The Bow Wow Buddies Foundation(R) Names Executive Director

BOULDER, CO--(Marketwire - February 19, 2009) - The Bow Wow Buddies Foundation, a Boulder-based 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for sick, abandoned, abused, unwanted and neglected canines everywhere, has named Melissa Canaday as its first executive director. Melissa is responsible for leading the operational and strategic efforts of The Bow Wow Buddies Foundation and will report to its Board of Directors. The Bow Wow Buddies Foundation works in conjunction with other animal welfare organizations to find foster and lifetime homes for unwanted dogs, promote humane education and treatment in the U.S. and abroad, and invest in research and treatment for dogs devastated by illness and disease.

"Melissa brings to the foundation more than thirteen years of non-profit management experience," said Heidi Flammang-Ganahl, CEO of Camp Bow Wow, and Chairwoman of the Board of The Bow Wow Buddies Foundation. "However, it is her passion for animal welfare, her true love of dogs, and her clear vision for the future that will help to elevate this organization to the next level."

Although The Bow Wow Buddies Foundation was established in 2007, this is the first time the organization will have a full-time executive director. The Foundation will celebrate an official re-launch on April 9, 2009 when it will host Project RUFFway, its first-annual benefit and fashion show, featuring everyday models taking to the runway with adoptable dogs from local shelters. Funds raised from Project RUFFway will benefit The Bow Wow Buddies Foundation and Colorado State University's Animal Cancer Center.

Other current Bow Wow Buddies Foundation projects include spearheading the first-ever nationwide canine cough study in conjunction with Camp Bow Wow franchisees, and funding a scholarship for a veterinary oncology Ph.D. fellow at Colorado State University's Animal Cancer Center.

"I first learned about The Bow Wow Buddies Foundation when I read about its efforts to rescue 26 dogs from deplorable conditions in Greece and bring them back to Colorado to find loving, forever homes," commented Melissa. "The story of the 'Greekies' was so moving that I knew instantly I would be proud to be part of such an organization."

About The Bow Wow Buddies Foundation

Founded in 2007, The Bow Wow Buddies Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for sick, abandoned, abused, unwanted and neglected canines everywhere. The Bow Wow Buddies Foundation accomplishes this by focusing on finding foster and lifetime homes for unwanted dogs, promoting humane education and treatment in the U.S. and abroad, and investing in research and treatment for dogs devastated by illness and disease. Visit the foundation online at www.bowwowbuddies.com.

Contact Information: Contact: Sara Jankowiak 720-259-2934 office 202-246-0915 cell