Chuck & Don’s partners with MnPaw and the Twins to collect pet food for Second Harvest Heartland.

September 14, 2009; Mahtomedi, MN - Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet, along with the Minnesota Partnership for Animal Welfare (MnPaw), and the Minnesota Twins joined forces to collect donations of pet food, which was given to Second Harvest Heartland. Unopened pet food donations were accepted at all 15 Chuck & Don’s stores and also at the Twins game on Sunday, September 13, 2009.

A total of over 6,500 items of dog and cat food, plus $975 in cash donations were collected and delivered to Second Harvest Heartland. The dog and cat food collected will help families in need feed their pets.

Chuck Anderson, founder and Chief Financial Officer of Chuck & Don’s even got to throw out the first pitch!

For more information on the Minnesota Partnership for Animal Welfare (MnPaw), go to: MnPaw.org.

Caption for linked photos:
Chuck Anderson, founder and Chief Financial Officer throws out the first pitch at the Twins game on Sunday, September 13.

Pet Haven’s President representing MnPaw, Marilou Chanrasmi with a very cute dog (who is available for adoption) in front of the Chuck & Don’s tent on the Metrodome Plaza

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Chuck Anderson throwing out the first pitch.

Marilou Chanrasmi with a dog in front of the Chuck & Don’s tent.

Pins For Pets... bowl for the fix Raises Money To Help End Pet Overpopulation

August 10, 2009; Mahtomedi, MN - Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet, Katie K9 and Ian Punnett from FM107.1, Jerry the Dog, and a host of pet-loving bowlers joined forces on Sunday, August 9, 2009 to have fun and raise money for a great cause – ending pet overpopulation.

Thanks to the outstanding participation, the 2009 Pins For Pets...bowl for the fix event raised $34,000.

All the money raised by The Pins For Pets…bowl for the fix event was donated to the Minnesota Spay/Neuter Project (MNSP). By supporting programs such as MNSP, all of us can help reduce the number of animals entering shelters, and that is essential to ending pet overpopulation.

The Minnesota Spay/Neuter Project is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Their mission focuses on serving low-income community residents. Pet overpopulation is more rampant in low-income neighborhoods often because residents lack access to veterinary clinics and the financial resources needed to have their pets sterilized. Services provided by MNSP for pets of qualifying pet owners include low cost sterilization, microchipping, and vaccinations against distemper and rabies. For more information on the Minnesota Spay/Neuter Project, go to their website: MNSpayNeuter.org.

To see photos from the Pins For Pets bowl for the fix and learn more how you can help, go to: PinsForPets.org

For additional information contact: Pat Salkowicz, The Art Farm Advertising, 651-293-0162 (pat@artfarmadvertising.com) or Dana Andresen, Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet, 651-747-8704, extension 101. (dandresen@chuckanddons.com).

Chuck & Don’s President Christens White Bear Lake Chapter of Let’s Go Fishing at Governor’s Fishing Opener

May 9, 2009; White Bear Lake, MN - Former Twins pitcher Jack Morris, along with the Mayors of White Bear Lake, Mahtomedi, and Dellwood, joined Chuck & Don’s President Bob Hartzell, and several others helped in christening the White Bear Lake Chapter’s Let’s Go Fishing pontoon boat on May 9th, 2009.

The boat’s first fishing cruise included veterans from the White Bear Lake VFW, including those who served in WWII through the Iraq War.

Let’s Go Fishing is a non-profit organization with chapters statewide that provides free fishing and boating excursions for seniors, hospice patients, and veterans, so they can enjoy our state’s beautiful lakes and the outdoor experience.

The newly formed White Bear Lake Chapter of Let’s Go Fishing is the first in the Twin Cities area and offers morning, afternoon, and evening trips. Call 651-278-8262 to learn more about the volunteer opportunities or to schedule a fishing trip. Visit their website at www.LGFWS.com.

Caption for linked photo:
Former Twins pitcher Jack Morris does the christening honors as Chuck & Don’s President Bob Hartzell and the Mayors from Dellwood, Mahtomedi, and White Bear Lake look on.

Download a hi-res photo of this event.

Chuck & Don’s Provides Bottle Feeding Supplies for Newborn Kittens and Puppies

April 20, 2009; Mahtomedi, MN - Rescued Pets are Wonderful in Anoka, unexpectedly received 22 kittens and 11 puppies that were so young they all required bottle-feeding. The first kittens arrived in late May and the puppies were born in early June.

Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet donated a 10-pound supply of KMR (kitten milk replacement) and feeding bottles to help the cause. Thanks to everyone’s effort, all the kittens and puppies will continue to do well and when old enough, hopefully they will all find forever homes and live long, happy lives.

If you’d like to help the Rescued Pets are Wonderful group, you can donate, volunteer, or adopt, by contacting: www.RPAW.org or call 763-757-8204.

Download a hi-res photo related to this article.

For additional information contact: Pat Salkowicz, The Art Farm Advertising, 651-293-0162 (pat@artfarmadvertising.com) or Dana Andresen, Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet, 651-747-8704, extension 101. (dandresen@chuckanddons.com).

Chuck & Don’s President Helps Organize White Bear Lake Chapter of Let’s Go Fishing

April 2, 2009; Mahtomedi, MN - Minnesota has over 10,000 lakes, so it’s no surprise that so many people here love to fish, including those of us at Chuck & Don’s. In fact Bob Hartzell, President of Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet, is one of the founding members of the White Bear Lake Chapter of Let’s Go Fishing.

Let’s Go Fishing is a non-profit organization with chapters statewide that provides free fishing and boating excursions for seniors, hospice patients, and veterans, so they can enjoy our state’s beautiful lakes and the outdoor experience. Thanks to their dedicated volunteers and generous donors, Let’s Go Fishing has served over 15,000 Minnesotans since their inception in 2002.

The White Bear Lake Let’s Go Fishing chapter will offer morning, afternoon, and evening trips. If you’re 18 years or older and you’d like to become part of this great organization, the chapter offers a short training session for captain or first mate volunteers. Call 651-278-8262 to learn more about the volunteer opportunities.

You can also add your support by making a donation. Financial contributions can be sent to: White Bear Lake Let’s Go Fishing, P.O. Box 10654, White Bear Lake, MN 55110. Let’s Go Fishing is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible. Be assured your generosity will be greatly appreciated and will allow continued expansion of the White Bear Lake Let’s Go Fishing programs.

Chuck & Don’s Donates over $8,900 to the Ronald McDonald House

For additional information contact: Pat Salkowicz, The Art Farm Advertising, 651-293-0162 (pat@artfarmadvertising.com) or Dana Andresen, Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet, 651-747-8704, extension 101. (dandresen@chuckanddons.com).

March 15, 2009; Mahtomedi, MN - Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet customers may recall that during 2008 Chuck & Don’s sponsored Jerry the Dog, housedog at the Ronald McDonald House of the Twin Cities. Jerry is a cute, easy-going two-year-old Labradoodle who works with the children staying at the Ronald McDonald House.

In November 2008, Chuck & Don’s began selling plush Jerry toys and EVERY dollar collected was donated to the Ronald McDonald House of the Twin Cities. Thanks to our customers, over $8,917 was collected in plush Jerry sales.

The Ronald McDonald House staff is absolutely delighted with the donations and the money will be put to good use. The staff, patients, families, and Jerry at the Ronald McDonald House of the Twin Cities want to thank everyone who purchased a plush Jerry toy and made this donation possible. Chuck & Don’s will continue to sponsor Jerry the Dog during 2009!

(PHOTO CAPTION IF YOU USE THE PHOTO)

Chuck Anderson, founder of Chuck & Don’s, hands Josh Williams, Communications Manager at the Ronald McDonald House, a bundle of cash donations collected from plush Jerry toys offered at Chuck & Don’s stores during the 2008 holiday season. The grand total collected was $8,917!

Also looking on, Dana Andresen, Chuck & Don’s Director of Operations, Bob Hartzell, President of Chuck & Don’s, and Jerry the Dog.

Download a hi-res photo, caption noted at left.

For additional information contact: Pat Salkowicz, The Art Farm Advertising, 651-293-0162 (pat@artfarmadvertising.com) or Dana Andresen, Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet, 651-747-8704, extension 101. (dandresen@chuckanddons.com).

Chuck & Don’s Donates $33,321 To Local Pet Rescue Groups

March 3, 2009;  Mahtomedi, MN - Chuck & Don’s Holiday Paw Print campaign is an annual fundraiser which benefits local animal rescue organizations. Customers participate by donating one dollar or more and filling out a palm-sized paw print. The paw prints are then displayed in the windows at all 15 Chuck & Don’s stores during the holiday season as a show of support for the fundraising program. Second Chance Animal Rescue and RAGOM (Retrieve A Golden of Minnesota) were the Paw Print Campaign recipients for 2008.

The generous customer donations of $26,657, plus a 25% matching grant from Chuck & Don’s stores, means that Second Chance Animal Rescue and RAGOM will share $33,321. Presentation of the checks to Second Chance Animal Rescue and RAGOM took place at the Chuck & Don’s corporate office in Mahtomedi, Minnesota.

“Despite these challenging economic times, our customers have been wonderful with their generosity and these funds will help make a big difference for a lot of cats and dogs,” said Dana Andresen, Chuck & Don’s Director of Operations.

About Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet

Founded in 1990, Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet is a Minnesota-based pet food and supplies retailer, with 15 locations in the Twin Cities area.

Chuck & Don’s was recognized with the 2005-2006 Medium-Sized Retailer of the Year Award from Pet Product News magazine. Chuck & Don’s is also the winner of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce 2007 Blue Ribbon Business award and the Celebrate Success award from the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce.

For additional information contact: Pat Salkowicz, The Art Farm Advertising, 651-293-0162 (pat@artfarmadvertising.com) or Dana Andresen, Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet, 651-747-8704, extension 101. (dandresen@chuckanddons.com).

Chuck & Don’s Donates $14,841 to Homes For All Pets Coalition

January 9, 2008, Mahtomedi, MN - Chuck & Don’s Holiday Paw Print campaign is an annual fundraiser, which benefits a specific local animal rescue organization. The Homes For All Pets Coalition is the 2007 recipient. Customers participate by donating one dollar or more and filling out a palm-sized paw print. The paw prints are then displayed in the windows at all 13 Chuck & Don’s stores during the holiday season, as a show of support for the fundraising program.

Generous customer donations of $11,873, plus a 25% match from Chuck & Don’s stores, means the Homes For All Pets Coalition will receive $14,841. The money helps fund the Pet Fix program, a no cost and low cost spay/neuter program that reaches out to people who may not otherwise "fix" their pets.

“We exceeded our goal and we’re absolutely thrilled with the success of our Holiday Paw Print fundraiser. Chuck & Don’s has always been committed to helping homeless pets through programs such as Pet Fix. Spay/neuter programs save lives and will help bring an end to euthanasia of healthy adoptable pets,” said Dana Andresen, Chuck & Don’s Director of Operations.

Mike Fry, Executive Director of Animal Ark commented, “Thanks to the combined efforts of the Chuck & Don’s staff and the generosity of their customers, the Pet Fix program will be able to make a bigger difference. The Homes For All Pets Partners are very proud of the work being done by Chuck & Don's to make life better for animals in Minnesota."

The Homes For All Pets Coalition is implementing programs to reduce the number of animals entering shelters, and that are essential to ending pet overpopulation. Homes For All Pets, Minnesota is a growing collaborative of animal rescue groups, including: Animal Ark Shelter, Pet Haven, Saint Paul Animal Control, Minneapolis Animal Control, Cause for Paws, Friends of Flicka, the Lawson Family Fund, Second Chance Animal Rescue, A Rotta Love, James J. Wolf Family Foundation, Retrieve a Golden of Minnesota, Feline Rescue, Animal Allies Human Society, and the MN Humane Society*

(* is not affiliated with the merged Animal Humane Society/Humane Society for Companion Animals).

About Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet

Founded in 1990, Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet is a Minnesota-based pet food and supplies retailer, with 13 locations in the Twin Cities area. Chuck & Don’s was recognized with the 2005 - 2006 Medium-Sized Retailer of the Year Award from Pet Product News magazine. Chuck & Don’s is also the winner of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce 2007 Blue Ribbon Business award and the Celebrate Success award from the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce.

Download a photo of the check presentation, available below in two sizes:

Screen-resolution (864x563 pixels)

High-resolution
(4" x 6" @ 300 ppi)

Photo caption: Chuck & Don’s owners, Bob Hartzell and Chuck Anderson presented the check to Homes For All Pets representatives Mike Fry, Beth Nelson, and Ingrid Harding Irvine on Wednesday, January 16th, 2008.

Owners: Charles Anderson and Robert Hartzell
Manager: Jenny Pawlenty
Number of employees: 6
Store location: 3525 Vicksburg Lane N., Plymouth
Other locations: 13 in metro area
Store opening: Oct. 25, 2007
Hours of operation: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday

Information: 763-559-0146 or www.chuckanddons.com

For more of this story, click on or type the URL below:
http://www.mnsun.com/articles/2007/12/06/business/aw06chuckanddons.txt

See the article "Local chain is barking up the right tree" at: http://www.startribune.com/local/12104416.html

October 29, 2007
For additional information contact: Pat Salkowicz, The Art Farm Advertising, 651-293-0162 (pat@artfarmadvertising.com) or Dana Andresen, Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet, 651-747-8704, extension 101. (dandresen@chuckanddons.com).

Chuck & Don’s Opens New Store in Plymouth

Mahtomedi, Minnesota - Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet opened its newest store in the Plymouth Marketplace mall, located at 3525 Vicksburg Lane North at Highway 55. The Grand Opening ceremonies for the new store will be held from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, November 17, 2007.

“We are delighted to have a store in Plymouth. Many of our customers have asked us to open a store in the western suburbs for a while, so we’re happy we’re now open in Plymouth.” said Bob Hartzell, president of Chuck & Don’s. Founder Chuck Anderson said, “Our Plymouth Grand Opening should be a fun event for pets and their owners. There’ll be lots to see and do, plus we’re giving away some fantastic prizes.”

The Chuck & Don’s Plymouth Grand Opening event schedule includes: Free Pet Portraits 9am to 5pm; Homes For All Pets Adoptions 10am to 2pm; MAARS (Midwest Avian Adoptions & Rescue) 11am to 2pm; Demonstrations by Scent Detection Dogs 10am to 2pm; Face Painting, the Pet Communicator and Cat and Dog Paw Printing are all scheduled from 10am to 4 pm.; Customers can also register to win a years supply of pet food and there are also many free pet-related surprises to be given away.

In addition, Chuck & Don’s will be selling Paw Prints for homeless pets. Each paw print is $1 and all proceeds will be donated to Animal Ark and Homes For All Pets coalition, who help get animals adopted, as well as help return lost pets to their owners.

Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet provides premium pet food and supplies at 13 locations throughout the Twin Cities. Chuck & Don’s offers some unique benefits to customers including a frequent-buyer’s program called Chuck’s Bucks®, the Barkin’Mews quarterly newsletter, and special products like Chuck’s Barkin’ Mad Spring Water.

About Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet

Founded in 1990, Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet is a Minnesota-based pet food and supplies retailer, with 13 locations in the Twin Cities area. Chuck & Don’s was recognized with the 2005–2006 Medium-Sized Retailer of the Year Award from Pet Product News magazine. Chuck & Don’s is also the winner of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce 2007 Blue Ribbon Business award.

June 5, 2007
Contact: Pat Salkowicz, The Art Farm Advertising, 651-293-0162 pat@artfarmadvertising.com or Dana Andresen, Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet, 651-747-8704, extension 101 dandresen@chuckanddons.com.

Chuck & Don’s Sponsors 2007 Minnesota State Fair Pet Center Building

Mahtomedi, Minnesota - Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet is the sponsor of The Pet Center building during the 2007 Minnesota State Fair.

“Our State Fair Pet Center sponsorship will be a wonderful opportunity to reach pet lovers from all over.” said Founder Chuck Anderson. The Pet Center is any dog-loving, or animal-curious fairgoer’s dream. It’s filled with exhibition areas including over 100 different breeds of dogs, pet surgery, obedience demonstrations, pet products, and more.

Demonstrations will also be given by groups such as the St. Paul Police K-9 Unit, hunting dogs, mold-sniffing dogs, obedience clubs that display the results of years of training, and retired racing greyhounds that have been retrained to dazzle crowds with their acrobatic skill.

Big crowds are also expected to visit The Pet Center for live surgery demonstrations. The Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association performs spaying and neutering operations on dogs each evening. Dana Andresen, Director of Operations at Chuck & Don’s said, “Our company strongly supports the need for spaying and neutering of pets to help control the homeless pet population. This is a great opportunity for pet owners and visitors to learn more about animals, as well as the role that veterinarians play in preventative care for all pets.”

The Minnesota State Fair, which runs from August 23 to September 3, 2007, is one of the largest and best attended expositions in the country, attracting more than 1.6 million visitors annually. The Pet Center is located in the northern part of the fairgrounds, at the corner of Underwood Street and Murphy Avenue.

About Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet

Founded in 1990, Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet is a Minnesota-based pet food and supplies retailer, with 12 locations in the Twin Cities area. In 2006, Chuck & Don’s received the Medium-Sized Retailer of the Year Award from Pet Product News magazine. In May 2007, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Blue Ribbon Small Business Award was given to Chuck & Don’s in recognition of the company’s dedication to excellence.

March 30, 2007
Contact: John Reidi, Rebecca Wilder, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 202-463-5682 or 888-249-NEWS, press@uschamber.com

Minnesota Business Wins U.S. Chamber of Commerce Award Chuck & Don's Pet Food Outlet is a Blue Ribbon Small Business

WASHINGTON, DC-Chuck & Don's Pet Food Outlet in Mahtomedi, MN, has been honored today with a U.S. Chamber of Commerce Blue Ribbon Small Business Award. The award was given in recognition of the company's dedication to excellence in several categories.

"Winners of the Small Business Blue Ribbon Award have served their employees, customers, and communities with a consistent dedication that exemplifies America's spirit of enterprise," said Tom Donohue, Chamber president and CEO. "Small businesses are the backbone of America's economy, representing more than 99% of all employers, creating three-fourths of all new jobs, and accounting for more than one-half of the nation's gross domestic product."

The Small Business Blue Ribbon Award, sponsored by Microsoft adCenter, was designed to honor businesses that showed excellence in a variety of selection criteria, including financial performance and business history, staff training and motivation, community involvement, customer service, and business planning.

Winners of the award from around the country will be honored at America's Small Business Summit 2007. The award is part of the Chamber's Small Business of the Year selection process. One Blue Ribbon Small Business will be selected from each of seven regions as a finalist for the U.S. Chamber Small Business of the Year Award. The finalists will be announced on March 30.

"The Blue Ribbon Small Business award enables us to recognize the hard work and tireless dIorts of America's small businesses," said Donohue. "Chuck & Don's Pet Food Outlet is a shining example of how a business can make a difference in its community."

The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

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.

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