American Humane Announces 2002 Be Kind to Animals Kid Contest™ Winners

American Humane Association
Monday, 6 May 2002

Kids Honored for Making Great Strides to Protect Animals

Englewood, Colo. (May 6, 2002) - This year's winners of the American Humane Association (AHA) Be Kind to Animals (BKA) Kid Contest, Maggie Chekal, 8, from Perrysburg, Ohio, and Kaylee Quinn, 11, from Columbia, South Carolina, prove kids can make a difference. Each winner receives a $5,000 college scholarship, generously provided by SIERRAÒ, The Safer Antifreeze, in recognition for their work to improve the lives of animals. All the contest winners will receive a cool prize package and will be featured in the BKAW section of the AHA website at www.americanhumane.org.

"This year's winners remind us all of the positive impact children can have on the world. AHA is proud to recognize these young humanitarians during Be Kind to Animals Week®," said Jodi Buckman, AHA's Director of Shelter Services.

BKA Kid Contest Winner (Ages 6-9)

When Maggie Chekal learned that hamsters, gerbils, and guinea pigs — or "pocket pets" as they are sometimes called — are often euthanized at animal shelters, she was distraught. This soft-spoken girl, who struggles with autism, couldn't understand why people were relinquishing their pocket pets to shelters where they are infrequently adopted and, as a result, must be euthanized. In order to save these hapless creatures, Maggie founded "Maggie's Hamster Rescue" in November 2001.

Since then, she has become a fully functioning rescue operation. She converted the 10'x 10' walk-in closet in her bedroom into a virtual rodent haven, housing an assortment of hamsters, gerbils, and guinea pigs. Cages are separated by breed, gender, temperament and health conditions. She promotes animals available for adoption on her own Web site and through flyers she posts around town. Since January, Maggie has found homes for 55 of her pocket pets, and this year she is holding her first Adopt-A-Thon.

BKA Kid Contest Winner (Ages 10-13)

Those who know Kaylee Quinn describe her as a "voice for the voiceless." Her desire to help animals caused her to join the Project Pet Adoption team in Columbia, South Carolina, as a youth volunteer. Project Pet is a nonprofit organization that partners with local animal shelters to rescue hard-to-adopt pets facing euthanasia. After receiving training and medical attention by Project Pet volunteers, the animals are placed for adoption through Pet Project's Adoption Center in a local PETsMART store.

"Kaylee takes the Pet Project Mission seriously," said Rosemary Calhoun, Project Pet Adoption team leader. "In less than one year she has donated more than 450 hours to give more than 500 dogs and cats new leases on life."

Kaylee has also opened her heart and home to 20 dogs that needed fostering. She houses, crates, and leash trains each dog she fosters and spends time every night socializing the dogs, teaching them how to be part of a family. All of Kaylee's foster dogs have been adopted within three weeks after being in her care.

Kaylee serves as an example to other Pet Project youth volunteers. She goes beyond rehabilitating animals to educating their future owners about proper pet care, especially the importance of spaying and neutering. When asked about her approach to helping potential adopters understand the responsibilities of being a pet owner, Kaylee simply replied, "I like to educate, not alienate."

BKA Kid Contest Runner-up (Ages 6-9)

Allyson Ann Rice, 6, Frederick, Maryland: Whether it's scooping litter boxes, cleaning cat cages, helping a new arrival feel at home, or just providing a warm lap, Allyson Rice is willing to do anything for the cats at Pet-4-Pets Cat Rescue. A dedicated volunteer, she spends 10-15 hours every week providing comfort and love to the rescue organization's feline residents. Allyson gets to know the likes and dislikes of every cat she cares for and helps potential adopters find a cat that is best for them. Allyson also shows other children how to correctly handle and care for a cat.

Michael "Mick" Compton, 8, Austin, Texas: When Mick Compton's family asked him what he wanted for his birthday last year, this animal lover promptly replied, "I want to rescue that parking lot kitty." This was not a surprising response from a kid who has spent the past five years helping animals in need. Mick spends two weekends every month volunteering at the Central Texas SPCA, where he helps with off-site adoptions, fundraising, and shelter renovation projects. This year, Mick is spreading the word about shelter animals by promoting the first Be Kind to Animals Week program at his elementary school. He has encouraged his classmates to donate blankets, food, and toys to the local shelter.

BKA Kid Contest Runner-up (Ages 10-13)

Wyatt Tyler, 11, Wauchula, Florida: When Wyatt Tyler was nine, he accompanied his mother to Hardee County Animal Control Kennel to donate dog food. When he asked what happened to the animals that weren't adopted, he learned a hard lesson —unwanted cats and dogs are euthanized. The next day, Wyatt pooled his savings to purchase a lab mix whose time was running out and launched a one-man campaign to find homes for Hardee County's unwanted pets. Naming his operation "Wyatt's Ruff Rescues," Wyatt has given more than 110 cats and dogs a second chance at life.

Jessica Glatz, 12, McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania: Being a mom is hard work, just ask 12-year-old Jessica Glatz. This young lady tirelessly cares for a constantly changing menagerie of orphaned or injured baby birds, puppies, and kittens, earning her a reputation as one of the community's best wildlife rehabilitators. Over the past two years, Jessica has hand-raised countless wild birds and bunnies, which she releases back into the wild. She also participates in her local animal shelter's puppy foster program. Since she first began working with the puppy foster program, she has successfully raised 31 puppies, all of which were returned to the shelter and placed for adoption.

For the fourth consecutive year, Be Kind to Animals Week is possible thanks to a generous sponsorship from SIERRAÒ, The Safer Antifreeze. SIERRA is the originator and market leader in the safer propylene glycol (PG) based antifreeze category. PG-based antifreeze provides an added margin of safety for pets, children and wildlife, compared to conventional ethylene glycol (EG) based antifreeze, if accidentally ingested. Animals can accidentally drink antifreeze from leaking radiators, boil overs, and improperly stored containers of used antifreeze. In fact, "It is estimated that 90,000 pets and animals die each year from conventional EG antifreeze poisoning. Fortunately there is a safer alternative; SIERRA the safer antifreeze," said Craig Gullett, Brand Marketing Manager for SIERRA.

Founded in 1877, the American Humane Association (AHA) is the nation's only national organization dedicated to child and animal protection. From its headquarters outside Denver, Colorado, and from regional offices in Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles, AHA provides national leadership in the development of programs, policies, and services on behalf of children and animals who are abused and neglected. For more information, please visit www.americanhumane.org or call Anna Gonce at 303-925-9462.

For more information, or to contact American Humane Association, see their website at: www.americanhumane.org