Petsense executive Matthew Rubin has kicked off the retailer's partnership with Puppies & Golf, a nonprofit group founded by CBS Sports journalist Amanda Balionis Renner, to connect rescue dogs and families interested in adopting the animals.
During the Puppies & Golf Barkin’ Bash celebration in Nashville, Tennessee, the chain of pet supply stores announced that Wags & Walks, which recently opened a no-kill adoption center in Tennessee's capital city, was the first recipient of a grant as part of the partnership.
For the rest of the year, Petsense will work with the group to award a grant to one shelter each month. Petsense also will assist with disaster-relief grants for shelters that may have unexpected needs because of natural disasters or medical emergencies.
“No-kill shelters provide a safe place for dogs not welcomed in traditional shelters and rescues,” Rubin said in a statement.
Petsense is part of Brentwood, Tennessee-based Tractor Supply, a chain that has 193 stores in 23 states.
Based in Jacksonville, Florida, Puppies & Golf supports shelters and rescues as well as organizations that train service dogs for military veterans coping with post-traumatic stress disorder. Since its inception in 2020, the nonprofit group has donated more than $100,000 to shelters and animal welfare organizations nationwide.