New Initiative Unleashes the Power of Paws(TM)

July 16, 2008 10:27 AM EDT

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Pets and people getting healthy together. That's the heart of a new national initiative called Power of Paws(TM) that educates consumers about the mutual health benefits that both pets and pet parents enjoy and motivates them to spend time together and connect.

"Studies show there are significant physical, mental, and emotional benefits for both pets and pet parents," said Bill Pearce, chief marketing officer for Del Monte Foods, the lead program partner. "It's as easy as taking your dog for a walk. Researchers say you'll walk farther with your pet than you would if you were walking alone - an activity that benefits you both. Our family of brands, including Milk-Bone, Meow Mix, Kibbles 'n Bits, Pup-Peroni, and Snausages have always been focused on enriching the lives of pets and pet parents by encouraging them to enjoy active lifestyles together. We are very pleased to join with multiple pet partners to unleash the Power of Paws. We're excited to hear from consumers as they share the impact pets and people make in each other's lives."

Research Proves the Benefits of the Pet/Human Bond

New research is proving the physical and emotional benefits of pet ownership for adults, seniors and even children.

    --  Studies have indicated that pet parents have lower blood
        pressure and plasma triglycerides than non-pet owners.

    --  Heart patients are nearly five times more likely to survive a
        heart attack if they own a pet.

    --  Just two brisk 15-minute walks with a dog each day satisfies
        the standard for aerobic exercise for humans and pets. Daily
        exercise can lengthen a dog's life.

    --  Other research has connected pet ownership with better
        psychological health and enhanced self-esteem and social
        interaction.

Power of Paws(TM) Supports New Discovery Health Documentary Premiering Sunday, July 20, 2008

Educating consumers about the health benefits of pets is a key component of the Power of Paws(TM) program. That's why Power of Paws(TM) is supporting a new show called "Pets and People: The Power of the Health Connection" premiering Sunday, July 20 at 9 a.m. ET on Discovery Health. Hosted by Animal Planet's Jeff Corwin, the documentary explores the impact pets have on blood pressure, how assistance and therapy dogs can help wounded veterans and autistic children and the unwavering social support pets give their owners without asking for anything in return except love and affection. Encore airings of the show are scheduled through September on these dates and times: Sunday, July 27 at 8 a.m. ET; Saturday, August 9 at 8 a.m. ET; Saturday, August 16 at 9 a.m. ET; Saturday, August 30 at 9 a.m. ET; and Saturday, September 6 at 9 a.m. ET.

Consumers Invited to "Tell their Tail" and Raise Money for Power of Paws(TM) Partners

Power of Paws(TM) is celebrating the power of the pet/human bond by making pets more accessible to those who need daily assistance or a loving friend. That's why Bergin University of Canine Studies in Santa Rosa, CA, Animal Medical Center in New York City, Animal Friends in Pittsburgh, PA and Canine Assistants in Alpharetta, GA have joined this effort.

"The Power of Paws partners know that pets and people are better together," said Lisa Henriksen, Del Monte's vice president of innovation and business development. "Whether it's outreach and education, bringing pets to those in need or improving animal health, we're proud to help launch the Power of Paws initiative so people across the country can learn about and experience the mutual benefits of pet companionship."

It seems that every pet parent has a story to tell about the way their doting dog or cuddly cat makes their life more fulfilling and enhances their physical, mental and emotional health. Now consumers can watch more than 100 inspiring video testimonials about pets that have helped their owners get healthier, recover/cope with an illness, deal with grief or live independently by visiting www.powerofpaws.com. These heartfelt stories told by diverse people from across the nation share one common thread: each person's life is better and healthier because of a pet.

More devoted pet parents can "tell their tail" by logging on to www.powerofpaws.com. For every eligible person who signs up to share their story, request a Power of Paws(TM) DVD and brochure or receive a Power of Paws(TM) newsletter, the Power of Paws(TM) brand partners will donate $1 to the initiative's charity partners (up to $225,000). Visit www.powerofpaws.com for the terms and conditions of this offer.

Pets are "Paws-itive" for Kids and Seniors

Kids and seniors often benefit most from their relationships with dogs and cats:

    --  Reading books to pets make kids more self-confident and
        improves their reading skills.

    --  Kids who suffer from attention deficit disorder (ADD) learn to
        concentrate by focusing on a pet.

    --  Children who own pets score significantly higher on empathy
        and pro-social orientation scales than non-owners.

    --  Kids ages 11-16 with pets have better ability to understand
        non-verbal communications.

    --  Autistic children reap the rewards of daily interaction with
        their furry friend. A pet helps facilitate social interactions
        plus it creates an emotional and educational "bridge" between
        a child and other people by becoming a modality for
        communication.

    --  Seniors who have pets visit physicians 21 percent less often
        than those who do not have pets.

    --  Elderly pet parents are less likely to feel lonely.

    Pets Enjoy Health Benefits Too

Dogs and cats enjoy health benefits as a result of their relationship with their pet parents:

    --  Studies show that 30 percent of dogs and 25 percent of cats
        are overweight which contributes to a shorter lifespan and an
        increased risk of arthritis, cancer, diabetes and other health
        concerns.

    --  Walking is a great way for your pet to get exercise and
        achieve ideal weight. Studies show that dogs and cats who
        maintain their weight live a longer life.

    --  Pets thrive with daily physical and mental stimulation from
        their owners because it builds confidence and trust.

    --  Food and treats are great ways for owners to connect and bond
        with their pets.

    Power of Paws(TM) Partners

The Power of Paws(TM) initiative is a joint partnership of Animal Friends, Animal Medical Center, Bergin University of Canine Studies, Canine Assistants, Milk-Bone(R), Meow Mix(R), Pup-Peroni(R), Kibbles 'n Bits(R) and Snausages(R) brands.

About Del Monte Pet Products

At Del Monte, our pet products nourish and enrich the lives of pets and pet parents by providing great-tasting, high-quality and innovative products for dogs and cats and by encouraging them to enjoy an active lifestyle together. With trusted brands including Meow Mix(R), Kibbles 'n Bits(R), 9Lives(R), Snausages(R), Pup-Peroni(R), Milk-Bone(R), Meaty Bone(R) and Pounce(R), our products enrich the connection between people and the pets they love. As a premier provider of taste-oriented pet food and pet snacks, our products play a key role in the lives of millions of pet families every day.

About Del Monte Foods

Del Monte Foods is one of the country's largest and most well known producers, distributors and marketers of premium quality, branded food and pet products for the U.S. retail market, generating more than $3.74 billion in net sales in fiscal 2008. With a powerful portfolio of brands including Del Monte(R), StarKist(R), S&W(R), Contadina(R), College Inn(R), Meow Mix(R), Kibbles 'n Bits(R), 9Lives(R), Milk-Bone(R), Pup-Peroni(R), Meaty Bone(R), Snausages(R) and Pounce(R), Del Monte products are found in nine out of ten U.S. households. The Company also produces, distributes and markets private label food and pet products. For more information on Del Monte Foods Company (NYSE: DLM) visit the Company's website at www.delmonte.com.

    Del Monte. Nourishing Families. Enriching Lives. Every Day.(TM)

Source: Del Monte Foods

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