THIRD ANNUAL APPA NATIONAL CHILDREN’S PET POETRY CONTEST WINNERS ANNOUNCED

American Pet Products Association (APPA) President Bob Vetere announced today the six winning poems for the association's Third Annual National Children's Pet Poetry Contest.

"Response from students and teachers nationwide was phenomenal," Vetere said. "More than 1,000 poetry submissions were received this year, and we couldn't be more thrilled to see how excited kids get about their pets!"

Through APPA's Pets Add Life campaign, third, fourth, and fifth grade students from across the country were invited to write a unique poem about their pets, what they love about them, the joys they bring, and then post it online at www.petsaddlife.org or mail their final submission.

Two students from each grade level (six total) nationwide have been selected to win a $250 gift certificate for pet products, and a "byline" in a nationally circulated publication. In addition, the six winning students' classrooms will each receive a $1,000 scholarship to spend on pet-related education.

Poems were judged on creativity, clarity, voice, and the child's ability to reinforce the message of the joys and benefits of pet ownership. The panel of judges consisted of third, fourth and fifth grade teachers, elementary school administration, and APPA.

To view the winning entries, visit www.petsaddlife.org/poetry_contest.