CESAR® Canine Cuisine Launches "Share a Story and Share the Love" Campaign Spotlighting Therapy Dogs

FRANKLIN, Tenn., Oct. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Dogs are more than man's best friend. They're capable of lowering stress, anxiety, even blood pressure. That's why CESAR® brand proudly supports the work of therapy dogs – special dogs that go above and beyond to help people in need. CESAR is asking people nationwide to support these extraordinary dogs too through its new "Share a Story and Share the Love" initiative, a social media campaign to help support and spotlight therapy dogs and therapy dog organizations.

"Share a Story and Share the Love" Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=9q3_TPhgv7A

Dog lovers can help celebrate therapy dogs by sharing the heartwarming stories featured at www.cesar.com/therapydogs through their personal social media communities such as Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Each share helps bring awareness to the real-life, inspirational stories of therapy dogs and the life-changing benefits they bring to people in need.  And as a broader commitment to ensuring people in need continue to receive the powerful benefits of a dog's love, CESAR will donate $100,000 to three therapy dog organizations whose services assist people in need all over the country.

"At CESAR, we know that a relationship with a dog can have a profound impact on every life, including people in need," said Denise Truelove, brand manager at CESAR® Canine Cuisine.  "From veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, to helping children learn how to read, dogs can truly transform lives. We're proud to support therapy dog organizations and help tell these dogs' stories through our new "Share a Story and Share the Love" campaign," added Truelove. "We encourage everyone to join us to help bring awareness to the inspiring work therapy dogs do every day."

Dog lover, Hilary Duff, is joining CESAR to help spread the word as the "Share a Story and Share the Love" campaign ambassador. She will share inspirational therapy dog stories with her Facebook friends and Twitter followers, encouraging people to get involved and help show the powerful impact therapy dogs make every day to people in need.

"I'm honored to be a part of CESAR's "Share a Story and Share the Love" campaign," said Hilary Duff. "My dogs have so much love to give and their constant support makes my world a happier place. Like CESAR, I want to help tell the uplifting stories about these incredible therapy dogs," explained Duff. "I hope everyone joins me by sharing these stories on CESAR's Web site to friends and family through social media. Together we bring awareness to these remarkable dogs and the therapy organizations that support them."

With the public's help in spreading the inspirational therapy dog stories on www.cesar.com/therapydogs across their social networks, we can raise awareness and CESAR can continue to donate funds to the following charity partners:

• American Humane Association's Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) programs to continue and expand their vital work to help the ill, the aged, military families affected by service, and children with cancer.
• Intermountain Therapy Animals' Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) program utilizes the companionship of therapy animals to build and encourage children's love of books and reading, as well as improving their full range of communication skills.
• The Good Dog Foundation is the east coast leader in certified therapy dog teams that provide animal-assisted therapy through the use of professionally-trained, fully-certified and supervised volunteer teams who work to aid the healing process in humans and enhance clients' quality of life through a focus on education, health care and wellness, research, and disaster response.

About CESAR® Canine Cuisine
CESAR® Canine Cuisine is an exceptional line of high quality cuisine and treats. We offer individually prepared entrees available in four textures, original pate, GOURMET FILETS® in sauce, Savory Delights® with delicious toppings and MEATY SELECTS™ with real meaty chunks. From the filet mignon flavor to CESAR SUNRISE® breakfast entrees, CESAR® Canine Cuisine features a variety of irresistible flavors. Newer to the product line are CESAR® Treats. The award-winning Pet Food Product of the Year for 2010, CESAR® Treats is available in soft, chewy and crunchy textures and a variety of flavors.   

About Mars Petcare US
Mars Petcare US is the U.S. operations of the world's largest petcare company at the privately-held Mars, Incorporated. Mars Petcare US produces some of the world's most beloved pet care brands, including PEDIGREE® Food for Dogs, CESAR® Canine Cuisine, SHEBA® Food for Cats, WHISKAS® Food for Cats, THE GOODLIFE RECIPE® Brand, and TEMPTATIONS® Treats for Cats, as well as exclusive brands products for some of the leading retailers in the U.S. Headquartered in Franklin, Tenn., more than 2,200 Mars Petcare US associates make, sell and distribute its high-quality pet food from 15 manufacturing facilities located in communities across the U.S. For more information, please visit www.mars.com.

SOURCE CESAR® Canine Cuisine