The 2009 Pedigree® Breed Organization Rescue Hero - Christine McEntyre

Christine McEntyre won Pedigree's Breed Organization Rescue Hero of 2009 for the work she does as Executive Director of Diamond Dachshund Rescue of Texas (DDRTX). DDRTX rescues, rehabilitates, and finds homes for hundreds of dachshunds in Central and South Texas each year. They are an all volunteer, 501(c)(3) non-profit in the heart of Texas that is dedicated to the health, welfare, and happiness of dachshunds.

Christine incorporated Diamond Dachshund Rescue of Texas in 1998 to help dachshunds rescued from pounds, puppy mills, and the streets. Since starting DDRTX, she has saved thousands of dachshunds. She strives to find the right home for each dog's individual personality and needs, so that the placement is permanent, and both the dogs and the humans who adopt them, are equally happy. Christine also focuses on rescuing dachshunds in great need, such as heartworm positive dachshunds, dachshunds requiring surgery or specialized care, and blind and/or deaf dachshunds. She sees DDRTX as a way to help those dachshunds who won't always be easy to place, since for these dogs, the pound is their last stop.

Each year, Pedigree® Brand partners with the Westminster Kennel Club to execute an awards program that recognizes individuals, organizations, and shelter/rescue groups that lend a hand to help homeless dogs in their area. They give these awards to those who work tirelessly for dog-related causes.

Christine and her guest have received an all expenses paid trip to New York City where they she was recognized for her charitable contributions at the annual Pedigree awards dinner in February 2010. She and her guest also received tickets to the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

The picture below is of, from left to right, Christine McEntyre, Bernadette Peters, and Christine's sister, Barbara.