Pokémon Go Players—and a Pizza Deliverer—Receive Peta Awards for Dog Rescue

Injured Puppy Found During Search for Jigglypuff Pokémon Rushed to Veterinary Clinic

For Immediate Release:
July 15, 2016

Contact:
Brooke Rossi 202-483-7382

Compassionate Action Awards are on their way from PETA to three Texas residents who rescued a severely injured puppy last Friday—and it’s all thanks to Pokémon Go.

Lufkin residents Kaitlin Kouts and Tiffany Revay were searching for a character known as a Jigglypuff near their local library on July 8 when they discovered a puppy who was bleeding from the mouth and suffering from two broken legs. As they planned how to help him, they received a call from Skyler Jerke, the driver delivering the pizza they had ordered—and when Jerke, who recently completed EMT training, heard about the puppy’s predicament, he joined Kouts and Revay with his medical kit, stabilized the dog’s condition, and rushed him to a veterinary clinic. The puppy, now named Pokey, is expected to recover after surgery and physical therapy and will be available for adoption when he fully recuperates.

“Kindness was in play during this Pokémon Go game, and thanks to these Texans, a little puppy is on the road to recovery,” says PETA Senior Vice President Lisa Lange. “PETA hopes this story will remind people everywhere that when an animal is in danger, it’s up to all of us to step in and help.”

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—reminds all dog guardians never to leave dogs unattended outdoors, where they may be hurt by cruel people. PETA also offers tips for reporting cruelty to animals on its website.

Kouts, Revay, and Jerke will each receive a framed certificate and a box of delicious vegan cookies.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.