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In an effort to raise awareness for the plight of retired racers across the country, the PETCO Foundation hopes to provide off-track support for adoptable greyhounds with its Greyhound Planet Week campaign in September. Greyhound welfare groups across the country will partner with PETCO stores as the recipients of funds raised for adoptions, advocacy, and education programs.

From September 12 through September 18, PETCO will ask customers, vendors, and associates to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar, with proceeds to be distributed among greyhound adoption group partners in the community.

Greyhound Planet Week started three years ago in conjunction with the first Greyhound Planet Day, and has raised more than $230,000 for retired greyhound racers since inception. Greyhound adoptions account for almost 20% of all dog adoptions at PETCO stores, with more groups signing up to hold adoption events at PETCO stores each year. This fundraiser will help those many groups with the necessary resources they need to rescue even more of these animals from an early grave.

"It is truly tragic that thousands of greyhounds are euthanized each year because they are no longer needed at the racetrack," said Paul Jolly, Director of the PETCO Foundation. "Greyhounds are friendly, social animals, and they make wonderful pets. During Greyhound Planet Week, we hope to educate the community about these loving and beautiful creatures."

Donors rounding up to or more than $5 will receive a commemorative wristband. Customers, associates and vendors can also make a direct donation to the fundraiser. To find the nearest PETCO store, or to learn more about the PETCO Foundation, visit www.PETCO.com.

PETCO is a leading specialty retailer of premium pet food, supplies and services with a commitment to quality animal care and education. PETCO's strategy is to offer its customers a complete assortment of pet- related products and services at competitive prices, with superior levels of customer service at convenient locations, by hiring pet lovers and training them to become counselors to our pet-loving customers. PETCO operates more than 750 neighborhood stores in 49 states and the District of Columbia, as well as a leading destination for on-line pet food and supplies at www.PETCO.com. The PETCO Foundation, PETCO's non-profit organization, has raised more than $24 million since inception in 1999. More than 3,000 non- profit grassroots animal welfare organizations from around the nation have received support from the Foundation. Through the PETCO Foundation, PETCO endeavors to be a community leader in promoting the welfare of companion animals, as well as the importance of the human-animal bond.

SOURCE: PETCO