Purina Celebrates the Everyday Dog With the First 'Petcentric Dog Show'

ST. LOUIS, Nov. 9, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- After years of living in the shadows of his blue blood brothers who strut on the blue carpet at the National Dog Show Presented by Purina, the everyday dog finally has his day.

Nestle Purina PetCare is conducting the first online "Petcentric Dog Show Photo Contest" to honor everyday dogs, their unique looks and their special talents.  Throughout November and December, dog lovers can log into www.petcentric.com to upload a photo of their favorite pooch in one of five categories:

• "Best Expression"
• "Best Athlete"
• "Best Troublemaker"
• "Most Loveable"  
• "Best John O'Hurley Lookalike"  

Dog show fans know O'Hurley as the co-host of the National Dog Show Presented by Purina that airs on NBC on Thanksgiving Day.  

"It's time for the everyday dog to get the recognition he deserves," said O'Hurley, the award-winning actor who is best known as J. Peterman from "Seinfeld," one of the top syndicated TV shows in the world. "The Petcentric Dog Show is a fun way for dog owners to pay tribute to their four-legged friends who live in virtual anonymity compared to show dogs.  And I must say I'm intrigued to see the entries we receive in the 'Best John O'Hurley Lookalike' category."

For every entry in the "Petcentric Dog Show Photo Contest," Purina will help pets in need by donating $1 to Adopt-A-Pet.com, up to $50,000.  Consumers can vote for their favorite pups on www.petcentric.com through Dec. 30 to help determine the top dog in each category.  The winners of each group will receive a Flip™ 4GB Camcorder Camera and compete for the title of "Best of Show," which will be determined by contest judges.  

The owner of the "Best of Show Grand Prize" winner will receive a trip for two to Aruba, which includes a stay at an all-inclusive resort.  Purina will also help pets in need by donating $5,000 to a local shelter in the Grand Prize winner's community.

For more information, visit www.petcentric.com.

About Nestle Purina PetCare Company

The North American headquarters for Nestle Purina PetCare is located at Checkerboard Square in St. Louis, Missouri, where it was founded as Ralston Purina Company more than a century ago. Nestle Purina PetCare promotes responsible pet care, humane education, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets.  One of the leading global players in the pet food industry, Nestle Purina PetCare is part of the Swiss-based Nestle S.A., the world's largest food company.  Visit www.purina.com.

SOURCE Nestle Purina PetCare Company