Dog Owners Speak Up!

New Stats Prove Dogs are Our "Best Friends" ST. LOUIS, Aug. 09 /PRNewswire/ -- Dogs have always been man's best friend. But, according to a new national survey of dog owners, our four-legged companions are playing an increasingly important role in many Americans' lives. According to the survey, conducted on behalf of Beneful(R) brand dog food dog owners said:

• spending time with their dog lifts their spirits (95%);
• their dog helps them enjoy life's simple pleasures (92%);
• they could not live without their dog on a daily basis (48%) - more than their morning cup of coffee (35%), television (35%), car (26%), cell phone/BlackBerry (23%) or even best friend (15%);
• their dog is an ideal travel companion (more than 60%), more so than their siblings, parents, co-workers and in-laws.

Many dog owners surveyed noted that it is the everyday activities in life that they enjoy doing with their dogs include:

• going for a walk or a run (59%);
• driving (44%);
• running errands (27%) and,
• taking their dog on vacation (22%).

What it is about dogs that makes life better:

• they are always happy to see me (80%);
• their unconditional love (75%);
• their reliability and always being there for me (60%);
• dogs make their life more fulfilling (91%);
• Over nine in ten dog owners say that they take comfort in coming home to their dog during these uncertain times.

Survey conducted June 1-3, 2009 in the Untied States by IPSOS. For further information: Jenn DeBarge Goonan, +1-617-939-8383, jgoonan@coneinc.com or Julie Kahn, +1-314-982-1036, julie.kahn@purina.nestle.com.