State Sen. Scott Wilk recognized the Brittany Foundation during its seventh annual chili cook-off and memorial event in Santa Clarita on Saturday.
Founder Nancy Anderson received the award for distinguished nonprofit, an award designated to multiple groups across the state each year, said Wilk, R-Santa Clarita. The Brittany Foundation houses about 40 dogs,small and large, as well as dogs with special needs.
“We do what we do,” Anderson said. “We rescue dogs, we take the best care for them, we look for homes for them. If they don’t find homes, they stay here. That’s why we’re a rescue (home) and a sanctuary.”
Anderson invited volunteers, veterinarians and neighbors to the event. After she received the plaque, balloons were released to recognize the older dogs who were rescued who have since passed away.
She said she’s always thrilled about this event, as it also gives guests a chance to see the dogs and possibly adopt.
“We’re happy to do this,” she said. “Once it’s over, it’s like, ‘Wow, that was fast.’”
As the owner of a rescue dog, Wilk said it was important to help animals find families to live with. Events like this help spread awareness and expand the group of volunteers, he said.
“She’s willing to house them and love them and feed them and raise the money to do all that,” Wilk said.
Wilk introduced Senate Bill 202 as a way to increase accessible dog plasma where dog owners can voluntarily provide their pet’s blood for community blood banks. Last month, the Senate Committee on Public Safety unanimously approved Senate Bill 580, a bill that would allow judges to impose psychological evaluations for animal abusers and provide help in order to break the cycle of abuse.
Anyone interested in adopting a dog can call Anderson at 661-713-5240 or email her at [email protected], or go to brittanyfoundationonline.org before making a visit. The Brittany Foundation is located on 36220 Anthony Road.
