World-Renowned Dog Expert, Cesar Millan Invites Schools Nationwide to Raise Awareness About Shelter Pets, With the Mutt-i-grees® America Adopts PSA Contest

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May 24, 2011, 01:43 ET

The Winning School receives a $10,000 Grant, a visit by Cesar Millan, a trip for four to New York City and National Geographic WILD will premiere the winning PSA.

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y., May 24, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Schools now have an opportunity to educate America on the importance of pet adoption and saving the lives of shelter animals also known as Mutt-i-grees. The Mutt-i-grees "America Adopts" PSA Contest is a nationwide initiative aimed at convincing Americans to adopt an animal from their local shelter. Mutt-i-grees is a word that was created to convey the desirability of any dog, cat, puppy or kitten at a shelter or rescue group.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110524/DC08012)

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110111/DC27967LOGO)

The Contest reflects the foundation of The Mutt-i-grees Curriculum - an innovative educational program that promotes the natural affinity between children and animals, and teaches children to be calm, confident and caring. Renowned dog behavior expert Cesar Millan, from National Geographic WILD's The Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan, and major supporter of the Mutt-i-grees Curriculum, says that this Contest is essential to raise awareness of the plight of homeless animals. "There are millions of animals in shelters across the nation and our children are the perfect conduit to educate the public on the importance of adopting shelter pets or Mutt-i-grees," said Millan. He added, "I am looking forward to seeing the messages that the students portray in their PSA's – I am sure they will be quite inspiring."

The contest is open to schools that teach children in any, or all, of the following Grades: Pre-K, Kindergarten, Grades 1-6. To participate, eligible schools should submit a creative Mutt-i-grees video or audio Public Service Announcement (PSA) that motivates Americans to adopt a pet from a shelter. A $10,000 grant will be awarded to the Grand Prize winning school that produces the best Public Service Announcement (PSA). The PSA should be a brief and compelling message that can be broadcast on TV or radio, with the goal to increase awareness of Mutt-i-grees and to let everyone know that these loving animals are available for adoption at local shelters across the U.S.

Your school can get creative and help make a difference in the lives of homeless animals by entering this exciting contest. For complete entry details and complete Official Rules:

Parents and students may visit http://www.animalleague.org/my-league/offers-promotions/promos/mutt-i-grees-america-adopts-psa-contest.html.

Teachers and administrators may visit http://education.muttigrees.org/mutt-i-grees-america-adopts-psa-contest.

Exciting prizes include:

One (1) Grand Prize: One School will win a $14,000 prize package consisting of:

$10,000 Grant
A visit to the winning school by Cesar Millan, the host of National Geographic WILD The Dog Whisperer series
Cesar's new network Nat Geo WILD will also premiere the winning PSA.
A trip for four (4) to a North Shore Animal League America's DogCatemy Rescue Awards Dinner in New York City
100 Mutt-i-grees T-Shirts

Four (4) Regional Prizes: One school in each of four U.S. regions will win

$1,500 Grant
50 Mutt-i-grees T-Shirts

The Mutt-i-grees Curriculum was developed by The Pet Savers Foundation, in collaboration with the Yale University School of the 21st Century, and was graciously funded by The Millan Foundation.

Parents & Students…

The Mutt-i-grees Curriculum is an innovative curriculum that capitalizes on the affinity between children and animals, and teaches children to be calm, confident and caring. The curriculum also teaches the wonderful and unique traits of shelter pets, and promotes shelter adoption. Ask your Teacher or School Administrator to sign up for the Mutt-i-grees Curriculum today at education.muttigrees.org/signup.

Teachers & School Administrators..

If you're not yet teaching The Mutt-i-grees Curriculum in your school, learn how you can receive this groundbreaking curriculum for grades Pre-K – 6 at education.muttigrees.org/signup.

This contest is open to Accredited Schools in the U.S. and the District of Columbia that educate children in any, or all, of the following Grades: Pre-K, Kindergarten, Grades 1-6 ("Eligible Schools"). An entry must be submitted by a School Administrator or Teacher from an Eligible School and as outlined in the Contest Official Rules. Limit one (1) entry per Eligible School. Contest is void where prohibited and ends 9/30/11.

CONTACT:
Devera Lynn
North Shore Animal League America
516.883.7633
[email protected]

SOURCE North Shore Animal League America