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Friday, September 28, 2007 Pet Promise Comes to PETCO
We're very excited to be adding Pet Promise dog and cat food to our shelves. They provide another natural alternative to PETCO's growing lineup of natural and organic products. They are exclusive to PETCO in the pet specialty channel and are currently available in several hundred stores and are scheduled to hit the shelves of 800 locations this fall. Pet Promise is also available for sale online here.
We're excited about carrying Pet Promise because their mission is to change the ways that farm animals are raised and companion animals are fed. They work closely with suppliers committed to eco-friendly, natural and sustainable practices, as well as the humane treatment of animals. PETCO is proud to be part of the green movement by carrying brands like Pet Promise. We believe that PETCO can make a difference in the environment. The partnership with PETCO and Pet Promise is expected to deliver tangible results like these:
- 10 million doses of antibiotics eliminated
- 1.7 million doses of growth hormones eliminated
- More than 1,500 family farms and ranches supported
Every Pet Promise product begins with natural meat and poultry or fish sourced from animals that were never given added growth hormones or antibiotics. The first and most plentiful ingredient in every bag or can of Pet Promise is a pure protein source, such as pasture-fed beef, bison or free-range chicken, raised in a sustainable manner under humane conditions, as well as wild caught fish. There are no animal byproducts, no rendered meat or chicken meals, no factory farm meat or chicken, no antibiotic-fed protein sources, and no artificial colors or flavors.
Be on the lookout for special deals on Pet Promise at PETCO coming this fall.
Rick Rockhill Merchandising
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Tuesday, September 25, 2007 Rex -- A champ at Heart
Rex is living the good life -- after 200 races with countless first and second place finishes, my black-spotted greyhound now sleeps comfortably on my large couch. 
I adopted Rex seven years ago from the Dairyland Greyhound Park in Kenosha, Wis. Greyhounds are usually a rare breed to own, and to think that I could help save the life of one by bringing it into my home was something I could not pass up.
Now 11 years old, Rex and his "brother" Tony, an Italian greyhound, spend their days going on long walks, chewing on treats and playing with their favorite Loofa dog toy.
Rex is such a wonderful and loyal dog. I couldn't imagine my life without him.
Mark PETCO Manager Rockford, Ill.
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A Greyhound 'Supermodel'
It's always fun to bring Kate, my 4-year-old greyhound into the grooming salon with me. She enjoys being around children, cats and puppies, and everyone loves her.
I adopted Kate, an avid racer, from the Mid-South Greyhound Adoption Option in west Memphis over a year ago. She retired from racing after an injury was sustained to her right leg.
I was always drawn to greyhounds for their sweet, contented nature and beautiful physique. I met my first one five years ago, and ever since I've wanted one in my life.
Kate now spends the majority of her day exercising, playing with her Kong and "Duckitt" (a singing and dancing cross between a duck and a rabbit) toys, and enjoying an occasional Greenie, Denta Bone or Nutro treat. You may also find her getting an occasional manicure or snoring in bed.
Your animals are often your best companions; make sure they are well cared for, loved, and happy everyday and they will enrich your life.
Anna PETCO Grooming Salon Manager Memphis, Tenn.
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Cruise the Retired Racer
I adopted 9-year-old Cruise four years ago from Greyhound Connection in San Diego County. Cruise is a retired racer from Arizona. He ran approximately 120 races over a three-year career and won 10 percent of the time. 
Cruise is perhaps more timid than the average greyhound, but given the unknowns of the first five years of his life, it is remarkable to me that these dogs retire relatively undamaged and transition to home life with such grace.
I met my first rescued greyhound when I was just 8-years-old. That dog created a lasting impression on me. I have been moved by the greyhounds' plight; I am attracted to the aesthetic of their aerodynamic appearance, their sweet disposition and their ancient history.
I knew that when I was ready to adopt a dog it would be a greyhound. I wanted a gentle, affectionate dog that would be a good companion.
 Everything you've heard about greyhounds being couch potatoes is true. So my son was disappointed that Cruise didn't exhibit typical dog behaviors like tug of war or fetch, though some greyhounds will learn to play over time. A greyhound will follow its parent from room to room, preferring to bask in his/her person's presence than to be independent.
After adopting Cruise, I was delighted to learn that he is polite, loving, happy, non-destructive and reasonably obedient. While some greyhounds are not cat safe, Cruise even shares his food and his bed with my kitten, Elliott.
Jackie PETCO Corporate San Diego, Calif.
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PETCO Customers Donate $264,000 to Greyhound Rescue
The PETCO Foundation's Sixth Annual Greyhound Planet Week fundraiser ended this week raising more than $260,000 for Greyhound rescue organizations nationwide.
PETCO's wonderful, generous customers rounded their purchases to the nearest dollar with the proceeds being distributed to local organizations that support greyhound rescue.
We are so thankful for the generosity of our customers, vendors and associates who donated to the groups that dedicate their lives to saving retired greyhound racers.
This campaign, like all of our fundraisers is not just about raising funds, but also raising awareness. Many PETCO stores invited their local greyhound adoption partners to help educate customers about the breed and greyhound adoption. Greyhounds are friendly, social dogs that make wonderful pets. After this posting some of our associates will share their greyhound adoption experiences.
Thank you to all that donated!
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Thursday, September 06, 2007 N.E. Colorado Springs Store Celebrates Its Grand Opening!
PETCO welcomes its newest addition in N.E. Colorado Springs with a celebratory Grand Opening event. This Friday, Saturday and Sunday, our new location at 4515 Continental Heights will offer feline fun, a day at the derby and a dog-gone afternoon filled with contests and giveaways.
On Friday, the first 50 feline aficionados in attendence will receive a free PETCO mouse pad, and all customers can participate in a cat photo contest.
Let the good times roll on Saturday with PETCO's very own Hamsterball Derby and Critter Run, starting at 2 p.m. Customers can bring their hamster and ball and participate in this fun-filled event for free, and prizes will be awarded to the winners. Critters such as rats and chinchillas are also invited to participate in the critter run, held shortly after the derby. Sorry, exotic animals cannot participate.
Sunday is a day for the dogs with PETCO's "Big Dog Afternoon" from 2 - 4 p.m. Don't let the name fool you, dogs of all sizes can attend. A free tote bag will be given to the first 50 P.A.L.S. members in attendence, and contests will be available for all who wish to participate.
We hope to see you at the N.E. Colorado Springs store's Grand Opening. It's sure to be a "ball!"
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Tuesday, September 04, 2007 Hamster Ball Derby, Critter Run Rolling to PETCO Saturday

It's that time of year again -- PETCO is hosting its Hamster Ball Derby and first-time Critter Run at more than 870 PETCO stores across the country this Saturday Sept. 8 at 2 p.m. Last year's race drew more than 14,000 hamsters and their cheering human companions. All racers will use appropriate sized balls as their vehicles, racing down an eight-foot track in heats of four. Following the derby at 2 p.m., gerbils, mice, rats, chinchillas and guinea pigs with a need for speed will participate in the company's first critter run. Prizes will be awarded for the fastest hamsters and the quickest critters.  Participation is FREE. Participants will need to have their own hamsters and hamster balls to participate. Spectators are encouraged to join in and cheer on their favorite competitors. No ferrets, rabbits or exotic animals can participate. For more information and participating stores near you, visit www.petco.com/hamster.
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Chihuahua Race Finals
I am at PETCO Park right now. Maddy is America's New Fastest Chihuahua. Check out the press release...
Tiny Terror Kicks Tail: New Yorker Maddy Wins PETCO Unleashed Finals Prevails Over Veteran Racers as America's Fastest Chihuahua
SAN DIEGO (Sept. 2, 2007) - She may be on the small side, but Maddy from New York City showed she is top dog Sunday prevailing over 14 other pint-sized contenders to take the title of America's Fastest Chihuahua in the PETCO Unleashed national finals.
 The 2-year-old pup, weighing in at a mere 4-1/2 pounds, came out on top of the pack of the nation's fastest Chihuahuas - including national champions from the last two years - covering the 1/18th furlong (35-foot-long) track in 2 seconds. The fastest group of the world's smallest breed of dog kicked up the grass in a blaze of glory unfazed by thousands of cheering baseball fans gathered at PETCO Park in San Diego - the races venue - for Sunday's Padres-LA Dodgers game.
"We knew she was a strong contender; she is very fast and focused. Last year she choked and this year she came out on top," said proud pet parent Sue Yee.
Maddy's key to success was lots of love and intense training, including sprinting, racing up stairs and swimming, says Yee who plans to treat champion Maddy to a bone from PETCO when they return to the Big Apple. 
PETCO's third annual Unleashed races showcased 15 tiny regional winners with larger-than-life personalities - both veteran and rookie racers - proudly representing Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Orange County, Calif., Phoenix, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington D.C. Racers attended the event courtesy of American Airlines, Omni San Diego Hotel and San Diego Convention Center and Visitor's Bureau.
Maddy unseated last year's champion, Tiger from Bakersfield, Calif. She won bragging rights, a trophy, a one-year supply of Royal Canin Chihuahua dog food and a $300 PETCO Gift Card.
PETCO and race co-sponsor Royal Canin hold the event to celebrate one of America's favorite breeds of dog, and to encourage all animal enthusiasts to consider adoption as a first option when adding a pet to their family.
"Chihuahuas might be the world's smallest breed, but they sure have huge personalities and are very devoted to their owners, making them wonderful companions," said Heather Olson, strategic partnerships and promotions manager at PETCO. "The PETCO Unleashed race isn't just about which tiny racer wins the gold, but it's also about connecting animal lovers with adoptable animals across the country that need loving homes."
The national finals footage and pint-sized profiles of all regional champions will soon be available at www.petco.com/petcounleashed.
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