Press Release

VALENTINE’S DAY IS OPPORTUNITY TO EXPRESS AFFECTIONS AND SUPPORT FOR ANIMALS

WASHINGTON - 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 donate one dollar to The HSUS.

Giving a Build-A-Bear Workshop 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 and pure-breed 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.

Donations from the sale of Build-A-Bear Workshops'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. For more information on The HSUS' programs visit the Web at www.hsus.org. Click on the Black Labrador for more information and a link to Build-A-Bear Workshop.

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 or visit the company's award-winning Web site at www.buildabear.com.

The Humane Society of the United States
2100 L St., NW
Washington, DC 20037
www.hsus.org
Promoting the Protection of All Animals