Sport Star Billboards Help East St. Louis Pets in Need

Canine-loving commuters driving along the streets of East St. Louis are seeing signs of a better tomorrow for the city’s companion animals in need thanks to billboards which promote paws causes.

While James Laurinaitis is a linebacker for the St. Louis Rams and Ryan Reaves is a right wing enforcer for the St. Louis Blues, the two sports stars found themselves on the same team as they joined  Athletes for Animals in a partnership with Gateway Pet Guardians and Carol House Quick Fix Clinic for a series of nine placards which were erected throughout the city this summer.   The billboards were created to emphasize the fact that Fidos are family as they shine a spotlight on a number of animal welfare issues ranging from the need to spay/neuter pets to keeping our barking buddies safe indoors during extreme weather conditions.

The athletes showed their dogged devotion for pets with help from adoptables at Gateway Pet Guardians, a foster-based animal rescue organization which saves the lives of approximately 300 homeless dogs and cats each year.

The billboard campaign was launched by Athletes for Animals, a foundation established in 2013 by NHL great David Backes and his wife Kelly in order to promote the option of pet adoption, teach responsible pet guardianship to the public, and offer financial assistance to rescue organizations.

Photo Credit: Gateway Pet Guardians