Rummy

Rummy is a blind Siberian Husky who won the 2007 Nationwide Purina Pro Plan Rally to Rescue contest. Many people fell in love with him along his journey. When you meet him, you will too……

In 2006, Rummy wandered the streets of Houston blind, hungry and severely neglected until a Houston SPCA Canine Special Investigator rescued him. The SPCA called Husky Haven, Houston’s Siberian Husky rescue, to see if they would accept Rummy into their program and give him the special attention he needed to get me healthy and adopted. Rummy was emaciated, had mange, heartworms, round worms, hook worms, whip worms and coccidia. He was neutered, given lots of love, food, medicine, a microchip and gradually learned to trust people. Husky Haven nursed Rummy back to a healthy Siberian and then entered Rummy into a Purina Contest.

Rummy was chosen as one of 10 nationwide finalists in the contest, so he won a year of Purina Dog Food for Husky Haven and a 3 day 2 night trip to Hollywood, California. To win the contest, Rummy had to get people to vote for him, so he asked people to vote for him at Houston Home Shows, Dog Rescue Events, Shopping Malls, the Reliant Park Dog Show and Woof Gourmet Pet Bakery in Old Town Spring. He was on radio shows, in the Houston Chronicle and in dog magazines. He attracted attention wherever he went because of his striking beauty, fearlessness, positive energy and endless kisses. Rummy touched people’s hearts over and over.

When the voting was over, Rummy went to Hollywood. Finalists (yes – the dogs!) flew on Midwest Airlines in the cabin of the plane in the seat next to their rescue representative and stayed in a luxurious Beverly Hills hotel – the Sofitel! The final event on October 12, 2007 was at the Hollywood and Highland Mall. Before announcing the winner, they introduced the 2007 Purina spokesperson, Emily Procter of CSI: Miami and West Wing, who has has rescue dogs and supports animal rescue. Upon meeting Emily, Rummy kissed all of her make-up off.

Finally, the Director of the Purina Pro Plan Rally to Rescue Contest, Ken Wilhelm, announced the first 2007 Purina Pro Plan Rally to Rescue winner... RUMMY!!!

Rummy won $5,000 of Purina Pro Plan dog food for Husky Haven. What a wonderful gift from Purina - Thank You! Purina Pro Plan Rally To Rescue began touring the country in 2005 in a large RV doing events and promoting animal rescue. In 2007, they added the contest and Rummy was the first winner!

From the streets of Houston to Hollywood to opening his own business - Rummy’s Beach Club. You never know what may happen when you rescue that starving, mangy, handicapped dog you pass by on the street. Try it once - it may change your life.

The Houston SPCA K-9 Special Investigator that rescued Rummy, rescued Rummy’s best friend Vodka at the same time. Both went to Husky Haven where volunteers know how long it takes to get seriously ill dogs healthy - IF they live. These volunteers worked hard together, cried hard together, and eventually, laughed hard together when they decided on names for the dogs - Rummy and Vodka – they needed a drink! If you watch Animal Cops: Houston you may have seen Vodka because Animal Planet followed his story from the beginning until he was adopted into a loving family.

Rummy and Vodka no longer have tragic lives, but millions of dogs do. Please adopt your pets from animal shelters, rescue groups or Petfinder. Any breed of dog can be rescued - Google the breed you want, your city and state and “rescue”. Please spay and neuter your pets and don’t breed your animals unless you are breeding for show quality and have the knowledge to improve the breed. Be a part of the solution, not part of the problem. Help us end the vicious cycle of animal cruelty on the streets.

Click Here To See More Pictures of Rummy in Hollywood!