Thanks to two fundraisers held in 2006 at Petco (on Loop 281 in Longview), the furry friends of the Humane Society of Northeast Texas will benefit from $497 in donations from the Petco Foundation. The Humane Society received the two grants this month and will put them to immediate use caring for the more than 100 animals housed in the shelter each day.

Petco's Tree of Hope fundraiser raised over $2.7 million nationally. Seventy percent of the funds donated by Petco customers, associates, and vendors during the five-week campaign went to more than 4,000 animal organizations Petco partners with in the communities they share, including the Humane Society of Northeast Texas. The remaining thirty percent of the funds raised will be distributed to assist local animals during the balance of 2007.

Petco's 2006 Round Up/Spay Today fundraiser not only raised money for local animal welfare groups, but also promoted the important message of spaying and neutering. Each year, millions of unwanted litters of puppies and kittens are taken to animal shelters throughout the country. Although some will find lifelong homes with loving adopters, 75%-80% will be euthanized due to space restrictions in already over-crowded shelters. Spaying and neutering family pets is the only way to end the tragic overpopulation problem.

"We are grateful for the support of the local Petco store, the national Petco Foundation, and all of the Petco customers who donate to help animals," said Roxanne Hutson, Executive Director of the Humane Society of Northeast Texas. "With more than 10,000 lost and unwanted pets coming through our doors each year, every dollar is significant in helping us provide for their care."

Petco is committed to quality animal care and education through the products and services they provide to their customers. The Petco Foundation, Petco's non-profit organization, has raised more than $34 million since its inception in 1999. Through the Foundation, Petco endeavors to be a community leader in promoting the welfare of companion animals and celebrating the human-animal bond. For more information on ways you can  help support animals in need, visit www.petco.com or contact the Humane Society of Northeast Texas at 903-297-2170.