Archived News Release

CONTACT:
Jason Eberly / Marc Vasquez, Geoff Howe Marketing Communications for Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc.
816-842-8656 or jeberly@geoffhowe.us / mvasquez@geoffhowe.us

Heidi Jeter, Morris Animal Foundation
(800) 243-2345 or hjeter@morrisanimalfoundation.org

Don't miss the deadline for 'Thank Your Vet for a Healthy Pet^SM' contest — nominations due Aug. 31

Essay contest honors veterinarians for dedication to improving animal health

DENVER (Aug. 1, 2008) — If you think your veterinarian is the best in America, nominate him or her for the second annual Thank Your Vet for a Healthy Pet^SM contest. The contest deadline is August 31, 2008. The national short-essay contest honors America's veterinarians for their dedication to helping animals and strengthening our bond with our pets. The contest is conducted by Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) and sponsored by Hill's Pet Nutrition and Dog Fancy, Cat Fancy and Veterinary Practice News magazines.

Essays can be no longer than 300 words and should address four areas: 1) the veterinarian's outstanding care and treatment to clients, 2) commitment to the human-animal bond, 3) service to the community, and 4) devotion to the veterinary profession. For official rules and to enter online, go to www.thankyourvet.org. Entries can also be mailed to:

Morris Animal Foundation
Thank Your Vet Contest
10200 E. Girard Ave.
Suite B430
Denver, CO 80231

Entries must be submitted electronically or postmarked no later than 11:59 p.m. EDT, Aug. 31, 2008. Entries must follow the official contest rules to be considered. To receive a printed copy of the rules, call (800) 243-2345.

"I've been fortunate to receive a number of different awards in my career, but this award is probably the most meaningful," said Dr. James L. Cook, last year's national winner and director of the Comparative Orthopaedic Laboratory at the University of Missouri-Columbia. "I want my work to make a difference in people's lives and animals' lives. This award helps me always remember that and be motivated by it."

One national winner and five regional winners will be selected. Winners will be contacted by November 1, 2008, and will be honored before their peers at the February 2009 Western Veterinary Conference in Las Vegas. Winners will be featured in the March 2009 issues of Veterinary Practice News, Dog Fancy and Cat Fancy magazines. All nominees will receive a nomination certificate.

About the Morris Animal Foundation:

Morris Animal Foundation, established in 1948, is dedicated to funding animal health research that protects, treats and cures companion animals and wildlife. MAF has been at the forefront of funding breakthrough research studies benefiting animals in some 100 countries, spanning all seven continents. MAF has its headquarters in Denver. The Foundation has funded more than 1,500 humane animal health studies. Charity Navigator ranks MAF as a four-star charity, the highest rating. For more information, call 800.243.2345, or visit www.morrisanimalfoundation.org.