August 16, 2005
Contact: Carol Boker, Editor, Pet Product News, a division of BowTie, Inc., Irvine, Calif. (949) 855-8822

Pet Product News Chooses Chuck & Don's For Its “2005-2006 Medium-Size Chain Award”

LOS ANGELES - Pet Product News announced today that My Chuck & Don's (Minnesota) is the winner of their 2005-2006 Medium-Size Chain Award. The award, part of the Pet Product News' prestigious Retailers of the Year program, recognizes retailers for excellence in operating a mid-range sized pet store.

This full-service group of stores sells pet products and works closely with local rescue groups for animal adoption. During the past year, the stores have assisted in the placement of more than 300 dogs, cats, rabbits and birds. In addition, Chuck & Don's donates food and supplies to shelters, along with money from special events. The company publishes a newsletter, which offers helpful pet information, and each store houses a community bulletin board. Successful promotional events and marketing have helped the stores draw in customers. The chain is growing and continues to develop services for pets and the pet community.

The Pet Product News Retailers of the Year awards, sponsored by Pet Naturals of Vermont (a division of FoodSciences Corporation), were created a decade ago to recognize retailing excellence in the pet industry. Pet Product News, the pet industry's leading trade magazine, will profile the winners in its September issue. Winners will also serve on the Pet Product News Retail Advisory board for the next year.

Candidates for the various awards were selected from surveys distributed to retailers via the magazine and by BowTie Inc.'s Retailer Sales force. "We were pleased with the quality of applicants for this year's Retailer of the Year contest," says Carol Boker, editor of Pet Product News. "Narrowing the field to find one winner who meets all the standards of a top-notch pet retailer is difficult. We are proud of our top winner and also pleased that we have additional categories to honor excellence in specific areas of the business." Retailers were reviewed on the following criteria: employee training practices, promotion of companion animals and pet adoptions, involvement with humane professional and service organizations, innovative promotion, effective strategies in the marketplace, community impact and industry impact. A panel of five Pet Product News staff members evaluated candidates carefully and voted on the winners for each award given out.

For additional information on Pet Product News and Fancy Publications, contact Carol Boker, Editor, Pet Product News, a division of BowTie, Inc., at (949) 855-8822.

About Pet Product News

PET PRODUCT NEWS is the leading business newsmagazine covering the issues and trends affecting all sectors of the professional pet industry, including - but not limited to--retailers, manufacturers, distributors and trade associations. Pet Product News is published by BowTie News, a division of BowTie, Inc., the industry leader in consumer pet and veterinary trade publishing. You can find BowTie, Inc. and its magazines on the Web at www.animalnetwork.com.