Human Interest

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y., April 30 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- On Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3, more than 2,000 animal shelters worldwide will join North Shore Animal League America for Pet Adoptathon(R) 2009, helping to save the lives of homeless pets. Renowned dog expert Cesar Millan, National Geographic Channel's Dog Whisperer, is the spokesperson for the 15th annual global adoption extravaganza.
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Beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, participating shelters, located in every time zone, will open their doors for the two-day adoption event sponsored by Nestle Purina PetCare Company's One Hope Network. This year's Pet Adoptathon will celebrate 2009 as the Year of Mutt-i-grees(TM), an initiative of the American Mutt-i-grees Club (AMC). The AMC, a program of the Pet Savers Foundation, the development arm of the Animal League, encourages animal lovers worldwide to adopt mixed-breed shelter dogs as a way of taking a stand against inhumane puppy mills and helping to curb the rate of euthanasia of healthy adoptable shelter animals due to lack of space.

Millan has created "Sessions with Cesar," an online training course for dog owners. He has recently partnered with North Shore Animal League America to help adopters by making "Sessions with Cesar" available through the Animal League website, www.AnimalLeague.org. Not only will subscribers receive a discount, but proceeds will also benefit the Animal League, the world's largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization.

At Pet Adoptathon headquarters, 25 Davis Ave., Port Washington, NY, Millan will join the opening ceremonies for the 36-hour event. Over the course of the weekend, adopters will have a selection of more than 700 puppies, kittens, dogs and cats. In addition, Pet Adoptathon will feature family-style entertainment under a big tent, including performances both days by the Purina(R) Incredible Dog Team and the Animal League's Agility Dog Team, refreshments, raffles, a caricaturist, a pet psychic and spring plant sales. Animal League experts in training, veterinary care and grooming will be on hand both days to offer guidance.

In 1995, Pet Adoptathon began as a North Shore Animal League adoption weekend, with the goal of finding homes for each and every dog and cat at the Animal League. That weekend, over 500 needy pets found loving homes. Encouraged by that success, the Animal League went on to invite shelters worldwide to participate in Pet Adoptathon. Last year, over 2,200 shelters participated, including organizations in all 50 states and over 18 countries worldwide, with at least one shelter in each time zone. To date, Pet Adoptathon has helped find safe, nurturing homes for close to 300,000 orphaned pets worldwide.

The presenting sponsor for Pet Adoptathon is the One Hope Network. Developed in conjunction with Purina ONE(R) brand pet food, the One Hope Network is dedicated to helping transform the lives of pets and people by supporting the efforts of animal welfare organizations across the country. North Shore Animal League America is an advisory shelter for the One Hope Network. The supporting sponsor is Fort Dodge Animal Health.

For Pet Adoptathon participating shelters in your area or for more information, visit www.AnimalLeague.org or call the Adoptathon Hotline at 800-214-4308.

SOURCE North Shore Animal League America