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The seeming magic of social networking will allow PETCO to communicate live with customers from the Natural Balance float during the Rose Bowl Parade and give away over $1,000 in prizes during the annual event. PETCO Director of E-Commerce, Natalie Malaszenko, will be tweeting, commenting on Facebook and blogging live from the top of the Guinness World Record breaking float that features the world's fastest skateboarding dog, Tillman, snowboarding with his friend Rose.

"It's a once in a lifetime opportunity to participate in the parade in such a big way, from the construction of the float to communicating to our network of social media fans from the float itself during the parade," said Malaszenko. "Through these fun giveaways and communication tools, PETCO is sharing the fun with everyone."

Viewers have the opportunity to win a year's supply of Natural Balance pet food, a bag of New Tillman Tip Treats, limited edition Tillman and Rose plush toys and PETCO gift cards by following PETCO on Twitter at www.twitter.com/petco or joining the PETCO fan page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/petco. Additional insight from the float can be found at PETCO's blog site www.petcoscoop.com. Pet parents and fans of Tillman are encouraged to keep a close eye on these sites leading up to and during the parade to follow the announcements that detail ways to win.

Attendees of the parade are asked to make a sign that says "Tillman Shops at PETCO" along with a twitter username and to hold the sign high as the Natural Balance float passes by. The owners of signs may receive a tweet live from the float and an opportunity to win.

Weeks of preparation and planning went into the completion of the massive 114 foot float featuring a snowboarding slope, working chairlift and a towering replica of Tillman himself. The float was constructed and decorated by a dedicated team comprised of employees from Natural Balance, PETCO and their friends and families. Rick Sanchez, PETCO District Manager, and his son Jack spent nearly six hours gluing individual olive pits to the float. Kevin Schumaker, a PETCO General Manager, and his son Austin glued rice on the snowboards that Tillman and Rose will use to travel down the slope.

"Co-founder Dick Van Patten of Natural Balance does a great job creating excitement and consumer interest in his dog and cat foods," said Malaszenko. "Events such as the Rose Parade are an innovative way to reach pet parents and promote better quality nutrition through natural foods. We're honored to participate in the fun and being a trusted destination for the best nutrition for pets."

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. Natural Balance is headquartered in Pacoima, CA and is available at PETCO and local independent pet stores. More information is available at www.naturalbalance.net.

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 1000 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 $50 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 6,200 local animal welfare groups across the country to help find homes for more than 200,000 adoptable animals every year.

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SOURCE: PETCO Animal Supplies