Denis Shapovalov launches Shapo Shelter to support furry friends in need

Last June, animal lover Denis Shapovalov shared his experience of visiting Save a Greek Stray in Oropos, Greece on his Facebook page. The Canadian ended his heartwarming post by encouraging his followers, “if you ever get the chance and it is right for you, to look into adopting your own animal one day.”

Now, the 2021 Wimbledon semifinalist is taking that passion even further. On Monday, Shapovalov unveiled Shapo Shelter.

The initiative joins forces with shelters globally in the fight to help furry friends who’ve been abandoned or displaced.

“Over the years, I’ve heard so many cruel stories about certain animals that were so helpless,” the Canadian said in a video message. “With Shapo Shelter, we’re going to highlight the stories of these poor animals that can’t tell their own stories in hopes to find them new homes.”

The response has been unsurprisingly positive thus far, with Shapovalov’s announcement on Twitter garnering more than 200,000 video views as of Tuesday afternoon. Shapo Shelter launched with the backing of three organizations: the Humane Society of Manatee County, the Humane Society of Greater Miami and Adopta Un Amigo Para Siempre in Mexico City.

Shapovalov joins the likes of Kevin Anderson, Jessica Pegula and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina among others in using his platform to advocate for animal rescuing. A terrific Tennis United concept, we’d say.