Purina and International Kennel Club Support Canine Health Research

For the ninth year in row, Nestlé Purina PetCare representatives have presented a check to the AKC Canine Health Foundation at the International Kennel Club of Chicago Dog Show representing half the earnings from the 2010 Purina Parent Club Partnership (PPCP) Program.  This year more than $220,000 was given to the Foundation.  Since the program began in 2002, nearly $4 million has been raised for canine health research, with half the earnings going directly to the AKC Canine Health Foundation.

The same evening, a $12,600 gift from the International Kennel Club (IKC) of Chicago and Purina was also presented to the AKC Canine Health Foundation.  This marks the 13th year for the combined donation, which came from the IKC and Purina each contributing $5 per full-priced entry for a total of $10 per full-priced entry in the February 26th IKC Dog Show.

Both gifts – totaling over $230,000 -- were presented February 26th at the Purina Invitational Ball held during the IKC Dog Show Cluster.

Cindy Vogels, Chairman of the Foundation, accepted the donation. “Our friends at Purina have, through their passion and devotion to purebred dogs, been stalwart supporters of the Canine Health Foundation and the AKC CHF once again thanks the Nestlé Purina Breeder Enthusiast Group, headed up by Ann Vickland, for your outstanding contribution,” she said. “Lou, your passion for the sport of purebred dogs has elevated IKC into the premier event it is today, and the CHF thanks you for your generosity.”

Ann Viklund, Purina Director of Conformation, Sporting and Breeder Marketing, said, “It truly is a pleasure for Purina to partner with the IKC in support of the AKC Canine Health Foundation. This partnership – now in its 13th year -- is deeply rooted in our shared commitment to this very special organization and all the good work it does for the dogs that we love.”

Lou Auslander, IKC President, said, “We are pleased to work with Purina and to be able to support the AKC Canine Health Foundation in this way. Canine health is important to everyone in the fancy, and everyone who owns a dog. We hope that we are, in some small way, making a difference.” 

Ms. Viklund, accompanied by Connie Wagner, Senior Manager, Breeder/Enthusiast Group and Mr. Auslander presented the donations to the Foundation’s Vogels and Dr. Terry Warren, CEO and General Counsel.