MEDIA ALERT-NOVEMBER 22, 2002

RUN WITH THE BIG DOGS! HUMANE "STRONGEST DOG ON THE BLOCK" CONTEST BACK IN NYC BY POPULAR DEMAND

In addition to the popular Weight Pull, Craig Rogers, a professional competitor in the sport of canine Frisbee®, will do an exciting Frisbee® demonstratration and will offer freelessons to anyone interested in getting their dog started in this fun, fast-paced, interactive dog sport

Community Animal Shelter Association (CASA) returns to New York City again this Friday with its humane alternative to urban dog fighting, the "Strongest Dog on the Block" Contest. Brought to the community through CASA program Training Wheels™, the contest works like this: After signing in, dogs are divided into groups based on their weight and size. The dogs are fitted, one at a time, with a special harness and sled. Weight, made up of dog food bags, is then piled on the sled. Using positive training methods, the dogs then plow to the finish line, which is about 20 feet from the starting point.

Strongest Dog on the Block" offers a realistic alternative to dog fighting by replacing it with a sport that is exciting, safe, humane, and enjoyed by both dogs and people alike. Plus, the social aspects of the community event and the incentive of cash prizes draw enthusiastic participants and spectators.

SPEAKING OF PRIZES...

Not only are cash prizes awarded to first, second, and third place winners, but most importantly, spayed or neutered pit bulls and pit bull mixed breeds that place in the contest receive double the cash prize (statistically, a larger percentage of pit bulls are bred for the purpose of dog fighting than any other breed). Animal Farm Foundation will provide a matching cash prize donation for pit bulls and pit bull mixed breeds meeting those guidelines. Training Wheels will also provide free spay and neuter information to the community at the event.

I'M INTERESTED. WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE?

The Strongest Dog on the Block Contest will be held November 22, 6pm-8pm at Marcus Garvey Park at 120th and Madison in New York City. The Craig Rogers canine Frisbee demonstration and free lessons will take place throughout the evening. In the event of rain, the contest will be rescheduled.

For more information on CASA, CASA Director Sue Sternberg, Training Wheels, and other animal programs, please see www.casafriends.org.

ABOUT CASA

CASA seeks to bring all animal shelters together in support of a common goal: Making animal shelters the #1 community resource for pets and people, either as a resource before a pet is in danger of being relinquished or as a trustworthy provider of safe, wonderful family pets.

CASA offers training, certification and continuing education for shelter professionals and dog trainers. Training Wheels courses and certification are now available to those who wish to bring this unique outreach program into neighborhoods in need.

For more information about CASA programs or becoming a CASA sponsor, please visit www.CASAfriends.org or contact the Community Animal Shelter Association at (845) 687-4406.

Media Contact:

Melissa London
Hats Off Communications
Melissa@hatsoff.net
802-464-5487