Operation Ava Loves Animals!

"Stella was born with a medical disorder called Bi-Lateral Patellar Luxation, her kneecaps are misplaced on her legs and she cannot walk properly. Operation Ava, a Northern Liberties, Philadelphia no-kill animal rescue saved Stella from an overburdened shelter in the South-where she faced the possibility of euthanasia. The rescue quickly realized she needed surgery and launched a campaign to raise money to help Stella get the surgery she needs and walk confidently into her new life. Operation Ava hopes that after the beagle puppy’s 6-week recovery period, Stella will be adopted."

Best of Philly 2011: Animal Shelter OPERATION AVA "858 North 3rd Street" Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19123 215-240-1240 http://www.operationava.org 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.