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Tuesday, October 30, 2007
My Fire Story
Before the San Diego wildfires forced me to evacuate my home, I had the opportunity to visit evacuees at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. As a new PETCO employee, I intended to watch the PETCO disaster relief donations, but was witness to something far more significant.
I visited with displaced families uncertain of the disposition of their homes, expecting despondent and hopeless people. Instead, I found evacuees who were thankful to have escaped injury for both their families and their pets.
When I shared that I was an employee of PETCO, and that we were helping to provide food and supplies for their pets, I was overwhelmed with gratitude from the evacuees. Many people who evacuated quickly did not bring food for their animals, and many others were more concerned about their dogs and cats than they were for themselves.
I was thanked repeatedly, even though I personally didn't have anything with me except my PETCO employee badge. I was hugged by people I didn't even know. Being a former military officer and a veteran of the Desert conflicts, there were many occasions when I felt pride for what did for a living.
Being a PETCO employee that day at the fairgrounds was as proud a moment as I've had in many years.
Jason M
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Pet Lovers Raise Nearly $140,000 for California Wildfire Animal Relief
Through the PETCO Foundation's Emergency Round Up Fundraiser, pet lovers across the nation have donated nearly $140,000 to benefit the more than 19,000 animals affected by the California wildfires.
The 10-day program, effective Oct. 24 through Nov. 3, is a nationwide opportunity for PETCO customers to "round up" their purchases to the next highest dollar as a contribution to the Foundation. All donations will go toward the Foundation's ongoing efforts to aid animals affected by the fires and other incidents.
PETCO and its vendors, along with the PETCO Foundation have provided products valued at more than $300,000 to evacuation centers and animal welfare groups throughout Southern California and continue to support relief efforts.
Here is a video highlighting PETCO's and the Foundation's efforts.
To donate to the PETCO Foundation online or to locate a store near you, visit www.petco.com.
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Monday, October 29, 2007
Thank You PETCO & PETCO Foundation
On behalf of our staff and volunteers, and all of the animals affected by the California wildfires, I want to personally thank the PETCO Foundation and PETCO for all of the aid we received during this time of crisis. Not only was your assistance with supplies immensely helpful, but your unparalleled swiftness in response to our request made it possible for us to house hundreds of animals at our shelters within the first days of the fires. We could not have done it without you.
The managers at your Mission Avenue and Vista Way stores were extremely polite and accommodating. Annette, from PETCO's Pet Services, showed up with the truck, helped unload it, and enthusiastically checked in with us constantly to ensure we had everything we needed.
The team at PETCO Foundation made our efforts possible this past week, and we are truly and immeasurably grateful to you.
Sincerely,
Julie Bank
Executive Director
North County Humane Society & SPCA
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Halloween Safety Tips for Pets
A lot of Halloween activities may cause stress or be dangerous to pets. The best Halloween treat you can give to your pet is to make sure they are out of harm's way. The following are basic precautions pet parents should take to make sure that Halloween is fun and safe for all family members:
- Don't leave your pet outside unattended, especially cats. It is a good idea to confine your feline family members to the house for Halloween night. While inside make sure your pets have access to a quiet place to retreat to where they can wait out the noisy festivities.
- Make sure to keep your pets away from the front door while you're greeting trick-or-treaters. Frightened pets can dart out through an open door and some dogs may conclude that the strange looking visitors are cause for concern and they become aggressive or scared.
- Make sure that your pets are wearing ID tags and a glow in the dark collar in case they leave your property.
- Of course children shouldn't be sharing their Halloween treats with pets, but it is also important to make sure that the foil and cellophane wrappers are out of your pet's reach as well. They may cause serious health problems if ingested.
- Pets, who are naturally curious, may sniff and paw at your candle-lit pumpkins, which may lead to burns or a fire. Please use caution when burning candles.
- Remember to never leave your pet in a costume unattended. Also make sure that the costume fits properly and it is not causing a skin irritation or constricting their breathing.
Happy Halloween!
Dr. Tom Edling
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Friday, October 26, 2007
PETCO Pet Costume Contest Tomorrow
 PETCO's annual Howl-O-Ween Pet Costume Contest is tomorrow (Saturday, Oct. 27) at all stores nationwide beginning at 2 p.m. Don't forget to bring in your furry loved one for a howling good time. I am going to bring parker in his cute pumpkin costume. It is always a good time. Last year, I went to one of our stores and one of the participants was dressed as a roll of toilet paper...too funny! Click here to find a store near you.
I hope you see you there!
Rachel M.
San Diego
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California Wildfire Update
Thankfully, a harrowing week in Southern California is coming to an end. We finally had good news Thursday, as the hot Santa Ana winds abated and higher humidity levels allowed firefighters to make progress on nearly all the fires burning from Los Angeles to the Mexican border.
In San Diego, thousands of residents have returned to their homes, and as a result the PETCO National Support Center (NSC) returned to nearly full operation Thursday. All PETCO stores in the wildfire area were open for business, although many were short on staff as associates tended to their families. In the true spirit of teamwork that defines our culture, NSC associates volunteered to help staff stores and serve our customers.
I would like to extend my thanks to everyone who braved dangerous conditions and worked so hard to keep our stores up and running, to watch over the animals in our care and to provide chain wide store support from our corporate office during a very challenging week.
I also want to recognize and thank the many PETCO associates who essentially worked around the clock this week to make sure evacuation centers had the food and supplies necessary to care for pets displaced by the wildfires. Your efforts made a tremendous difference in the lives of the evacuees. I'm incredibly proud of how you represented PETCO and displayed the spirit that makes our company a leader!
PETCO was out in front in responding to this crisis, and we never lost momentum. Through the week, we dispatched three semi-trailers filled with kennels, crates, food and other supplies needed at the evacuation centers. We provided logistics support in assisting evacuation centers in balancing available supplies with their needs. We also sent special shipments of products to stores so they could serve community needs. This effort was made possible by those who braved the elements to come to work in support of our customers and stores, some of them in the face of uncertainty about their personal situations. Whether working in the NSC to support critical operations, or jumping in to help in the field, I saw and heard about a lot of our people going above and beyond. Be sure to keep your eye on the Connection online newsletter for tales of how individual associates contributed to our wildfire relief efforts.
Our efforts were recognized in the media -- including a live, 4-minute interview broadcast nationally that I did from San Diego's largest evacuation center on cable TV's top-rated business news program -- by evacuees and by the animal welfare groups coordinating activities at the evacuation centers. I want to share with you an example of the recognition we received for our efforts, for instance this quote taken from a note from Dr. Mark Goldstein, president of the San Diego Humane Society, to members of the Society of Animal Welfare Administrators: "I wanted to also support and recognize the substantial and invaluable support that PETCO and the PETCO Foundation has afforded the entire San Diego Community. In terms of food, crates, and supplies. If many of you are wondering why we have not had to reach out with a broader request for many of these items it is because of the help that we have all received from them."
To me, that short note speaks volumes about the incredible impact we made this week. All 21,000 PETCO associates can be proud of how our company responded to this crisis. Thank you all for a job well done.
And our efforts continue. With the special Round-Up fundraiser to benefit The PETCO Foundation underway in all stores through next week, associates across the country have an opportunity to inform customers about how they can help animals affected by the fires and other needs.
While the initial crisis passes for most of us, it will continue for a number of our PETCO family members. We know of at least five situations in which PETCO associates and their families had their property damaged and/or their possessions lost in this week's fires. Fortunately, we have no reports of associates being injured from the fires. In the coming days, we will have information about how we can all help our colleagues recover from this disaster. Please keep them in your thoughts.
We have begun to return to a normal mode of operation in San Diego, and that's really important for the well-being of our associates and our company. But as all of us know, another event will occur at some point, where animals are put at risk. I'm proud to know that the PETCO team will be ready, willing and right where we're needed most to help animals and their pet parents cope.
Jim Myers
CEO
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Thursday, October 25, 2007
How to Gain Access to Pets in Burn Areas of County
The County Department of Animal Services is coordinating all animal information.
If you are trying to gain access to a home to care for animals in a closed area call the County Department of Animals Services Dispatch at (619) 236-2341
Tell the the dispatcher the following:
1. Your name
2. If you are the owner, professional pet sitter, animal caretaker or friend
3. Exact address of home
4. Number and types of pets in home
5. When last given fresh water/food
6. If you have keys to that home
They may want to meet you at the closet checkpoint to obtain the keys OR may escort you in.
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Volunteering During the Wildfires
With the fires raging in the Temecula, Calif. vicinity, there is a major need for kennels, crates, blankets and food for the displaced companion animals in the area.  Last night PETCO Companion Animal Coordinator Kent Elmore, PETCO Pet Services Director Andre Collins and I finished receiving goods from the PETCO truck at the Red Cross center. The volunteers at the Red Cross are extremely thankful for our support, in fact two ladies teared up when they saw all the kennels and crates come off the truck. They were grateful that we were able to make this happen, and they now have better means in which to house all of the pets that have been displaced due to these wildfires. PETCO donated approximately 25 crates and kennels, premium dog and cat food, cat litter, toys, and feeding bowls to assist the needs of those in the Temecula area alone. If there was one other thing I wish we could have provided was portable heaters as it definitely got colder as the night progressed.  Volunteers have told me personally that PETCO has really stepped up to support the community, its people and their pets. Should you be interested in donating to animal relief through the PETCO Foundation, please visit your local PETCO store or visit the PETCO Foundation donation page on PETCO.comI am proud to work for a company that truly serves its community. Earl Leslie District Manager
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Wednesday, October 24, 2007
PETCO and PETCO Foundation Aid California Wildfire Animal Relief
The following press release was just issued:
The PETCO Foundation today begins a 10-day emergency Round-Up program to raise money to help animals affected by this week's wildfires in Southern California.
The Round-Up is a nationwide opportunity for PETCO customers to "round up" their purchases to the next highest dollar as a contribution to the Foundation. All donations will go toward the Foundation's ongoing efforts to aid animals affected by the fires and other incidents.
PETCO and its vendors, along with the PETCO Foundation have provided products valued at more than $200,000 to evacuation centers and animal welfare groups throughout San Diego County.
In addition, PETCO associates have donated thousands of hours of time to help support the effort to meet the needs of its customers, shelter partners and evacuation centers.
"Since the fires started Sunday afternoon, our associates have worked together to coordinate a rapid, thoughtful response to the crisis," said Jim Myers, PETCO CEO. "Many continue to work tirelessly around the clock. Our actions have helped to alleviate the considerable stress on animals in this situation. Our response once again displays how deeply the passion for animals runs at PETCO."
PETCO and The PETCO Foundation arranged for and delivered truckloads of food, kennels and other supplies to pets and their pet parents displaced by this week's wildfires in California.
Semis were dispatched from the company's Mira Loma, Calif., distribution center to evacuation locations to help ensure the health and well-being of animals through the crisis.
Through the week, PETCO stores remained opened and product shipments were expedited so that customers' needs could be met.
To donate online or to locate a store near you, visit www.petco.com.
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Counseling Help Line Available for People Coping with Southern California Wildfires
Individuals trying to cope with the emotional consequences of the Southern California wildfires now have access to a free Help Line staffed by experienced master's-level specialists. These specialists can assist callers with a broad range of personal concerns.
The toll-free Help Line number is (866) 342-6892. It will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for as long as necessary. Service is free of charge.
Normally, these services are routinely available to UnitedHealth Group customers through its operating unit OptumHealth Behavioral Solutions. However, the Help Line is now being made available to address the potential needs among the general population in Southern California.
Previously, the Help Line was made available to the public following hurricanes, including those that have hit Florida and the Gulf Coast over the past two years, and to individuals affected by the tragic shootings on the Virginia Tech campus in Blacksburg, Va., and the recent Minnesota Interstate 35W bridge collapse. Several thousand people have taken advantage of this service in the past to speak to specialists about the difficult emotions they may experience related to stress, anxiety and the grieving process. Callers also may receive referrals from a national database of community resources to help them with specific concerns, such as financial and legal issues. Resources and information are also available via the Internet at http://www.liveandworkwell.com/.
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Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Southern California Fires
The Wildfires burning in Southern California continue to devastate hundreds of homes and businesses, but have also forced more than 250,000 residents to evacuate their homes. Thousands of people have fled to shelters or hotels, many only had a few minutes to collect their belongings before being evacuated. As people flee their homes with their pets, they often don't have the time to gather everything they need for their pet, and find themselves in the car with their dog, cats, bird reptiles, etc. PETCO has responded with assistance wherever possible to provide much needed supplies to many of the shelters holding evacuated people and their pets.
On Monday morning, one of the first things we did was to call many of our vendor partners to ask for their support and donations of food, kennels, bowls, leashes, etc. We had great success with our vendors. We were able to round up quite a bit of dog and cat food, bowls, kennels, carriers, leashes, and other supplies for pets displaced due to the fires. The local PETCO field management team and the PETCO Foundation have been working day and night to provide assistance where possible. We have sent all sorts of supplies and pet food to the local evacuation centers where people have evacuated their homes with their pets. Thank you to all of our wonderful vendors who are helping us support pets in need.
Rick Rockhill
Merchandising
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Friday, October 19, 2007
PETCO is where the pets go!
On Monday my cashier called me to the front of the store. I found her playing with a Puggle. She said he was running around our parking lot so she brought him in. He had a collar and a rabies tag, but no id tag. The rabies tag was from a local pet hospital so I called them and asked if they had the customer's information so I could contact them. She hesitated and asked how the dog was. I said he was fine and that he was running around my store. Then she asked what kind of store, so I told her a PETCO store. She gave a short laugh and said in that case, here is the information. So I called the owner and left a message on the answering machine saying that we had "Buddy." We gave him a bed at the cashwrap and he layed down to wait for his owner. About a half hour later the owner came in and said that they were on their way to our store. It was funny that Buddy came to PETCO. We joked that he beat his family here and then my cashier said, well "PETCO is where the pets go."
Stacey
General Manager
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Thursday, October 18, 2007
PETCO Helps Fenix Find a Home
Fenix, a young pug mix at Arizona Pug Adoption and Rescue Network (APARN) was overlooked on the group's website for months, but after one trip to the Mesa, Ariz. PETCO he found a forever home. The following is a letter from APARN:
Fenix was adopted today after visiting PETCO by a very nice, patient couple with two very well-behaved kids. Fenix let them all pet him before they left the store, which he's never done before. I explained to them that this was Fenix's first PETCO event and he was a little shy. I was expecting them to be put off by his shyness, but they asked if they could fill out an application then and there. After a home inspection, Fenix went to his new home. I was in tears right after they left with him. The volunteers that took Fenix said that he was happily following the couple's daughter around the house by the time they left. 
I was surprised - the entire time I was at PETCO there was a lot of interest in Fenix. We haven't had a lot of people asking to see Fenix since he has been on the website. I guess my pictures didn't depict him accurately, because people kept stopping and commenting on what a beautiful dog he is. PETCO provided great exposure for Fenix and helped him find a forever home.
Thank You PETCO!
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Thank you!
My name is Chris Wilson. I am the secretary for German Shepherd Rescue of Central Alabama. I am writing to say 'thank you' to PETCO!
Recently a family came into the PETCO store in Montgomery, AL and spoke with an employee about adopting a German shepherd. The employee took the family over to the computer kiosk and pulled up our website for them. As a direct result, one of our dogs got placed in an excellent home!
We appreciate all that you do! Keep up the good work!
Sincerely,
Chris Wilson - Secretary GSRCA
German Shepherd Rescue of Central Alabama
Co-Founder TTRA - Today's Treasures
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Wednesday, October 17, 2007
A very rewarding day
Last week I was out at one of our remodeled stores in Austin doing a store tour, when a family of four approached one of the adoption groups outside and was interested in adopting a puppy, but they needed someone to help them who spoke Spanish. Once I realized that none of the store associates could help, I immediately volunteered.
Once I translated all the adoption forms and helped them answer all the questions they had, they were committed to providing a loving home to the puppy. I also suggested that they become P.A.L.S. members and described all of the benefits and then I walked them trough the adoption gift booklet.
I then walked the family through the store asking questions, ensuring that they left the store with the proper food and supplies.
Afterward, the family told me that they were very happy that I was there that day. They said that even though they will need some additional help when they come to the store, they will be loyal to PETCO after this experience.
It sure was fun and exciting to help save a puppy's life and gain a lifelong PETCO customer!
Gladys H
Visual Presentation
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Tuesday, October 16, 2007
A Happy Tail from Petfinder.com
The following story comes from PETCO's online adoption partner Petfinder.com. Enjoy!
At nine-months-old, Zoe had basically never been out of a cage in a veterinary office in Mississippi, where she was waiting for a home. She was born there, raised there--and was about to be euthanized there, for lack of space. But someone notified a kind soul named Linda, who pulled her out after making arrangements with the Animal Service League of Rochester, N.Y., to take her in. Then, says Helga Post, president of the League, Linda paid for the dog's transport north. 
Stephanie Weissinger of Fairport, N.Y. fell for Zoe when she saw her on Petfinder.com, where her story and photo were posted at http://animalserviceleague.petfinder.com/. Her heart went out to the pup because of her sad life thus far, and she decided to give the dog a second chance at a good life.
"The first few months were pretty rough," Stephanie says. "The poor girl had never lived in a home so everything was alien. She was afraid of all the things that a home has to offer. It would have been simple to give up, take the easy way and return her. However, you get what you put in."
"We spent time with her, walked her, fed her, trained her. We made a place in our family for her," Stephanie says, "and things got better every day."
One of the harbingers of better things to come was the family's other dog, Boutros. At first he and Zoe had been at odds. But gradually they became friends, "best friends," Stephanie says.
Today Zoe runs with her tail up instead of down, runs to you rather than into a corner and is excited instead of timid. "It was amazing to watch the transformation," Stephanie says. "We are so happy we were able to rescue her, and judging by the look on her face and the way her entire body wiggles with happiness every time we come home, she is happy, too."
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Spookily Clad Pets to Participate in PETCO Contest
The following press release went out this morning:
Scary Shih Tzus, creepy Cocker Spaniels and other frightening four-legged critters dressed in their best Halloween costumes are invited to PETCO's annual Howl-O-Ween costume contest Saturday, Oct. 27, at 2 p.m. 
This hair-raising celebration will take place in all PETCO locations nationwide. All participants will receive a goody bag full of Halloween-themed treats from PETCO's treat bar and a certificate of participation. Participation in the event, co-sponsored by Greenies, Four Paws and Avoderm, is free.
Each store winner will receive a $15 PETCO gift card. Contestants will be judged on creativity, attention to detail, and pet parent involvement. Registration begins at 1:30 p.m.
Children of the human variety will also have a great time participating in a coloring contest for a chance to win a gift card for their favorite furry friend. Coloring sheets are available now. Winners will be chosen during the Howl-O-Ween event.
Furry Halloween Facts:
--Last year, more than 14,000 pets participated in PETCO's Howl-O-Ween event.
--According to the National Retail Federation, more than 7.4 million households plan to dress their pet for Halloween; Devils and pumpkins are the top pet costumes.
--The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association estimates that 6 percent of dog owners will purchase their pet a Halloween gift.
For the latest in fashion that frightens visit the Halloween Store on PETCO.com or PETCO's haunting selection of exclusive costumes in stores.
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Monday, October 15, 2007
Zena the Road Warrior Princess Makes her Way Into My Heart
Two weeks ago I was scheduled to have service done on our floors at my PETCO store in Dearborn Heights, Mich. I went in and was soon notified that the crew was not coming in, so after putting the store back together I decided to go home for the evening. It was a dark and cloudy night, two cars ahead of me swerved to the left unexpectedly giving me the clear view of a little white dog scampering down the middle of the road.
I immediately blocked the street with my vehicle and coaxed the little dog to the side of the road then into my car. The little dog jumped in with out hesitation. I spent the next hour walking with this little lost soul up and down the neighborhood waiting for the owner to realize that their family member was lost, but no one did. I put the little Chihuahua back in my car and when I arrived at my house I announced my arrival with, "Honey, Guess what I found?" She came out and saw this little lost girl looking up at her with a toothless grin and her tongue hanging out-- she understood.
We made up flyers and proceeded to walk around the neighborhood. We posted on every pole and walked for another hour trying to locate her home -- all to no avail. Upon returning home we decided that our guest needed a bath and a nail trim. While washing the dog we discovered what we thought was a tumor on her chest and began to speculate that this was not a lost dog but an abandoned dog.
A couple of days passed with no phone calls. No one was looking for "Zena the road warrior princess" and she needed help. I contacted two local shelters that said they couldn't help us because she was found in a different city. I contacted Alex with Guardians for Animals and she arranged for us to get Zena to a local vet to see what condition she was truly in.
The tumor turned out to be a hernia, her teeth were missing due to an infection and she was not spayed. No one was sure of Zena's age -- and a lady never tells.
Today, Zena is rambunctious and loving and fits right in with the rest of the family, but she still needs a lot of help. Guardians for Animals and my associates are helping to defray the costs of the surgeries this little "road warrior" will need in the coming months.
Zena now has a loving home with a multitude of siblings and two loving parents. Every day I look at her and think that things happen for a reason -- the floor crew didn't show, I decided to leave at a certain time, Zena choose to walk down the middle of the road not on the sidewalk where she may not have been noticed. This was destiny.
Patrick D.
PETCO General Manager
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Thursday, October 11, 2007
Tomorrow is the Last Day to Enter the Photo Contest
Don't forget - tomorrow is the last day enter your pet in PETCO.com's Howl-O-Ween Pet Photo Contest. You could win a year's supply of food for your pet or a $100 PETCO.com gift certificate!
Click here for details.
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Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Aquademics Tanks Still Available
Each year, PETCO partners with Tetra to bring the hobby and education of aquarium keeping to fourth and fifth grade classrooms nationwide through the Aquademics program. All PETCO stores will sign up two new teachers to the program this year. The deadline has been extended from this week until Oct. 31. If you are an interested teacher contact your local PETCO store for details. In addition to providing a free aquarium kit and tank for the classroom a PETCO associate will visit the classroom to help set up the tank and educate students. Supply is limited and the program is only available to 4th and 5th grade teachers in the communities PETCO shares. To find a PETCO near you, click here.
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Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Guide Dogs of the Desert
On Sunday I visited The Guide Dogs of the Desert in Palm Springs, Calif. to tour their facilities and attend a special graduation ceremony for three recently trained guide dogs for the blind. I attended the day's events to identify potential promotional opportunities with PETCO and the Guide Dogs organization. Although the Guide Dogs of the Desert are based in Palm Springs, they serve a very large geographic area. Before the graduation ceremony I toured training facilities and kennels, which were immaculate and very inviting. Before the graduation exercises, I had a chance to speak with many of the guide dog trainers, who were very inspiring. The trainers are all volunteers who take on a three month assignment of training a dog in their home. Many of them described how they bonded with the Guide Dogs during the 90 day training period and told me how difficult it was to hand over the trained dog they raised from the early months as a puppy. I was very impressed by the management team that runs the Guide Dogs organization. Keep up the good work!
Rick Rockhill
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Monday, October 08, 2007
This week is National Wildlife Refuge Week!
I found a press release from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service here. There are events happening across the country. Among those are the following:
MARYLAND, October 6: Visitors can take eagle tours at the 12th Annual Black water National Wildlife Refuge Open House, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Call 410-228-2677 or click here.
MINNESOTA, October 6: At Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, 50 miles northeast of Minneapolis, the annual Wildlife Festival begins with a sunrise crane watch and ends with a simple bonfire. In between, there are horse drawn hayrides, a scavenger hunt, hands-on archery and air-rifle workshops, nature crafts and exhibits on wildflower seeds, birdhouses, furs and binoculars. For more information, click here.
ARKANSAS, October 6: White River National Wildlife Refuge's annual wildlife festival begins at 9 a.m. Children's activities include birdhouse building, bird feeder making, T-shirt printing, button making, and temporary tattoos. Free boat tours are offered on the hour until 1 p.m. Call 870-282-8200 or visit here.
LOUISIANA, October 13: Children can travel through the "Bear Maze" and follow the seasons in the life of a Louisiana black bear at the 11th annual Wild Things celebration at Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge in Lacombe. For more information: 985-882-2025.
TEXAS, October 13: The Ninth Annual Trinity River Butterfly Count will be held at Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge in southeastern Texas. For more information: 936-336-9786.
GEORGIA October 13: At the Chesser Island Homestead at the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, visitors can see how people lived in Southeast Georgia in the early 1900's. Learn how settlers made soap, brooms, butter, quilts, baskets, and other everyday items. Examine how settlers washed clothes, smoked meat, made pickets, and survived in and around the swamp. Call 912-496-3331 or visit http://www.fws.gov/okefenokee/.
FLORIDA October 27: St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge is all butterflies in the fall. Its daylong butterfly festival offers demonstrations of butterfly tagging, a tent filled with live butterflies, guided butterfly walks, talks, butterfly crafts for children and van tours to places where butterflies are feeding. In 2006, volunteers tagged 2,000 monarch butterflies at St. Marks. For more information: 850-925-6121.
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Wednesday, October 03, 2007
XTERRA US Championship
On Saturday I attended the XTERRA US Championship, as a guest of Breeder's Choice, makers of AvorDerm, Pinnacle and Active Care dog foods. Central Garden and Pet, their parent company has signed a sponsorship agreement with the XTERRA organization. I attended to observe and identify possible cross promotional opportunities between Breeder's Choice, PETCO and the XTERRA events, which are held around the country. The XTERRA US Championship triathlon competition typically involves a 1.5K swim, a 30K mountain bike and a 15K trail run. There are professional athletes as well as amateur athletes participating. The newly added dog competition is known as the "Breeder's Choice XTERRA K9 Challenge," and consists of an obstacle course that the dog and their parent traverse, competing for the best time against other dogs. One of the photos has me with the winning dog Abbie, who handily beat her canine competitors. There were over 40 dogs that participated; it was a lot of fun for participants and spectators alike.
Rick Rockhill
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PETCO's Biggest Sale of the Season Going on Now!
PETCO turns 42 this month and to celebrate we are offering customers the best deals of the season during our anniversary sale. Click here to find deals in your area.
The sale features:
- The launch of the new Hill's Science Diet Nature's Best Dog Food - part of PETCO's natural assortment. All bags purchased will generate a $5 donation to the PETCO Foundation.
- Great offers on popular brands such as Beneful and Pedigree at $4 off, and Fancy Feast at 20 cans for $8.
- Cat-loving P.A.L.S. members will save on all 20 lb. bags of Natural Choice Complete Care Cat Food, plus get six 5.5 oz. cans of cat food FREE!
- P.A.L.S. members will also save up to $5.00 on the new Greenies life stage formulas - Senior and Lite.
- P.A.L.S. members will save $10 on the new, exclusive PETCO playhouse for small animals.
- Leopard Gecko Kits are $15 off, providing the perfect opportunity for new hobbyist to get a reptile and habitat for under $100.
- Savings of over $90.00 on Aquatic Tank Combos. Choose from several different styles. Assortment varies by store.
- And with Halloween approaching, the sale also promotes PETCO's costumes and Howl-O-Ween costume contest taking place in all stores on Saturday, Oct. 27 at 2 p.m.
Hurry, the sale ends Saturday, Oct 20!
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Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Fall is in the "Works" at PETCO Grooming Salons
 This week PETCO's grooming salons introduced the Pumpkin Spice Spa Works for dogs.
This exclusive new service includes Pumpkin Spice scented shampoo and spritz, spray-on detangler, Pro Sheen coat conditioner and toothbrush service. 
This service is available for a limited time only - through Nov. 3.
Customers trying the service before Oct. 20 will get a free Greenies Dental Chew.
After Oct. 20 customers can treat their trickster with a free Halloween party collar and glow-in-the-dark nail polish. Supplies are limited, so bring your furry pal in today! Click here to find a store near you.
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Monday, October 01, 2007
PETCO.com Pet Photo Contest
Enter your pet in the PETCO Howl-O-Ween Pet Photo Contest for a chance to win the Grand Prize of a one year supply of food from AvoDerm for Dog and Cat winners or a $100 PETCO.com Gift Certificate for the Small Pet winner! 
The voting phase of the contest will be held 10/19/07 - 10/31/07. You can vote as often as once per day! Don't have a costume for your pet? Don't worry! ENTER THE HALLOWEEN STORE HERE
How to Enter:
Submit a photo of your pet in an original, scary or funny costume. Pets who appear uncomfortable will not be considered. Write a short description, 50 words or less, about your pet, the costume and what qualities make your pet unique. Submit your photo and description to PETCO.com one of the following ways: Email a jpg or gif to photocontest@petco.com or send it to:
PETCOAttn: Howl-O-Ween Pet Photo Contest 9125 Rehco Road San Diego, CA 92121
To be eligible, all entries must include your name, address, daytime phone number, email address, photo and description.
Photo(s) must be received by October 12, 2007 to be eligible.
PETCO.com's team of Howl-O-Ween Pet Photo Contest judges will select the four most creative, funny or inventive photos of dogs, cats and small pets as finalists and post them to our web site. Visitors to PETCO.com between October 19 - October 31, 2007 will vote for their favorite photo. Check the Official Rules for more details. Pets must appear happy and comfortable to qualify. Prizes
The Dog Grand Prize Winner will receive a one year supply of dog food from AvoDerm (12 bags; any size and formula).
The Cat Grand Prize Winner will receive a one year supply of cat food from AvoDerm (12 bags; any size and formula).
The Small Pet Grand Prize Winner will receive a $100 PETCO.com Gift Certificate.
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