Animal Planet's Jackson Galaxy Joins The Save Them All Campaign

Jackson Galaxy, Star of Animal Planet’s ‘My Cat From Hell’ Lends His Support to Best Friends Animal Society's ‘Save Them All’ Campaign  


Star of “My Cat From Hell” on Animal Planet, Jackson Galaxy joins other celebrities in supporting national animal welfare organization Best Friends Animal Societyhttp://www.bestfriends.org and the efforts to end the killing of dogs and cats in our nation’s shelters.

 Cat behaviorist by day and rock n’ roller by night, author, and star of “My Cat From Hell” on Animal Planet, Jackson Galaxy is the latest celebrity to show his support for national animal welfare organization Best Friends Animal Society’s efforts to end the killing of dogs and cats in our nation’s shelters.

Galaxy joins Danny Trejo, Carrie Ann Inaba, Denise Richards, Nils Lofgren, and other celebrities who are featured in Best Friends’ photo campaign featuring celebrities posed with their personal rescued dogs and/or cats in support of the Save Them All® call to action.

The new season of “My Cat from Hell” premieres at 8 p.m. Saturday, April 26 on Animal Planet. In addition to starring in ‘My Cat From Hell’, Galaxy is the show’s executive producer, author of “Cat Daddy: What the World’s Most Incorrigible Cat Taught Me About Life, Love, and Coming Clean” and the upcoming book, “Catification.” Galaxy also has deep roots in animal welfare. He worked in an animal shelter for almost 10 years and specializes in environmental and behavioral enrichment in a rescue setting. He recently launched a ‘Team Cat Mojo’ campaign to attract those who want to build a community focused on making life better for all animals.

Galaxy said: “With more than 9,000 dogs and cats killed in our nation's shelters each day, we find ourselves at a crossroads, a place where our choices can change things in a profound way. I’m extremely proud to stand side-by-side with Best Friends to help raise awareness about the importance of adopting shelter animals and spaying and neutering to control population. Each time this positive choice is made, not only is a life is saved, but we move one step closer to Saving Them All."

According to national statistics, each day more than 9,000 dogs and cats die in the nation’s shelters. Best Friends has brought increased awareness to how people can get involved in the solution by adopting, and spaying/neutering their pets, donating, volunteering and sharing this message with their friends.

About Best Friends Animal Society®

Best Friends Animal Society is the only national animal welfare organization focused exclusively on ending the killing of dogs and cats in America's shelters. An authority and leader in the no-kill movement since its founding in 1984, Best Friends runs the nation's largest no-kill sanctuary for companion animals, as well as life-saving programs in partnership with rescue groups and shelters across the country. Since its founding, Best Friends has helped reduce the number of animals killed in shelters from 17 million per year to about 4 million. Best Friends has the knowledge, technical expertise and on-the-ground network to end the killing and Save Them All®.

To like Best Friends Animal Society on Facebook go to: http://www.facebook.com/bestfriendsanimalsociety.

Follow Best Friends on Twitter: http://twitter.com/bestfriends.

Eli Manning Back For The 37th Annual Guiding Eyes Golf Kickoff

37th Annual Guiding Eyes Golf Classic With NY Giants Quarterback Eli Manning Tees Off June 9th

   NY Giants quarterback Eli Manning returns on Monday, June 9, to host Guiding Eyes for the Blind’s 37th annual Golf Classic alongside the country’s best blind golfers and magnificent Guiding Eyes dogs. The two-day outing, anticipated to raise more than $700,000, will be held at two of the region’s most esteemed courses – Mount Kisco Country Club in Mount Kisco, NY and Fairview Country Club in Greenwich, CT.

 NY Giants quarterback Eli Manning returns on Monday, June 9, to host Guiding Eyes for the Blind’s 37th annual Golf Classic alongside the country’s best blind golfers and magnificent Guiding Eyes dogs. The two-day outing, anticipated to raise more than $700,000, will be held at two of the region’s most esteemed courses – Mount Kisco Country Club in Mount Kisco, NY and Fairview Country Club in Greenwich, CT.

Founded by PGA legend Ken Venturi in 1977, the Guiding Eyes Golf Classic has raised over $8 million since its inception. As part of the Classic, Guiding Eyes will also present the Corcoran Cup, the “Masters” of blind golf, on Sunday, June 8. Fourteen of the country's top blind golfers will vie for the coveted trophy, each with the help of a coach who aids in club selection, alignment, setup and distances. On Monday, blind golfers will challenge their sighted counterparts to experience golf as a visually impaired person by inviting them to take a shot at hitting the ball blindfolded.

Manning was first introduced to Golf Classic through family friend and 24-time Corcoran Cup champion Patrick W. Browne, Jr., who taught Eli and his son, Patrick III, how to golf as boys. “This is my eighth year hosting Guiding Eyes’ Golf Classic and it’s very special to me,” says Manning. “Since I’ve been a part of this, I’ve learned so much about how these dogs affect lives. Every year, I listen to people tell their story about how they’re able to accomplish so much more, and to fulfill so many different talents in their lives because of having guide dogs. That’s been very rewarding for me.”

Current sponsors for the 37th annual Guiding Eyes Golf Classic include:

Diamond Sponsors: Entergy, Gatorade
Platinum Sponsors: Canine Company, John Donnelly and South Eastern Farms / Safe Harbor Risk Management
Gold Sponsors: A. DeVito & Son, Bill Bradley, Empire BlueCross BlueShield, Hill's / Colgate and Skanska
Media Sponsor: Westfair Communications
Silver Sponsors: Aero Hardware, AFCO AvPORTS Management LLC, CBS Sports Sales, Citibank, Cum Laude Group, Empire Merchants, Friends from Vero Beach, Harriet and Bob Druskin, Ken Nilsen, Marilyn & Stanley Cohen Foundation, Paul Holland, Pepper Hamilton LLP and Freeh Group International Solutions, Rolex, The Stewart Family Foundation, Turner Broadcasting and Wilson & Son Jewelers

During the Classic, Guiding Eyes will honor John DeVito as Sponsor of the Year and London Nielsen as Volunteer of the Year. DeVito, a Katonah resident and owner of A. DeVito & Son, is a long-time Guiding Eyes supporter and is leading the building of the organization’s future Canine Development Center. Nielsen, a manager at PepsiCo, volunteers as a home socializer for Guiding Eyes’ puppies, collaborates on marketing strategy and has taken the lead to support volunteer building project days.

“We are incredibly grateful to our generous supporters and dedicated volunteers for making the Golf Classic an overwhelming success year after year,” said Sue Dishart, vice president of marketing and development at Guiding Eyes. “There are many ways to get involved in this unique event and make a difference in someone’s life.”

Guiding Eyes’ online auction, which goes live on June 2, includes everything from signed sports memorabilia to exotic vacations and exclusive experiences. Items can be viewed at http://www.biddingforgood.com/guidingeyes.

In addition, Guiding Eyes will raffle a new 2014 Lexus IS 250 and Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust watch. Only 1,000 tickets will be sold at $100 each. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.guidingeyes.org/raffle or by calling 914.761.7111. The Lexus is sponsored in part by Lexus Mt. Kisco. Watch provided by Rolex.

Hole sponsorships and journal advertising are also still available. Spectators are welcome at the Corcoran Cup; registration is required for gallery seating. For more information on the Golf Classic, contact Tricia McTernan at 914.761.7111 or tricia(at)hrginc(dot)net.

Guiding Eyes for the Blind is located at 611 Granite Springs Road in Yorktown Heights, N.Y. They can be reached at 914.245.4024 or by visiting http://www.guidingeyes.org. For the latest news, please visit Guiding Eyes on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/guidingeyes and on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/guidingeyes.

About Guiding Eyes for the Blind
Guiding Eyes for the Blind is an internationally accredited 501(c)(3) nonprofit guide dog school founded in 1954. Since its inception, Guiding Eyes has grown to be one of the foremost guide dog schools in the world, known for its cutting-edge training programs, commitment to excellence, and dedication to its elite and superbly trained guide dogs. In 2008, the school launched Heeling Autism, a service dog program designed to provide safety and companionship for children on the autism spectrum. Guiding Eyes provides all of its services at no cost, and is dependent upon contributions to fulfill its mission. The organization’s Headquarters and Training Center is located in Yorktown Heights, N.Y. and its Canine Development Center is in Patterson, N.Y. For more info, visithttp://www.guidingeyes.org, like Guiding Eyes on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/guidingeyes) or follow @guidingeyes on Twitter.

The Robert Abady Dog Food Co Are Recalling Abady Highest Quality Maintenance & Growth Formula for Cats

The Robert Abady Dog Food Co., LLC Recalls "Abady Highest Quality Maintenance & Growth Formula for Cats" Because of Possible Health Risk

 The Robert Abady Dog Food Co., LLC of Poughkeepsie, NY, is recalling its 2 lb, 5 lb & 15 lb boxes of "Abady Highest Quality Maintenance & Growth Formula for Cats" because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

The recalled "Highest Quality Maintenance & Growth Formula for Cats" were distributed nationwide in retail stores and through mail orders.

The product comes in a 2 lb, 5 lb & 15 lb, corrugated boxes with plastic liners marked with lot # 14029/21 stamped on the right side top of the box.
 

 

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by the company revealed the presence of Salmonella in some 2 lb, 5 lb & 15 lb boxes of "Abady Highest Quality Cat Maintenance & Stress Formula for Cats."

Production of the product has been suspended while FDA and the company continue their investigation as to the source of the problem.

Consumers who have purchased 2 lb, 5 lb & 15 lb boxes of "Abady Highest Quality Maintenance & Growth Formula for Cats" are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-845-473-1900, Monday – Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm, ET.

PetSmart and Family Promise Hit Their Second Year Helping Families and Their Pets During Hard Times

PetSmart Promise Announces 2014 On-Site Locations

Family Promise and PetSmart program expands efforts to keep homeless families with their pets.

 A national program that helps temporarily homeless families keep all members of their family together – including their four-legged family members – officially kicked off its second year today with the announcement of five new locations. The PetSmart Promise program will build dog and cat kennel facilities at day centers for temporarily homeless families across the United States in five new cities this year: Akron, Ohio; Cincinnati, Ohio; Montgomery, Alabama; Morristown, New Jersey; and Wasilla, Alaska.

“After taking the program nationwide in 2013, we’re pleased to be working together with PetSmart to expand the number of on-site kennel services we can offer our families in transition,” said Karen Olson, President of Family Promise. “We’ve seen time and time again how important it is to these families – especially the children – to be able to stay with their pets during their time of homelessness.”

PetSmart Promise is a partnership between Family Promise, a national non-profit helping homeless families regain their independence, and PetSmart, the country’s largest specialty pet retailer. The program brings a solution to the heartbreaking decision many homeless families have to make: stay in a shelter and give up their beloved pet (since most shelters do not allow animals) or live on the street in order to keep their family together. The families, who stay in the program an average of nine weeks, will be able to continue to care for their pet and keep their family together during a difficult time.  

“Following the hugely successful first year of the PetSmart Promise program, I’m excited to announce the official launch of the second year and these five new on-site locations,” said David Lenhardt, Chief Executive Officer at PetSmart. “Family homelessness continues to be a large problem in America, and we’re honored to be entering into the second year of our partnership with Family Promise so we can keep even more families and their pets together while they get back on their feet.”

PetSmart established a pilot program with Family Promise of Greater Phoenix in 2012, and expanded the program nationwide last year, with the goal of five new facilities opening each year until all 182 Family Promise facilities have the opportunity to participate in the program at a level that is appropriate for them. In 2013, on-site facilities opened in Bozeman, Montana and Fayetteville, North Carolina. In addition, PetSmart PetsHotels® in Houston, Charlotte, Atlanta, Boston, Albuquerque and Colorado Springs opened their doors to the program to provide pets who couldn’t be housed in on-site facilities a place to stay.

In addition to the on-site facilities, PetSmart Promise offers a menu of options for Family Promise Affiliates, based on individual needs and limitations. These options include: 

•     PetsHotels: complimentary use of boarding space in existing PetSmart stores, for families utilizing nearby Family Promise programs. Following the successful launch of six PetsHotels in 2013, up to 20 hotels are anticipated to join the program in 2014.
•     Installation of fish tanks in Family Promise Day Centers across the nation, teaching children and families utilizing the center about the care and responsibility required when owning a pet. 50 aquariums were placed in day centers in 2013, with additional ones being added this year; and
•     Creation of a foster network of Family Promise staff and volunteers to house pets when a Family Promise pet housing facility or PetSmart PetsHotel is not available.

About Family Promise
Family Promise is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping homeless and low-income families achieve sustainable independence. The organization is based in Summit, New Jersey, where they were founded in 1988 on the belief that Americans are compassionate people who want to make a difference. Today, Family Promise comprises 182 Affiliates in 41 states, with more in development. Family Promise programs involve more than 165,000 volunteers and they provide assistance to more than 50,000 family members annually. Family Promise celebrated their 25th Anniversary as a national organization in 2013. Since their founding, they have served more than 500,000 people, including tens of thousands of homeless families who found temporary homes at Affiliates nationwide.

About PetSmart
PetSmart is the largest specialty pet retailer of services and solutions for the lifetime needs of pets. The company employs approximately 53,000 associates and operates more than 1,333 pet stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, over 199 in-store PetSmart® PetsHotel® dog and cat boarding facilities and is a leading online provider of pet supplies and pet care information. PetSmart provides a broad range of competitively priced pet food and pet products; and offers dog training, pet grooming, pet boarding, PetSmart Doggie Day Camp day care services and pet adoption services. Through its in-store pet adoption partnership with PetSmart Charities® and PetSmart Charities® of Canada, PetSmart has helped save the lives of more than 5.7 million pets since 1994. PetSmart Charities, Inc. and PetSmart Charities of Canada (collectively “PetSmart Charities”) are independent, nonprofit organizations that save the lives of homeless pets and reduce shelter intake through spay and neuter efforts. In 2013, nearly 440,000 dogs and cats found homes through PetSmart Charities’ adoption centers in all PetSmart stores and by sponsoring community adoption events. PetSmart Charities is the leader in granting money to help pets in need, with more than $34 million given in 2013 throughout North America.

 

The No Kill Revolution Has Started

The No Kill Advocacy Center has partnered with the No Kill Nation and Sagacity Productions to product a film called The No Kill Revolution in America.

 

Check out the No Kill Advocacy Center to see when the film will be in your city.

 

              

 

                                                    

A Short Video Called (The Rescue) Makes You Wonder Are The Dogs In Charge

Rescue Film by Halo, Purely for Pets Featuring Olate Dogs To Open Sonoma Film Festival

 "Who rescued who?" is a question often pondered by those who know the joy of rescuing a pet. This question was the impetus of a powerful short film that is opening the Sonoma International Film Festival inSonoma, Calif. next week.

"Le Sauvetage" (The Rescue) is a six-minute film produced by Peter McEvilley, award-winning filmmaker and composer whose credits include The House Bunny, Last Vegas and Alias, and starring the Olate Dogs, winners of America's Got Talent. The film is a magical tale about life, love, and finding our true destiny....with a little help from a furry friend.

Sponsored and produced by Halo, Purely for Pets, Ellen DeGeneres' natural pet food company, Le Sauvetage will open theSonoma festival on April 2, an honor and exciting opportunity to showcase pet rescue and adoption.  The film has also been selected to appear at the Court Metrage, Festival de Cannes in France this May.

In 2012 the Olate Dogs shot to stardom when they won the America's Got Talent grand prize. These sweet, funny, talented dogs and their entertaining owners and handlers captured hearts across America.  But there's more to their story.

 
 

Many of the Olate Dogs are rescue dogs themselves. Family patriarch, Richard Olate, developed his act on the streets of his native Chile when he was a poor boy of just 12. He rescued stray dogs and trained them to be part of his amateur show.  He worked hard for years to realize his dream of becoming a professional dog act. Today, Richard and his son, Nicolas, and wife, Rebecca, continue to save dogs from shelters and train them to become part of their professional troupe.

Halo, known for its philanthropic efforts to promote rescue and adoption, admired the Olate Dogs and their dedication to rescue. Steve Marton, Halo's CEO and Executive Producer of Le Sauvetage, wanted to find a unique way to draw attention to the special bond we share with animals. "We see this film as an entertaining yet meaningful way to show how companion animals add value to our lives," he said. "Producer Peter McEvilley did a phenomenal job conveying this extremely important message by combining his creative story telling and film making capabilities." 

Because the Olate Dogs love Halo natural pet food, it seemed the stars aligned to bring the two groups together to do great things for homeless pets.

Halo has a track record of promoting rescue and adoption through film. The company sponsors all three episodes of Shelter Me, a PBS special dedicated to showcasing shelter dogs and the incredible lives they lead. Halo also sponsored the Humane Society of the United States' video campaign, "Meet My Shelter Pet," a series of videos featuring celebrities and their adopted pets.

The Olate Dogs will also perform at the Sonoma festival. And, in keeping with the film's mission, Halo and Freekibble.com will donate 10,000 meals of Halo Spot's Stew to local Sonoma animal shelter, Pets Lifeline.

To view the film and for more information: http://www.halopets.com/film

ABOUT HALO, PURELY FOR PETS
For over 25 years, Halo, Purely for Pets® has created holistic pet products of uncompromising quality. Halo believes nutrition is the single most important factor in the quality of a pet's life. Ellen DeGeneres – a long time Halo customer – became part-owner in 2008. In 2010, Halo donated 1 million meals to shelter pets for the U.S. Postal Service Adopt a Shelter Pet Stamp Program. Halo now donates over 1.5 million meals to shelter pets annually in partnership with Freekibble.com, and sponsors the acclaimed PBS series "Shelter Me." Halo's natural dog food, natural cat food, treats, supplements and grooming products are available at Petco, Whole Foods Market, and other fine pet specialty and natural food stores. Learn more atwww.halopets.com.

Caroline Golon
Halo, Purely for Pets
614-580-2445
caroline@highpaw.com

Women’s Choice Award Picks Milk-Bone Brand As Their Winner

Women Voted Milk-Bone® Brand As America’s Best Dog Treat

 

Women’s Choice Award Designates Milk-Bone® Brand as the Dog Treat Brand Most Trusted and Highly-Rated by Women in America

 As the leading advocacy for female consumers, WomenCertified is delighted to honor Milk-Bone® brand dog snacks with the 2014 Women’s Choice Award® for America’s Best in Pet Care, Dog Treat. This award designation is based on a national survey sent to tens of thousands of women who were asked to select the brands they most highly recommend.

“Milk-Bone is proud to be designated America’s Best Dog Treat,” said Geoff Tanner, VP Pet Snacks Marketing for Big Heart Pet Brands. “For over 100 years, Milk-Bone has celebrated the loving connection pet parents share with their dogs. Having the Women’s Choice Award seal is a true testament to Milk-Bone’s continued efforts to honor the relationship women in America have with her four-legged family members.”

The original Milk-Bone® dog biscuit was created over a century ago in 1908 by F.H. Bennett Biscuit Company at a bakery on the Lower East Side of New York City. It was the first dog biscuit treat made in the United States, and it was love at first bite.

The bone-shaped treat and box featuring a dog quickly became American icons. Over the next few decades, Milk-Bone® expanded to offer a variety of flavors, sizes and treats, offering a number of options for pet parents to celebrate the unconditional love and special bond they share with their dog.

Now, there are over 20 different varieties of Milk-Bone® treats. All proudly produced at its facility in Buffalo, New York. All made with love.

Today’s U.S. female consumer values the opinion of others and over half of all women consider their role as a that of a broadcaster, responsible for helping others make smart choices (2012 Fleishman Hillard Study), so it’s not surprising that today’s brands are focusing on delivering a customer experience women will love. The Women’s Choice Award has set the standard for helping women make smarter choices by collectively identifying the brands most recommended and trusted by women and those that deliver a customer experience worthy of her recommendation. 

•     92% of Americans will seek out the recommendation of others before making a major decision (Neilson Research 2012)
•     9 out of 10 women would ‘definitely’ trust a brand more if it carried the Women’s Choice Award (MedeliaMonitor 2013)

According to Delia Passi, WomenCertified, Inc., founder and author of Winning the Toughest Customer: The Essential Guide to Selling to Women, the Women’s Choice Award honors brands that have demonstrated exceptional service in meeting the needs of women.

“Recognizing Milk-Bone as the most recommended dog treat in America helps ‘women guide other women’ to make smart choices when determining the best in pet care products for her dog,” said Delia Passi. “On behalf of women in America, congratulations Milk-Bone!”

For more information about Milk-Bone® dog biscuits, please visit http://www.milkbone.com.

ABOUT BIG HEART PET BRANDS
Big Heart Pet Brands is one of the largest producers, distributors and marketers of premium quality, branded pet food and pet snacks for the U.S. retail market. The company’s brands include Meow Mix®, Kibbles 'n Bits®, Milk-Bone®, 9Lives®, Natural Balance®, Pup-Peroni®, Gravy Train®, Nature’s Recipe®, Canine Carry Outs®, Milo’s Kitchen® and other brand names.

Big Heart Pet Brands doesn’t believe in just owning pets. It believes in loving them. The company is committed to the well-being of pets and the people who love them. With a focus on nourishing the bodies and spirits of cats and dogs, Big Heart Pet Brands makes quality products that meet pets’ needs and exceed pet parents’ expectations. Its portfolio of brands, with a foundation in food and treats, caters to every pet’s life stage and every family’s budget through the availability and accessibility of its products.

For more information, visit the Big Heart Pet Brands website at http://www.bigheartpet.com.

ABOUT WOMEN’S CHOICE AWARD
The Women’s Choice Award sets the standard for helping women make smarter choices by collectively identifying the brands, products and services most recommended and trusted by women and those that deliver a customer experience worthy of her recommendation. Awards are based on surveys of thousands of women, as well as research conducted in partnership with the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania on what drives the consumer experience for women vs. men. As the leading advocate for female consumers, WomenCertified, home of the Women’s Choice Award, created the first national award based on the ratings and preferences of women to provide them with a collective voice. Women can make their preferences heard and be part of the mission toward a million voices strong by visiting the Women’s Choice Award official website athttp://www.womenschoiceaward.com and joining the network.