Two Waxahachie business owners received recognition from the S.P.C.A. of Texas for the work that they do for animals in Ellis County.
During the S.P.C.A. of Texas Young Professionals’ Paws Cause 2024 event held Thursday, July 25, 2024 at Mata Hari House in the Dallas Design District, the Paws for Excellence awards were presented to honor animal welfare heroes that have made a significant difference in the lives of animals in North Texas.
Waxahachie Pet Supplies Plus owners Rick and Barbara Garner were presented the inaugural Corporate Partner of the Year award, which celebrates the outstanding contributions of a corporation that has demonstrated exceptional dedication and innovation in their mission to make a positive difference for animals in need.
“Rick and Barbara Garner of Pet Supplies Plus in Waxahachie go above and beyond for shelter pets,” said S.P.C.A. of Texas President and C.E.O. Chris Luna. “We are delighted that they received our first annual Corporate Partner of the Year award. They have worked diligently to help us get animals adopted in Ellis County by hosting mobile adoption events at their Pet Supplies Plus location. Rick and Barbara have also supported one of our organization’s pillars—to End Animal Cruelty—by standing by us to help coordinate the Ellis County Strut Your Mutt, The Race to End Animal Cruelty events and participating as donors and vendors in these events.”
Pet Supplies Plus opened in 2022 at 791 North Highway 77 Suite 205 in Waxahachie, in the shopping center across from H.E.B., as an independently-owned franchise of the pet supply chain. In addition to carrying supplies for dogs, catts, rabbits, birds, fish and other animals, the store hosts onsite adoption events to help rescue and shelter animals find a permanent home.
Founded in 1938, the S.P.C.A. of Texas is a 501(c)(3) non-profit animal welfare organization that operates two shelters, one spay and neuter clinic, one mobile adoptions vehicle and an animal rescue center, all located in Dallas and Ellis Counties. The organization also supports various local law enforcement agencies with a team of animal cruelty investigators who rescue hundreds of animals from cruelty each year in North Texas counties.
Other awardees include FOX4 Meteorologist Ali Turiano, who received the Mary Spencer Humanitarian award for going above and beyond to help promote animal welfare in her personal and professional life.
Additionally, Emily Hoffman, board president of The Barking Project, received the first annual Community Partner of the Year award. The Barking Project has worked to develop relationships with as many local dog rescues as possible to support efforts of transfer and adoption with the goal of saving the lives of dogs facing euthanasia in Texas shelters because of overcrowding.
“Nominations for the awards were open to the public and we received numerous entries for champions that have worked extremely hard to improve life for vulnerable animals in North Texas,” said S.P.C.A. of Texas Young Professionals Chair Carlie Moe. “I know that it was a difficult decision in each category because of the deep commitment all nominees have to help these animals.”