THE LUCKIEST DOG Races to Victory Lane in Phoenix

PEDIGREE(R) Brand Names Texas Pooch Winner of 'THE LUCKIEST DOG(TM) of NASCAR(R)'

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Nov. 10 -- There's a new lady making her debut in the world of NASCAR®. Kasey Petit, a four-year-old rescue dog, was named THE LUCKIEST DOG(TM) of NASCAR® through a contest sponsored by PEDIGREE® Food for Dogs, the Official Dog Food of NASCAR® and proud sponsor of the No. 18 PEDIGREE® Toyota Camry.

The adopted shelter dog will have her photo round the track on the car of her favorite driver, Kyle Busch, during the Checker Auto Parts 500 in Phoenix on November 15 (2:30 p.m. EST, ABC). Kasey's winning entry was submitted by her proud owners Joan and Charles Petit of Kellar, Texas, who will be treated to a three-day / two-night trip to the race where they'll see their four-legged friend's face round the track firsthand.

Throughout the season, NASCAR® -loving pet owners were encouraged to submit a race-themed photo of their pooch. Kasey was selected from 1,443 entries and 20 weekly finalists as the grand prize winner by a panel of judges, including Kyle Busch.

"In NASCAR® terminology, a 'lucky dog,' gives the driver of the next lapped car behind the leader a lap back during a caution," says Petit, an avid NASCAR® fan. "Kasey is our lucky dog; we gave her a second chance at life and, thanks to PEDIGREE®, she gave us the opportunity of a lifetime!"

To help shelter dogs like Kasey nationwide, the PEDIGREE® Brand created The PEDIGREE Foundation, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to helping dogs in need find loving homes by supporting the good work shelters and breed rescue organizations throughout the country. Dog lovers who want to show their support for the cause can make a donation to the Foundation by logging onto pedigree.com. All donations are tax-deductible.

"Through no fault of their own, more than four million dogs end up in shelters every year," said John Anton, Marketing Director of the PEDIGREE® Brand. "We are excited to celebrate Kasey Petit, she is a wonderful example of the joy a shelter dog can bring to one's life."

About PEDIGREE® Brand

PEDIGREE® Brand is the number one brand of dog food in the world, offering a wide variety of products for different dog life stages. As an innovative market leader, PEDIGREE® Brand is at the forefront of pet nutrition and understands pet owner needs by providing a range of innovative products and resources.

About Mars Petcare U.S.

Mars Petcare U.S. is the U.S. petcare operations of Mars, Incorporated, one of the world's leading food manufacturers. Headquartered in Franklin, TN, Mars Petcare U.S. employs more than 3,000 associates in the United States, with 21 facilities nationwide and owns some of the world's favorite pet care brands, including PEDIGREE® Brand Food for Dogs, CESAR® Canine Cuisine, WHISKAS® Brand Food for Cats, and THE GOODLIFE RECIPE® Brand

About Mars, Incorporated

Mars, Incorporated is a private, family-owned company founded in 1911 and employing more than 65,000 associates at over 230 sites, including 135 factories, in 68 countries worldwide. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, U.S.A., Mars, Incorporated is one of the world's largest food companies, generating global revenues of more than $30 billion annually and operating in six business segments: Chocolate, Petcare, Wrigley Gum and Confections, Food, Drinks, and Symbioscience. These segments produce some of the world's leading brands: Chocolate - M&M'S®, SNICKERS®, DOVE®, GALAXY®, MARS®, MILKY WAY® and TWIX®; Petcare - PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, SHEBA®, CESAR® and ROYAL CANIN®; Wrigley - ORBIT®, EXTRA®, STARBURST®, DOUBLEMINT® and SKITTLES®; Food - UNCLE BEN'S®, DOLMIO®, EBLY®, MASTERFOODS® and SEEDS OF CHANGE®; Drinks - KLIX® and FLAVIA®; Symbioscience - WISDOM PANEL(TM), SERAMIS®, and COCOAPRO(TM).

®/(TM) Trademarks © Mars, Incorporated 2009. NASCAR is a ® trademark of National Association for Stock Car Autoracing, Inc. Other trademarks are property of their respective owners.