Kellan Lutz (Photo credit: Gage Skidmore)

Paws up for the cast of Hercules! Back in November, actor Kellan Lutz (Twilight) announced that he wanted to raise $200,000 for a Bulgarian NGO that desperately needed the money to help stray animals. Lutz had been filming on-location in Bulgaria for his new film, Hercules. The dogs of Sofia, Bulgaria were once pets, but now abandoned and left in the streets.  “After seeing the many stray dogs in Bulgaria, myself & the cast of Hercules couldn’t stand by and not do something to help ‘Animal Rescue Sofia,'” said Lutz.

I’m happy to share the news that Kellan achieved the goal!

Not only did the cast and crew raise a lot of money, which will allow ARS to build their much-needed new facility, but they are also raising awareness on how important animal adoption is — no matter where you are in the world, there are animals who need homes.

To learn more about the shelter (which is no-kill!) and the forgotten dogs of Sofia, please watch this video:

“It’s important to tell people that you don’t need to buy a dog. There’s so many out there that’s screaming for your love.” Sarai Givaty, cast member of Hercules.