations he is helping in 2015."

Tony Stewart is a three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion and philanthropist. The inspiration for his foundation came after he heard a news report about a Florida dog that had been the victim of a "hit and run" and needed immediate surgery. Not only were funds provided to help the lucky dog but plans were set in motion to establish The Tony Stewart Foundation.

In 2014, the foundation celebrated 10 years of providing grants to outstanding organizations serving at-risk children and animals, as well as drivers injured in the sport of motor racing.

National Mill Dog Rescue is a Colorado Springs based 501(c)(3) organization that rescues, rehabilitates, and re-homes discarded commercial breeding dogs from puppy mills.  NMDR relies on volunteers to care for the dogs, from the moment they are surrendered to the time they are adopted and beyond.  The organization depends on the generosity of the public to provide the high level of care for the dogs and to continue to be able to save them.

National Mill Dog Rescue started with a single sentence in an e-mail that Theresa Strader received: “50 Italian Greyhounds in need.”  A large-scale breeding operation, or ‘puppy mill’ was going out of business and all 561 dogs were going to auction.  One of those dogs was a seven-year-old Italian Greyhound named Lily.  The moment their eyes met through the wire of Lily’s tiny cage, Theresa Strader knew her life had changed forever and that this new life would include Lily and a mission to bring about lasting change.

In honor of Lily, National Mill Dog Rescue was established in February 2007 to give a voice to mill dogs across the country.  Since then, NMDR has rescued more than 9,600 puppy mill survivors. Every single dog that comes through the doors is spayed or neutered and given whatever additional medical care they need - without exception.  They are groomed, many of them for the very first time.  Years of filth and matted fur are removed, allowing the beautiful dog underneath to shine.  Soon they learn about all the simple pleasures that they had never previously known – clean water, toys and treats, a soft bed, and most importantly, the love of a human companion.

National Mill Dog Rescue website: http://milldogrescue.org

Tony Stewart Foundation website: http://tonystewartfoundation.org