Purina(R) Chef Michael's(R) Declares Dogs The New Valentines In 2010

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Who says Valentine's Day is only for spouses and significant others? This year, dog owners everywhere are spreading the love to their four-legged friends. In fact, more than 60 percent of dog owners plan to include their dogs in their Valentine's Day celebration, according to a Purina survey. In honor of this new trend, Purina Chef Michael's is celebrating the unique relationship between dogs and owners at the first ever Chef Michael's "Be My Valentine" Doggie Dinner Party hosted by actress Elisabeth Rohm.  

"I couldn't imagine life without my best friend - my golden retriever Homer," said Rohm, currently staring in the NBC hit show Heroes. "I rescued Homer and nursed him back to health, and I feel like everyday he repays me with his unconditional love and affection. So, I'm so excited that now Chef Michael's is giving dog owners like me a chance to return the favor to my dog and show him how much I love him by naming him my Doggie Valentine this year. I'm so pleased be a part of the first of its kind Doggie Dinner Party honoring all of our dogs, including those who still need forever homes."

On Wednesday, Feb. 10 at Gotham Hall in New York City, celebrities and dog-lovers alike will join adoptable dogs from Posh Pets Rescue at the Chef Michael's "Be My Valentine" Doggie Dinner Party. Celebrating their "Doggie Valentines," guests will enjoy live entertainment, hors devours and cocktails while their four-legged friends dine on a thoughtfully-prepared meal of Chef Michael's canine creations.

The event will also celebrate the winner of the national "My Doggie Valentine" contest, a Brussels Griffon named Ouzo and his owner Kristin Hartman from New Jersey. An inseparable pair, Ouzo and Hartman were selected as the winners of Chef Michael's national "My Doggie Valentine" contest, which was conducted earlier this year at www.doggievalentine.com.  

"Ouzo was my 'Doggie Valentine' from the moment we met," says Hartman.  "He is my true partner and I spend more time with him than anyone."

As part of its overall Valentine program, Chef Michael's will also donate $7,500 to Adopt-a-Pet.com on behalf of all of the entrants in the Doggie Valentine contest and all of the doggie diners coming to the Feb. 10 party. The donation will help support Adopt-a-Pet.com's mission to find forever homes for homeless dogs who also deserve to feel loved on Valentine's Day.

The Purina Chef Michael's "Be My Valentine" Doggie Dinner Party is just one way for dog lovers to show their appreciation to their pups. Chef Michaels encourages dog owners everywhere to celebrate their dogs by declaring them their official "Doggie Valentine." They won't be alone, according to the Purina survey 66 percent of dog owners plan to show their dog how much they love him or her on Valentine's Day by showering the dog with hugs and kisses, while 56 percent will show their love through a special meal topped off with their dog's favorite treat.

For more information about Chef Michael's and the "My Doggie Valentine" contest visit, www.chef-michaels.com or www.doggievalentine.com.

About the Purina Survey

The survey interviewed 1,000 adults, age 18 and over, living in the United States during a one-week period in early December 2006. Ipsos U.S. Express, a leader in market and opinion research, conducted the phone interviews. Most results have a margin of error of +/- 5 percent at the 95 percent confidence level for comparable data between the populations of pet owners.

About Nestle Purina PetCare

Nestle Purina PetCare 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.

About Adopt-a-Pet.com

Adopt-a-Pet.com (formerly 1-800-Save-A-Pet.com) is North America's largest nonprofit pet adoption website, with 7,000-plus public and private animal shelters and humane societies posting their pets for adoption. More than 1.5 million unique monthly visitors search by zip code and other preferences to see photos and descriptions of pets for adoption in their area.

SOURCE Nestle Purina PetCare