February 11, 2005

To help increase pet ownership in Oregon and Southwest Washington, the Trail Blazers have partnered with the Oregon Human Society and Nestle Purina. During upcoming home Trail Blazers games, the Oregon Humane Society will bring a variety of dogs, cats and rabbits where the general public will be able to interact with the animals and complete adoption paper work. Future pet owners will be provided a gift bag filled with a variety of Nestle Purina items.

One of only a few professional NBA teams to conduct in-arena adoptions the Trail Blazers have close to a five-year relationship with the Oregon Humane Society. In fact, team mascot Blaze-the-Trail Cat was adopted from the Humane Society! In previous years, pet adoptions held at the Rose Garden have resulted in a 100% adoption rate, with over 350 guests going home with a loving four-legged companion.

The first of four pet adoptions during the remaining 2004 – 2005 NBA season will launch on Wednesday, February 23rd at 7pm when the Trail Blazers play the Los Angeles Lakers.

“We can learn much from our animal companions,” said Kathy Covey, Communications and Events Direct with the Oregon Humane Society. “From our pets, we learn how to give and receive unconditional love, how to indulge ourselves in the simplest of pleasures, and how to practice the fine art of guiltless relaxation. The Oregon Humane Society, along with its partners the Portland Trail Blazers and Purina, encourage you to indulge in the joys of pet ownership and to find your new best friend from OHS.”

“Purina is proud to partner with the Portland Trail Blazers and Oregon Humane Society to support pet adoptions,” said Eric Boonshaft, Field Marketing Manager for Nestle Purina Petcare. “We encourage responsible pet ownership and invite you to visit the Oregon Humane Society and consider adopting a new pet into your home.”

Click here for more information about the Oregon Humane Society.