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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:

Lindsay Keen: 314.982.5082

lindsay.keen@purina.

Nestlé Purina PetCare Company

PET RESCUE GROUPS TELL INCREDIBLE “TAILS”

“Doing More™ for Pets” Campaign Highlights the Most Remarkable Pet Rescue Survival Stories

ST. LOUIS, mo. (June 18, 2008) – Though the work of pet rescue can often be difficult, expensive and heart-breaking, we also hear stories that re-affirm the purpose, effort and devotion of pet rescue groups across the country. These stories tell of pets that have persevered throughout the harshest of conditions, and with the help of some very special people, have not only survived, but thrived.

The Purina® Pro Plan® brand is recognizing these stories through the Rally to Rescue™ “Doing More for Pets” Rescue Stories Contest. This nationwide campaign chronicles the amazing but often untold stories of pet rescue, and allows America to get involved through an online voting period that begins in June and runs through October. While many people are familiar with their large local animal shelters, “Doing More for Pets” honors rescued pets that have overcome great odds, thanks to the incredible hard work and dedication of small pet rescue organizations.

It is often hard to think of the cruelty some pets are subjected to, however these stories of triumph over adversity warm the heart because they celebrate happy endings and positive outcomes. From a litter of kittens left in a mall planter, to a Boxer so starved she couldn’t stand up, these pets rose above their circumstances, made remarkable recoveries, and in the process brought joy and hope to every life they touched.

More than 70 rescue stories were submitted and a judging panel selected 10 success stories that stood above the rest. These stories demonstrated that by doing more and going the extra mile, these dedicated pet rescue workers changed the lives of 10 exceptional dogs and cats. Pets honored as finalists for the Rally to Rescue “Doing More for Pets” Rescue Stories Contest include:

• Chance, submitted by Jackie Maier of Tri State Collie Rescue (Louisville, KY)

o After being found on a country road, the collie was so emaciated you could count his ribs. He was also covered in mange. During his long recovery process, he was named “Chance” by his rescuer, who eventually decided to adopt him. He is now happy, healthy and living a great life.

• Savanna, submitted by Carol Delaney of Coastal Boxer Rescue (Melbourne, FL)

o When Savannah was found wandering the streets of Miami at just 10 weeks old, she was already infected with the deadly Parvovirus. Thanks to the love and care of two volunteers who provided around-the-clock care, she’s grown into a healthy puppy that will soon be moving to her new forever home.

• Pepper, submitted by Mary Carroll of 2x2 Ranch and Refuge (Westmoreland, TN)

o Pepper was found on the side of a road- weak, hairless and covered in wounds. He wasn’t expected to survive his first night off the streets. However, with special care, he’s persevered and is now a happy dog who loves to play in creeks and is looking for a family of his own.

• Cher, submitted by Jana Benitez of Feline Friendz in Nebraska (Omaha, NE)

o Cher and her litter mates were abandoned in a flower planter at a mall. Out of the five kittens in her litter, she was the only one diagnosed with feline leukemia, making her odds of adoption slim. Despite her health problems, Cher won the heart of her foster care provider and is now a playful, active cat.

• Edmond, submitted by Deb Shrieves of Rocky Mountain Siamese Rescue (Greeley, CO)

o Edmond was rescued as part of a major hoarding case. The Tonkinese cat had severe dental problems which required expensive veterinary care. After surgery and lots of love, Eddie now spends his days basking in the sun and playing with his two feline friends in his new home.

• Mouser, submitted by Cat Beasley of Pet Haven Animal Rescue (Fort Smith, AR)

o Mouser, a gray tomcat, showed up in the yard of Pet Haven Animal Rescue with a small tumor on his neck. As he refused to be caught, the tumor continued to grow. Finally, he brought a mouse to the rescuers at Pet Haven, and in exchange he received life-saving medical care, and became a Pet Haven mascot.

• Joannie, submitted by Cindy Tuttle of Saving Pyrs in Need (Garland, TX)

o Joanie, a Great Pyrenees, came to the rescue group unable to eat due to a medical condition that required a rare and very risky operation. With dedicated veterinary care, she not only survived, but also won the heart of her new owner almost 2300 miles away, who’d followed Joanie’s story online.

• Abby, submitted by Christy Primm of PAWS of Northeast Louisiana, Inc. (West Monroe, LA)

o Abby was in a local pound, suffering from heartworms, when she was rescued by a worker at PAWS. With loving care from her foster family and lots of medical attention, she became a sweet and loving dog. Abby was adopted and now lives with a wonderful family

• Sunshine, submitted by Debby Smith of North American Shar-Pei Rescue (Richmond, TX)

o After being left beside a rural road with multiple hip fractures, severe head trauma and deep cuts, it seemed unlikely Sunshine would survive. She was not only rescued, but re-united with her original family, who had been searching for her for more than two years.

• Brooke, submitted by Barbara Barnes of South Arizona Boxer Rescue (Tucson, AZ)

o Due to Valley Fever, Brooke the Boxer was just 33 pounds and so weak her own legs couldn’t hold her up. After being rescued, she was taken in at an incredible foster home. After weeks of medical treatments and TLC, she grew stronger, made friends with two other Boxers, and was adopted by her foster family.

“This year’s stories really demonstrate the impact that small rescue groups can have on the lives of pets,” said Chrissa O’Shaughnessy, Pro Plan® brand Marketing Manager. “Each one of these rescue groups and the pets they’ve saved are truly deserving of the recognition they will receive through this contest.”

Vote for Fluffy and Fido

From June 2nd through October 31, 2008, these 10 stories will be highlighted on . Animal lovers are encouraged to visit the site and vote for the dog or cat they believe has made the most significant transformation. In November, the finalist with the most votes will be announced at The National Dog Show Presented by Purina®. The pet rescue organization that nominated the winning pet will receive coupons for $5,000 in Purina Pro Plan brand Pet Food. A designated member of the rescue organization, the winning pet and their current owner will also win a trip to attend The National Dog Show Presented by Purina.

Ambassadors to the Rescue

The program is an extension of the Purina® Pro Plan® Rally to Rescue™ campaign, which is dedicated to raising funds and awareness for pet rescue nationwide. The honored pets could not have survived without the passion and commitment of the selfless pet rescue workers known as Rally to Rescue Ambassadors. These tireless individuals work to ensure the safety and well-being of homeless dogs and cats. Thanks to the efforts of these organizations, each year thousands of dogs and cats are rescued, brought back to health and placed in loving homes.

Smaller pet rescue organizations are often overlooked by potential donors and adopters due to their more limited fundraising and marketing capabilities. Rally to Rescue helps nearly 500 rescue organizations across the country give homeless pets the nutrition and care they need and the forever homes they deserve.

To learn more about the Pro Plan Rally to Rescue campaign or to vote in the “Doing More for Pets Rescue Stories Contest” go to .

Nestlé Purina PetCare promotes responsible pet care, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets. A premiere global manufacturer of pet products, Nestlé Purina PetCare is part of Swiss-based Nestlé S.A., the world's largest food company. Rally to Rescue is not a 501(c)(3) organization.

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