Bear Your Soul To Your Valentine And Help Animals, Too

The Humane Society of the United States
Monday, 4 February 2002

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has a suggestion for expressing your puppy love and your love for puppies: on Valentine's Day give your sweetheart a Black Labrador plush animal from Build-A-Bear Workshop™s Bearemy's™ Kennel Pals collection. For every Labrador purchased, Build-A-Bear Workshop will provide one dollar to The HSUS.

"Giving a Build-A-Bear Black Labrador for Valentine's Day is a fun and unique way to show your affections," says Stephanie Shain, director of companion animal outreach for The HSUS. "This gift also sends a positive message about adopting companion animals from animal shelters and humane societies, where literally millions of wonderful mixed breed and purebred animals wait for someone to give them a second chance at life."

The stuffed, furry friend comes with a collar and ID tag that includes a Beartificate of Ownership and promotes The HSUS Web site. All the accessories for the pampered toy pooch can also be purchased, including magnetic toys that the stuffed canine companion holds in his mouth, a leash and collar, dish and mat set, bed, and pet carrier.

Funds received by the Humane Society from the sale of Build-A-Bear's black Labrador help animals by supporting HSUS efforts in disaster relief for animals, training professionals at animal shelters across the country, promoting spaying and neutering, and strengthening laws that protect animals.

Build-A-Bear Workshop™ is an interactive, entertainment retailer that invites guests to create their own customized stuffed animals. The company currently operates 72 stores in 30 states across the country and plans to have over 100 stores coast-to-coast by the end of 2002. The premier store opened in the Saint Louis Galleria in October 1997. For more information, call (888) 560-BEAR.

For more information, or to contact The Humane Society of the United States, see their website at: www.hsus.org