SAN DIEGO, April 26, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sadly, cancer affects pets almost as much as their human companions - at least one in four dogs over the age of two will die from cancer with cats sharing similar statistics. In fact, cancer is the number one disease-related cause of death in dogs, according to Morris Animal Foundation, a world leader in advancing veterinary research. Betty White, famous for her role on "Golden Girls" and more recently "HOT in Cleveland", is passionate about helping animals and has teamed up with PETCO® and The Blue Buffalo Co. for a special PSA to create awareness of their pledge to raise $1 million in the month of May to benefit Morris Animal Foundation's efforts to fund pet cancer research.
Last year, The Blue Buffalo Co. and PETCO were able to raise $800,000 and have their sights set on raising $1 million this year, which will help fund the pet cancer research supported by Morris Animal Foundation. For each bag of Blue Buffalo dog or cat food purchased at PETCO stores across the country, one dollar will be donated to Morris Animal Foundation during the month of May. Donations of any amount will also be accepted at PETCO registers or at www.petco.com/petcancerawareness so customers can contribute to the cause as much as they would like.
Morris Animal Foundation has helped animals on every continent and is dedicated to improving the health and well being of companion animals and wildlife. White has been a Foundation trustee for more than 40 years. The Foundation has funded more than 1,700 studies, many of which have led to animal health breakthroughs in diagnostics, treatments, prevention and cures. With the help of donations by The Blue Buffalo Co. and PETCO, the nonprofit organization can fund even more cancer research for pets. These studies will give veterinarians better tools to diagnose and treat cancer in animals, and many of these same treatments used on dogs hold promise for helping children afflicted with cancer. To learn more about Morris Animal Foundation, Blue Buffalo, PETCO or pet cancer please visit www.petco.com/petcancerawareness.
About Morris Animal Foundation
Morris Animal Foundation helps animals enjoy longer, healthier lives by advancing health and welfare research that protects, treats and cures companion animals, horses and wildlife worldwide. Help create a healthier tomorrow for animals at www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org.
About The Blue Buffalo Foundation for Cancer Research
The Blue Buffalo Foundation For Cancer Research was established in 2003 by The Blue Buffalo Company, a manufacturer of healthy and holistic dog and cat foods under the BLUE™ and BLUE Spa Select™ brand names. Finding a cure for pet cancer is one of the top priorities for The Blue Buffalo Company because its founders have had some personal experience with this disease. "Our dog Blue, a large breed Airedale and a great pal, had three bouts with cancer," said Bill Bishop, Blue Buffalo's CEO. "After Blue was diagnosed, we wanted to find out all we could about pet cancer, and were amazed to learn that it is the leading disease-related cause of death for both dogs and cats. So one of the first things we did after starting our pet food company was to establish a foundation to raise money for pet cancer research, and raise awareness among pet parents of the early warning signs of this disease." You can learn more about The Blue Buffalo Foundation For Cancer Research and their Pet Cancer Awareness program by visiting www.petcancerawareness.com.
About PETCO
PETCO is a privately held specialty retailer that provides products, services and advice that make it easier for our customers to be great pet parents. We operate more than 1,000 stores in 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as a leading pet products and information destination at www.petco.com. Our nonprofit organization, The PETCO Foundation, has raised nearly $70 million since its inception in 1999 to help promote and improve the welfare of companion animals. In conjunction with the Foundation, we work with and support approximately 7,000 local animal welfare groups across the country to help find homes for more than 200,000 adoptable animals every year.
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Mia West
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