2011 Animal Shelter
Operation Ava
Ava Gutierrez, 11, and her sister Lexie, 13, are the driving forces behind NoLibs’ new no-kill rescue shelter, complete with on-site pet training and vet care. Sure, says mom Claudia Gutierrez (who owns Doggie Style, the pet-store chain), she helps run the place, but the shelter was Ava’s idea, and co-founder helms the pet-education program for adoptive owners. Their do-gooding is largely funded by the colorful pet store downstairs so if you’ve already got a dog, go buy him a treat and help a puppy out.
858 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123; 215-240-1240; operationava.org/