These furry companions treat us like every day is our birthday, yet their birthdays mostly pass without notice. According to a survey* conducted by Purina of 1,000 pet-owning Americans, 43 percent do not know the exact birth date of their pet. In honor of National Pet Month (May) and all pets with no set birthday, Purina is hosting a nationwide "Fur-real Birthday Pawty" Celebration on Saturday, May 17, 2008. On this day, pet owners are encouraged to honor their adopted pets at the same time shelters across the country will celebrate the rescued dogs and cats in their care that may have unknown birth dates. Up until now, a lot of pet owners, who didn't know their pet's real birthday, just celebrated on a day of their choice. Only 17 percent of the pet owners surveyed that celebrate their pet's birthday do it on the pet's actual birth date. In comparison, 30 percent said they celebrate their pet's birthday on the day they adopted their furry companion since they don't know their actual birth date. And 16 percent of celebrating pet owners just pick a random day to recognize their pet's birthday. "Pets and their owners share a unique bond, and we should all take time to celebrate the life of every dog and cat," says Kimberly Schlegel Whitman, entertaining expert and author of Dog Parties: Entertaining Your Party Animals. "Pets lift our spirits everywhere they go. Events like these give pet owners the opportunity to honor the companion who provides them with friendship when they are lonely, comfort when sick and of course, unconditional love. I encourage all pet owners to celebrate their pet when it's their special day." Pet Owners Gift and Party Guide Whether celebrating on May 17, 2008, as part of the Purina "Fur-real Birthday Pawty" Celebration or another day, pet owners should be sure to shower their dog or cat with love and a special birthday gift. Everyone celebrates their furry friends' birthday differently, but what are some of the most common ways they honor their four-legged birthday celebrants? According to the Purina survey, 82 percent of pet owners who celebrate their pet's birthday say they buy their pet a new toy. In addition, 75 percent of pet owners give their pet a special treat or food for their birthday. And 40 percent of respondents say they take their pet for a longer walk or go to the park to spend quality time with their four- legged friend. When it comes to throwing the perfect pet party, Purina has everything pet lovers need to host a birthday celebration their pet will never forget on www.purinapetlover.com, including party themes, decorations suggestions, gift ideas and more. These tips will come in handy for the 92 percent of pet owners who say they celebrate their four-legged companion's birthday because their pet is part of the family and needs to be recognized. Celebrating Our Furry Friends Americans also include their pets in other family-related activities and celebrations. For example, nearly a third of those pet owners surveyed have taken a family portrait with their dog or cat. And, while Christmas is still several months away, don't be surprised if you get a card from Fluffy or Fido, as 31 percent of pet owners sign their pet's name on birthday and Christmas cards. "Pets are important parts of our lives and deserve a day dedicated to their birthday. It shouldn't just be the day they were adopted or a random day during the year, but one very special day," says Maria Reed of Purina Pets For People. "By working together with local shelters, we will make sure no pet's birthday goes unnoticed by showing these special dogs and cats just how much they mean to us." For information on how to add a four-legged friend to the family or to see a list of shelters throwing "Fur-real Birthday Pawty" celebrations in your area, current and prospective owners can visit www.purinapetlover.com to find adoptable animals in their area. Continue to part II...