Zuke’s® Kicks off Keep Hope Alive™ 2011 Promotion

Durango, Colo. (March 7, 2011) – Zuke’sâ„¢ is proud to reinforce its 2011 support for The Dog and Cat Cancer Fund â„¢ (DCCF) with the launch of the ‘Keep Hope Alive’ promotion. The promotional campaign is designed to make a difference in the lives of pets and pet owners by directly donating money to the DCCF, an organization that helps families who cannot afford life saving treatments for their pets with cancer.

Zuke’s recognizes the unfortunate, yet increasing mortality rate of cancer in pets; canine cancer causes nearly 50-percent deaths in older dogs.

Since 2008, Zuke’s has been committed to creating positive change through its business to fund programs that help combat canine and feline cancer. Zuke’s is proud to have helped the DCCF support over 60 individual pets and their families in the fight against cancer, but realizes there is a lot more support that can be offered. In 2010, Zuke’s donated over $40,000 to the DCCF and hopes to raise over $15,000 through this campaign alone.

For 2011, Zuke’s has issued a call to action on behalf of the DCCF: Zuke’s encourages retailers and customers alike to take part in the ‘Keep Hope Alive’ promotion that will run from April through June 2011. In addition to donating a portion of Zuke’s annual sales, the promotion will also donate $.50 to the DCCF for every UPC they receive in the mail, as well as 25-percent of the sales from specially branded promotional two-packs of Jerky Naturals.

“My dog, Zuke, was the inspiration for the company’s inception, but also for the commitment to The Dog and Cat Cancer Fund, as Zuke was a victim of cancer,” said Patrick Meiering, founder of Zuke’s.

“We are positive that Zuke’s ‘Keep Hope Alive’ promotion will push their contributions even higher and help us launch our research program in 2011. The additional funds will also directly help even more dogs and cats get treatment this year,” said Christopher Meiering, Ph.D., executive director of the DCCF.

Beyond monetary donations, one of Zuke’s core values is to promote and further the benefits of leading a healthy, active and devoted life with your pet, everyday. As part of their commitment to a maintaining a healthy planet for all pet owners and their pets: Zuke’s is made in the USA, uses only the cleanest, all-natural ingredients, powers their offices with green energy, uses 100-percent wind energy to manufacture their baked treats and uses post-consumer recycled packaging as often as is possible.

To learn more about The Dog and Cat Cancer Fund, please fan them on their newly-launched Facebook page, and visit http://www.DCCFund.org. For updates about the ‘Keep Hope Alive Promotion’, pet health information and testimonials please follow the Zuke’s ‘Dog Blog’.

About Zuke’sâ„¢
Zuke’s was founded in 1995 on the realization that pets need healthy, all–natural treats, just as much as people do. Named after the founder, Patrick Meiering’s loving chocolate Lab, the company is dedicated to creating tasty, healthy treats and chews that meet the unique nutritional needs of dogs and cats to keep them performing at their best. Zuke’s also supports a non-profit started by Meiering in memory of his companion. Each year, the company donates a portion of its revenues to the Dog and Cat Cancer Fund in memory of Zuke. Visit them online at www.dccfund.org.

Zuke’s is headquartered in Durango, Colo. and was chosen as one of the Top 50 Colorado Companies to Watch in 2009. Visit http://www.zukes.com for more information.

The Dog and Cat Cancer Fund Contact Information:
PO Box 1287
Durango, CO 81302
www.dccfund.org
chris@dccfund.org

Media Contact:
Mary Jane Carroll
Verde PR & Consulting
mj@verdepr.com
(970)-259-3555