Pet Lover LeAnn Rimes Awards $10,000 and a chance at the Limelight to One Lucky Dog

FRANKLIN, Tenn. – Who knew a typical day in the life of a man and his best friend could be worth $10,000? While most people find every minute with their pets priceless, Grammy Award winner and celebrity judge LeAnn Rimes announced today that Curt Evrard of Chicago and his dog Bart will receive a cash bonus to boot as the grand prize winners of the Here’s to The Goodlife™ pet video contest.

The winning entry featured Curt Evrard and his best friend Bart showing many of the ways they enjoy the good life together. Whether it’s finding the best ski slopes, tastiest dinner options or prettiest ladies in town, they are for the most part inseparable.

“As a fellow pet lover, I enjoyed participating in the Here's to The Goodlife™ pet video contest," said LeAnn Rimes. "I shared my own video for the contest and was thrilled to see the amazing stories entered by pet lovers nationwide."

As grand prize winners, the two will be featured in an advertisement for The Goodlife Recipe® brand, receive a $10,000 cash prize, collect a year’s supply of The Goodlife Recipe® brand products, and be honored through a donation made in their name for a year’s supply of The Goodlife Recipe® brand snacks and treats for their favorite Chicago pet therapy group.

In addition to selecting a grand prize winner, a runner-up and four finalists were identified as well. Runner-up Emily Weaver from Springfield, Mo. and creator of “What Makes a Good Life?” will receive a $5,000 cash prize, photo shoot, a year’s supply of The Goodlife Recipe® brand products, and be honored through a donation made in her name for a year’s supply of The Goodlife Recipe® brand snacks and treats for their favorite Springfield, Mo. pet therapy group. Four finalists will also receive a year’s supply of The Goodlife Recipe® brand products: Cathy Burge from Nashville, Tenn. and creator of “Tyler’s Good life,” Ginger Virga from Laguna Beach, Calif. and creator of “Living the Goodlife with Bosco,” Suzanne Gill from North Attleboro, Mass. and creator of “King Cheetah,” and John Furgason from New York City and creator of “Catropolis.”

From August 2007 through October 2007, nearly 100 submissions were received, representing cities from coast-to-coast. People and their pets submitted videos showing the bond they share, and the results were as heart-warming as the special moments spent together. From a beloved family dog as a wedding ring bearer and an urban cat exploring the big city to pets that helped their community through therapy and hospital programs, each entry explored the real moments between pets and people that make our lives better. Entries were judged on entertainment value, chemistry, creativity and pet connection, but in terms of the relationship shared, all were winners. All finalist entries can be viewed at www.goodliferecipe.com.

For more information about the Here’s to The Goodlife™ pet video contest or to set up an interview with the grand prize winners, please contact Bridget O’Malley at bridget.omalley@edelman.com or 312-240-2734.

About The Goodlife Recipe® Pet Care Company
Founded in 2006, The Goodlife Recipe® Pet Care Company, a division of Mars, Incorporated, provides pets with the nutrition they need and the taste they love with Wholesome Recipes made from real food. Mars Petcare US develops pet care products, snacks, treats and complete diets for cats, and dogs under the PEDIGREE®, CESAR®, WHISKAS® and SHEBA® brands.

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