Pet rescue delighted with their new donated Toyota

It was hard to know who were the happiest, the humans or the dogs.

Arlington Toyota in Palatine recently gave away a 2013 Toyota Sienna minivan to the Young at Heart Pet Rescue organization in Lake Zurich. Nationally, Toyota gives away 100 cars every year to nonprofits.

Volunteers and dogs crowded into the dealership for the event, happily taking possession.

According to Dawn Kemper, Young at Heart’s founder and director, the pet rescue will use the Sienna to transport senior dogs and cats out of animal shelters where they were slated for euthanasia due to their age.

Young at Heart does not accept animals from the general public, but concentrates their services on older pets in shelters who are less likely to be adopted.

“It will allow us to transport more senior pets at one time,” Kemper writes, “and also to collect and distribute pet food pantry donations.

“The van will also allow Young at Heart to collect hundreds of pounds of donated pet food in a single trip, increasing the number of pets we can help stay with their struggling families,” she added.

Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good competition asks organizations to submit a video that explains who they are and what they need the vehicle.

“We are very excited about this incredible opportunity for our organization, and are very grateful to Toyota and our Facebook fans that helped us win,” Kemper said.