2.) Failure to Spay or Neuter a New Cat – The overwhelming cat population problem society faces is reason alone to spay and neuter. Add the medical problems averted by S/N and there is no reason not to do so.

3.) Neglecting Needed Veterinary Treatment – Although cats may quickly recover from minor illnesses, they can just as quickly pass away if an emergency isn’t recognized.

4.) False Economy in Cat Food Choices – Money saved by buying cheap food will be spent hundreds of times over on veterinary care.

5.) Declawing without all the Facts- Some veterinarians consider declawing a “routine” surgery, while cat advocates consider it cruel, inhumane and unnecessary. Learn the facts so that you can make an informed decision.

6.) Allowing a Cat to Roam Free Outdoors -  While cats enjoy the sunshine and outdoors, cats who live totally indoors can be very happy and healthy. However, the outdoors offers dangers. Fortunately, there are a number of compromises that will give your cat the best of both worlds while keeping them happy and safe.

7.) Neglecting Litter Box Maintenance – Carefully maintaining your cat’s litter box will almost guarantee you that you will not be faced with litter box avoidance problems.

8.) Considering a Cat Property – You can no more “own” a cat than you can own another a human being. If you haven’t figured out the distinction, your new cal will let you know in quick order.

9.) Not allowing a Cat to be a Cat – A cat is not a child, and a cat is not a dog. Cat’s unique ways make them the endearing creatures they are. Our job is to accommodate those needs in acceptable ways.

Petey’s Promise announced today its first annual “Petey’s Promise Pet Awareness” Commercial Contest sponsored by Wiley X Eyewear®.

The contest is open to all University of North Carolina at Charlotte students, and will consist of one 30-second commercial promoting Petey’s Promise and responsible pet ownership and awareness.

“We are really excited about this opportunity to see what the creative and fresh minds of the UNC Charlotte students produce,” said Liz Mellott, president and founder of Petey’s Promise.

“Initially, we are opening this up to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte students. Hopefully we will encourage other Nationwide colleges to participate and promote the need for pet food banks across the Country in the future.”

The contest will be held on the Petey’s Promise page on the online social media site YouTube.com (www.youtube.com/peteyspromise). Voters of all ages will be encouraged to log onto the page and vote for their favorite submission.

Petey’s Promise will not limit the total number of entries. However, the starting top 50 commercials to be considered for voting will be selected solely by the Petey’s Promise team. Public voting will begin April 5th, 2010, with eliminations announced in the following order until the Grand Prize winner is announced. The top 50 will be posted April 5^th, the top 25 announced April 12^th, top 10 April 19^th, top five April 26^th, and the Grand Prize team will be announced Monday, May 3^rd.

Contest teams may consist of one to four people (not including pets), and entrants should be between 18-24 years of age. Send submissions to peteyspromise@gmail.com from March 8th-26^th via YouSendIt.com. Please, legitimate entries only!

The Grand Prize team will receive two men’s and two women’s pieces of Wiley X custom eyewear, along with other contributions from local vendors, such as Foster’s Grille of Concord, NC. Wiley X Eyewear®, a leading provider of protective eyewear systems, offers a full range of high-performance protective eyewear products which has lead to increased brand recognition and growing use among enthusiasts of a wide variety of demanding outdoor sports and activities, including boating, fishing, motorcycle riding, mountain biking, rock climbing and more. For further information about Wiley X or to view its product line, please log onto www.wileyx.com.

Petey’s Promise, Provisions for Pets in Need, is a 501c3 non-profit that provides pet food and supplies for pet owners in the Greater Carolina area who require assistance to care for their beloved animals, versus having to surrender them to a shelter or foster home. For further information regarding Petey’s Promise or the contest please log onto www.peteyspromise.org or email us at peteyspromise@gmail.com.

We all know that February can be quite an eventful month, from Valentines Day to the beginning of the NASCAR season. With Valentine’s Day just passing it would be a great opportunity to do something loving for other pets that may not have been so fortunate on this special day. Donating to Petey’s Promise is a great way to “show some love.”

The 2010-year is moving quickly and we are working hard to plan some great events. We have had such success in the past year that our expectations remain high. Our team is currently in the works of planning another fundraiser to be held at the Kannapolis Intimidators game. More information will be provided soon.

Hopefully this month we will be holding a contest open to all UNCC students for the chance to create Petey’s Promise’s first commercial! For all you tech savvy students, get ready because this is your chance! An event will be sent out this week through Facebook with more details.

Stay tuned for more updates!

-Jen

I always get so emotional when I think of all the animals that have been helped since the one fateful day I dreamed up the idea of Petey’s Promise. Thinking I surely had lost my mind, I emailed my dear friend Corinne about the crazy idea of starting a pet food bank. When she said it was a great idea, I turned to my forever partner in crime, Sara, with my crazy idea. Surely, she would talk me out of it. No chance! She was just as excited as I was, and instantly offered to help. Little did she know I would drag her just as deep into the depths of this as I went, and luckily for me she went along willingly.

You see, without help and support of  friends and loved ones, like all of you, this would never have been possible. So, remember in these trying times to surround yourself with positive people who will not only encourage you to live your dream, but will hold your hand along the path just as my friends have.

If you haven’t heard, NHRA Top Fuel driver, Cory McClenathan and Funny Car driver, Jack Beckman, are both going to be signing autographs and posing for pictures during the Petey’s Promise Night at the Chick-fil-a on Concord Mills Blvd., Concord, NC, this Wednesday, Sept. 16th from 5-7pm. Petey’s Promise will receive a portion of all the sales during that time. So, come out, wear your NHRA, NASCAR or Petey’s Promise gear and support us!

Also, we have several events coming up in October, so I will touch base with all of you and let you know more details about those next week.

Sara, Petey and I went back to college August 28th and had a ball. Actually, we were invited to speak to a couple of classes at Pfeiffer University regarding taking our love and passion for animals and turning it into a successful 501 (c) 3. It was so much fun, and Petey loved hanging out with all the college students. He is beginning to be think he is quite the celebrity, but Sara and I are going to keep him grounded. We will have pictures for you soon.

In case you haven’t checked out our website lately, we have fed 843 animals to date, and I want to thank all of you for your support! Although this is great news, I have a feeling we are just beginning as the cold weather and holidays approach.

That’s all for now, and we hope to see you Wednesday night!

Best Wishes,

Petey, and his secretary – Liz