PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Phoenix-based PetSmart (NASDAQ: PETM) was announced as the title sponsor of the 5th annual “Dine with Your Dog” event, which benefits the animal-assisted therapy program at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. In addition, Debbie Gaby, President of Sleep America, and Deborah Bateman, Arizona’s Executive Vice President and Director of Wealth Strategies at National Bank, join the event, which takes place April 21 at the PERA Club in Tempe, as co-chairs.
“It is critical that companies based in Phoenix get involved in the local community, and Phoenix Children’s Hospital is a vital part of our city,” said David Lenhardt, President and Chief Operating Officer for PetSmart. “PetSmart is proud to support the animal-assisted therapy program at Phoenix Children’s Hospital because we recognize the unique healing power of pets.”
Also added to the event this year is Bentley, an “extra large” Great Dane who is over four feet tall when standing on all fours and is also a service dog in training registered with the Service Animal Registration of America (SARA). Bentley, sponsored by PetSmart vendor Castor & Pollux, will visit patients at Phoenix Children’s Hospital and participate in the event’s dog fashion show, premiering apparel from the Bret Michaels Pets Rock™ Collection which begins to hit PetSmart stores in April.
“I am delighted to be a part of this one-of-a-kind event,” said Deborah Bateman. “Not only will it be a treat for those who attend, but it has such an impact on the quality of care Arizona’s children receive at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.”
Hosted by Arizona legend Pat McMahon, the special evening gives pet parents the chance to enjoy a gourmet dinner, while their pets partake in their own specialty canine dinner. Guests can mingle with fellow animal lovers and their pets, pose for photos with their pooch and enjoy the “catwalk” with dogs, including Bentley, modeling the latest canine couture.
In 2011, over 800 patients at Phoenix Children’s Hospital were visited by volunteer pets - which include 45 dogs and one cat - through the Animal-Assisted Therapy Program. Pet therapy dogs also help young patients with rehabilitation and provide the unconditional love that only a dog can. Research shows that patient interaction with animals provides positive physical and emotional benefits, including lowering blood pressure, decreasing heart rate and anxiety and reducing stress. The Animal-Assisted Therapy Program at Phoenix Children's Hospital is funded solely through philanthropy and events like “Dine with Your Dog.”
“Dine with Your Dog is one of my favorite events of the year,” Debbie Gaby said. “It feels good knowing our evening of fun benefits the kiddos at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.”
To view a video of the event and the Animal-Assisted Therapy program at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHEuIiTHKek&list=PL13C2256882E88BC5&index=1&feature=plpp_video
About Phoenix Children’s Hospital
Phoenix Children’s Hospital, ranked in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Children’s Hospitals, is Arizona’s only licensed children’s hospital, providing world-class care in more than 40 pediatric specialties to children from throughout the state and region. Phoenix Children’s is in the midst of a major expansion to meet the needs of the Southwest’s rapid population growth. The signature element of the expansion is a new 11-story, 750,000-square-foot tower which will enable the hospital to grow from 426 licensed beds today to a total of 626 licensed beds once the project is complete. The hospital’s expansion also includes an aggressive physician recruitment effort and new satellite centers in high growth areas of the Valley. For more information, visit the hospital’s web site at www.phoenixchildrens.com.
About PetSmart
PetSmart, Inc. (NASDAQ: PETM) is the largest specialty pet retailer of services and solutions for the lifetime needs of pets. The company employs approximately 50,000 associates and operates more than 1,232 pet stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, over 192 in-store PetSmart® PetsHotel® dog and cat boarding facilities and is a leading online provider of pet supplies and pet care information (http://www.petsmart.com). PetSmart provides a broad range of competitively priced pet food and pet products; and offers dog training, pet grooming, pet boarding, PetSmart Doggie Day Camp SM day care services and pet adoption services. Since 1994, PetSmart Charities, Inc., an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit animal welfare organization and the largest funder of animal welfare efforts in North America, has provided more than $165 million in grants and programs benefiting animal welfare organizations. Through its in-store pet adoption partnership with PetSmart Charities®, PetSmart has helped save the lives of nearly 5 million pets.
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