NEW INITIATIVE UNLEASHES THE POWER OF PAWS™

Effort Brings Together a Variety of Pet Partners to Educate Consumers
about the Pet/Human Bond and Encourage Pets and Pet Parents
to Get Active, Reduce Stress and Live Healthier Together

Press release posted by Joyce, Best Friends NE Team Leader

Pets and people getting healthy together. That’s the heart of a new national initiative called Power of Paws™ that educates consumers about the mutual health benefits that both pets and pet parents enjoy and motivates them to spend time together and connect.

“Studies show there are significant physical, mental, and emotional benefits for both pets and pet parents,” said Bill Pearce, chief marketing officer for Del Monte Foods, the lead program partner. “It’s as easy as taking your dog for a walk. Researchers say you’ll walk farther with your pet than you would if you were walking alone – an activity that benefits you both. Our family of brands, including Milk-Bone, Meow Mix, Kibbles ‘n Bits, Pup-Peroni, and Snausages have always been focused on enriching the lives of pets and pet parents by encouraging them to enjoy active lifestyles together. We are very pleased to join with multiple pet partners to unleash the Power of Paws. We’re excited to hear from consumers as they share the impact pets and people make in each other’s lives.”

Research Proves the Benefits of the Pet/Human Bond
New research is proving the physical and emotional benefits of pet ownership for adults, seniors and even children.
• Studies have indicated that pet parents have lower blood pressure and plasma triglycerides than non-pet owners.
• Heart patients are nearly five times more likely to survive a heart attack if they own a pet.

• Just two brisk 15-minute walks with a dog each day satisfies the standard for aerobic exercise for humans and pets. Daily exercise can lengthen a dog’s life.
• Other research has connected pet ownership with better psychological health and enhanced self-esteem and social interaction.

Consumers Invited to “Tell their Tail” and Raise Money for Power of Paws™ Partners
Power of Paws™ is celebrating the power of the pet/human bond by making pets more accessible to those who need daily assistance or a loving friend. That’s why Bergin University of Canine Studies in Santa Rosa, CA, Animal Medical Center in New York City, Animal Friends in Pittsburgh, PA and Canine Assistants in Alpharetta, GA have joined this effort.

“The Power of Paws partners know that pets and people are better together,” said Lisa Henriksen, Del Monte’s vice president of innovation and business development. “Whether it’s outreach and education, bringing pets to those in need or improving animal health, we’re proud to help launch the Power of Paws initiative so people across the country can learn about and experience the mutual benefits of pet companionship.”

It seems that every pet parent has a story to tell about the way their doting dog or cuddly cat makes their life more fulfilling and enhances their physical, mental and emotional health. Now consumers can watch more than 100 inspiring video testimonials about pets that have helped their owners get healthier, recover/cope with an illness, deal with grief or live independently by visiting www.powerofpaws.com. These heartfelt stories told by diverse people from across the nation share one common thread: each person’s life is better and healthier because of a pet.

More devoted pet parents can “tell their tail” by logging on to www.powerofpaws.com. For every eligible person who signs up to share their story, request a Power of Paws™ DVD and brochure or receive a Power of Paws™ newsletter, the Power of Paws™ brand partners will donate $1 to the initiative’s charity partners (up to $225,000). Visit www.powerofpaws.com for the terms and conditions of this offer.