On June 17, the Florida Panthers victoriously hoisted the Stanley Cup for the second year in a row. Each member of the team worked tirelessly toward their goal since the beginning of the season in October, but center Sam Bennett has gone above and beyond both on and off the ice.
Not only did Bennett take home the Conn Smythe Trophy as this year’s league MVP, but he also made a huge impact at a local animal shelter thanks to his nonprofit, Benny’s Buddies. For every goal he scored this season, his charity covered a pet’s adoption fees! After winning the MVP Trophy, it was only fitting that he share the joy (and the hardware) with the @humanebroward shelter pets and volunteers he spent the whole season helping.
Congratulations, Sam, and the whole Florida Panthers organization! This was a well-deserved win and a ‘paw-sitively’ adorable celebration. There have been plenty of babies posing and dogs eating pup cups out of the Stanley Cup before, but I’ve never seen a kitten on the MVP trophy. Of course, there’s a first for everything, but firsts are hardly as sweet as this.
“I love how he does this,” one commenter began. “Caring for the animals is amazing! Thank you.” It’s refreshing to see athletes doing something so positive with their status, money, and time, but nothing beats watching adorable black kittens climbing all over a trophy.
The best news of all is that kitten adoption fees were 50% off that following weekend! If that’s not the best way for an animal shelter to celebrate, I don’t know what is.
Since October 2024, Benny’s Buddies has helped 28 pets find their forever homes. Six more have had their adoption fees waived, while even more have benefited from the Stanley Cup Celebration. That’s what I call making a difference in your community!
There are dozens of cats, dogs, kittens, and puppies waiting for their forever homes at the Humane Society of Broward County—and at shelters near you. Please don’t hesitate to visit your favorite shelters and rescues, whether online or in person, to learn more about rescuing a four-legged friend.
Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos.
Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips.