Animal Allies Partnership
Animal Allies Humane Society is important to Miller Hill Subaru
Back in 2008, Miller Hill Subaru reached out to Animal Allies Humane Society inquiring about a possible off-site Adoption Event. Helping homeless animals in our community is important to employees at Miller Hill Subaru, and also reflects many Subaru owners’ passion for their pets. Seventy percent of Subaru owners have a pet, more than any other auto brand.
After a lot of planning from both organizations, the very first Subaru “Adoption Event” was in the works. With few expectations, but high hopes, the community displayed their support and showed up before the event even began. Everyone was thrilled on both sides, with 20 adoptions in one day!
Year after year, the Adoption Event grew, as did the events Miller Hill Subaru sponsors with Animal Allies. Miller Hill also sponsors the annual “Walk for Animals” in downtown Duluth. And in May, 2014, Miller Hill will join Animal Allies to celebrate our 5 year partnership as well as the fifth year Animal Allies has been operating out of the new shelter. To celebrate, an Open House Event will be held at the shelter. On a National level, Subaru began its “Dog Tested. Dog Approved.” Marketing Campaign which complements our work on a local level. Each year the Adoption Event has placed more animals in new homes, added vendors, micro-chipping, donation drives, humane education activities, and welcomed other area animal shelters to join our event.
In 2010, Subaru of America issued a nationwide challenge to Dealerships to host the most successful Adoption Event based on multiple criteria. That year, we decided to make the event 2 days instead of one. So much hard work goes into set up at Miller Hill Subaru we figured why not keep the doors open one more day. After an exciting weekend of adoptions, vendor participation, activities for kids, donation drives, micro-chipping, holiday pet photos, etc. our goal of a successful event became reality. Over 120 adoptions took place, and countless donation items were divided to the participating shelters. A few months later, the call came from Subaru that Animal Allies was going to be the recipient of a $10,000 grant! Our event was considered the most successful across the nation based on marketing, collaboration of all parties, donations and all of the activities put on to support animal adoption.
During the annual Subaru “Share the Love” Event in 2013, Miller Hill Subaru was given the opportunity to choose a local charity to receive a donation from Subaru. Choosing to continue supporting homeless pets in our city, Miller Hill Subaru chose Animal Allies. Subaru customers, who purchased or leased a new Subaru during the month of December, could pick from 6 charities in which Subaru would donate $250. The charities include ASPCA, Meals On Wheels, Make-A-Wish, National Park Foundation, Teach for America, and our very own Animal Allies Humane Society.
We were thrilled to present a check for $3,416.57 to Animal Allies on March 19th, 2014. This amount of money is a reflection of local citizens who desire to help homeless pets.
The partnership between Miller Hill Subaru and Animal Allies is a natural fit and has become incredibly successful and rewarding. Placing pets in their “Forever Homes” is the goal and through various events we can bring awareness to animal adoption. Shelter animals make wonderful pets and need advocates to stand up for them.
At Miller Hill Subaru, we welcome pets in our dealership and always have treats and a belly rub for our furry customers!
Our own Beth Nimens has played a huge part in our partnership with Animal Allies and had this to say, “From my own experience adopting through Animal Allies, I believe my dog knows I saved him. He is a member of my family and I couldn’t ask for a better friend. I know many people who feel the same about their adopted dog or cat. Please consider adoption!”
Beth Nimens Miller Hill Subaru Marketing Manager, Kim Holland, Amy Miller and Betsy Bode Animal Allies Staff
Ryan Blankenship Marketing Manager for SOA, Joe Plucinak Miller Hill Subaru General Manager, Rick Sailstad Director of Animal Allies