DENTON COUNTY PET SITTERS ASSOCIATION HELPS FORGOTTEN PETS WITH THE LAUNCH OF ITS “PAWS FOR THE HOLIDAYS” CAMPAIGN.

DENTON COUNTY, TX NOVEMBER 3, 2007 – With the holiday season quickly approaching, the Denton County Pet Sitters Association (DCPSA) is doing its part to ensure homeless pets are not forgotten this year. DCPSA is proud to announce the launch of the “Paws for the Holidays” campaign, a collection drive to benefit pets in local shelters by providing items desperately needed to help keep these organizations operational and animals comfortable and safe.

“This is a great opportunity for all animal lovers, pet owners or not, to help provide for those animals often forgotten about during this special time of year,” said Sheila Wilson, founder of Denton County Pet Sitters Association. “The objectives of this campaign are in-line with those of the DCPSA – to advocate for the welfare of animals and promote the value of professional pet sitting by connecting the pet community and its supporters at the professional level.”

The program will run November 4 through December 4, coinciding with the Humane Society of the United States’ National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week. DCPSA members are encouraging the community them to collect and donate a variety of items including pet shampoo, shampoo mitts, rawhides and chews, dog and cat treats, collars, cat beds, cat litter, Petco/PetSmart Gift Cards and Wal-Mart/Sam’s Gift Cards.

Several local businesses in Denton County will serve as drop-off locations for collected items including Dr. Doolittle’s Animal Hospital in Highland Village, Double Oak Veterinary Medical Center, Chiropractic Health Center in Flower Mound, Lewisville Feed Mill, Doors 4Pets & People in Lewisville, and Parker Square’s PakMail.

All donations will be given to the Hickory Creek Animal Shelter, DCPSA’s chosen recipient for this year’s campaign. The town of Hickory Creek, located between Lewisville and Corinth, is working hard to collect items and funding to benefit the animals in their facility. Not only do their Animal Services Department rescue stray animals, but they also provide medical treatment and foster homes so that rescued pets can find a new, forever family.

Kenneth Lowrie, Animal Control Officer for Hickory Creek, is very pleased that his town’s shelter was selected by DCPSA. “This will be great for us and all the pets that come thru here on their way to their new home,” Said Lowrie.

Additionally, with the expansion of I35E, the Hickory Creek shelter will soon be destroyed. They need the help of the surrounding communities to rebuild this home for the animals and to continue to provide them proper care.

To start their fundraising efforts for the Hickory Creek shelter, DCPSA participated in the city’s first annual Bark-in-the-Park event last weekend. Pet owners and their dogs were invited to Hickory Creek’s Arrowhead Park to take part in the fun of pet-related booths, pet costume contests, pet games, prize drawings, and more. All proceeds from the event benefited the Hickory Creek Animal Shelter.

DCPSA had their own booth at the Bark-in-the-Park event. “We had a dog version of the classic ‘Shell Game’,” said Charry Lackey, a member of Denton County Pet Sitters Association. “Four-legged visitors to our booth guessed where the dog treat was hidden, won a prize, and had a drink at the Doggy Watering Hole. This event was just another wonderful and fun opportunity for our association to help raise money for the building of a new shelter for Hickory Creek.”

DCPSA is a local network of professional pet sitting businesses dedicated to promoting the concept of in-home pet care, improving and expanding the pet sitting industry, and advocating for the welfare of animals. DCPSA provides valuable credibility, networking and education to help foster the success of its members. To learn more about the Hickory Creek Animal Shelter and to view animals available for adoption, please visit www.petfinder.com/shelters/TX398.html.

Visit www.dentoncountypetsitters.com for a complete list of drop-off locations, to contact a local pet sitter in your area to pick up the donations, or for more information on DCPSA and the “Paws for the Holidays” campaign.