Team Trophy Central is honored to present July’s Random Acts of Trophy-ness award to Maricopa County Animal Care and Control in Phoenix, Arizona for their “Calming the Canines” program. Implemented for the first time in 2018 (and back this year because of its rousing success) “Calming the Canines” takes place during the fireworks on Independence Day. Instead of going out to watch the fireworks, Phoenix residents come to the shelter to soothe animals scared by the loud banging noises — by reading to them, singing to them, feeding them treats and giving them love.
As most pet parents know, the fourth of July can be one of the hardest nights of the year. Fireworks and firecrackers can be traumatic for animals, who pant, quiver in fear and try to hide to escape their panic. More pets are lost on July 4th than any other time of the year because they bolt trying to escape the booming explosions of noise.
For animals caged in shelters, it can be even more traumatic.
Team Trophy Central applauds the good people of Phoenix who choose to comfort shelter animals on the fourth. We thank you with all our hearts for your kindness.
We are immensely grateful to Maricopa County Animal Care and Control for coming up with such a meaningful program that shows how much they care about the animals in their shelter.
We are also moved to hear that many people who participated in last year’s “Calming the Canines” event decided to volunteer at the shelter, foster or adopt after spending time with the animals on Independence Day. We hope the same is true of those who attended this year, as there are so many loving animals in shelters deserving of kindness — and forever homes.
Everyday Acts of Trophy-ness
Our Random Acts of Trophy-ness “Show Us Your Sue” award was inspired by the perpetually optimistic and persistent Sue Heck character on the sitcom The Middle.
When Team Trophy Central decided we wanted to send out monthly trophies to individuals changing the world by being themselves, Sue Heck became our muse.
Mostly because she’s not the type of person who would typically win a trophy. She’s not the most talented or athletic. She can be awkward and is definitely quirky. But that’s exactly why we love her. Sue Heck is unabashedly herself. She doesn’t dim her sparkle or enthusiasm for anyone. She doesn’t let rejection slow her down and she makes things happen for herself. She inspires others because she never, EVER gives up, and we think she’s trophy-worthy because there is no one else like her. Her inherent “Sue”-ness makes the world a better, brighter place.
We want to reward the Sue Hecks of the world, those who change the world by being themselves. We want to celebrate everyday acts of kindness (or, as we call them, everyday acts of trophy-ness!)
Congratulations to Maricopa County Animal Care and Control on joining our “Show Us Your Sue” family. Your kindness toward animals is the epitome of trophy-worthy. We hope other shelters will follow in your footsteps and implement similar programs on the fourth of July. The animals deserve it.
Do YOU know someone who is trophy-worthy? Someone whose kindness is making the world a better place? Then please “Show Us Your Sue”! We want to send out shiny trophies to underdogs, dreamers and everyday heroes who inspire. Please nominate the next winner of our monthly Random Acts of Trophy-ness “Show Us Your Sue” award in the comments section below or on Twitter or Facebook using the hashtag #ShowUsYourSue. We can’t wait to reward them for their trophy-ness!