AKC Canine Health Foundation - 4

1 CHECKERBOARD SQUARE
ST. LOUIS, MO 63164, USA
August 11, 2023
On behalf of Purina, welcome to the 14th
biannual AKC Canine Health Foundation National Parent Club
Canine Health Conference. Purina is proud to be a corporate partner of the Foundation and sponsor of this
conference since 1997.
St. Louis is home to the North American headquarters for Nestlé Purina PetCare, the maker of Purina Pro
Plan, the dog food fed to 94 of the top 100 all-breed show champions. Purina was founded 125 years ago by
William H. Danforth, who chose the name Purina because it reflected his belief in the purity of quality
products. In 1926, Purina began producing food for hunting dogs and working farm dogs that was sold
through rural Purina feed dealers. Today, the values and beliefs of our founder still inspire all that we do.
Integrity, creativity, expertise, and the drive to continually challenge ourselves to do better to create richer
lives for pets and the people who love them.
Dedicated to helping keep pets and people together, In 2022 Purina provided more than $35 million in grants,
Purina pet food and Tidy Cats litter to organizations across the country. As domestic abuse increased, Purina
stepped up contributions to our Purple Leash Project partner RedRover to aid pet friendly domestic shelters.
These donations provide a lifeline to the most vulnerable and help shelters provide resources so survivors can
leave their abuser and bring their pets. Additionally, Purina now offers a recurring 16-week course for
employees and their family dogs to become certified pet therapy teams through Duo Dogs, a nonprofit
organization that trains assistance dogs. Upon graduation, certified teams are eligible to provide comfort and
healing for kids in the St. Louis area at Duo facility partner sites including schools, youth organizations,
hospitals, treatment centers and more. Animal-assisted therapy is proven to positively impact kids' mental
health. And the demand for these services is increasing rapidly.
In 2002, Purina began the Purina Parent Club Partnership Program to support canine health research, breed
rescue and education efforts. Thanks to the enthusiastic participation of members of parent clubs, over $8
million has been raised through the PPCP Program. During 2022, program participation resulted in over $95k
to your Donor Advised Funds at the AKC Canine Health Foundation, and a matching amount was distributed
directly to parent clubs. Together, we are funding scientific research to prevent, treat and cure canine
diseases.
Thank you for being part of this conference. We are glad you are here. We could not effectively get the word
out about the scientific canine research being presented here without you. You are the conduit to your parent
clubs, to dog breeders, and to show, sporting and performance competitors. Your voice will carry these
messages far and wide. You are our partner, and we are glad to work with you to ensure pets have the best
life possible.
With gratitude,
Scott Smith
Managing Director, Nestlé Purina PetCare

AKC Canine Health Foundation

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