SAN DIEGO, Oct. 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Adopt a shelter animal during Petco's National Adoption Weekend taking place at stores nationwide October 5-6, 2013 and discover the therapeutic and sometimes lifesaving benefits of being a pet parent. People with pets have lower blood pressure in stressful situations, are less likely to suffer from depression, and experience elevated levels of serotonin and dopamine while petting their furry friend, which calm and relax, helping pet parents live a happier, healthier life.

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Find your perfect rescue pet with Petco's Online Adoption Search.

Take for example SSG Jesse Knott who rescued an injured kitten while deployed to Afghanistan in 2010, thus beginning what was to become a mutually life saving relationship between the two. Knott was struggling with depression, a failing marriage and the traumatic loss of fellow soldiers, while the residual effects of injuries he had sustained during his deployment in Iraq were taking a toll on his morale. Caring for this kitten, which he named Koshka, gave him strength during the darkest hours when life seemed meaningless. Knott realized he could not leave his companion behind in Afghanistan and began the difficult process of sending Koshka home to live with his parents in Portland, Oregon. The kitten was sent with an Afghani interpreter across 400 miles of a war zone to a rescue organization in Kabul, eventually making it safely to the US and into the arms of Knott's mother who is grateful everyday to Koshka for giving her son the strength to go on.

Those interested in learning more about pet adoption can attend the National Adoption Weekend events taking place at Petco and Unleashed by Petco locations nationwide. And, in recognition of animals who have dedicated their lives to helping people, Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance® and the Petco Foundation have joining forces to give back to Therapy, Service and Military Dogs for all the honorable work they do during the month of October. Pet lovers can show their support by donating at the register or by purchasing a 25-pound bag of Natural Balance Legume and Duck dog food with all proceeds going towards service animals. Donations can also be made online at www.petco.com/foundation.

Pet adoption times may vary, so it's recommended to contact the nearest location for adoption hours. For more information on adoption events in your area, visit www.petco.com/adoptions.

About PetcoPetco is a leading pet specialty retailer that focuses on nurturing the powerful relationship between people and pets. We do this by providing the products, services, advice and experiences that keep pets physically fit, mentally alert, socially engaged and emotionally happy. Everything we do is guided by our vision for Healthier Pets. Happier People. Better World. We operate more than 1,250 stores nationwide and in Puerto Rico, including more than 80 Unleashed by Petco locations, a smaller format neighborhood shop; nine Pooch Hotel destinations for pet daycare, boarding and spa services; and petco.com. The Petco Foundation, an independent nonprofit organization, has raised more than $115 million since it was created in 1999 to help promote and improve the welfare of companion animals. In conjunction with the Foundation, we work with and support thousands of local animal welfare groups across the country and, through in-store adoption events, help find homes for more than 350,000 animals every year.

Contact:Allie Maltese619-501-2756amaltese@west-pr.com

 

SOURCE Petco