Pet Project For Dog, Cat Foundation

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Found Animals Foundation has placed thousands of abandoned dogs and cats in new homes and contributed millions of dollars for research toward the medical well-being of pets since Gary Michelson launched the West L.A. non-profit six years ago.

Now it’s rolling out an e-commerce site called Adopt & Shop, which allows pet lovers to shop for organic pet products. They also can read a blog featuring 200 articles on animal nutrition, health and behavior.

Aimee Gilbreath, the foundation’s executive director, said sales will help advance the group’s goals.

“Our mission is to put an end to the cruelty of euthanasia that affects over 3 million animals in United States each year,” she said. “Our reason for existence is to help the owners and find homes for pets, not sell the supplies.”

Some of the proceeds will also go to Los Angeles County shelters. The site allows the foundation to sell items nationally. Products on the site include food, leashes, clothing and beds for pets.

Michelson, a former spine surgeon, in May ranked No. 28 on the Business Journal’s list of Wealthiest Angelenos with an estimated net worth of $1.59 billion owing to his invention of medical devices. Since the foundation was launched in 2008, it has had more than 500,000 animals spayed, neutered and microchipped, and it has given $12 million for worldwide research of animal welfare technologies. The goal is to reduce euthanasia of pets; money goes to shelters and organizations that offer neutering and pet-related services.

Found Animals also opened a retail location at its Lakewood storefront. The store serves as an adoption site where families can find a new four-legged friend. So far, more than 2,500 animals have been adopted. Gilbreath hopes the new platform will help Found Animals double that number.

“It’s incredibly gratifying to know that our work makes a difference for pets and the people,” she said.

– Anna Nikonova

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