For nearly two years, the dog learns, practices and trains. All for the day when preparation pays off and the pup graduates as a certified guide dog and becomes a gift of independence for someone who can't see.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090430/LA08362)
In honor of these hero dogs -- and the training facilities that provide them at no cost to people who are visually impaired -- Paula Abdul is teaming up with Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance Pet Foods, independent pet stores and PETCO to celebrate National Guide Dog Month in May and raise money and awareness for guide dog organizations across the country.
"Being part of this important cause is truly special and very close to my heart," said Paula Abdul. "Most people have no idea how much time and money it takes to train these beautiful animals to give such a precious gift to those who need it most. It can take more than two years and $40,000 to properly train a guide dog. Together, we can help guide dog schools provide more of these life-changing partners to people who are blind."
Throughout the month of May, pet parents can visit any of PETCO's more than 950 locations nationwide, as well as select independent pet stores, and buy specially marked bags of Natural Balance dog food, with Paula Abdul's picture on them, to donate 50 cents of the purchase price to participating guide dog schools. PETCO shoppers can also round up their purchases, buy special donation cards at the register, or make donations directly online at PETCO.com.
"Having Paula Abdul, a huge animal lover, as our spokesperson will help us get the message out to raise money match people who are visually blind with these amazing guide dogs," said Dick Van Patten of Natural Balance Pet Foods.
All proceeds from these National Guide Dog Month activities will be donated to several participating guide dog training facilities across the country. Recipients will include:
-- Guide Dogs for the Blind, Inc. -- Guide Dogs of America -- Guide Dogs of the Desert -- Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation -- Southeastern Guide Dogs -- KSDS, Inc. -- Leader Dogs for the Blind -- The Seeing Eye, Inc. -- Freedom Guide Dogs, Inc. -- Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind -- Guiding Eyes for the Blind -- Pilot Dogs, Inc. -- Guide Dogs of Texas, Inc.
"We understand and celebrate the special bond between people and their pets," said Paul Jolly, Vice President and Executive Director of the PETCO Foundation. "Guide dogs are a great example of how animals can enrich and improve the quality of life for an individual with a disability. We're honored to help support these guide dog organizations and raise awareness for the wonderful work they do."
Earlier this year, in partnership with Natural Balance, PETCO also developed a special P.A.L.S. Guide Dog loyalty card to provide Natural Balance dog food to puppy raisers, trainers and the visually impaired at a special discount.
To find a PETCO location near your or to make a donation online during National Guide Dog Month, visit PETCO.com.
About PETCO
PETCO is a privately held specialty retailer that provides products, services and advice that make it easier for our customers to be great pet parents. We operate more than 950 stores in 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as a leading pet products and information destination at PETCO.com. Our nonprofit organization, The PETCO Foundation, has raised more than $49 million since its inception in 1999 to help promote and improve the welfare of companion animals. In conjunction with the foundation, we work with and support more than 5,700 local animal welfare groups across the country to help find homes for more than 200,000 adoptable animals every year.
About Natural Balance
Since 1989, Dick Van Patten and his partner Joey Herrick have been supplying the public with premium quality dog and cat foods. Today Natural Balance Pet Foods, Inc has grown into an international company providing pet foods throughout the United States, Canada, The Pacific Rim and Europe. The Natural Balance ultra premium line of pet foods for dog and cats, includes: Ultra Premium Dry and Canned Dog and Cat food, Dog Food Rolls in 3 varieties: Lamb, Beef and Turkey, Treats for Dogs, Organic Dog Food, Allergy Formulas, Eatables for dogs, gourmet canned dog foods made in a USDA approved plant that makes food for people, and Zoological Formulas made for lions, tigers, cheetahs, polar bears, snakes and carnivorous birds. Natural Balance is headquartered in Pacoima, CA and is available at PETCO and local independent pet stores. For more information on Natural Balance please visit www.naturalbalanceinc.com.
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CONTACT: Lisa Epstein of PETCO, +1-858-453-7845, ext. 2558,
