If These Pets Could Talk, What Amazing Tails They Would Tell

ST. LOUIS (July 10, 2007) – Some of the greatest stories ever told are based on real life events. Whether it is a heroic tale of endurance or overcoming a life-threatening illness, truth can be more compelling than fiction. Surprisingly, many of these stories are not penned by best-selling authors or seen in movies. Instead, they are true adventures of rescued pets, which have inspired the rescue community and animal lovers everywhere.

Purina® Pro Plan® is launching the voting process to determine the grand prize winner in the Rally to Rescue™ "Doing More for Pets" Rescue Stories Contest. This nation-wide campaign promotes the amazing but often untold stories of pet rescue, and raises awareness about its importance. "Doing More for Pets" honors rescued pets that have overcome great odds to survive and thrive under harrowing circumstances, thanks to the incredible hard work and dedication of small pet rescue organizations.

Being put out with the trash, thrown from a moving car or nearly shot for no longer wanting to hunt, some pet rescue stories may seem too unbelievable to be real. Even more astonishing are the miraculous recoveries made by these extraordinary pets from such thoughtless acts of neglect.

More than 100 rescue stories were submitted and a judging panel selected 10 success stories that genuinely touched their hearts. 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. In addition, actress and pet lover Emily Procter ("CSI: Miami", "West Wing"), participated in the review process of the finalists. Pets honored as finalists for the Rally to Rescue "Doing More for Pets" Rescue Stories Contest include:

Indy, submitted by Julie Kramer of Midwest Rescue of Illinois (Glenview, Ill.)

• Indy overcame from being thrown out of a car at a busy truck stop to providing love and kindness to three children with developmental disabilities.

Rummy, submitted by Angie Claussen of Husky Heaven, Inc. (Houston, Texas)

• Rummy came to Husky Heaven blind, bald and infected with heartworms after being severely neglected by his previous owner. Now he his happy, healthy and performing a number of doggie tricks.

Cassie, by Jan Knoche of Love a Golden Rescue (St. Louis, Mo.)

• Cassie lived with orthopedic problems and epilepsy. After a few months of rehabilitation, she now is wagging her tail for a family that gave her a real life for the first time.

Biscuit, submitted by Cindy Tuttle of Saving Pyrs in Need, Inc. (Garland, Texas)

• Biscuit was left with animal control covered in urine and ticks. She was rescued, cleaned up and loved, but disappeared on the way to see the veterinarian. Biscuit could not bear to be away from the family that nursed her back to health, she returned the next day and was promptly adopted.

Max, submitted by Theresa Clifford of The Cat Shack (Trexlertown, Pa.)

• Max was put out with the trash and left to fend for himself. Rescued and recovered from injuries, Max now works to help troubled therapy patients by enriching their lives.

Sebastian, submitted by Marci Smith of Stepping Stone German Shepard Rescue
Paris, Ky.)

• Sebastian was abandoned by a backyard breeder at the age of two, but found a forever home. Today he proudly serves as the Mascot for Stepping Stone German Shepard Rescue.

Hans, submitted by Dwane Howard of Southern Siberian Rescue (Raleigh, N.C.)

• Hans was discovered with cuts and holes in his face, muzzle, ears and head, and teeth that were hanging by threads of his gums. After surgery and a lot of love and attention, Hans has found a forever home and is happy as can be.

Nova, submitted by J. Brandy Gardes of From the Heart Animal Rescue (Canutillo, Texas)

• Nova was found broken and bleeding after being dragged by a truck. After lots of love, three surgeries and countless bandages, Nova is fully recovered. Her sweet nature provides joy for her new family.

Bandit, submitted by Joan Lindberg of Minnesota-Wisconsin Collie Rescue (Esko, Minn.)

• Bandit suffered major injuries in a severe car accident and his owners wanted him to be euthanized. Their veterinarian believed Bandit deserved more and convinced the owners to release him into her care. Bandit's condition improved and is now getting plenty of exercise living with a family that raises horses and sled dogs.

Susie, submitted by Bill Glotz of American Brittany Rescue (Earlville,Ill.)

• Susie was purchased to be a hunting dog and was not socialized with others. When she no longer wished to hunt, her owner decided to shoot her. Susie was rescued from this fate and now has a new leash on life, interacting with other pets and has earned AKC titles in jumpers, weaves and standard novice agility.

"The images and stories of these 10 pets are very heart-warming and compelling," said Emily Procter. "I'm in awe of the unwavering spirit of these animals, and I'm honored to help share their incredible stories. As an owner of a rescued cat with his own extraordinary story, I really want these pets and the amazing people who rescued them to get the recognition they so truly deserve."

Vote for Fluffy and Fido

From May 17, 2007 through September 30, 2007, these 10 stories will be highlighted on www.rallytorescue.org. Animal lovers are encouraged to visit the site and vote for the dog or cat they believe has made the most significant transformation. In October, the finalist with the most votes will be announced by Emily Procter as the winner of the Rally to Rescue "Doing More for Pets" Rescue Stories Contest. The pet rescue organization who nominated the winning pet will receive coupons for $5,000 in Purina Pro Plan brand Pet Food.

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 place nearly a half a million dogs and cats in homes each year and represent nearly 45 percent of all pet adoption groups. However, they 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.

"Each one of these extraordinary animals has overcome a tremendous amount of adversity and is now flourishing, thanks in large part to the devotion of Rally to Rescue Ambassadors," said Joe Chatman, manager of Pro Plan Rally to Rescue. "The ‘Doing More for Pets' campaign showcases the perseverance of these dogs and cats and those who care for them. The Ambassadors prove that by never giving up and doing more, you can change a life forever."

Rally Across America

The "Doing More for Pets" campaign announcement also serves as the official kick-off for the second annual Pro Plan Rally Across America tour, dedicated to raising funds and awareness for pet rescue nationwide. The 11-market tour will travel across the country from May through October 2007. In each city, Pro Plan animal trainer, Melissa Heeter and he rescued dog, Viola, will be on-site to provide attendees with everyday training tips they can teach their own furry companions at home. Local pet rescue organizations also will be on hand with adoptable pets and information about how to get involved in pet rescue. In addition, each stop features a fundraising initiative in the form of a virtual walk. During the event, consumers are encouraged to log mileage on treadmills in exchange for a donation to the participating local pet rescue groups. Pro Plan will donate $5 for every five minutes walked by participants. For a complete tour schedule or more information, log on to www.rallytorescue.org.

About Rally to Rescue

"Doing More for Pets" is part of Pro Plan Rally to Rescue campaign, which launched in April 2005 and is working to identify up to 500 pet rescue organizations to serve as Ambassadors. The campaign supplies "Doing More for Pets" t-shirts and collar and wristband sets to Rally to Rescue Ambassadors nationwide to distribute in support of their rescue efforts. Each t-shirt costs $15 and the collars and wristbands are $5 per set. In addition to being sold by local organizations, the t-shirts and the collar and wristband sets are also available for purchase online at www.rallytorescue.org. All proceeds from the sale of the t-shirts and collars and wristbands by rescue organizations benefit participating Ambassadors. Proceeds from online sales help Rally to Rescue benefit participating rescue organizations.

To learn more about the Pro Plan Rally to Rescue campaign or to purchase a "Doing More for Pets" t-shirt or collar and wristband set, go to http://www.rallytorescue.org.

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©(3) organization.