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Key Accounts Representative Xan Rousselle is doing good for some furry friends on the West Coast.

Read Xan’s story below, which we first published on National Life Today, about how he raised money for the Animal Hope and Wellness Foundation, and met his new best friend in the process!

I have always loved animals, especially dogs. They have always been another member of the family.

This past July I was having a business lunch in California with some of our partners in the field. As I left the restaurant I saw puppies in the window directly next door (so who wouldn’t have walked in?). It became immediately apparent that the majority of the animals had sustained some sort of physical trauma (and emotional). I learned that these dogs were from all over the world, rescued from neglect, abuse, torture, and even consumption. After rescue, the animals were treated, and put up for adoption.

I heard stories of survival that left me in disbelief. It was also pretty evident that the organization were thin on a lot of common animal care necessities (leashes, toys, beds, collars etc.). While there, I fell for a pup named Digit that immediately put a smile on my face. Digit was from China and saved from the Yulin Festival where he had lost part of his leg. Unfortunately, I learned that organization only allows instate adoptions. However, I told the director that I wanted to find a way to help.

When I got back to my home in Detroit, I reached back out to the Animal Hope and Wellness Foundation(AHWF) and told them that I wanted to combine my upcoming Ironman race with an effort to raise support for the organization (which runs almost entirely off of the work of volunteers as a non for profit organization).

On 10/14 I raced Ironman Louisville  (An Ironman is a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run). Race morning was mid 40’s and rain (terrible conditions). I finished with a time of 10 hr 35 minutes (which was a personal best for me). More importantly, over $4,000 was raised in the effort. After the race I received a surprise video from the team at AHWF. In it I learned that Digit was waiting to come home to Detroit with me.

It was an amazing experience that I am grateful to have been a part of. Digit’s name is now “Nugget” and he has quickly become my best buddy.

Thanks for doing good, Xan!