A Formerly Homeless Dog, His Adopted Human Owner and a Big Huge Tour Bus are Raising Awareness for Rescue Dogs and "Free Days with George"

PEDIGREE® Brand Partners with Bestselling Author Colin Campbell and "George" to Visit Shelters across the U.S. as part of Official Book Release

LIFE'S LITTLE LESSONS TAUGHT BY ONE VERY BIG DOG

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PEDIGREE Brand

May 12, 2016, 09:00 ET

NEW YORK, May 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Bestselling author Colin Campbell and one very big dog named George kicked off a nationwide tour on Tuesday, May 3^rd in New York to coincide with the official launch of the highly-anticipated memoir Free Days with George (Penguin Random House). The book has been named one of the Top 20 Editor's Pick for Spring Nonfiction by Amazon. Free Days with George is the remarkable true story of a 140-pound homeless dog named George and his adopted human Colin, who felt like his life was crumbling around him. George teaches Colin the real meaning of happiness and hope through their connection which transcends a lot of things we know about loyalty and love.

PEDIGREE^® is a sponsor of Free Days with George which is supported by a six-week, 24 city tour highlighted by retail book signings, media interviews and visits to select animal rescue shelters. As a sponsor of the tour, PEDIGREE is not only supporting the adoption cause, they are also generously donating dog food to shelters along the tour, furthering the goal of donating more than 10 million bowls to dogs in need in 2016.

"Free Days with George brings to life the PEDIGREE Brand 'Feed the Good' campaign, which is based on the simple insight that dogs and people bring out the best in each other," said Melodie Bolin, PEDIGREE Brand Manager. "We are excited to be part of a tour that demonstrates the bond between dog and owner while also giving back to shelter animals in need. Throughout the tour we'll donate to some of the shelter stops, helping provide these animals with the nutrition they need while contributing to finding them a loving forever home."

The tour started in New York and will continue on to New Jersey, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Detroit, Chicago, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Denver, Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Santa Fe, N.M., Tulsa, Okla., Dallas, Austin, Houston, New Orleans, Jackson, Miss., St. Louis, Nashville, Tenn., Asheville, N.C., Raleigh, N.C. and ending in Atlanta on June 10, 2016.

"George is the dog who changed my life. When I was at my worst, he was there to comfort me. He was homeless when I took him in as a 'rescue' but as it turns out, he's really the one who rescued me," remarks Campbell. Free Days with George is his story but it's also the story of any of us who have experienced loss or heartache. It's a book about love, hope and second chances that we all eventually need at some point in our lives."

Free Days with George, which has been described as a "cross between Marley and Me, Tuesdays with Morrie and Eat, Pray, Love," immediately became a bestseller in Canada when it was released in 2015 and will now be available in bookstores across the U.S. and online Tuesday, May 3, 2016. It is the Amazon Editor's Pick for Spring as well as the #1 book currently being requested in its category.

Information for pre-ordering Free Days with George here: http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/243531/free-days-with-george-by-colin-campbell/

You can visit Colin and George at
Website: www.freedayswithgeorge.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/FreeDaysWithGeorge
Instagram: www.instagram/colintown

ABOUT COLIN CAMPBELL
Bestselling author Colin Campbell has also worked as a marketing executive in both the United States and Canada. He has held senior roles with major agencies and companies including the National Hockey League Players Association, MKTG Inc., and MacLaren McCann. He has created and managed marketing and branded content programs for Nike, Mattel, Kraft and General Motors, among many others. Colin and George presently live in downtown Toronto and escape as often as possible to the beaches of California and Nova Scotia to get their surfing fix.

About the PEDIGREE^® Brand
The PEDIGREE^® Brand is the number one brand of dog food and treats in the world, feeding more dogs than any other brand. The PEDIGREE® Brand offers a wide variety of products and formats for dogs at every life stage. The PEDIGREE® Brand is built on an unwavering love for all dogs and a commitment to dog adoption. For more information, please visit www.Pedigree.com.

About Mars Petcare
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 and Treats for Dogs, CESAR® Canine Cuisine, IAMS™ Pet Food, SHEBA® Entrees for Cats, WHISKAS® Food for Cats, GREENIES™ Dental Chews and PILL POCKETS™ Treats, NUTRO™ Pet Food, EUKANUBA™ Pet Food 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 3,700 Mars Petcare US associates make, sell and distribute its high-quality pet food from 20 manufacturing facilities located in communities across the U.S. For more information, please visit www.mars.com.
^®/™ Trademarks ^© Mars, Incorporated 2016.

SOURCE PEDIGREE Brand