For Immediate Release

19 September 2005

For more information, call:

Tammy Thallas, President, Animal Aid of SW MI, (269) 925-7436; Kelly Nimtz, Kelsey's mom, (269) 983-7126; Michelle Crean, Animal Aid Communications/Media Liaison, (269) 925-5329

BRITTY THE PIT BULL MEETS A YOUNG BENEFACTOR

St. Joseph 10-year-old emptied her piggy bank to help injured dog

St. Joseph: When Kelsey Nimtz read about Britty the injured pit bull in the newspaper, this generous St. Joseph girl who loves animals just had to do something to help.

Britty was rescued by Animal Aid of SW MI back in June on the brink of death. Her deep chest puncture wounds and other injuries suggested that she had been used as bait for a pit bull fight, dumped out of a moving car, and left to die on the side of the road. She was found by a jogger, who called Animal Aid.

But, what could a 10-year-old do besides send her good wishes and prayers for recovery? Learning that funds were needed to help with Britty's extensive medical bills, Kelsey decided to empty her piggy bank and donate the contents to Britty's veterinary fund!

The entire family contributed something to augment the piggy bank collection, but, according to Kelly Nimtz, Kelsey's mom, "She [Kelsey] is the one with the big heart!" Now that Britty has recovered and is ready for her new home, Kelsey took the opportunity of a recent Animal Aid Adoption Day to meet Britty in person.

First, though, she stopped off to buy a gift, a bright yellow squeaky toy.

Britty was very excited about the toy. She was even more excited about meeting Kelsey!

On her part, Kelsey would like to take Britty home as a playmate for Rosey, the pug her family adopted from a rescue last fall. Unfortunately, due to emotional scars left by her ordeal, Britty must be the only pet in the household.

As they left the adoption event, Kelsey told her mom, "I just feel so good about Britty now. I'm so glad we helped her!"

On behalf of Britty, Animal Aid would like to thank Kelsey and everyone else in the community who donated to her reward and vet bill funds. The investigation into her abuse is on-going, but police still hope to make an arrest.

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