It's Never Too Late to Give a Pet a Second Chance

SAN DIEGO, June 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- When considering pet adoption, pet parents may often find themselves looking for younger animals to welcome into their home. What potential adopters may not realize is that special needs and senior pets wait four times longer than the average adoptable animal to find forever homes. This month Petco is putting the spotlight on pets with special needs during its National Adoption Weekend taking place June 8-9, 2013. Guests that attend will have the opportunity to speak with Petco associates and shelter partners to learn how to properly care for a new pet's physical, mental, social and emotional needs.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130429/MM03037)

Special needs pets can provide a family the same unconditional love and joy as other pets. Take Pumba, the blind pig, as an example. Pumba was rescued by Vegaspigpets in September 2011 and had a very bad case of glaucoma that required an extensive and expensive surgery. Luckily, Vegaspigpets was able to raise enough money for Pumba's surgery, but his eyes were too far gone and had to be removed. Vegaspigpets thought they would be Pumba's forever home because they didn't believe anyone would want to adopt a blind pig. However, Victoria O., a finalist in Petco's Be A Great One Contest, became Pumba's saving grace.

Victoria and her family had been following Pumba's story and fell in love with him. She knew she had to adopt him. Thanks to Vegaspigpets, Pumba now has a loving home with Victoria and her family. According to Victoria, Pumba is loving, acts like a clown and adores getting his belly rubbed. Even though Pumba is a special needs pet, he is a true member of Victoria's family and they wouldn't have him any other way.

Like Victoria's story, there are many other reasons why adopting a special needs pet can be a great decision, and here's why:

• Companionship: Special needs pets are often the last to be adopted, so giving one a forever home will not only give them a fresh start at life, but will also make sure their emotional needs are met since they'll be able to give and receive love, attention and affection.
• Teaches Responsibility: Adopting and caring for a pet with a disability is a great way to teach children how to take care of another living thing.
• Unconditional Love: Special needs pets in animal shelters will show unconditional love for giving them a second chance at life and a new, forever home.

For those ready to welcome a special needs, or any pet into their home, Petco and Unleashed by Petco locations nationwide will be hosting adoption events the weekend of June 8-9, 2013. And, to help get new pet parents off on the right paw, Bayer® will be sponsoring Petco's National Adoption Weekend and plans to give adopting pet parents a flea prevention starter kit.

Pet adoption times may vary, so it's recommended to contact the nearest location for adoption hours. To find more information about Petco's adoption events and their Think Adoption First Philosophy, please visit www.petco.com/adoptions.

To view Victoria and Pumba's story, as well as others like it visit: wholepets.petco.com/greatone.

About Petco
Petco is a leading pet specialty retailer that provides the products, services and advice that make it easier for our customers to be great pet parents. Everything we do is guided by our vision for Healthier Pets. Happier People. Better World. We operate more than 1,200 stores nationwide and in Puerto Rico, including more than 50 Unleashed by Petco locations, a smaller format neighborhood shop, and www.petco.com. The Petco Foundation, an independent nonprofit organization, has raised more than $110 million since it was created in 1999 to help promote and improve the welfare of companion animals. In conjunction with the Foundation, we work with and support thousands of local animal welfare groups across the country and, through in-store adoption events, help find homes for more than 350,000 animals every year.

CONTACT:
Allie Maltese
619-501-2756
[email protected]

SOURCE Petco

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