Rescued Puppy Gets A New "Leash" On Life Thanks To Innovative Plastic Prosthetic Paw

Plastics Make it Possible® and The Humane Society of the United States to Raise Donations for Rescue Animals

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Sep 28, 2016, 08:00 ET

WASHINGTON, Sept. 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Inspired by the rescue dog known as Hudson the Railroad Puppy, Plastics Make it Possible^® has pledged a donation of $20,000 to support The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) Animal Rescue Team. The donation will fund HSUS efforts to help rescue animals suffering in life-threatening situations. A special donation page has been set up at www.humanesociety.org/acc for animal lovers to donate directly to the cause.

Injured Rescue Puppy Gets New Plastic Paw, Becomes Therapy Dog

Plastics Make it Possible^®recently produced a short video about the journey of Hudson, who was left for dead on railroad tracks in upstate New York, an act of cruelty that left him without a rear paw. Thanks to a new plastic prosthetic paw, Hudson is able to live a full life with the freedom to run, jump, and play. The video has garnered over 4 million views and has inspired Plastics Make it Possible^®to join with HSUS to raise funds to help rescue more animals.

Today, Hudson is an energetic 4-year-old who loves going for runs with his owner and serving as a therapy dog for people in need—a stark contrast to the puppy that was not expected to survive. Thanks to innovations in prosthetics made possible by plastics and the work of veterinary orthotics expert Derrick Campana of Animal Ortho Care, Hudson serves children, the elderly, and people with disabilities, bringing love and joy wherever he goes.

"We were really moved by Derrick's innovative use of plastics to give Hudson his life back—one where he can move freely and serve as a therapy dog, providing joy to others," said Steve Russell, vice president of plastics for the American Chemistry Council, which sponsors the Plastics Make it Possible^® campaign. "Hudson's story inspired us to join with The Humane Society of the United States to help more animals like him, and we hope other people are motivated to donate, as well."

To improve the quality of life for Hudson and other animals, Campana relies on high-performance materials, including medical-grade polypropylene and polyethylene plastics. These plastics enable him to craft and mold prostheses that contour to the shape of an animal's body, while being sturdy enough to provide reliable support for many years. The plastics also help make prostheses more affordable, which is important to many pet owners without insurance to cover veterinarian care.

From the time Campana met Hudson, he had a feeling there was something special about the dog. "Hudson had the desire," Campana said. "He had the will. He wanted to walk again. He wanted to run. When we put on that prosthesis, he did just that."

Hudson now is becoming widely known as a symbol for overcoming adversity—with the help of his owner's love, Campana's passion, and a plastic prosthesis that allows him to walk, run, and once again live a full and happy dog's life.

Visit the Plastics Make it Possible^® website to learn more about how plastics help make advanced prosthetics possible.

Plastics Make it Possible^®highlights the many ways plastics inspire innovations that improve our lives, solve big problems and help us design a safer, more promising future. This program is sponsored by America's Plastics Makers^TM through the plastics industries of the American Chemistry Council.

www.americanchemistry.com/newsroom

The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents the leading companies engaged in the business of chemistry. ACC members apply the science of chemistry to make innovative products and services that make people's lives better, healthier and safer. ACC is committed to improved environmental, health and safety performance through Responsible Care®, common sense advocacy designed to address major public policy issues, and health and environmental research and product testing. The business of chemistry is an $801 billion enterprise and a key element of the nation's economy. It is the nation's largest exporter, accounting for fourteen percent of all U.S. exports. Chemistry companies are among the largest investors in research and development. Safety and security have always been primary concerns of ACC members, and they have intensified their efforts, working closely with government agencies to improve security and to defend against any threat to the nation's critical infrastructure.

Contact: Jennifer Killinger (202) 249-6619
Email: [email protected]

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Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaZaVGCTGCw

SOURCE Plastics Make it Possible