Just A Buck, Change Their Luck(TM) Campaign to Save Canada's Homeless Pets Kicks Off April 12

Ontario Artist Creates Collectible Artwork for Pet Enthusiasts

PHOENIX, AZ -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 03/19/08 --

WHAT: PetSmart Charities of Canada(TM) announces its Spring 2008 Just A Buck, Change Their Luck(TM) fundraiser to help save the lives of homeless pets across Canada. PetSmart customers who donate $5 will receive a mouse pad, $10 will receive a T-shirt, or $15 will receive a tote bag. Each item features the collectible artwork entitled "Pickles and Coffee" designed by artist Julie Deans specifically for this PetSmart Charities fundraising campaign.

WHY: PetSmart Charities raises funds to support local animal welfare agencies that help save the lives of homeless pets. Last year the Canadian Just a Buck, Change Their Luck campaign raised $269,399 to support spay/neuter, adoption, education, home retention and emergency relief programs. All funds raised within a province are granted to animal welfare agencies operating in that province.

WHEN / WHERE: All Canadian PetSmart stores April 12-27 To find your local PetSmart store visit http://stores.petsmart.com/petsmart/ or to donate online visit http://www.petsmartcharities.org/donate/just-a-buck.php.

WHO: PetSmart Charities of Canada, Inc. (PCCI) is a registered charity that creates and supports programs that save the lives of homeless pets, raises awareness of companion animal welfare issues, and promotes healthy relationships between people and pets. Since 1999, PCCI has donated more than $1.4 million to animal welfare agencies in Canada. To learn more about how PCCI is working to help find a lifelong, loving home for every pet, visit www.petsmartcharities.ca.

Julie Deans has been drawing and painting for more than 20 years, currently utilizing her skills in custom pet portraits and animal art. Deans is an honors graduate from the Desktop Publishing program at Mohawk College. There she was able to expand upon her computer skills and learn an abundance of different illustration methods including pen and ink, colored pencil, gouache, marker, airbrush and more. Deans' passion for animals is obvious in her work and in the time she spends helping rescue organizations and shelters. Her work can be seen on her website at www.juliesillustration.com. Deans currently resides in Milton, Ontario with her husband, two dogs, and many, many fish.

Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=719770

CONTACT: Paige Donnelly 623-587-2872 office 602-418-8000 cell pdonnelly@petsmartcharities.org

2008-03-19 18:13:02 0316775 MARKETWIRE