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Virtual Walk Allows Pets and their Owners to Take an Extra Step in Supporting the Pet Rescue Cause

Purina® Pro Plan® Rally Across America Helps Raise Awareness for Pets in Need

ST. LOUIS, MO (July 5, 2006) — Pet rescue organizations across the country work tirelessly to find new, loving homes for abandoned, abused and surrendered pets. Still, these groups often go unnoticed due to their size and resources. This summer, pet lovers and their four-legged friends can take an "extra step" by putting their feet and paws to the virtual pavement and walking to support pet rescue groups in their area.

The Purina® Pro Plan® Rally Across America tour, which is dedicated to raising funds and awareness for pet rescue nationwide, will give consumers the opportunity to participate in a virtual walk to help raise money for local pet rescue groups. At each tour stop, consumers are invited to log mileage on treadmills in exchange for a donation to pet rescue. Pro Plan will donate $5 for every five minutes walked by participants.

In addition to the virtual walk, several local pet rescue groups will be on hand with adoptable pets and information about how to get involved in local pet rescue efforts. Those adopting a pet also receive an adoption kit to help them care for their new pet.

Rally Across America is part of a larger campaign known as Pro Plan Rally to Rescue™, which is designed to raise funds and awareness for pet rescue organizations nationwide through the sale of pet collars and human wristbands. The campaign allows pets and owners to join forces and outfit themselves in matching rallying symbols for the cause.

Both owners and their pets can make a statement with purple, nylon adjustable collars and wristbands that feature a reflective, silver stripe down the middle with the Rally to Rescue declaration. The campaign supplies collar and wristband sets to pet rescue organizations to help raise funds to support their efforts. Each organization is encouraged to request a donation of $5 per set.

In addition to being sold by local organizations, the collars and wristbands are available online at www.rallytorescue.org for anyone to purchase. Net proceeds from the online sales and all proceeds from the sale of collars and wristbands by rescue organizations will benefit participating pet rescue groups, with a campaign goal to raise more than $1 million.

Smaller pet rescue organizations help place nearly a half-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.

"The Rally Across America tour is the perfect way to bring our national campaign to local pet lovers," said Ken Wilhelm, director of Pro Plan Rally to Rescue. "We are committed to supporting the work of pet rescue organizations nationwide, and this tour allows us to continue to raise awareness and funding for the cause on a local level, ultimately helping dogs and cats find the nurturing homes they deserve."

The Pro Plan Rally Across America tour will be traveling across the country to 11 cities from May - October 2006. For a complete tour schedule or more information, log on to 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(c)(3) organization.

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