Guide Dogs of the Desert Open New Palm Springs Depot

Promoting our new program to support Guide Dogs of the Desert, a PETCO team attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony last Wednesday to celebrate the opening of the organization’s new Guide Dog Depot in downtown Palm Springs, Calif.

Since it is very expensive to raise and train guide dogs, many visually impaired people cannot afford to buy a guide dog so Natural Balance and PETCO teamed up to provide free food to Guide Dogs of the Desert and to raise additional money for the organization, which places service dogs to visually impaired people throughout California, Arizona and New Mexico.

A large crowd turned out in support of the Guide Dogs, including Natural Balance owner and actor Dick Van Patten. In addition, pop superstar Barry Manilow – who lives in Palm Springs, also attracted fans, newspaper photographers and CBS television who were covering the event.

For a limited time, PETCO stores on the West Coast will carry specially marked large bags of Natural Balance formulas. Natural Balance will donate $.50 for each specially marked bag sold at PETCO.

Additionally, PETCO stores on the West Coast will also host a “round up” fundraiser with the funds going to Guide Dogs of the Desert.

I am really impressed with Guide Dogs of the Desert and how true they are to their mission to help the visually impaired through the human-animal bond. It was an honor for me to represent PETCO to Guide Dogs of the Desert

Rick Rockhill
Merchandise Manager