"News Night With Aaron Brown" To Feature Planet Dog

Portland, Maine (March, 2005) – Planet Dog, the Portland-based designer, manufacturer and retailer of award-winning products for dogs and cats, will be featured on CNN's "News Night with Aaron Brown".  The television segment is part of "On the Rise,” a popular series profiling young entrepreneurs.  The program will air on Wednesday, March 30th at 10:00 pm. 

The segment set out to capture the true spirit of Planet Dog, one of the fastest growing companies in the pet industry, by illustrating its dedication to celebrating the lifestyle shared with animal companions.  Filming took place at Planet Dog's headquarters in the Old Port, their new state-of-art Company Store on Marginal Way, in Lewiston at a manufacturing plant that makes some of their award-winning Orbee-TuffÒ dog toys and Willard Beach, a favorite South Portland romp. 

Founded in 1997, Planet Dog is no longer a puppy in the $32 billion dollar pet products industry.   The company and its philanthropic arm are both growing rapidly and achieving “Top Dog” status nationwide.  Since its inception, Planet Dog has been dedicated to raising the standard in the industry through its commitment to growing a profitable and socially responsible business that creates and sells some of the most innovative, unique and high-quality dog products on the market. 

Planet Dog donates a percentage of their annual profits to Planet Dog Philanthropy (PDP), their local non-profit grant making organization, to support animal welfare, education and the environment.  The company has taken its philanthropy to the next level, a national one, by forging partnerships with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. 

Planet Dog has created fundraising toys, Pink and Blue Ribbon Ringos and Buddies, to raise money to help support the fight against breast and prostate cancer.  Planet Dog is donating a portion of the sales from the new toys to both organizations with a guaranteed minimum donation of $10,000 for each.  The company hopes to raise $100,000 for both organizations.

Designed to celebrate the life people share with their “best friends,” Planet Dog’s innovative products have set them apart from the beginning.  The Orbee Ball, made from their award-winning Orbee-TuffÒ compound, was named World’s Best Dog Ball by Parade Magazine and has received several other industry accolades most recently the Editor’s Choice Award from Pet Product News, a leading pet industry trade publication.

As a result, the Orbee-Tuff® collection, which includes the Ribbon Ringo, has grown steadily.  Pet Product News also recognized Planet Dog recently for the Ribbon Ringo program with the 1st Annual Editor’s Salute Award.  

Planet Dog’s products are sold by more than 3,000 retailers in the U.S. and Canada and through their innovative website - www.planetdog.com.  Retailers and direct customers alike have embraced Planet Dog’s mission and their products and have rewarded them with their loyal business. 

Other companies have also recognized Planet Dog as “Top Dog.”  The company offers their pet product expertise and counsel to several companies such as L.L. Bean, Eddie Bauer and Life is Good, all of whom are introducing collections of their own.

Considered the “Ben & Jerry’s” of the pet industry, Planet Dog’s premium brand caters to an active, educated and socially responsible customer.  “Our company isn’t just about making top quality dog products – or money, it is about empowering people to make a difference,” states founder Alex Fisher.  “We are committed to leading the pet industry through our integrity, innovation, client satisfaction, financial strength and social responsibility,” he adds.