Speedy Crowned Fido's Picture Perfect Pooch

Fido wraps up search for Canada's top dog in support of Dog Guides Canada

TORONTO, Nov. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - Camila Gonzalez, a local teen from Brampton, Ontario can claim victory as her dog Speedy has been declared the Winning Dog in the Fido Casting Call™.  From October 6^th to November 17^th, more than 23,000 Canadians entered their dogs into the Fido Casting Call at www.FidoCastingCall.ca. Speedy was voted into the top spot by Canadians during the six-week contest and will now star in an upcoming Fido ad.

"Fido fans and dog lovers across Canada truly demonstrated to us their creativity and passion they have for their dogs with the huge effort they made to garner votes," said Steven Sarfin, Senior Director, Marketing, Fido. "The enthusiasm from the participants and voters completely exceeded our expectations. We're thrilled to support Dog Guides and their efforts to enrich the lives of Canadians with disabilities."

With an overwhelming amount of support and interest from Canadian dog lovers, Fido will donate $220,000 to the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides. This total includes an initial commitment of $200,000, as well as an additional $20,000 donation due to the immense support this program received from Fido fans. Dog Guides will use the funds to train and place 11 Dog Guides with Canadians with disabilities.

"We are thrilled to be a part of the Fido Casting Call contest. It has helped bring an amazing level of awareness to Dog Guides and the many ways these special dogs help people with disabilities," says Sandy Turney, Executive Director, Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides. "Fido's commitment to helping our organization and the thousands of Canadians whose lives can be changed with the assistance of a Dog Guide is greatly appreciated. Thank you Fido, and thank you to all of the voters."

Fido Casting Call entry sheets were submitted on the Fido Facebook page at www.facebook.com/fidomobile and in person at live Fido Casting Call events during the month of October in six Canadian cities: Vancouver, Calgary, Regina, Winnipeg, Toronto and Montreal.  In her entry form, Camila Gonzalez described her Miniature Schnauzer, Speedy, as "… a very energetic and playful dog, but he is also loveable and friendly. There's something about him that makes people wanna play with him. It would be a great way to give back to him for being the perfect friend."

As the Fido Casting Call Winning Dog, Speedy will be treated to puppy stardom and he and his owner, Camila, will be flown to Montreal for a VIP puppy pampering experience that will include:

• VIP spa treatment for Speedy
• Professional photo shoot for Speedy;
• A LG Optimus 2X Fido phone for Camila;
• Air travel and limousine service to the VIP photo shoot;
• Hotel accommodations;
• $500 spending money;
• Dog collar with a personalized 2011 Fido Casting Call  medal; and,
• A Fido ad displayed in public featuring Speedy.

The top 9 runners up from across the country will also receive a LG Optimus 2X Fido phone and a dog collar with a personalized 2011 Fido Casting Call medal for their pooch.

Some fun Fido Casting Call facts - did you know that:

• the largest number of casting sheets were submitted from dog owners in Ontario, Quebec and BC;
• the most popular breeds entered were mixed breeds, Chihuahuas and Pugs; and,
• the most popular names for pooches entered into the Fido Casting Call were Bella, Charlie and Molly.

About Fido:
Since its launch in 1996, Fido has offered Canadians straightforward and affordable wireless voice and data products, on a reliable national network with a unique customer caring approach. Fido's industry leading customer care is demonstrated daily through FidoDOLLARS™, FidoANSWERS™, FidoTRADE™ and a number of other unique product and service features. The FidoCARES™ Fund supports numerous national programs that enrich Canadians' lives through dogs and our environment.  For further information about Fido, please visit www.fido.ca, www.facebook.com/fidomobile, www.youtube.com/fidomobile and www.twitter.com/fidomobile.

About Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides:
Each Dog Guide costs approximately $20,000 to raise and train.  Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides does not receive any government funding yet all Dog Guides are provided at no cost.  The Lions Foundation of Canada trains five types of Dog Guides - Canine Vision Dog Guides, providing assistance to people who are blind or visually impaired;Hearing Ear Dog Guides, for people who are deaf or hard of hearing; Special Skills Dog Guides, providing assistance to Canadians with physical disabilities; Seizure Response Dog Guides, helping Canadians with epilepsy; and Autism Assistance Dog Guides, helping children aged 4-12 with Autism Spectrum Disorder.  These Dog Guides have the ability to make a difference in the lives of Canadians with disabilities. 

SOURCE Fido

Image with caption: "Camila Gonzalez, a local teen from Brampton, Ontario, claimed victory today as her Miniature Schnauzer, Speedy, has been declared the Winning Dog in the Fido Casting Call(TM). From October 6th to November 17th, more than 23,000 Canadians entered their dogs into the Fido Casting Call at www.FidoCastingCall.ca. Speedy was voted into the top spot by Canadians during the six-week contest and will now star in an upcoming Fido ad. With an overwhelming amount of support and interest from Canadian dog lovers, Fido will donate $220,000 to the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides. Dog Guides will use the funds to train and place 11 Dog Guides with Canadians with disabilities. (CNW Group/Fido)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20111128_C9539_PHOTO_EN_7288.jpg