With September underway, the Helen Woodward Animal Center, in partnership with Blue Buffalo, is deep into preparation to unite with animal-lovers worldwide for the sixth annual Remember Me Thursday.  Observed on the fourth Thursday in September each year, the campaign has garnered an esteemed group of celebrities who join with animal-welfare organizations and other animal proponents to become an unstoppable, integrated on-line voice advocating for orphan pets. This year, however, a special name will be added to the group of celebrities, despite being relatively unknown. For this reason, Helen Woodward has announced the very first honoree in a new Remember Me Thursday tradition, the “Rescue Pet Hero,” Yeti.
Yeti is a remarkable pitbull blend from Verde Valley, Ariz., who started his adoption journey in late 2016. Like many orphan pets, his path to finding a forever home was not an easy one. Yeti dealt with two unsuccessful adoptions and was eventually returned to the shelter with a serious leg injury that required surgery. 
“A dog with this type of history, and new medical challenges is often labeled ‘unadoptable’ by shelters around the world,” explained operations director Jennifer Shorey. “It is a credit to the Verde Valley shelter that they saw his amazing potential and tried again and again.”
Yeti patiently waited at the Verde Valley Humane Society for nearly 80 days until the Lennox family saw in him what many others did not. The family had been looking to add a new four-legged family member and knew they wanted a rescue dog. Bella Lennox, Yeti’s human mom, confessed that she hadn’t planned on taking home such a large dog but that Yeti’s goofy and outgoing personality won over the entire family including his new 6-year-old human brother, Fallon.
Not long after adopting Yeti, the family headed to the Verde River to enjoy an April Sunday picnic. Being so early in the season the water was too cold for swimming and young Fallon, who was still learning to swim, was enjoying playing on the rocks. But in a frightening twist of fate, Fallon slipped and fell into the chilly water and was swept downstream. Yeti jumped into action and went in after Fallon working to save him. In a panic, the adults recognized what was happening and rushed down the river yelling for Fallon to grab hold of Yeti and accept his help. A family member was able to pull Fallon from the river once Yeti pushed him back up to the rocks.
The Lennox family, who had wanted to rescue a dog, says they are now in awe of how selflessly that very same dog was there to rescue Fallon. This type of incredible devotion can be seen in the eyes of homeless animals across the world and Yeti’s story serves as a fitting reminder of the Remember Me Thursday campaign message, “Unite to share the stories of these amazing orphan pets and stop them from dying in shelters before they can find their forever homes.” 
“Yeti has brought so much joy into our lives and continues to amaze us,” stated Bella Lennox.  “We’re forever grateful of his actions to protect Fallon. On Remember Me Thursday we’re honored that Yeti’s story can help shine a light on the plight of orphan pets.”
Yeti will be celebrated at the sixth annual Remember Me Thursday Candle-Lighting Ceremony in Balboa Park on Thursday, Sept. 27, from 5:45 to 7 p.m. (6th Avenue, between El Prado and Juniper). The public is invited to join Helen Woodward Animal Center staff, volunteers, friends, and therapy animals as we shine a light on orphan pets on this global pet adoption awareness day.
For more information on Remember Me Thursday and a full list of participating celebrities and animal welfare organizations, go to remembermethursday.org.