Photo Release -- Orlando Fire Department and Pet Alliance Partner to Save More Lives

ORLANDO, Fla., June 25, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando announced today a partnership with the Orlando Fire Department to create the first Orlando Firefighters and Rescued Pets calendar #OrlandoFireAndPets with proceeds to establish the organization's Pet Rescue Fund. Los Angeles-based celebrity photographer Michael Rueter has signed on to help produce the calendar with photo shoots taking place at Fire Station No. One, the Orlando Fire Museum, and Lake Eola Park this week. Adoptable pets from the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando will be featured with a different firefighter on each month of the calendar which will be available for sale this fall.

Production of the 2016 Orlando Firefighters & Rescued Pets Calendar starts today. #OrlandoFireAndPets

A photo accompanying this release is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=34054

"Heroic firefighters save people's lives and property every single day," said Sean Hawkins, Vice President of Philanthropy & Marketing for the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando. "What many people don't know is that Orlando firefighters often rescue dogs, cats and even ducks when they are in danger, providing first aid and saving their lives as well. We could not think of a better partnership to help us launch our pet rescue fund."

The mission of the Orlando Fire Department is to protect lives and property. "Pets are part of our families and the community that we serve," City of Orlando Fire Chief Roderick Williams said. "It's important to have services that help people care for their pets, and services for the pets looking for homes."

Adding a celebrity flare to the calendar project is photographer Michael Rueter's participation. Rueter's work with animals on set in challenging environments includes shooting for National Geographic's Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan and American Humane Association's Hero Dog Awards show in Hollywood. His book also includes significant celebrity work including the red carpet at the Oscars and Emmys and set work with Brad Pitt, Jennifer Lopez, Bradley Cooper and Madonna.

The Aveda Institute students and instructors have volunteered their time and talents to providing hair and make-up services on set for the firefighters who will be participating in the calendar. John Michael Catering & Events has donated craft services for all three days of the production. Aloft Hotel Downtown Orlando is the official host hotel for the 2016 Orlando Firefighters & Rescued Pets calendar project.

"Our goal is for calendar sales to raise $100,000 to kick-off the pet rescue fund," Hawkins continued. "This fund will be used by the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando to provide medical care for pets in income-qualified families, when providing veterinary care means that an animal can stay in a home instead of being relinquished to the animal shelter." Florida-based PET SUPERMARKET is helping to underwrite the production expense for the calendar which will be available online and in their stores in September. Bloomingdales at the Mall at Millenia and Woof Gang Bakery have also pitched in by providing retail space for calendar sales this fall.

Olivia Zuk from Go Big Marketing is the Social Media Content Manager for the 2016 Orlando Firefighters & Rescued Pets calendar. Behind the scenes images and videos of the calendar photo shoot will available at https://www.facebook.com/orlandofireandpets, https://twitter.com/fireandpets and https://instagram.com/orlandofireandpets.

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
June 25, 26, and 27, 2015

About Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando

As the go-to pet experts for Central Florida, the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando does good things for dogs and cats and the people who love them. Formerly the SPCA of Central Florida, the organization's goal is to provide compassionate and knowledgeable services for pets and to be leaders in innovative animal care and veterinary medicine. More than 7,000 homeless dogs and cats turned to the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando for caring, compassion, and hope through its two animal shelters last year. Highly skilled veterinarians will help and heal an additional 45,000 animals through two veterinary clinics. Providing shelter for animals in crisis, disaster response efforts, and pet food pantry programs for dogs and cats in need, thousands of additional animals are helped each year. Visit www.PetAllianceOrlando.org for more information.