16 Oct 2007

Los Angeles - October 16, 2007, The Morris Animal Foundation is dedicated to funding research studies to protect, treat and cure animals. The Foundation launched a five-year, $30-million global campaign to cure canine cancer in April of this year. Pets Best Insurance has pledged one million dollars towards this goal to help fund clinical trials to develop treatments to help dogs suffering from cancer now, as well as fund genetic, environmental and other studies to find cures. World-renowned scientists and cancer specialists agree that this MAF-led effort will not only save countless dogs from suffering and premature death, but should also help produce breakthroughs in the prevention, treatment, and cures of human cancers – in particular, childhood cancers.

Pets Best announced that the Morris Animal Foundation Canine Cancer Campaign will be featured on the hood of the Pets Best #61 ShelterBest, Racing to Save Pets NASCAR. The Toyota All Star Showdown at Irwindale Speedway (Near Los Angeles) Saturday, October 20, 2007 is the biggest and most important race of the year for the NASCAR Grand National Series. There will be over 20,000 race fans at the track and over 125 million television viewers at home.

Pets Best Insurance and the Morris Animal Foundation have a shared and immediate goal to collaborate on programs to educate pet parents about how to detect cancer, expand treatment options and find a cure for cancer. “Cancer is a terrible problem for all dogs - YOUR DOG - one in four dogs die of cancer. 60% of Golden Retriever’s die of cancer. Morris Animal Foundation, with the help of great companies like Pets Best is working to cure canine cancer and help treat dogs that have the disease – and the very same treatments that are helping dogs are helping human cancer patients,” stated Michael Burke, vice president of the Morris Animal Foundation.

To support pet families and encourage more cancer care and treatments, Pets Best has teamed up with Oncura Partners, a leader in online consultation for cancer, to provide any pet owner, through their pet’s treating veterinarian with a FREE consultation with a cancer specialist. Pets Best will have noted veterinarians Dr. Alice Villalobos and Dr. Brian Huber at this NASCAR race to speak with families and members of the media about pet cancer.

“Half the population of dogs and cats aged 10 and over will die of cancer. The bonds that clients have developed with their older pets are especially strong and drive the increasing demand for more proficient and highly compassionate medical treatment of companion animals diagnosed with cancer. The Pets Best National Oncology Initiative is an important effort that provides treatments and raises awareness. More families need to be aware and provided with the option to consider life-saving treatments for their beloved pets,” according to Alice Villalobos, an LA-based leading veterinarian and author.

The no-cost Internet consultation is available for all pets in the United States with cancer. Pet families need not have Pets Best Insurance, but the pet owner must obtain the online consultation through their veterinarian. (Veterinarian to Specialist) This Internet consultation will provide best treatment options and guidance in the treatment process for the pet's cancer through their local veterinarian. “We think this will translate into more pets receiving care that will cure their cancer or extend their quality of life,” said Greg McDonald, CEO of Pets Best.

Families will receive this valuable initial consultation at no cost with a pet oncologist (cancer specialist) for their pet with any form of cancer. Pet families can learn more by visiting the Pet Cancer Foundation at www.petcancerfoundation.org.

About Pets Best Insurance: Pets Best Insurance reimburses pet owners for services from the veterinarian they choose, with no schedules or fee restrictions, truly establishing it as "Pet insurance that really pays!" Pets Best Insurance was founded by Dr. Jack Stephens, the pioneer of American pet insurance with over 25 years in the pet insurance industry. Dr. Stephens is also an accomplished veterinarian and avid pet enthusiast. Pets Best includes a choice of three affordable coverage plans with a straightforward 80:20 claims reimbursement structure and NO benefit schedules. The Pets Best Insurance team is a highly skilled and professional group of pet lovers who have developed products based on innovation and insight into veterinary care. Visit Pets Best Insurance at www.petsbest.com or phone Pets Best Insurance at 877-PetsBest (738-7237). Pets Best, Simply the best pet insurance.

Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) answers a critical and unique need in promoting and protecting animal health and welfare and advancing veterinary medicine. MAF is the world’s largest nonprofit foundation 501(c)(3) dedicated to funding research studies to protect, treat and cure animals, including companion animals (dogs, cats, horses, llamas/alpacas), as well as wildlife (mountain gorillas, elephants, rhinoceros, wolves, and many varieties of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish). Nearly 50 of the world’s most respected research institutions, colleges of veterinary medicine, and zoos are conducting about 120 MAF-sponsored studies and 30 veterinary student projects. Since our founding in 1948, we have funded almost 1,400 studies with funds of more than $51 million — with 100 percent of all annual donations going to fund animal health.

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