PetPeople and NYCPet.com Earn Honors for Retail Excellence from Old Mother Hubbard, Maker of Wellness Natural Pet Food
Wellness/Old Mother Hubbard recognizes the exceptional contributions of independent pet products retailers

Tewksbury, MA (October 31, 2007) — Old Mother Hubbard, maker of the Wellness® brand, and a leading national provider of natural pet food, supplements and treats, has a history of recognizing those independent pet products retailers that aim to set new standards in customer care, innovative business practices and humanitarian contributions. At the H.H. Backer 41st Annual Pet Industry Christmas Trade Show & Educational Conference in Chicago, Illinois, the company presented two awards for retail excellence during the company's Annual Valued Partner Appreciation Reception: The 2007 Midwest Retailer of the Year Award was given to PetPeople of Ohio, and the 2007 Eastern Area Retailer of the Year Award was presented to NYCPet.com of Brooklyn, New York.

Both PetPeople and NYCPet.com were honored in recognition of their commitment to providing the best possible education and service to their customers, while exemplifying the spirit of Wellness and Old Mother Hubbard's mission to provide uncompromising nutrition for pets.

With seven retail locations in Ohio, PetPeople is dedicated to carrying a vast selection of unique pet products, like Wellness, that can't be found at mass market outlets, and providing specialized personal attention to customers and their pets.

"Mike and Trish Elkind, owners of PetPeople, are well known for their understanding of the latest in pet nutrition and pet care and for creating a unique yet personalized shopping environment," said Wellness/Old Mother Hubbard CEO Deborah Ellinger. "The Elkind's work ethic and promise to deliver unmatched results reflect the values and standards of the Old Mother Hubbard and Wellness brands."

After working in their family owned pet supply business for thirty years, five years ago NYCPet.com's George DiGuido and partner and sister-in-law Chris DiGuido helped introduce the Wellness Brand to the savvy pet owners of Brooklyn through their four stores. They recently absorbed the family business and are in the process of adding a sixth store. His staff of experienced pet food specialists understands the importance of providing pets with superior products and supplies, like the Wellness brand, whether advising customers in-store or online.

"For over 30 years, George DiGuido of NYCPet.com has made the industry better by doing whatever it takes to provide his customers with resources for improving their pets' lives, just as we at Wellness/Old Mother Hubbard do," Deborah Ellinger, CEO of Wellness/Old Mother Hubbard said. "We are proud to recognize him and his knowledgeable and passionate employees who deliver top-notch customer service every day."

Wellness/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 H.H. Backer's 41st Annual Pet Christmas Industry 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 Wellness/Old Mother Hubbard sales and executive team members and relax after a long day on the trade show floor.

About Wellness/Old Mother Hubbard - Unconditional Love. Uncompromising Nutrition.
The Wellness brand of Natural Food and Treats for Pets was founded on the belief that "You are what you eat" and that incorporating a holistic approach to a healthy, nutritious diet is the foundation of well-being. With this mission, our committed team of natural and holistic vets, nutritionists, and animal lovers has spent decades creating the very best in all-natural nutrition for both dogs and cats. All Wellness and Old Mother Hubbard food and treat varieties feature recipes using natural human-quality ingredients without the use of meat by-products, fillers, potential allergens, or artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Wellness is proud to be a part of the Old Mother Hubbard pet food family, which celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2006. Wellness is sold through pet stores and natural food stores throughout North America and is soon going international. For more information, please visit www.wellnesspetfood.com