National Guide Dog Month Fundraiser Starts Today!

Today is the official kick off of National Guide Dog Month. Many of you know I work for Natural Balance Pet Foods, who sponsors this fundraiser. This year our goal is to raise $1 million dollars during the month of September. Guide Dogs improve the lives of the blind by creating opportunities for life-changing independence. They provide safe mobility, loving companionship and truly the miracle of independence to the visually impaired through the use of a guide dog.

• Did you know that every 7 minutes, someone in America becomes blind or visually impaired?
• Did you know that 13% of our active military return from war with eye injuries?

For many, blindness means being shut off from society, stuck at home, or moving about with a walking stick, tapping ahead to find a clear path in the darkness.  

Guide Dogs can literally change the life of a blind person, restoring confidence, providing freedom to return to work, and resume a normal routine that those of us who are sighted take for granted every day.  

During the month of September you can make a donation at any Petco store, or local independent pet retailer where Natural Balance Pet Foods are available. Simply make a donation at the register when you check out. You can also purchase specially marked bags of Natural Balance Lamb Meal & Brown Rice in 28lb bags, where $1 per bag will be donated to this cause. 
If you prefer, you can also donate online from the convenience of your own home. Go to www.petco.com/naturalbalance and make a donation in any amount TODAY, Thank you!

Jimmy and Dick Van Patten with Nicollette Sheridan, and "Ally" guide dog puppy in training. Visit www.petco.com for a special video message from Ms Sheridan about National Guide Dog Month.

-Rick Rockhill