Independent Pet Retailers Awarded Top Honors from Old Mother Hubbard®: Natural Pet Food Maker

Annual Valued Partner Appreciation Reception Celebrates Retail Partners

CHELMSFORD, MA, May 5, 2006 - Old Mother Hubbard®, a leading national provider of all-natural pet foods, supplements and treats, and makers of the Wellness® brand, hosted its Annual Valued Partner Appreciation Reception, at the H.H. Backer 18th Annual Pet Industry Spring Trade Show & Educational Conference in Atlantic City, New Jersey in April. Old Mother Hubbard presented two awards for retail excellence at the reception. The 2006 Tom J. Devito Contribution to the Industry Award was presented to Braxton's Animal Works of Philadelphia, and the 2006 Eastern Area Retailer of the Year Award was given to Pet Goods stores of Scarsdale, NY and northern New Jersey. Awarded to a business owner who strives to enhance the pet industry, the Tom J. Devito Contribution to the Industry Award was created to honor the memory of this long-time Phillips Feed sales manager who, with courage, integrity, honor and laughter, battled an illness that ultimately took his life. His career was dedicated to improving the industry. "The Braxton family has exemplified the spirit of Old Mother Hubbard's mission and values in a manner that would do Tom Devito proud," said Old Mother Hubbard CEO Jim Scott. "Now in its third generation of family ownership, Braxton's has made the industry better by giving their customers resources for improving their pets' lives."

Old Mother Hubbard® Area Sales Manager Scott Karpman Presents Rich Covello With His Award

The winner of the annual Eastern Area Retailer of the Year Award exhibits a commitment to providing the best possible education and service to its customers, again typifying Old Mother Hubbard ideals. With Pet Goods stores in Scarsdale, N.Y., and Paramus and Succasunna, N.J., owners Rich Covello and Steve Fusaro have competed successfully with big-box retailers by demonstrating business acumen and a dedication to providing superior products and services.

"Rich and Steve should be proud of their knowledgeable and passionate employees who deliver top-notch customer service," Scott said. "Pet Goods is known for its firm understanding of the latest in pet nutrition and pet care and for creating a user-friendly shopping environment."

Old Mother Hubbard hosts the Annual Valued Partner Appreciation Reception to recognize the exceptional contributions of its retail partners. This reception was held during the evening at HH Backer's 18th Annual Pet Industry Spring Trade Show, a yearly trade show event for manufacturers from the pet industry and retail buyers from around the world. During the event, retailers have a chance to network and socialize, meet-and-greet Old Mother Hubbard sales and executive team members and relax after a long day on the trade show floor.

During the reception, Old Mother Hubbard served a custom menu which featured the same all-natural foods used in their pet foods, supplements and treats to reinforce their pledge to use only the highest quality ingredients in their products. This included ingredients such as sweet potatoes, carrots, brown rice, tomatoes, spinach, ocean whitefish, USDA deboned chicken, oatmeal and fresh apples and blueberries, featured in tasty food items like Italian vegetable soup, chicken parmigiana, gourmet pasta bars, whitefish salad, fresh mini fruit-tarts, vegetable and fruit medleys, and even fresh baked oatmeal cookies.

John Braxton and Dave Braxton Accept Their Award

About Old Mother Hubbard
For over 80 years, Old Mother Hubbard has been committed to making the healthiest food, treats and supplements for the pets that depend on them. The company offers a full line of gourmet treats and also the Wellness brand of natural dog foods, cat foods, treats and supplements. Old Mother Hubbard and Wellness products can be found exclusively at pet specialty and natural food stores in North America. For store locations and product information please visit www.omhpet.com.