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Animals will take center stage during the grand opening festivities planned at the new Southaven PETCO, located at 205 Goodman Road West, on Saturday and Sunday, September 9 and 10, 2000.

The Southaven store represents PETCO's first store in Mississippi and fifth store in the Memphis area. All Memphis PETCO locations will help to celebrate the grand opening by offering special advertised savings. The other Memphis stores are located at 7730 Poplar Avenue, 3468 Poplar Avenue, 5970 Winchester Road and 6025 Stage Road.

Highlighting the weekend's special events will be several visits by unusual animals. Colossus, a 23-foot python, will drop by the Southaven store on Saturday. An Exotic Animal Show featuring a camel, a kangaroo and a lemur will delight visitors. A rare white tiger will also be on hand throughout the weekend. Rounding out the activities will be low-cost pet vaccinations, dog obedience demonstrations and pet adoptions from several animal rescue organizations.

"We are excited to be bringing PETCO to Mississippi," says Southaven Store Manager Ronnie Dowty. "Visitors will love our large selection of premium pet products and knowledgeable associates," Dowty added. The 12,000 square foot store features a small animal and reptile area, fresh and saltwater fish aquariums, a bird room and a grooming salon.

Store hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

To find the Southaven store, or any other PETCO location, visit PETCO's website at www.petco.com. PETCO , founded in 1965, operates 512 specialty pet food and supply stores in 40 states and the District of Columbia.

  Grand Opening Events: Days and Times

                                      Saturday, 9/9       Sunday, 9/10

  Exotic Animals Show                 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.   10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  Colossus, 23-foot python            10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  White tiger                         10 a.m. to 6 p.m.   10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  Clown with facepainting             10 a.m. to 2 p.m.   2 to 6 p.m.
  Desoto County Humane Society
   adoptions                          10 a.m. to 2 p.m.   10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  Olive Branch Humane Society
   adoptions                          11 a.m. to 3 p.m.   11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  Desoto Cat Clinic adoptions         Noon to 4 p.m.      Noon to 4 p.m.
  Dog obedience training demo         10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  Low cost vaccinations               Noon to 4 p.m.

SOURCE: PETCO