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What do you get when you mix pets, multiple race tracks, dancing, dog food and hundreds of pet lovers -- a PETCO Invitational.

Chihuahuas, hamsters and other critters will be competing in eight fun-filled days of contests in eight Denver area PETCO locations during the first-ever PETCO Invitational Tour.

The tour kicks off in Aurora on Saturday, Sept. 30. Each weekend tour will travel to different Denver area PETCO locations, ending in Golden, Colo. on Oct. 22. See below for a complete listing of dates and locations.

     Date              Location                 City               Phone
  Sept. 30   13750 East Mississippi Ave.  Aurora, Colo. 80012   303-695-1223
  Oct. 1     24101 East Orchard Road      Aurora, Colo. 80016   303-627-5710
  Oct. 7     3050 North Powers Blvd.      Colorado Springs,     719-637-8777
                                           Colo. 80922

  Oct. 8     7460 South University Blvd.  Littleton,            720-488-5222
                                           Colo. 80122
  Oct. 14    12163 North Sheridan Blvd.   Broomfield,           303-635-1540
                                           Colo. 80020
  Oct. 15    205 Ken Pratt Blvd.          Longmont,             720-652-4642
                                           Colo. 80501
  Oct. 21    8100 West Crestline          Denver, Colo. 80123   303-973-7057
  Oct. 22    17132 West Colfax Ave.       Golden, Colo. 80401   303-384-0013

"Pets won't be the only ones having fun and being entertained during our tour," said PETCO District Manager Rick Nordaker. "We are all looking forward to the competition between pets and pet parents, as our customers cheer on their companion animals," Nordaker added.

The first 100 customers arriving at each invitational will receive a free photo with their pet. The games begin in the parking lot with Chihuahua Races at 10 a.m., followed by a Dog Dancing competition at 10:45 a.m. and Wiener Dog Races at 11:15 a.m.

At noon, team up with your canine best friend and compete against other contestants in the Natural Balance Eatables Dog Food Eat Off. After lunch, tortoises will strut their stuff during the tortoise races at 12:45 p.m.

At 1:30 p.m. tiny terrors will be unleashed for the Small Dog Open. All dogs less than 15 pounds can participate. Chihuahuas and Dachshunds must race in their breed-specific competition earlier in the day.

The fast and furry will take over the inside of store during the afternoon for Ferret Races beginning at 2 p.m. and Hamster Races at 2:30 p.m.

It is free to participate in the invitational and participants should sign up 30 minutes prior to their race time. Winners will receive PETCO gift cards. All award ceremonies will immediately follow each event.

For more information visit any Denver area PETCO location. To find a location near you, 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 800 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 $31 million since its inception in 1999. More than 3,800 non-profit grassroots animal welfare organizations from around the nation receive Foundation support. Through the PETCO Foundation, PETCO endeavors to be a community leader in promoting the welfare of companion animals and celebrating the human-animal bond.

SOURCE: PETCO