WASHINGTON DC AND WARRANT COUNTY, TN ( April 1, 2011) – In one day Wednesday, freshman U.S. Congressman Michael Grimm (R-NY) adopted Sebastian, a Missouri puppy mill rescue dog to live in his DC office, and Animal Rescue Corps (ARC) assisted the Warren County District Attorney’s Office (TN) in rescuing approximately 120 dogs found to be living in deplorable conditions at an alleged puppy mill in Tennessee.

The real story lies in the support of individuals across the nation and the world that assist organizations such as ARC and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), stepping up to the plate when instances such as the one in Warren County occur. It is these individuals and organizations that are founded and paid for by individual contributions, large and small, both monetary and non-monetary, that are making a difference and changing the lives of and relationships between people and animals all over the globe.

“These animals were suffering from starvation and various untreated illnesses,” said Scotlund Haisley, president of ARC, regarding Wednesday’s puppy mill rescue in Warren County.

When responders arrived on the scene they found Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Brussels Griffons and other small breeds living in crowded, unsanitary conditions in small wire hutches outdoors and wooden crates in a basement. The dogs, some of whom had recently given birth, lacked proper socialization and veterinary care. Most were severely matted, living in enclosures encrusted with feces and urine; and, in at least one cage, a dog was found living with the remains of two dead dogs.

On the very same day, one such dog, from deplorable conditions like those in the Warren County puppy mill, entered a new life at Representative Michael Grimm’s office.  From squalid conditions, Sebastian, a tiny Yorkshire terrier was saved by Columbia Second Chance and delivered by HSUS to his new home on Capitol Hill.

“Such acts are only possible with the commitment of the behind-the-scenes supporters of these organizations and events,” said Arthur Benjamin, founder and president of American Dog Rescue (ADR). Along with the Ady Gil World Conservation, ADR and The Arthur E. Benjamin Foundation funded the vast majority of the ARC Rescue and have contributed substantial funds to the HSUS Stop Puppy Mills Campaign as well.

So, from squalid conditions to a new life in a Congressional Office, men and woman like Ady Gil and Arthur Benjamin are helping animals like Sebastian and causing change to occur locally, nationally and globally in the connection between people and animals. This individual commitment to making a difference is what lies at the core of the work of organizations that get the news coverage as events unfold.

“It is the tens of thousands of donors, philanthropists and rescue workers that make such events possible,” said Benjamin, when asked how these two events occurred in a single day. “It is happening more and more as an everyday occurrence now thanks to people like Ady Gil. Today is special only because it was noticed. Sebastian has got a great life ahead of him and will be an excellent ambassador for puppy mill dogs and other pets in need of rescue everywhere.”

American Dog Rescue (www.americandogrescue.org) is a tax-exempt, non-profit 501(c)3 organization committed to finding a home for every adoptable dog in the United States.  American Dog Rescue is committed to placing healthy dogs in permanent homes that are the right fit for the animal and its family.  Donations can be made by visiting www.americandogrescue.org/donateor calling             (801) 944-3023      .

The Arthur E. Benjamin Foundation is a 501(c)(3), tax-exempt organization created to assist the building and growth of other foundations through leadership, management, marketing, and public relations. Established by Delray Beach business leader and philanthropist Arthur E. Benjamin, the Foundation’s core focus is to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and animals, support young adults through educational efforts, and aid women in breast cancer recovery. For more information, please visit www.arthurebenjamin.com.