Set to unleash the horsepower in the 106th running of the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 29, Simon Pagenaud harnessed it all in on the Friday before the race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with some furry friends.
Along with some adoptable pets, Pagenaud was joined by Andrew Herein, COO of Julius-K9, Brandi Pahl, Chief Communications Officer – City of Indianapolis Dept of Business and Neighborhood Services, Roxie Randall, Public Information Officer of Indianapolis Animal Care Services (IACS), and Katie Trennepohl, Deputy Director of Indianapolis Animal Care Services to discuss the initiative to place 106 animals into adoption, and a monetary and product donation from Julius-K9.
“We are here with my friends at Julius-K9 to give back to the local community,” said Pagenaud, driver of the No. 60 AutoNation/SXM Honda for Meyer Shank Racing and the 2019 winner of the Indianapolis 500. “My wife Hailey and I have always had a passion to support animal services. I am so thankful to have a partner that is as passionate as I am. Julius-K9 works with us every year to choose a deserving organization to give back to around the Indy 500, the biggest race of the year. This year we are working with the Speedway and their efforts with Indianapolis Animal Care Services to both raise money for the organization and to get 106 animals adopted.”
While the adopted pets will have a new home, the new owners will also receive a custom Indy 500 harness compliments of Julius-K9.
“We are so grateful for the opportunity to work with Simon, IMS and the city of Indianapolis to give back,” said Herein. “We understand the needs and expenses upon your first few days of getting a new pet, and we wanted to step in and provide these custom Indy 500 harnesses for the 106 adoptable animals. These premium Julius-K9 harnesses ensure optimum comfort for your pet for bustling days, early morning walks, and getting around safely.”
“In addition to the 106 harnesses, we are also making a $6001 donation for IACS to continue to support their animal care services. 6001 in honor of Simon’s No. 60 and the 106th running of the Indianapolis 500.”
While the animals present at the circuit added a cute perspective, the yearly initiative is important for pets and the community.
“Since February, our shelter has been in Emergency Intake Status due to lack of staffing and kennel space, said IACS Deputy Director Katie Trennepohl. “With such high demand for services, the shelter is appreciative of volunteer and community support, including today’s donation from Julius-K9. Donations like this are crucial as we work towards our mission of protecting and promoting the health, safety, and welfare of pets and livestock in Marion County.”
To find out how you can support Indianapolis Animal Care Services through adoption, fostering, volunteer work, or donations, please visit https://indy.gov/acs
To learn more about Julius-K9 and their product offering, please visit https://julius-k9.com
