New charity, Rock & Rawhide, launches to help raise adoption of dogs and cats in shelters. (PRNewsFoto/Rock & Rawhide)

/PRNewswire/ - According to the Humane Society, 6-8 million dogs and cats are placed in kill shelters across the country each year. Of this amount, 3-4 MILLION are euthanized. The animals at these shelters suffer extreme stress from the deafening noise levels (often louder than a jackhammer), environmental conditions & many other factors in the shelter. Research shows that toys not only reduce noise levels and stress in shelter animals, but increases adoptability.

Rock & Rawhide is a newly formed organization which aims to increase adoptions and quality of life for dogs and cats in shelters with treat and distraction therapy. Through the collection of toys, rawhides, treats, blankets and towels at music gigs, DJ events, art, food and more, across the country, Rock & Rawhide will be able to lower the noise and stress levels at kill shelters, thereby giving dogs and cats the ability to express their real personalities to potential adoptees.

"We all know the arts can be a wonderful medium for delivering a message and healing. At Rock & Rawhide, we thought fusing music with benefiting the animals made perfect sense. We can't believe the support we are already receiving. So many toys and rawhides!" beamed Kylie Edmond, singer/songwriter and Co-Founder of Rock & Rawhide.

To do the job right, Rock & Rawhide must become an official charity. They are participating in a crowd-funding campaign at www.indiegogo.com/rockandrawhide to raise the funds to do so. And of course, they are always open to accepting items for the furry ones. Once the campaign goal is set, 100% of additional funds raised will go to purchasing toys, rawhides, treats, blankets and towels to deliver to shelters.

Besides donations, there are amazing packages to purchase at indiegogo.com at a bargain including: pre-Valentine's cooking lessons with animal loving Chef Carmen Gonzalez of Bravo's Top Chef Master fame; a $1,000 gift card for use at abstract artist DM Weil's amazing New Paltz gallery; Basic Obedience Training Sessions with the "best dog trainer in NYC" (New York Magazine) Kate Perry; life coach session with Tina Mertel; a song written just for you or a loved one by Lisa Redford; music CDs; Broadway memorabilia and so much more.

"It's a great way to donate while getting a little something for you, besides a smile. We have huge plans for Rock & Rawhide, and they all involve wagging tails and purrs," said Sean-Patrick M. Hillman, owner of PR firm Corbin-Hillman Communications and Rock & Rawhide Co-Founder.

"My wife and I saw a clear issue at New York City Animal Care & Control that we could help resolve. The idea that treat and distraction therapy can be used to help get these beautiful dogs and cats a loving home was something Kylie and I knew could be realized," continued Hillman.

The fund raising campaign will run now until December 5th, 2011. But donations of items will always be accepted. You can read more about it at www.indiegogo.com/rockandrawhide and www.facebook.com/rockandrawhide.

Rock & Rawhide

Rock & Rawhide

Rock & Rawhide is a newly formed organization which aims to increase adoptions and quality of life for dogs and cats in shelters with treat and distraction therapy. Through the collection of toys, rawhides, treats, blankets and towels at music gigs, DJ events, art, food and more, across the country, Rock & Rawhide will be able to lower the noise and stress levels at kill shelters, thereby giving dogs and cats the ability to express their real personalities to potential adoptees.

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