Animal Shelters Worldwide Join North Shore Animal League America and Spokesperson Cesar Millan for 16th Annual Pet Adoptathon(R) 2010

World-Famous Dog Expert Supports Global Event and Mutt-i-grees™ Movement

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y., April 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Saturday, May 1 and Sunday, May 2 more than 2,000 animal shelters around the world will unite with North Shore Animal League America for Pet Adoptathon® 2010, the premiere global pet adoption event. Renowned dog expert Cesar Millan, National Geographic Channel's Dog Whisperer, is the spokesperson for the 16th annual global adoption extravaganza that helps save the lives of homeless pets. Purina ONE® serves as Pet Adoptathon's presenting sponsor.

(Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100409/DC84133)

On Saturday, May 1, participating shelters will open their doors for this important weekend event. Pet Adoptathon events have taken place in shelters located in every time zone around the world, and in 2009 over 20,000 pets were saved. The first Pet Adoptathon, in 1995, began as a North Shore Animal League adoption event, with the goal of finding homes for each pet in the shelter. Encouraged by its success, the Animal League invited shelters worldwide to participate in Pet Adoptathon. Sixteen years since its inception, Pet Adoptathon has helped find loving homes for nearly 300,000 animals.

Spokesperson Cesar Millan, who has helped dog owners world-wide, is a supporter of shelter adoptions, saying, "Millions of many wonderful animals end up in shelters each year, and adoption provides these animals their second chance at life." He added that he would like to convey a sense of contribution and appeal to the inner need for humanitarianism. "The act of adopting a dog creates balance and completeness in our lives by fulfilling the need in every human of contribution, if only for a moment. Really, who is saving who?"

Pet Adoptathon promotes the adoption of mixed-breed pets, known as Mutt-i-grees™.  These animals represent the majority of shelter pets; unfortunately they also make up the majority of the pets that are being euthanized.  Mutt-i-grees rallies 25 million mixed-breed pet owners in the U.S. to encourage adoption of mixed-breed pets and to help end puppy mills that perpetuate animal cruelty and euthanasia. Participating shelters and rescues are official Mutt-i-grees partners to help spread the word about these wonderful unique adoptable animals. Learn more about Mutt-i-grees by visiting www.Muttigrees.org.

Pet Adoptathon Presenting Sponsor is Purina ONE® with Supporting Sponsor BISSELL Homecare, Inc. For Pet Adoptathon participating shelters in your area or for more information call the Adoptathon Hotline at 800-214-4308 or visit www.AnimalLeague.org.

About Nestle Purina PetCare Company

Nestle Purina PetCare Company promotes responsible pet care, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets.  A premiere global manufacturer of pet products, Nestle Purina PetCare is part of Swiss-based Nestle S.A., the world's largest food company. www.PurinaONE.com.

About BISSELL Homecare, Inc.

A 134-year-old company, Grand Rapids-based BISSELL Homecare, Inc., is the top-selling brand in floor care appliances in North America with an expanding presence worldwide. As an innovator of cleaning products, BISSELL produces and sells vacuums, sweepers, deep-cleaning machines, bare floor cleaners and cleaning formulas at retail locations across the globe. The company is in its fourth generation of family leadership. www.BISSELL.com

About the Cesar and Ilusion Millan Foundation

Cesar and Ilusion Millan Foundation promotes the adoption of abused dogs at shelters and rescue organizations. The foundation also provides direct funding for spaying and neutering programs and the humane education of children of all ages.  For more information visit www.MillanFoundation.org.

About North Shore Animal League America

North Shore Animal League America, headquartered in Port Washington, NY, is the world's largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization. The Animal League reaches across the country to rescue, nurture and adopt approximately 18,000 pets into loving, permanent homes every year. Since its founding in 1944, it has placed close to 1 million dogs, cats, puppies and kittens into carefully screened homes. For more information visit www.AnimalLeague.org.

SOURCE North Shore Animal League America