NASCAR Star Kyle Busch Makes Miles Even More Meaningful

RICHMOND, Va., May 5, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX News Network/ ----In a sport where every lap counts towards the race for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, one of this year's hottest drivers is making every lap count for a cause close to his heart -- dogs. To help raise awareness and funding for the four million dogs in shelters and breed rescue organizations, dog-owner and NASCAR-driver Kyle Busch has joined forces with PEDIGREE(R) Food for Dogs -- NASCAR Fans' Best Friend and proud sponsor of the No. 18 PEDIGREE(R) Toyota -- to create "Kyle's Miles," a program aimed at raising $100,000 for The PEDIGREE Adoption Drive Foundation.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080505/AQM048A)

From May 1, 2008 through October 15, 2008, NASCAR fans and dog lovers can log onto http://www.Dogsrule.com to make a monetary pledge to sponsor miles* of any of Busch's Sprint Cup races during that window; a roster which will sport 25 races and more than 10,000 miles. Donations from pledges will directly benefit The PEDIGREE Adoption Drive Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides funding to 501(c)(3) status animal shelters and breed rescues nationwide. Kyle kicked off the program from Richmond, Va., where he raced the No. 18 PEDIGREE(R) Toyota for the first time during the Crown Royal Presents the Dan Lowry 400.

"As the owner of two dogs I know how happy they can make you, so to me it's really sad that each year four million dogs end up in animal shelters and breed rescue organizations and two million never make it out," said Busch. "Kyle's Miles hopes to raise money and awareness for the dogs that are so often overlooked and I'm excited to be able to do my part to help."

As an added incentive to the "Kyle's Miles" program, anyone who sponsors miles* is automatically entered into a sweepstakes to win a trip for two to Phoenix in November to meet Busch and attend the Checker Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway on November 9, 2008. Those who'd like to enter the sweepstakes but not sponsor Kyle's Miles can also do so at http://www.Dogsrule.com.

The PEDIGREE(R) Adoption Drive

The fourth annual PEDIGREE(R) Adoption Drive launched in February 2008, with a goal to raise more than one million dollars for The PEDIGREE Adoption Drive Foundation. Because of their love for dogs, PEDIGREE(R) Food for Dogs created The PEDIGREE(R) Adoption Drive to help shine a spotlight on the plight of homeless dogs. Through no fault of their own, more than four million dogs end up in shelters every year. Sadly, nearly half of those canines never find a place to call home, a trend that the PEDIGREE(R) Brand and Busch hope to help reverse.

In addition to making a donation to "Kyle's Miles," there are several easy ways NASCAR fans can take part in The PEDIGREE(R) Adoption Drive all year long that help benefit the foundation:

 -- If you're a dog owner,
   you can purchase PEDIGREE(R) products. Donations from product sales will benefit the foundation.** -- Visit Dogsrule.com to
   browse Dogs rule.(R) gear, a line of merchandise and apparel for dog lovers. Proceeds after expenses from the sale of all
   Dogs rule.(R) items benefit The PEDIGREE Adoption Drive Foundation. -- Additionally, those who adopt a dog from a local shelter
   or breed rescue anytime during 2008 are eligible for a FREE, one-month supply of food as a thank you from PEDIGREE(R) Brand.
   

To learn more about adoption and find a shelter near you, visit http://www.Dogsrule.com. PEDIGREE(R) Brand products are available at grocery, pet specialty and mass merchandise outlets nationwide. For more news about PEDIGREE(R) Brand, log onto http://www.marsnewsroom.com.

About PEDIGREE(R) Brand

PEDIGREE(R) Brand is the number one brand of dog food in the world, offering a wide variety of products for different dog life stages. As an innovative market leader, PEDIGREE(R) Brand is at the forefront of pet nutrition and understands pet owner needs by providing a range of innovative products and resources.

About Mars Petcare US

Mars Petcare U.S. is the U.S. pet care operations of Mars, Incorporated, one of the world's leading food manufacturers. Headquartered in Franklin, TN, Mars Petcare U.S. employs more than 3,000 associates in the United States, with 29 facilities nationwide and owns some of the world's favorite pet care brands, including PEDIGREE(R) Brand Food for Dogs, CESAR(R) Canine Cuisine, WHISKAS(R) Brand Food for Cats, SHEBA(R) Brand Food for Cats and THE GOODLIFE RECIPE(R) Brand. In addition, Mars, Incorporated owns the portfolio of brands produced by ROYAL CANIN USA Inc., NUTRO Products, Inc. and GREENIES(R).

 * Minimum donation $10 ** Total donations from the PEDIGREE(R) Consumer and Trade Programs
   to local shelters in 2008; minimum of $250,000 up to $1,000,000. (R)/(TM) Trademarks (C) Mars, Incorporated 2008 

SOURCE PEDIGREE

http://www.Dogsrule.com 

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