By Eileen Faust
efaust@pottsmerc.com
NORRISTOWN — A Montgomery County family's dog rescue efforts have gained them the chance to win $5,000 worth of pet food for the organization that united them with their newest family member.

Buddy, a Lhasa Apso dog from upstate New York, was suffering and the family who owned him couldn't afford the care. They gave him to the American Lhasa Apso Club which united him with Ellen and Walt Pfender of Norristown.

Buddy was severly malnutritioned, his front legs were malformed and he had urethral stones, as if that weren't enough, while the Pfenders were caring for him, they noticed he was in pain and took him to the veterinarian only to learn he had a spinal disc infection. Buddy was immediately rushed to the veterinary hospital of the University of Pennsylvania where he underwent disc surgery after suffering paralysis of his hind legs.

Buddy is recovering and happy again, and his story is one of 10 that were chosen by Purina to compete for the title of the Doing More for Pets Ambassador, a competition that is part of Purina's Rally to Rescue initiative to find permanent homes for 300,000 abandoned or abused pets and to bring attention to small rescue organizations and shelters that are often overlooked and in need of funds.

The winner of the Doing More Ambassador contest, which is going on now, will receive a free trip to the American Kennel Club's National Dog Show in Philadelphia this November. In addition, the pet rescue organization that assisted the winning dog or cat will receive $5,000 worth of coupons for pet food from Purina.

Votes can be made now through Oct. 30 at www.rallytorescue.org, click on Events, then click on "Doing More for Pets" contest to view videos and a brief written history of each competitor.

Buddy was the only Pennsylvania pet to be chosen from more than 120 competitors for the final round of judging which will be made by a judging board in addition to online votes.

Purina is also visiting different sites throughout the continental U.S. to promote pet adoption, including the annual Boyertown YMCA Tomato Blast on Aug. 22 where Wiener Dog Races will be held. The Rally to Rescue van brings pet tips and information and also supports local pet rescue organizations who come out to find homes for their pets in need.

To learn more about Rally to Rescue, visit www.rallytorescue.org.