Hill’s Pet Nutrition of Topeka, Kan., has launched its 2008 Second Chance for Love program, with the hope that the program will lead to more than 1 million pet adoptions this year. “Hill’s has been actively supporting shelter adoptions through our shelter nutrition partnership program since 2002 , and we believe that precisely balanced nutrition leads to a healthier, happier lifestyle and can strengthen the bond between people and their adopted pets,” said Dianne Perkins, Hill’s shelter partnership manager. Hill’s said it has donated more than 60 million pounds of food valued at more than $78 million to more than 1,302 participating shelters, which have in turn adopted out 2,928,195 animals. Last year saw Hill’s donate more than $30 million worth of pet food to shelters that adopted out more than 931,000 cats and dogs, the company reported. Under the program, Hill’s provides free pet food for the dogs and cats cared for by the participating shelters. This year’s program will include a tour to participating shelters in various cities to raise awareness for the program and an online contest. Hill’s will underwrite the first 25 adoptions at each shelter event and provide new pet owners with a 5-pound bag of its Science Diet pet food and a pet adoption kit. The tour starts in May and will run through at least through September, with stops slated for Seattle, San Francisco, Tampa, Chicago, Atlanta and Philadelphia. Click here for a complete schedule. In addition, pet photographer Jim Dratfield, who has worked with celebrity pet owners including Jennifer Aniston and Billy Joel, will be part of the tour, capturing moments of adopters and their new animals at adoption events. Those photos will then be made available to the new pet owner. “The bond between adopted pets and their owners is very special and I’m very excited to be working with Hill’s to help raise awareness for pet adoptions and help save 1 million cat and dog lives this year,” Dratfield said. “My own special relationship with my adopted dog, Kuma, inspired my career as a pet photographer and enables me to share my passion and love for all animals with others.” Current and new pet owners can share their stories at the program’s website. Two grand prize winners will receive a year’s supply of pet food, a photo shoot with Dratfield in New York and a $10,000 cash donation to their nominated shelter. Eight second-place winners will win a year’s worth of pet food coupons and a $2,000 donation to their nominated shelter, and 50 “favorite shelter” prize winners will win $50 veterinary certificates and a set of pet carriers and bowls for their nominated shelter. <HOME>
