He's Making a List, Checking it Twice...Santa 'Paws' is Coming to Town
Purina® Pro Plan® Helps Pet Lovers Give the Gift that Keeps on Giving All Year Long

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (October 26, 2006) - It's that time of year again. Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose and frantic searches to uncover the perfect gift for everyone on your list, including Fluffy and Fido.

According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA), pet owners will spend an estimated $38.4 billion on their pets in 2006, and during the holiday season, 55 percent of dog owners and 37 percent of cat owners will buy gifts for their petsi. For those looking for the perfect holiday gift for their furry friend, there's one suggestion that also gives back to a great cause and is close to the hearts of pet lovers nationwide.

This season, Purina® Pro Plan® Rally to Rescue™ is helping to spread some holiday cheer with decorative dog and cat collar and wristband sets. Pets will be jolly as they show off their purple, nylon adjustable collars that feature a reflective, silver stripe down the middle with the Rally to Rescue declaration. Owners can match their pets with purple wristbands that look just like the pet collars, but are sized for humans. Most importantly, both the collars and wristbands help support the pet rescue cause and are available online at www.rallytorescue.org for $5 per set.

"The holiday season is a time for giving and as more pet owners buy gifts for their pets, we want them to know that the Rally to Rescue sets not only make great gifts, but also give back to pets in need," said Ken Wilhelm, director of Pro Plan Rally to Rescue. "Purchasing the collar and wristband sets help support pet rescue organizations across the country and further our mission of giving rescued pets the nutrition and care they need and the loving homes they deserve."

The Pro Plan Rally to Rescue campaign is unique in that it focuses on the smaller pet rescue organizations, including 20 Rally to Rescue Ambassadors in Pennsylvania, that place nearly 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 provides these local Ambassador organizations with funds, food, resources and information to help them be successful in placing rescued pets in permanent homes. Purchases of collars and wristbands help the Rally to Rescue program support participating rescue organizations, with a campaign goal to raise more than $1 million.

To learn more about the Pro Plan Rally to Rescue campaign, find an Ambassador in your area, or to purchase a collar and wristband for your beloved pet this holiday season, go to www.rallytorescue.org.

Purina Pro Plan® brand dog and cat foods are manufactured by Nestlé Purina PetCare, which promotes responsible pet care, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets. A premier 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(c)(3) organization.