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Company: WellPet – Natural Products for Pets and its brand portfolio: Wellness®, Holistic Select®, Eagle Pack® and Old Mother Hubbard® Address: 200 Ames Pond Drive Tewksbury, MA 01876 Telephone: 978-289-5500 Web address: www.wellpet.com Principals Corporate Overview: Tim Callahan, CEO Nick Deldon, Chief Financial Officer Thano Chaltas, Chief Marketing Officer Steve Harris, Vice President of Sales Greg Kean, Vice President of R&D Beth Wilson, Vice President of Operations WellPet is home to the family of premium natural pet food brands including Wellness®, Old Mother Hubbard®, Eagle Pack® and Holistic Select®. In bringing together Old Mother Hubbard and Eagle Pack, two companies with a long history of delivering on the promise of doing whatever it takes to make the healthiest natural products for pets and over 100 years of combined experience in the natural pet food market, WellPet delivers an unwavering commitment to nutritional innovation and product quality. And as a member of the portfolio of fifth-generation, family-owned investment management company Berwind, our values are consistent with the small company, family business legacy we've built and protected for over 80 years. We promise that "Your pet's wellbeing is at the heart of all we do, that's why we do whatever it takes to make the healthiest natural products for the pets that depend on us." WellPet products are sold in pet specialty stores and natural food stores across North America. For more information, please visit www.wellpet.com or call 1.800.225.0904. Wellness® – This Is Where True Wellness BeginsTM! Wellness is for pets and their parents who believe as we do, that food is the first step to a long, happy and healthy life. A complete line of healthy, natural food and snacks for dogs and cats made with carefully chosen, authentic ingredients, Wellness recipes provide an ideal nutritional balance – each ingredient has a purpose and there are never empty calories. And you can trust the quality of all of the ingredients in Wellness, from our source to your pet’s bowl. All Wellness recipes include lean meats, whole grains, fruits and veggies with no wheat, corn or soy, and no added artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. Wellness is a member of the WellPet® portfolio of natural pet product brands, a family-owned business with an over 80 year heritage of making the finest quality foods. To learn more about Wellness, available in pet specialty stores and natural food stores nationwide, visit www.wellnesspetfood.com, or follow Wellness on Twitter - www.twitter.com/wellnesspetfood and Facebook www.facebook.com/wellnesspetfood. Holistic Select® – Activate A Higher Level Of Health For Your Pet. Holistic Select, a proud member of the WellPet® family of brands, is a line of food and snacks for dogs and cats that goes beyond natural with the power to positively impact a pet’s health. Family owned and American-made in Mishawaka, Indiana for over 25 years, Holistic Select is built on a foundation of premium proteins, fats and carbohydrates, and is filled with a unique set of Select Actives™ known as “Nature’s Power Ingredients”. This complementary blend of enzymes, direct fed microbials, botanicals and phytonutrients provides superior nutritional benefits and enhances the whole body health of pets. Holistic Select food and snacks have no added artificial colors, flavors or synthetic preservatives. Holistic Select is sold in pet specialty stores across North America. Visit: www.holisticselect.com to learn more. Find Holistic Select on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/holisticselectpetfood and Twitter at http://twitter.com/holisticselect. Eagle Pack® – Nutrition in ActionTM For over 25 years Eagle Pack, a proud member of the WellPet® family of brands, has energized pets everywhere by providing them quality natural nutrition without fillers or artificial preservatives. Eagle Pack pet food delivers the right balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates and omega fatty acids for results you can see in their shiny coats, bright eyes and energetic spirits. Eagle Pack’s naturally tried, trusted and true formulas have been performance-proven with backyard ball catchers, show ring winners and Alaskan sled dog racers too. Pet owners can count on Eagle Pack’s American-made foods to naturally fuel their pet’s daily adventures, both big and small. Visit www.eaglepack.com to learn more. Find Eagle Pack on Twitter at http://twitter.com/eaglepack; join Eagle Pack on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/eaglepackpetfood Old Mother Hubbard® – “Give ‘Em Some Snack Love®” Since 1926, Old Mother Hubbard®, a proud member of the WellPet® family of brands, has used the same simple methods to bake our snacks for dogs. Each home-style recipe is carefully crafted from wholesome ingredients that allow dog owners to feel good about giving their dogs a reward that is healthy and heartfelt. Visit www.oldmotherhubbard.com to learn more. Find Old Mother Hubbard on Twitter - twitter.com/omhpetsnacks. Join Old Mother Hubbard on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/OMHpetsnacks Select Milestones: 1926 - Old Mother Hubbard was founded. 1961 - Old Mother Hubbard was purchased by Jim Scott, Sr., a professional in animal nutrition with a commitment to developing highly nutritious products for animals. 1997 - Launched the Wellness® product line with dry dog food. 2000 – The Holistic Select® product line of feline and canine foods is launched 2000 - 2003 - Extended the Wellness® product line to include dry cat foods, canned dog and cat foods, treats and supplements. 2004 – Wellness became the #1 natural food supplier in the independent pet specialty channel. 2004 - Added a line of food for dogs with allergies—Wellness® Simple Food Solutions®. 2006 - Introduced WellBites® and Pure Rewards®, two new lines of all-natural dog treats. 2006 - Introduced Wellness® 95% Meat, a super premium dry dog food mixer or topper that comes in a can. 2007 – Introduced Wellness® Feline Dietary Solutions (for cats)—Complete Health; Healthy Weight; Kitten Health and Indoor Health. 2007 – Debuted Wellness® CORE®, a grain-free, protein-focused feline diet that addresses key health concerns. 2007 – Introduced Wellness® Just for Puppy, a complete line of nutritionally balanced food and treats for the youngest dogs. 2007 – Debuted Wellness® CORE® Dog, a revolutionary higher-protein, grainfree dry dog food that is thoughtfully balanced to safely feed adult canines every day. 2007 – Created the first line of sliced wheat-gluten free feline meals available in a pouch, Wellness® Healthy Indulgence® Everyday Entrées. 2008 – Expanded the Wellness® CORE® Dog line with the addition of fish-based, higher-protein, grain-free Wellness CORE® Dog Ocean Formula. 2008 – Debuted Wellness® Super5Mix® Large Breed Puppy and Wellness® Super5Mix® Large Breed Adult Health, as well as Wellness®Super5Mix® Small Breed Adult Health; formulated specifically for the distinctly different dietary needs of large breed and small breed dogs 2008 – Introduced Wellness® Pure Delights™ irresistibly all-natural moist, meaty cat treats. 2008 – Expanded the Wellness® Healthy Indulgence® Everyday Entrées line to include the first ever grain-free and wheat gluten-free sliced morsels in sauce cat meals available in a pouch. 2008 – Introduced Wellness® CORE® Canned Formulas for Dogs and Cats to accompany the Wellness CORE® dry food family of higher protein, grain-free pet diets. 2008 – Debuted Holistic Select® Small & Mini Breed Adult Formula and Puppy Formula 2008 – Introduced Holistic Select® Holistix® Bison & Barley Snacks for Dogs 2008 - Holistic Select® Natural Meat Dog Snacks are introduced 2009 – Wellness dry and canned dog food lines and Holistic Select dry dog foods again named to the Editor’s Choice list by The Whole Dog Journal 2009 – Introduced All-Natural Chicken & Cheddar Cheese WellBars® and Grainfree Lamb & Apples WellBars® dog snacks 2009 – The Wellness® Simple Food Solutions® line is re-introduced Two new dry formulas join the successful Rice & Duck Formula: - Rice & Lamb Formula - Rice & Salmon Formula As do three new canned flavors: - Duck & Rice Formula - Lamb & Rice Formula - Salmon & Rice Formula 2009 – Reintroduction of the complete Holistic Select line of advanced pet nutrition for cats and dogs in October: Canine Holistic Select Dry Recipes include: Radiant Adult Health – Anchovy, Sardine & Salmon Meal Recipe; Lamb Meal Recipe; Chicken Meal Recipe; Duck Meal Recipe Vitalize Senior Health – Chicken Meal & Rice Recipe Nourish Puppy Health – Anchovy, Sardine & Chicken Meals Recipe Small & Mini Breed – Nourish Puppy Health- Anchovy, Sardine & Chicken Meals Recipe; Radiant Adult Health-Anchovy, Sardine & Chicken Meals Recipe Large & Giant Breed – Puppy Health- Lamb Meal & Oatmeal Recipe; Adult Health- Chicken Meal & Oatmeal Recipe Canine Holistic Select Canned Recipes include: Beef; Chicken; Tuna, Salmon & Shrimp; Duck & Chicken; Chicken and Chicken Liver; Lamb and Puppy Feline Holistic Select Dry Radiant Adult & Kitten Health – Chicken Meal Recipe Radiant Adult Health – Anchovy, Sardine & Salmon Meal Recipe; Duck Meal Recipe Feline Holistic Select Canned Recipes include: Chicken & Lamb; Turkey & Barley; Ocean Fish & Tuna; Duck & Chicken; Salmon & Shrimp 2010 – Wellness dry dog food lines and Holistic Select dry dog foods again named to the Editor’s Choice list by The Whole Dog Journal 2010 – Holistic Select® launched new Holistic Select Weight Management, Chicken Meal & Peas Recipe to help dogs lose weight in a healthy, nutritionally balanced way. 2010 – Wellness debuted new Wellness® Stews; adds to its canned offerings with six new slow-cooked cuts and gravy classics for dogs: Grain-Free Beef Stew with Carrots & Potatoes Grain-Free Chicken Stew with Peas & Carrots Grain-Free Turkey & Duck Stew with Sweet Potatoes & Cranberries Turkey Stew with Barley & Carrots Venison & Salmon Stew with Potatoes & Carrots Lamb & Beef Stew with Brown Rice & Apples 2010 – Eagle Pack® debuts new look and new Eagle Pack Canned Dog Formulas in four varieties - Chicken, Beef, Lamb and Turkey 2010 – Old Mother Hubbard® expands its treat line with a new look and 15 new varieties, including Soft & Chewy Bitz® and Mother’s Solutions™ soft and chewy snacks. Responsibility Passion Commitment These are the words that define our work to do the very best for the pets that provide us with unconditional love, trust and companionship. As a company of people who are passionate about animals and community, we established the WellPet Foundation in 2007 to support groups whose goals are similar to our own - helping pets live healthier, happier, longer lives. The Foundation's Mission At WellPet, we are committed to giving back to the world we share with our pets. Through the WellPet Foundation, we support organizations and activities that promote the power of natural nutrition and the benefits of healthy, active lifestyles. Giving Money Through our WellPet Foundation, we financially support non-profit organizations that encourage healthy lifestyles for pets through research, education and action. Honoring groups that are dedicated to the wellbeing of dogs and cats reflects our fundamental responsibility to help pets thrive. Giving Time In addition to our national company programs, there are many local organizations that have captured the hearts of our employees and play important roles in the communities we share with our pets. By and large, the majority of our charitable and sponsorship activity takes place in the local communities where our employees live and work. For more information visit: http://www.wellnesspetfood.com/aboutus_wellpet_foundation.html FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Erin Vadala, Warner Communications 978-468-3076, [email protected] GIVE YOUR DOG SOME SNACK LOVE™! OLD MOTHER HUBBARD EXPANDS ITS TREAT LINE WITH 15 NEW VARIETIES TO CATCH, CHEW AND EAT With a new look, new flavors and new soft snacks pet parents can feel good about giving their dogs some “snack love™” every day, not just on special occasions. (Tewksbury, MA October 5, 2010) – From rewarding good behavior to teaching an old dog new tricks, dog owners can now choose from 15 NEW varieties of natural dog snacks from Old Mother Hubbard®. For the first time in its 80 years, Old Mother Hubbard now offers two new lines of soft and chewy snacks. NEW Soft & Chewy Bitz® are cubed, bite-sized and bursting with natural flavor. Perfect for training or for smaller dogs, they come in three new varieties, Liver Recipe, Chicken Recipe and Peanut Butter Flavor. They’ve also created three NEW soft and chewy varieties and four NEW crunchy varieties in their new Mother’s Solutions™ line. Made with ingredients that do more than taste good, they work to help a dog feel and look better. All dogs deserve a little snack love but some can’t afford too many extra calories. For them there’s 5 Calorie, so you can reward your dog without worry and help them maintain a healthy weight. Many large dogs, older dogs too, can’t run and jump like they used to and for them Hip & Joint helps support hip and joint mobility. And Skin & Coat helps their glossy coats and supple skin shine. Those who prefer a bit of snap to their snacks can choose from the new crunchy and functional Mother’s Solutions varieties: Tartar Control for healthy teeth and gums, Hip & Joint, Minty Fresh Breath (formerly known as Gimme-AKiss®), and Low Fat (formerly known as Couch Potato®). And what dog wouldn’t love the fun shapes and delicious flavors of Old Mother Hubbard’s NEW Distinctive Collection? PB HeartsTM, Fish’N’WavesTM and Liv’R’WedgesTM keep dogs grinning from ear to ear and are wheat-free too. NEW Wheat-Free Chick’N’ApplesTM and the Extra Tasty Assortment of three popular Old Mother Hubbard varieties - Liv’R’Crunch®, Bac’N’Cheez® and P-Nuttier® all in one convenient bakery bag - round out the Old Mother Hubbard Classics line. Crafted from time-honored recipes, they’re crunchy crowd pleasers in mini, small and large classic bone shapes. “Bocker loves his training sessions and learns very fast because he enjoys his special rewards – Old Mother Hubbard Bitz® and Meaties®,” said Marie S. of Athens, NY. “He is one happy-golucky Labradoodle. Old Mother Hubbard treats keep him healthy and looking his best.” All Old Mother Hubbard snacks are made with natural, nutrient-rich ingredients like chicken, cheddar cheese, apples, carrots, sweet potatoes and oatmeal, without any artificial colors or flavors. And each crunchy snack is slowly oven-baked to preserve the mouth-watering flavors that dogs love to catch, chew and eat. “Who doesn’t love a tasty snack? I know I do, and so does my dog. And we couldn’t be happier about the newest additions to our Old Mother Hubbard family of all natural dog treats,” said Tim Callahan, CEO of WellPet. "They're natural and healthy, and a great way for me to give my dog some 'snack loveTM'.” While the packaging on the outside of Old Mother Hubbard’s snacks now sports an updated look, dogs and their devoted owners can take a peek at the delicious snacks right inside the bag through its characteristic see-through window. Consumers can also interact directly with the brand through a new website, the Old Mother Hubbard Cupboard Club e-newsletter, Twitter and Facebook. Old Mother Hubbard natural dog snacks will be available nationwide at pet specialty stores beginning in mid-September. To find an authorized retailer, please visit www.oldmotherhubbard.com. Old Mother Hubbard® – “Give ‘Em Some Snack Love®” Since 1926, Old Mother Hubbard®, a proud member of the WellPet® family of brands, has used the same simple methods to bake our snacks for dogs. Each home-style recipe is carefully crafted from wholesome ingredients that allow dog owners to feel good about giving their dogs a reward that is healthy and heartfelt. Visit www.oldmotherhubbard.com to learn more. Find Old Mother Hubbard on Twitter - twitter.com/omhpetsnacks. Join Old Mother Hubbard on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/OMHpetsnacks. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Erin Vadala Warner Communications 978-468-3076 [email protected] EAGLE PACK® NATURAL PET FOOD DEBUTS NEW LOOK AND NEW DOG CANNED LINE Naturally tried, trusted and true brand fuels pets’ daily adventures (Tewksbury, MA and Mishawaka, IN, August 1, 2010) – Since its beginnings as an innovator in natural pet food in 1985, Eagle Pack® Natural Pet Food has been at the head of the pack, naturally fueling pets’ daily adventures. Today, Eagle Pack is expanding its product line and rolling out a new look, as the maker of natural dog and cat food marks its 25th anniversary. Made in Eagle Pack’s own manufacturing facility in Mishawaka, IN, Eagle Pack dry foods for dogs and cats deliver the right balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, antioxidants and omega fatty acids for results pet owners can see in their pets’ shiny coats, bright eyes, healthy skin and joints, strong immune systems and energetic spirits too. Co-developed with sled dog champions and performance-proven within the large breed dog community, Eagle Pack has been built on the proven principles of natural meat proteins and healthy fats to deliver natural nutrition you can trust. “I did research on food for Great Danes and I kept hearing about Eagle Pack. My puppy Lilly had diarrhea all the time so I decided to give Eagle Pack a chance,” said Angela S. of Nashville, TN. “Since Lilly has been on Eagle Pack there have been great changes. She no longer has diarrhea, and her coat is so soft; everyone compliments her on how soft she feels. Her teeth are also bright white with no tarter. She has lots of energy and loves Eagle Pack. I always recommend it to other dog owners.” Eagle Pack offers a wide variety of dry products that cater to the specific nutritional needs, preferences, lifestages and lifestyles of cats and dogs of all ages - from puppies and kittens to seniors, active and energetic adult dogs to large and giant breed dogs. Each Eagle Pack dry food formula features: Multiple Animal Proteins, Wholesome Grains and Fiber, Healthy Supplements, Antioxidant Support, and No Artificial Preservatives, Colors or Flavors. And today, our active best friends have even more ways to enjoy natural food with NEW Eagle Pack Canned Dog Formulas. As with the Eagle Pack dry food line, each of the four canned varieties – Chicken, Beef, Lamb and Turkey – is made with wholesome natural ingredients, is complete and balanced, and fortified with vitamins and minerals and contains no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. Formulated for all life stages, Eagle Pack’s tasty new cans are ideal to feed as a complete meal, or in addition to a dry diet. “For a quarter century, Eagle Pack has always been known for superior natural nutrition,” said Tim Callahan, CEO of WellPet. “We’re excited to expand the offerings of this trusted brand with the introduction of our new canned dog line.” The look of the line’s characteristic packaging has also enjoyed an update. Each Eagle Pack formula is boldly color coded and features distinct, personalized graphics of dogs and cats placed front and center to help consumers identify their desired food at first glance. Product benefits, nutrition information and Eagle Pack’s brand heritage story are featured prominently as well, in an easy to read format. The Eagle Pack website has also been relaunched to engage devoted consumers and offers even more opportunities for them to interact with the brand through the Eagle Pack Club enewsletter. The new website centers on Eagle Pack’s revitalized new look and bold color palette, and provides more detailed information about Eagle Pack along with a new Large Breed Resource Guide. Eagle Pack dry and canned formulas come in a variety of flavors and sizes and will be available nationwide at independent pet specialty stores beginning in mid-June. To find an authorized Eagle Pack retailer, please visit www.eaglepack.com. Eagle Pack® – Nutrition in ActionTM For over 25 years Eagle Pack, a proud member of the WellPet® family of brands, has energized pets everywhere by providing them quality natural nutrition without fillers or artificial preservatives. Eagle Pack pet food delivers the right balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates and omega fatty acids for results you can see in their shiny coats, bright eyes and energetic spirits. Eagle Pack’s naturally tried, trusted and true formulas have been performance-proven with backyard ball catchers, show ring winners and Alaskan sled dog racers too. Pet owners can count on Eagle Pack’s American-made foods to naturally fuel their pet’s daily adventures, both big and small. Visit www.eaglepack.com to learn more. Find Eagle Pack on Twitter - http://twitter.com/eaglepack Join Eagle Pack on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/eaglepackpetfood ### For Immediate Release: Contact: Erin Vadala, Warner Communications 978-468-3076; [email protected] DOGS WILL SAVOR THE FLAVOR OF NEW WELLNESS® STEWS THAT LET THEM MAKE THE MOST OUT OF MEALTIME Wellness® Natural Food for Pets adds to its line with new slow-cooked cuts and gravy classics for dogs (Tewksbury, MA - April 20, 2010) --- Wellness® Natural Food For Pets today launched its newest canned food for dogs, NEW Wellness Stews. Prepared exclusively with natural, whole food ingredients, these mouthwateringly hearty and chunky meals for dogs pair savory gravies with thick chunks of meat and poultry, and an array of fresh vegetables and fruits. The result? Six slow-cooked classics every dog is sure to love: Grain-Free Beef Stew with Carrots & Potatoes Grain-Free Chicken Stew with Peas & Carrots Grain-Free Turkey & Duck Stew with Sweet Potatoes & Cranberries Turkey Stew with Barley & Carrots Venison & Salmon Stew with Potatoes & Carrots Lamb & Beef Stew with Brown Rice & Apples Perfect for adult dogs and puppies too, Wellness Stews will surely please every kind of appetite, either for those who indulge in chunks and gravy meals exclusively, as a perfect mixer or topper to dry kibble, or even a special treat. Wellness Stews recipes look, taste and smell so good because they’re naturally that way; every delectable recipe is chock full of high-quality, natural whole food ingredients that provide exceptional nutrition and extraordinary flavor too. Vegetables you can see like peas and carrots, along with hearty cuts of meat in savory gravy, add to the irresistible flavor. And just as consumers and their canine companions have come to expect from Wellness, each Wellness Stews recipe is fortified with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and contains no wheat or wheat gluten, corn, soy, and no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. “These slow-cooked, homestyle classics are loaded with flavor that truly makes more out of mealtime for dogs,” said Mark Shuster, vice president of marketing for Wellness Natural Food For Pets. “We’re pleased to deepen our canned offerings to satisfy canine wet food connoisseurs across the spectrum, from grain free to pâté to our newest addition of chunks and gravy.” Wellness Stews come in 12.5 ounce easy open cans and will be available nationwide at pet specialty stores beginning in April 2010. To find an authorized Wellness retailer near you, please visit www.wellnesspetfood.com. Wellness® – This Is Where True Wellness Begins! Wellness, a proud member of the WellPet® family of brands, is for pets and their parents who believe as we do, that food is the first step to a long, happy and healthy life. A complete line of healthy, natural food and snacks for dogs and cats made with carefully chosen, authentic ingredients, Wellness recipes provide an ideal nutritional balance – each ingredient has a purpose and there are never empty calories. And you can trust the quality of all of the ingredients in Wellness, from our source to your pet’s bowl. All Wellness recipes include lean meats, whole grains, fruits and veggies with no wheat, corn or soy, and no added artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. To learn more about Wellness, available in pet specialty stores and natural food stores nationwide, visit www.wellnesspetfood.com. ### For Immediate Release: Contact: Erin Vadala, Warner Communications 978-468-3076; [email protected] Four Top Tips, Straight From the Pros, For You To Follow During National Dog Week, and Beyond Leading vet and celebrity pet trainer team up to share their expert advice (Tewksbury, MA – September 30, 2010) --- It’s National Dog Week and renowned veterinary nutritionist Dr. Edward Moser has teamed up with Animal Planet Star Andrea Arden to give dog lovers their top tips for raising a healthy pet during National Dog Week, and beyond. Food comes first! Both Dr. Moser and Ms. Arden advise owners to feed their dogs a healthy, balanced natural diet. For starters, when selecting a pet food, they recommend looking for high quality, wholesome ingredients on the label. “So many well-meaning pet parents think they are making the best choice for their dogs because the package says the food is natural or has a photo of vegetables. Then they are stunned to read the ingredient panel,” Dr. Moser said. “Look for authentic, natural ingredients whose names you understand – like lamb or chicken – at the top of the ingredient list. Seek out nutritional balance, and beware of unnecessary calories.” Dr. Moser recommends Wellness® Natural Food for Pets. Wellness’ nutritious natural recipes are made with quality protein sources, wholesome grains, a rainbow of fruits and vegetables, and carefully chosen Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, with no wheat, corn or soy, and no added artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. Each Wellness recipe has been specially formulated with the specific needs of dogs in mind, whatever their life stage or lifestyle. Like Wellness Just for Puppy, made with nutrient-rich wholesome ingredients that fulfill a puppy's special developmental nutritional requirements. Next, the pair encourage adding more exercise into your dog’s routine. “Just like we do, pets need regular exercise to keep them on the path to good health,” said Ms. Arden. “Set aside some time every day to do something physical with your pet, like a game of fetch or a run on the beach. Your dog will look forward to it, and you’ll both enjoy a happier, healthier life together.” A well-groomed dog is a happy dog, so be sure to keep them looking good too! Use a soft bristled brush on your dog’s coat each day; keep nails short and well-trimmed. And don't forget to brush to combat “dog breath” and keep their canines sparkling clean. Proper socialization skills are also important. The best way to socialize a dog is with frequent exposure to a variety of different people and other dogs in a positive setting. It’s best to start with a puppy, but it’s never too late to help a dog improve its social skills, the pair said. And both recommend yearly well-pet check-ups at the veterinarian to assure you’re on the right track. Be sure to follow these tips all year long, not only during National Dog Week, to be the best dog owner you can be and ensure a lifetime of well-being for your dog too. Wellness® – This Is Where True Wellness BeginsTM! Wellness, a proud member of the WellPet® family of brands, is for pets and their parents who believe as we do, that food is the first step to a long, happy and healthy life. A complete line of healthy, natural food and snacks for dogs and cats made with carefully chosen, authentic ingredients, Wellness recipes provide an ideal nutritional balance – each ingredient has a purpose and there are never empty calories. And you can trust the quality of all of the ingredients in Wellness, from our source to your pet’s bowl. All Wellness recipes include lean meats, whole grains, fruits and veggies with no wheat, corn or soy, and no added artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. To learn more about Wellness, available in pet specialty stores and natural food stores nationwide, visit www.wellnesspetfood.com, or follow Wellness on Twitter - www.twitter.com/wellnesspetfood and Facebook - www.facebook.com/wellnesspetfood. For Immediate Release Contact: Erin Vadala, Warner Communications 978-468-3076 or [email protected] WellPet® Donates Pet Oxygen Masks to Boston Fire Department (Tewksbury, MA – September 29, 2010) – Today the Boston Fire Department received a donation of 60 Pet Oxygen Masks to be placed on every engine, ladder and rescue truck in Boston. These specially sized masks will enable firefighters to deliver oxygen to pets in need and in some cases save their lives. The Pet Oxygen Masks are being donated by Tewksbury, MA-based WellPet®, makers of the premium natural pet food brands Wellness®, Old Mother Hubbard®, Eagle Pack® and Holistic Select®, which donated 35 masks; and the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association, which donated 25 masks. “The wellbeing of pets is at the heart of all we do at WellPet. That’s why we do whatever it takes to make the healthiest natural foods for the pets who depend on us and give us unconditional love, trust and companionship,” said Chanda Leary-Coutu, Marketing Communications Manager of WellPet. “We’re proud to donate these pet oxygen masks to the Boston Fire Department so that the city’s firefighting heroes have the tools they need to save the lives of every member of our families, including our pets.” “The Fire Department does an outstanding job protecting the residents of Boston. These mask kits will give them the tool they need to protect our pets, which are also a part of many Boston families. I appreciate the generosity of WellPet and the MVMA in helping us better serve our city,” said Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino. “It is great to have responsible partners like Wellpet and the MVMA sponsor this project,” stated Fire Commissioner Roderick Fraser, “This will allow us to provide a better service to the community and save the lives of pets that otherwise might not have been helped without the availability of these kits.” The MVMA Charities, Inc. established the Pet Oxygen Mask program only one year ago and to date have outfitted over 130 fire departments throughout the state. The goal is to supply every city and town in the Commonwealth with at least one Pet Oxygen Mask kit. “We are proud to be able to outfit 25 fire engines in the City of Boston with these kits and hope that by making such a large contribution to Boston we save the lives of animals in an emergency situation,” stated Sue Curtis, the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association. ##### FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Erin Vadala Warner Communications 978-468-3076 [email protected] How to Nurture Your Pet on National Holistic Pet Day, August 30 It’s easy to activate a higher level of health for your dog or cat, holistically (Tewksbury, MA, August 26, 2010) – From bringing dogs to yoga class to performing acupressure on cats or feeding a natural diet rich with functional ingredients, research shows more people than ever before are now incorporating holistic techniques when caring for their ® pets. In celebration of National Holistic Pet Day on August 30th, Holistic Select staff veterinarian Dr. Al Townshend shares his advice to help pet parents take a more holistic approach to the care of their dogs and cats. Dr. Townshend says the easiest way to do this is to feed your pet meaningfully with a food that goes beyond natural, and includes ingredients that activate a higher level of health for the animal. As Hippocrates once said, “Leave your drugs in the chemist’s pot if you can heal your patient with food.” Dr. Townshend looks for functional foods and ingredients like the ones found in Holistic Select Pet Food. Holistic Select also includes Select Actives® - Nature’s Power Ingredients. This combination of enzymes, direct fed microbials, botanicals and phytonutrients provide superior nutritional benefits to enhance the whole body health of pets. And pet lovers can see the benefits that come from feeding their pets holistically in their shiny coats, bright eyes, increased energy levels and fewer adverse reactions to food. “A proper holistic diet can be a preventative step to ensure long term health,” says Dr. Townshend. Second, but equally as critical to achieving balance is exercise - anything from doga, (yoga with your dog), to hiking, swimming, or a game of hide and seek with your furry friend. And while it doesn't have to be overly strenuous in order to be beneficial to their well-being, regular exercise is a must. “Obesity remains a top concern for vets because it causes so many long term issues like diabetes, heart, hip and joint problems,” he says. “Holistic Select Weight Management Chicken Meal & Peas Recipe for dogs is based on the latest science that goes beyond just cutting fat and calories. Choosing a holistic diet that is nutritionally balanced, feeding the proper amount of that food, and encouraging increased activity levels, will help the pounds come off.” Other modalities are crossing over too, like massage, acupressure and meditation to achieve peace, serenity and mindfulness. And science has proven what pet owners have always known to be true . . . pets make us feel better. The simple act of petting a dog or cat has numerous health benefits for humans including lowering of our heart rates, blood pressure and reducing stress. And our furry friends benefit just as much from touch. Spending time together on a regular basis gives pets something to look forward to and strengthens their connection with you as well. So on National Holistic Pet Day, nurture your pet by making the holistic approach a part of their care. Share a new bonding experience or exercise together to achieve balance. But most importantly, take the time to evaluate what your dog or cat is eating and consider a holistic diet to achieve a higher level of health for your pet. Holistic Select Pet Food is available nationwide in independent pet specialty stores. To find an authorized Holistic Select retailer, please visit http://www.holisticselect.com/. Holistic Select® – Activate A Higher Level Of Health For Your Pet Holistic Select, a proud member of the WellPet® family of brands, is a line of food and snacks for dogs and cats that goes beyond natural with the power to positively impact a pet’s health. Holistic Select is built on a foundation of premium proteins, fats and carbohydrates, and is filled with a unique set of Select Actives® known as “Nature’s Power Ingredients”. This complementary blend of enzymes, direct fed microbials, botanicals and phytonutrients provides superior nutritional benefits and enhances the whole body health of pets. Holistic Select food and snacks have no added artificial colors, flavors or synthetic preservatives. Holistic Select is sold in pet specialty stores across North America. Visit: http://www.holisticselect.com/ to learn more. Find Holistic Select on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/holisticselectpetfood and Twitter at http://twitter.com/holisticselect.