HOLIDAY

drive

For the second year in a row, a local pit bull is teaming up with a national organization to help improve the lives of homeless pets at three local animal shelters this holiday season. Working in conjunction with the pit bull advocacy group I’m Not A Monster, Honey, the senior pit bull mix, and her owner will be collecting toys, food, blankets and other shelter essentials to benefit The Center for Animal Health & Welfare of Easton, The Lehigh County Humane Society of Allentown and Peaceable Kingdom of Whitehall.

Donations will be graciously accepted up until the week before Christmas at several drop-off locations throughout the Lehigh Valley. A donation drive is also scheduled for the end of November.

Honey is one of more than 74 dogs chosen to represent the group in its national effort called the Monster Holiday Drive in order to help more than 150 rescues and shelters. The 16-year-old pit bull mix was rescued from New York City Animal Care & Control facility moments before scheduled for euthanasia in 2012. She has since become an advocate for abandoned senior pets and those with terminal conditions.

Honey, who has been diagnosed with mast cell cancer, was originally rescued by her new family so that they could provide hospice to the ailing senior. However, with a second chance at a new lease on life, she is now thriving, and her biggest fight is to advocate for those animals still waiting for a home.

Last year, Honey was able to collect more than $8,000 in food, treats, toys and shelter essentials to benefit the homeless animals throughout the Lehigh Valley.

Honey has become somewhat of a celebrity on the Facebook page she shares with her canine stepbrother Kongo. The dogs’ owner, Kristin Richards, hopes the star power can benefit other shelter pets that deserve a second chance.

I’m Not A Monster is an advocacy group that aims to dispel myths associated with misunderstood dog breeds, particularly pit bulls. Along with educating the public, the group promotes shelter pet adoption and networks animals in need.

More details regarding the local initiative, including an online wish list and drop-off addresses, are available at MonsterHolidayDrive.com/member/honey or by following Honey on Facebook at facebook.com/KongoBubbasTheBigBlackDog.

Visit MonsterHolidayDrive.com or ImNotAMonster.org for more information on the Monster Holiday Drive.