Humane Society of South Mississippi Inaugurates First Shelter Mascot

GULFPORT, MS, January 28, 2016 – (HSSM) celebrated the inauguration of its first shelter mascot on Wednesday. The ceremony included the unveiling of a new wall display in the adoption lobby featuring photographs of Trout, the 7 year old Labrador/Australian shepherd mix who will serve as an ambassador of HSSM and its mission for the year of 2016.

The opportunity to become the shelter mascot is part of HSSM’s annual fundraising event, Rock N’ Roll Over. Participants may bid during a silent auction to have their pet become HSSM’s next reigning mascot.

Laura and Ron Ladner of Pass Christian were the highest bidders during last year’s event, securing the position of HSSM mascot for their dog, Trout, who they adopted in 2008 from Jackson Friends of Animals – an animal rescue group based in Jackson, MS

“We’re really excited to be a part of this amazing program,” said Laura Ladner. “Ron and I have so much respect for HSSM and everything they do for the homeless dogs and cats in our community. Trout and his two sisters are rescues, and they’re so full of love and have brought so much joy to our lives. Seeing how happy they are reinforces our commitment to helping organizations like HSSM. And Trout is loving being the center of attention!”

In addition to being featured in the lobby display, the HSSM mascot receives a professional photo shoot, the cover of HSSM’s calendar, a personalized theme song written by award-winning songwriter Jimmy Robins, a feature page on HSSM’s website, a facebook fan page, and special invitations to HSSM and community events.

“We’re honored to feature Trout as the face of HSSM for 2016,” said Maren Slay, HSSM Marketing Specialist. “We could not have picked a truer representation of our mission. Ron and Laura are shining examples of responsible pet ownership, as well as advocates of pet rescue and pet adoption. We’re so grateful for their participation and generous contribution to HSSM, which will help subsidize the care of animals in the shelter.”

Mascot candidates do not have to have been adopted from HSSM to be eligible, but they must be spayed/neutered, micro-chipped, and tagged. For more information about becoming HSSM’s 2017 mascot, visit www.hssm.org/mascot.

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