BlogPaws, a subsidiary of Chewy.com, recently announced the winner for the first-ever BlogPaws Founders’ Award for excellence in animal advocacy. The victor is Dayton-area start-up, Wagtown, founded by Ohio native, Beth Miller. Wagtown, now leading several initiatives to bring grant dollars to communities available through large resource giants in the pet industry to enhance the region’s pet-lover appeal.
“This category acknowledges a person who embodies the spirit of BlogPaws and its founders. The founders created BlogPaws with a sense of purpose, passion, community, and giving back. Judged on purpose, achievement, and engagement, we were looking for passion and persistence, a sense of community, and engagement in animal welfare. This person reflects the spirit of BlogPaws,” stated officials from the BlogPaws organization.
Wagtown’s Beth Miller and Tom Everhart, have been actively working with community, state, and national leaders and champions for animals in the development of several exciting initiatives. “Our mission is to increase dog-friendliness in sustainable and vibrant ways. There are countless passionate organizations striving toward better lives for these furry extensions of our families. Following more than 400 in-person interviews and site visits all over the United States, we can say without hesitation that dog-friendliness yields communities that are safer, healthier, more welcoming, better economically, more humane and far more responsible about dog ownership.
Several projects are underway for launch this year that will increase walkability and raise awareness of dog-related legislation and infrastructure change. Additionally, a nationally-accredited PBS program to teach responsible dog ownership skills and keep kids safe around dogs, a children’s book, disaster relief programs, and several events to celebrate all of the positive effects on a community that come from investing time and energy into collaborating for dog-friendly localities.
Ms. Miller stated, “Thank you to Chewys,BlogPaws, and Hill’s Pet Nutrition for their support of expanding the niche of companion animal success. Most of all, thank you to all of you who believe that dog friendly is the future of more vibrant communities. Your support and help along this journey has been inspiring. So, this one’s for all of you…and your furry friends. Dogs make our communities better. It’s time to return the favor. Reach out to find out how you can get involved. This won’t happen without your help.” ?
About Wagtown
Wagtown, a nonprofit organization (pending) provides the blueprint, hands-on assistance, and recognition for legislative, infrastructure, education, and community engagement to become authentically dog friendly and benefit from the resulting increased economic vitality. With their proprietary algorithm to quantifiably identify a community’s success in the dog-friendly race, they provide the tools and consulting to help elevate expectations and celebrate positive and responsible collaboration. Follow the journey and learn more by following them on Facebook/Wagtown.org. To find out how you can donate or volunteer to join the movement, call 937-477-2403 or message at [email protected].
