Renowned Comedian and Cat Owner Michael Ian Black to Host “The Friskies” Award Show in New York City

Calling all cat video creators: “The Friskies” is back!

It’s time to capture your cat’s funniest or most adventurous moment and enter “The Friskies” for your opportunity to win a $5,000 cash prize and a custom-made gold plated Friskies Catuette, and take part in the live Award Show in New York City this fall.

Visit www.TheFriskies.com to learn more about how to enter now through July 15, 2013.

Debuting in 2012 as the major award show for the best new Internet cat videos of the year brought to you by Friskies® cat food, “The Friskies” returns for a second year to celebrate the pop culture phenomenon of cat videos and the cats who inspire them. Renowned comedian and cat owner Michael Ian Black will host the Award Show on October 15, 2013 in New York City to award $25,000 in cash prizes to winners in four categories and the popular Fan Favorite from 12 finalists. Category winners will be determined by public vote, and Fan Favorite will be chosen by public text vote on the day of the Award Show. The show will be broadcast live on TheFriskies.com. Friskies also will award more than 250,000 cans of Friskies cat food to 20 cat charity organizations nationwide as part of the program.

“We’re thrilled to bring “The Friskies” back for another year. The Contest celebrates the creativity and quirkiness of cats, and rewards those who showcase these unique qualities through the art form of cat videos,” said Shawn Brain, Friskies assistant brand manager. “We’re expecting thousands of entries this year. Cat video creators and viewers may participate by entering their videos in the Contest, voting for and sharing their favorites, helping our 20 cat charity partners earn donations of Friskies cat food, and tuning in to see Michael Ian Black host an all-new award show live from New York City.”

“Films may have the OSCARS®, but cat videos have ‘The Friskies,’ and I can’t wait to host the show,” said Black. “It’s going to be unlike anything you’ve ever seen. ”

“The Friskies” Contest Overview and Judging Panel:

The Call for Entries is open now through July 15, 2013. Cat video creators may upload videos up to two minutes in length at www.TheFriskies.com in one of four categories:

• Cat Comedy: Your cat(s) in an humorous situation
• Catventure: An indoor cat adventure
• Rescue Cat:  Your cat(s) adopted from a rescue group or shelter enjoying life
• Pursuit of Food/Treat: Your cat(s) pursuing or engaging with their cat food or treat(s)

All entries will be evaluated by an eclectic panel of judges with strong ties to popular cat culture. Judges will evaluate each entry using the following criteria to select 20 Semi-Finalists, five from each category: originality & overall artistic impression (25%), audience appeal & entertainment quality (25%), sense that there’s a story being told (25%), and portraying cat’s perspective (25%). The 2013 “The Friskies” judging panel includes:

• Will Braden: Creator of “Henri le Chat Noir”
• Mick Szydlowski: 2012 “The Friskies” Grand Prize Winner for “Oskar’s First Toys”
• Abbie Moore: Executive Director, Adopt-a-Pet.com

The 20 Semi-Finalists will be awarded a one-year supply of Friskies cat food and Friskies® Party Mix brand cat treats. The Semi-Finalists will be announced August 6, 2013 to kick off the public voting phase of the Contest. Cat video fans will have the opportunity to view, share and vote (limit one (1) vote per entry/per person/e-mail address per day) for their favorite Semi-Finalists’ videos through noon ET September 16, 2013. Based on the popular public vote, the top three from each category will be named Finalists, and will win a trip to New York City to take part in the Friskies Award Show October 15, 2013, live from New York City. One winner from each of the four categories will be announced during the show, and will receive a Friskies Catuette and a $5,000 cash prize. One Fan Favorite will be named based on public text vote on the day of the Award Show, and will receive a Friskies Catuette and a $5,000 cash prize.

Contest Rules

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and D.C., 18 years of age or older at the time of entry (19 years of age or older if a resident of AL or NE.) Entry period ends at 12:00:01 p.m. ET on 7/15/13. See Official Rules at www.TheFriskies.com. Sponsored by Nestlé Purina PetCare Company, Checkerboard Square, St. Louis, MO.

About Friskies

The Friskies® brand offers a complete line of great-tasting cat foods, including more than 60 wet, dry and treat varieties. Friskies is manufactured by Nestlé Purina PetCare, a global leader in the pet care industry. Nestlé Purina PetCare promotes responsible pet care, humane education, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets. The North American headquarters for Nestlé Purina PetCare is located at Checkerboard Square in St. Louis; Mo. Nestlé Purina PetCare is part of Swiss-based Nestlé S.A. – the world’s largest food company.

From the Creators of the Disney Buddies Franchise Comes the All-New Heartwarming and Hilarious Movie Starring the Most Adorable Talking Pups on the Planet!

 The New Litter Arrives This Holiday Season on Disney Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and HD Digital on November 20, 2012

From the creators of the #1 live-action, direct-to-video Disney Buddies franchise, comes “SANTA PAWS 2: THE SANTA PUPS,” an all-new heartwarming and hilarious adventure starring a brand new litter of the most adorable talking Great Pyrenees pups!

Premiering on Disney Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and Digital on November 20, 2012, “SANTA PAWS 2: THE SANTA PUPS” is the perfect film for the entire family to enjoy this coming Holiday Season!

And ThoughtsFurPaws.com is giving away TWO COPIES of the DVD pack! Simply leave us a comment on this post telling us why you want the DVD pack, then Tweet the post with hashtag #SantaPaws! Deadline to enter is Sunday, November 11 at 6 pm EST.

The film will be available for purchase at retail stores nationwide as a 2-Disc Blu-ray™ Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD) for the suggested retail price of $39.99, a 1-Disc DVD for the suggested retail price of $29.99, and via HD Digital for the suggested retail price of $39.99.

About the Film:

The story is full of holiday spirit and puppy mischief! Starring a brand-new litter of the cutest talking pups ever — Hope, Jingle, Charity and Noble — it’s perfect for the whole family. When Mrs. Claus travels to Pineville, the playful Santa Pups stow away on her sled. It takes mischief to a whole new level!

The North Pole has a new litter of playful pups! However, when the frisky foursome—Hope, Jingle, Charity and Noble—practically destroy Santa’s Workshop with their mischievous gamboling, they realize the best way to prove that they’re responsible enough to become Santa’s Helpers is to show how well they can spread the Christmas spirit all by themselves.

With help from a magic crystal, they start granting everyone’s wishes. But their good intentions backfire when one unhappy boy asks that Christmas go away forever! With his wish impetuously fulfilled, and the joyous spirit quickly disappearing from the planet, Mrs. Claus and the pups have to find a way to reverse the spell—or risk losing Christmas forever!

About The Pups:

This cute litter consists of three female pups and one male pup. HOPE is the daring tomboy who wears a backwards red cap and rarely looks before she leaps. JINGLE is the diva with a bell on her collar who loves to sing, but can’t carry a tune. CHARITY is the girliest and most self-centered of the pups, with a mistletoe barrette, who has yet to learn the meaning of her name. And NOBLE is the mischievous only brother and self-appointed leader who is distinguished by a cheeky black spot around his eye.

Stay connected with the latest news and information about “Santa Paws 2: The Santa Pups.”

• “Like” them on Facebook at facebook.com/TheDisneyBuddies
• View exciting trailers, games, video clips and more at www.Disney.com/SantaPups

 PetArmor® Encourages All Pet Lovers to Vote for Mary Cortani, CNN 2012 Hero of the Year and Help Our Disabled Veterans Get the Help They Need

PetArmor®, a brand focused on protecting pets by making veterinarian-quality products more affordable, this week announced a unique social media initiative to raise the visibility of Operation Freedom Paws.

Operation Freedom Paws’ mission is to match war veterans, many with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other invisible wounds, with shelter dogs and train them as a team to navigate life together. Operation Freedom Paws’ Founder and Executive Director, Mary Cortani, has been named one of CNN’s 2012 Top Ten Heroes. She is vying, amongst nine others, to be named the CNN “Hero of the Year” for 2012, an honor that spotlights “everyday people changing the world.”

In addition to its work protecting and raising the profile of shelter animals, PetArmor®, the No. 1 generic Fipronil flea and tick preventive at retail, is seeking to encourage fans, friends, veterans and all pet lovers to vote for Mary Cortani as the 2012 CNN Hero of the Year.

“In September, we experienced Mary’s work at Operation Freedom Paws first hand and captured an amazing video, which is now live on our website at petarmor.com/operationfreedompaws, says Alex Kaufman, President & CEO of FidoPharm, the makers of PetArmor®. Mr. Kaufman went on to say that “through the video we see how the dogs and veterans train together and ultimately save each other. Over the next few weeks we will be promoting the video and Operation Freedom Paws through our social media platforms including Facebook®, Twitter and blogger outreach to generate awareness of this incredible organization.”

 “We value our relationship with PetArmor®, which this year alone has donated over 15,000 doses of flea and tick protection and thousands of dollars to rescue organizations across the country,” says Julie Morris senior vice president of community outreach for the ASPCA. “Mary’s commitment to using shelter dogs in her program demonstrates the incredible resilience of these dogs and their desire to love and serve.”

“Operation Freedom Paws trains veterans and others with disabilities to train their own service dogs. We leverage the ability of the canine-human relationship to help our veterans regain their sense of purpose, worth and value to society and their community,” says Mary Cortani. “We are proud to partner with PetArmor® on this project; we share a common purpose and dedication to pets and providing our war veterans with shelter dogs.”

Alex Kaufman added, “We believe strongly in the mission and vision of Operation Freedom Paws and we are honored to help protect the dogs, which are protecting our military heroes who have protected our freedom.”

About CNN Worldwide

CNN Worldwide, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner Company, is the most trusted source for news and information. Its reach extends to nine cable and satellite television networks; one private place-based network; two radio networks; wireless devices around the world; CNN Digital Network, the No. 1 network of news Web sites in the United States; CNN Newsource, the world’s most extensively syndicated news service; and strategic international partnerships within both television and the digital media. For more information, visit www.CNNPressroom.com.

About Operation Freedom Paws

Founded in January 2010, Gilroy, California based Operation Freedom Paws is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that matches dogs with individuals who have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Complex-Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) and/or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) symptoms, or other physical, neurological, psychological or mobility needs.

We train the individual to train their own dog, and then certify them together as a service dog team in a 32-week program. Most of the dogs come from rescue shelters. This unique opportunity enables our clients to feel safe and secure, and to manage their day-to-day lives. The very special therapeutic canine-human relationship helps them get back out in their communities and begin to view their future with renewed hope. www.operationfreedompaws.org.

About the ASPCA

Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is the first animal welfare organization in North America and serves as the nation’s leading voice for animals. More than two million supporters strong, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. For more information, please visit www.ASPCA.org, and be sure to follow the ASPCA on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Frontline® is the registered trademark of Merial. Frontline® and Merial are not affiliated with PetArmor®.

From the creative mastermind Tim Burton, who brought you features like “Alice in Wonderland,” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas” comes “FRANKENWEENIE,” a heartwarming and uplifting tale about a boy and his dog that’s less than 90 minutes long but will surely leave you wanting more…

I was lucky enough to catch a pre-screening last Wednesday night and was so pleased that I made it! The theater was packed with both adults and kids longing to see the famous animation expert Burton’s take on a tale as old as time – a tale about a young boy and his loyal, beloved young dog.

The plot line goes something like this… After unexpectedly losing his cherished pet Sparky and after being inspired by his new Science teacher at school, young Victor Frankenstein harnesses the power of science, his favorite subject, to bring his best friend back to life. Unfortunately the genius experiment gives some “adjustments” to the new Sparky (i.e., in one scene his tail wags right off and young Victor says “oh- I can fix that boy, sorry!” (Don’t worry, it doesn’t hurt the dog!) Victor tries to hide his “home-sewn” creation, but when a curious and annoyingly nosy student sees the dog one day, Sparky’s return to life gets out, and Victor’s fellow students, teachers and the entire town all learn that getting a new “leash on life” can have ‘monstrous’ consequences!

I was impressed with not only Burton’s ability to take a classic tale and spin it into a themed fun-fest of a movie that will work at all times of the year (not just Halloween), but with the action and movement of the story line. And I also enjoyed how Victor’s parents are helplessly clueless (but lovable all the same) until about three-quarters of the way through. Of course, being a pet person, I ABSOLUTELY ADORED the true-to-life way in which the animals (dogs in particular) in the movie were played. They had such great characteristics; truly enchanting actions that made you love them like you love your own pets at home. Their tails wagged, they had real barks and whimpers and noises… Sparky’s body motions were just like that of a squiggling hound dog or wiener dog, endearing him all the more to me and to all those in the audience around me.

I even cried TWICE during this movie, once when Sparky first passed away, then at the end! (Shhh, don’t tell my boyfriend I cried at a cartoon!)

A stop-motion animated film, “FRANKENWEENIE” is shown in black and white and in 3D, which makes the super-cool effects even more fun. The voice cast includes: Catherine O’Hara, Martin Short, Martin Landau, Charlie Tahan, Atticus Shaffer and Winona Ryder.

Presented by Disney, “FRANKENWEENIE” is directed by Tim Burton, was produced by Tim Burton and Allison Abbate, and was adapted from a screenplay by John August.

It was based on an original idea by Tim Burton, who drew inspiration from the loss of his own childhood pet according to a story in USA Today. “Frankenweenie” released in theaters just two days ago, Friday, October 5, 2012.

See the FRANKENWEENIE Featurette on YouTube here!

Check out the FRANKENWEENIE website and mobile site here: disney.com/frankenweenie

Like FRANKENWEENIE on Facebook: facebook.com/FrankenweenieMovie

Follow Disney on Twitter for more information and other fun stuff: twitter.com/DisneyPictures

A dog lover begins to reassess his relationships in the face of a romance gone sour, and slowly begins uncovering the root of all his problems

In “Letting Go,” we meet Joel (Jake Torem), living with his bat-shit crazy girlfriend April (Shirley Brener).
Joel’s life is seemingly coming apart at the seams. Between his nutso girlfriend, his three huge dogs, his neurotic party-hardy boss, and the other animated areas of his life, things are frankly quite insane.

Joel Slater has a hard time ‘letting go’ of anything and when his gorgeous, demanding girlfriend considers leaving to start a new life without him, Joel is forced to take a serious look at his life.

His boss expects the world of him and has no sense of boundaries, but he’s Joel’s closest friend. His most important client is a sociopath… but he pays the bills. Besides his parents, Joel has 3 huge dogs, Dragon, Ted, and Hurricane.

And let me tell you I would give anything to cuddle in bed with these dogs like he does! And they bark at him and communicate like they understand what is going on (although he does note at one point that they don’t listen).

“Dogs were part of the family growing up …. Somehow that’s a trend that’s followed me into my adult life,” he says at one point early on.

Torem, also the producer, started writing the film with the truth: losing his Dad after a prolonged battle with brain cancer. “Following my father’s passing,” he explains, “the simplest decisions became overwhelming – I had spiraled to a bottomless pit of grief. Focusing on Letting Go provided an opportunity to find clarity and share a unique cathartic experience with others.”

“We like to say ‘we rescue them’ but it’s really our pets who rescue us,” Torem continues. Writing, directing and acting in the film, Torem used a number of production techniques. The hand-drawn animated diary advances the narrative and the film’s four-legged stars Dragon (a St. Bernard), Ted (a half-coyote) and Hurricane (a Rottweiler) — bring raw emotion and excitement to the storyline.

Anyways…

Upon learning that his high-maintenance girlfriend April is contemplating a move to Los Angeles, Joel realizes that it may be time to conduct a little self-assessment. A devoted dog lover and loyal employee, Joel has a hard time saying no. And his latest client is making his life miserable. When his mom announces that she will soon be starting a new life with a rugged ex-con, Joel finds comfort in the unconditional love of his three dogs.

Anyhow, so Joel is on this path to destruction or so he thinks… so what does he do? He thoughtfully seeks out psychotherapy. The therapist helps Joel break down the barricades that have been holding him back from being truly content with his life.

While gradually taking stock of his relationships, Joel looks to the past for the solutions to his current problems.

Joel’s dilemma is that everyone in his life has needs that are greater than his ability to fulfill.

“Letting Go” is the journey of self-discovery and recovery from life’s toughest obstacles. And Hurricane, Dragon and Ted make things a bit more palatable for Joel. After all, who doesn’t feel better after a bear hug from a massive Saint Bernard?

The cast of “Letting Go” includes Jake Torem, Todd Stashwick, Bokeem Woodbine, Shirley Brener, David Foster, Peter Scolari, and Christopher Knight.

Torem concludes at the end of an early September press release, “It’s never too late to find happiness and peace of mind, even if sometimes it comes in unexpected shapes, species and sizes. I hope this film will inspire others to help themselves by helping each other.”

“Letting Go” the DVD dog movie is a fantastic, real movie with real-life insights and real-life struggles. It was released by Osiris Entertainment, is not rated and is 83 minutes long. “Letting Go” streets and is available through Video on Demand and Amazon and eBay beginning October 2.

The DVD release comes with special features including:

· Teaser trailer

· Theatrical Trailer

· 25 Deleted Scenes

· Marketing Promos

“Letting Go” won Best Romantic Comedy at the 2012 Houston International Film Festival; was featured at Dances with Films; and will be a winner at TrindieFest later this month in Colorado.

For more information on “Letting Go,” including interviews, screeners and final DVD copies, please contact Platform Media Group. Production notes, stills, clips and trailers are available on: http://lettinggothefilm.com/media-access