(NAPSA)-When Elsie went home with her new family, the two-year-old retriever mix became the millionth pet adopted through the in-store Petsmart Charities Adoption Centers.Not only was Elsie's life saved when she was adopted by the Bradford family of Lexington, Ky., but all of her needs for life will be taken care of by the pet retailer, including pet food, grooming and training. With more than 7 million pets euthanized every year simply because they don't have homes, Petsmart (PETsMART.com        ) made the decision not to sell cats and dogs. Instead the company created in-store adoption centers-space donated to local animal welfare organizations so they can make homeless pets available for adoption. In existence since 1992, Petsmart Charities works with nearly 1,900 partners and stores to help save the lives of homeless pets. It took nine years to reach this millionth milestone, but with the help of loving families, as well as the opening of new stores and more partnerships, they hope to reach the second million in half that time."We're not just in the business of selling product-we're in the business of making lives better for pets and their families," said Phil Francis, chairman, president and CEO of Petsmart, Inc."More than a number, Elsie represents all the pets that have been saved and given a new chance. And because of that, we wanted to offer Elsie the total lifetime care every pet should receive," said Francis.He encourages people who want to add a new pet to the family to consider adoption, because:
* Many pets found in shelters are already socialized and may have an easier time adapting to a new home.
* Adopting is usually less expensive since most shelter pets have already been spayed or neutered and vaccinated.
* Approximately 25 percent of the dogs housed in shelters are purebreds.
* Overall euthanasia rates at shelters are approximately 64 percent-an adoption is a life saved.To learn more, visit the Web site at PETsMART.com        or call 1-877-4-PETsMART. For information about Charities or to make a tax-deductible donation, call 1-800-423-PETS. Elsie is one lucky dog! She is the millionth pet saved through in-store adoption centers.