Ottawa Local and Her Dog Win Animal Human Bond Contest
Ottawa, ON – Recently, RedRover held an Animal Bond Contest in honor of their 30th year of bringing animals from crisis to care. The Animal Bond Contest was created to celebrate the incomparable bond between humans and animals. Submissions were received from all around the United States and Canada, and Ottawa native Maggie McMullen and double-impaired dog Keegan received the most votes to win!
Born blind and deaf, three-month-old Keegan came to Maggie as an emergency foster. Even though Maggie had just lost her dream job and was suffering from bouts of depression, she knew she couldn’t turn her back on this double-impaired puppy.
“If this amazing little pup can show us that being double-impaired will not hold him back, then I can overcome losing my job…pick myself up and move on with a smile,” stated Maggie.
Not only did Keegan help Maggie in her time of need, but also helped her dog Aria.
“I instantly fell in love with Keegan and so did my fearful, anxious dog Aria. She has been so sweet and nurturing to him and must have sensed he needed help adjusting so would grab toys and place them at Keegan’s feet. Well, now these two are best friends and have their own special bond.”
Keegan has really thrived since finding his forever home. He’s learned several tricks by touch and even puts his talents on display, including winning a top trick category at a recent dog show. And everyone who meets Keegan loves him – he has a growing following on Facebook and an 80-year-old neighbor and fan who loves to take Aria and Keegan on daily walks while Megan is at work.
“I’m so excited that Keegan and I found one another. He is such a wonderful support system for both Aria and I and I can’t imagine life without him.”
Maggie continues her work helping animals and will be joining a RedRover Responders Training in Ottowa on June 25. The RedRover Responders workshop trains volunteers on how to provide lifesaving care and sheltering for animal victims of natural disasters, puppy mills, hoarding and other cases of cruelty and neglect. Once their training is complete, they will become part of the RedRover Responders Volunteers Corps, which spans across Canada and the United States, and totals more than 3,800 people.
As prizewinners, Maggie and Keegan’s Animal Bond story will be in an upcoming feature of RedRover’s Companion magazine.
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About RedRover
Founded in 1987, RedRover focuses on bringing animals out of crisis and strengthening the bond between people and animals through emergency sheltering, disaster relief services, financial assistance and education. Learn more at RedRover.org.
Press Release Bond Winner April 2017 FINAL.pdf
Contact: Sheri Madsen
916.429.2457 ext. 310
916.600.8157 cell
smadsen@redrover.org