Colorado Puppy Mill Rescue Founder Receives ASPCA® Henry Bergh Award

PEYTON, Colo. - Nov. 27, 2013 - PRLog -- According to ASPCA President & CEO Matthew Bershadker, “This year’s Humane Awards winners not only exemplify our mission of preventing cruelty to animals, but bring greater awareness to the unique and meaningful bond between humans and their pets.  We’re humbled by their achievements and their dedication to the voiceless and vulnerable animals who bring us so much joy.”

Theresa Strader, NMDR founder, had this to say about being honored with the Henry Bergh award, "What a tremendous honor for National Mill Dog Rescue to be so meaningfully recognized by the ASPCA, one of the longest standing animal advocacy organizations in the world. The Henry Bergh Award carries with it an amazing history, Bergh being one of the very first people in the United States to speak out against cruelty to animals. I am grateful, humbled and very proud for our entire organization."

A pediatric oncology nurse, wife, mother and dog lover, Theresa started National Mill Dog Rescue in 2007 after witnessing in person a large-scale puppy mill. She returned home from this life-changing experience with 13 puppy mill survivors, knowing that she would devote all of her future rescue efforts to putting an end to this cruelty.  Since then she has passionately led her organization to rescue over 8,300 dogs from commercial breeding facilities across the country. She was chosen for the award because of her outstanding dedication to companion animals and the significant impact she has made in her community. The ceremony recognized special animals as well as individuals who made a positive and lasting impact during the past year.

Before founding National Mill Dog Rescue, Theresa Strader spent 26 years as a pediatric nurse, all the while rescuing dogs and volunteering in animal shelters across the country.  Early in 2007, responding to an email plea for “50 Italian greyhounds in need”, Strader attended a large-scale dog auction in the Midwest -- the heart of puppy mill country. Within moments of witnessing first-hand the miserable, hopeless life of puppy mill dogs, Strader knew that she would dedicate the rest of her life to the dogs held captive by this shameful industry. She credits Lily, an Italian greyhound “puppy mill mom” she rescued that day, for giving her the inspiration and tenacity to make that dream come true.  In February of that year, Strader founded the nonprofit National Mill Dog Rescue, which has since rescued and placed over 8,300 puppy mill survivors and has garnered national attention for itstireless and challenging work. Run almost solely by volunteers, the organization’s mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and re-home discarded breeding dogs, and to educate the public about the cruel realities of the commercial dog breeding industry.

On June 11, 2013, during the most destructive wildfire in Colorado history, Strader lost her home, the original site of National Mill Dog Rescue. Despite this devastating personal loss, Theresa remained focused on her mission and was on the road within weeks, rescuing more dogs from puppy mills.

About National Mill Dog Rescue:
National Mill Dog Rescue is a Colorado Springs based 501(c)(3) organization that rescues, rehabilitates, and re-homes discarded commercial breeding dogs from puppy mills.  NMDR relies on volunteers to care for the dogs, from the moment they are surrendered to the time they are adopted and beyond.  They depend on the generosity of the public to provide the high level of care they do for the dogs and to continue to be able to save them.

Website: http://milldogrescue.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/nationalmilldogrescue