The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) University of Oregon chapter partnered with Greenhill Humane Society on October 19 to put on the biannual Ducks Love Dogs fundraiser.
Held in the Memorial Quadrangle of the university, Ducks Love Dogs gives students a chance to hang out with a dog for anywhere between 15-60 minutes for a small price. With pet therapy on the rise, and countless studies backing up the health benefits of human-animal interaction, this precious playtime provides these students with comfort and happiness while reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and more.
The dogs brought to campus for the fundraiser are cared for by Greenhill staff members, and a few fan favorites return for each event.
Not only does the puppy love benefit students, but it helps dogs too — all proceeds are split between the Greenhill Humane Society and PRSSA.
Greenhill Humane Society is a nonprofit organization that cares for over over 3,000 animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and rabbits, per year. Their mission is to “provide safe shelter for animals in transition, serve as advocates for animals and their people, work to end animal overpopulation and educate the public about compassion and responsibility towards all animals.”
UO PRSSA, Facebook
And with a live release rate of over 90%, one of the best in the country, they’re doing an incredible job.
Greenhill has many programs, including adoption services, foster care, spay/neuter, and domestic violence assistance.
Currently, Greenhill is holding a $5.6 million campaign to build a new and improved facility, as they are at maximum capacity for their two older facilities. In order to provide for more animals, a new building is needed. This is a huge project, and so far, they’ve raised $1.5 million.
Shelters all across the nation are in similar situations. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) estimates that over 6.5 million dogs and cats are put in animal shelters each year in the United States alone, and only about half are adopted.
If you’re an animal lover, consider adopting a furry friend and donating your time or money to your local shelter. The animals of America need our support and love, and with initiatives launched by Greenhill, PRSSA, and other agencies across the U.S., their lives are improving.
Having raised over $300 from more than 50 participants, Ducks Love Dogs was a wonderful success this season, and 60 percent of the funds will go toward improving the lives of animals throughout the Eugene area.
