[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 44 (Monday, March 16, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S1526]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                   RECOGNIZING PROTECTORS OF ANIMALS

 Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, it is with great admiration 
that I wish to recognize the laudable achievements of Protectors of 
Animals, a wonderful and innovative no-kill rescue and shelter 
organization based in East Hartford, CT. I am proud to highlight the 
occasion of their 40th Anniversary, and I wish to convey my deepest 
congratulations to them on this auspicious occasion.
  Protectors of Animals was founded in 1975 by a group of dedicated 
individuals brought together by their shared love for animals and 
commitment to animal welfare. Two of these individuals, Dru Harder and 
Phyllis Pavel, truly started off at the grassroots level, knocking on 
doors in their community in Portland, CT, in order to raise awareness 
and funds for their local pound.
  Over the years, Protectors of Animals' passion and tireless fight 
against animal cruelty has led them to great successes and enabled them 
to save countless abandoned and abused animals from being euthanized. 
They have also aided more than 14,000 cats and 7,000 dogs in finding 
caring homes across our State.
  The dedicated staff and volunteers at Protectors of Animals not only 
give animals shelter but help them to heal from past trauma and allow 
them to recreate caring relationships with humans that are built on 
trust. It is no surprise that this work has garnered deep and abiding 
support from animal lovers around Connecticut. This joint effort, 
backed by genuine values of humaneness and caring, has allowed them to 
meet the highest standards of accountability, as well as program and 
cost effectiveness. Protectors of Animals has been recognized by the 
Independent Charities of America with that organization's ``Best in 
America'' seal of approval, which is offered to a select few of the 
highest performing nonprofits in our Nation.
  Having personally supported Protectors of Animals over the years, I 
can attest to the devotion, commitment, and enthusiasm of everyone 
involved with their organization. I know how hard their founders, board 
of directors, staff, and volunteers have worked to support these goals. 
For its legacy of safeguarding animals and combating cruelty, I am 
proud to congratulate and celebrate Protectors of Animals on its 40th 
anniversary.

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