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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NORFOLK CH CRACKNOR CAUSE CELEBRE NAMED BEST IN SHOW AT 2003 AKC/EUKANUBA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

— Show features top cash prize in the world; airs on Animal Planet & Discovery, — Jan. 31 at 8 p.m. —

Long Beach, Calif. (Dec. 4, 2003) — And the winner is … Champion (Ch) Cracknor Cause Celebre, a five year old Terrier, commonly known as “Coco.”

Earning a $50,000 cash prize and the coveted title of AKC/Eukanuba National Champion, Coco was crowned the event’s top at the conclusion of the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship which was co-presented by The Iams Company last night (Dec. 3) in Long Beach, Calif.

“This top dog embodies the finest breeding, temperament and quality. We are proud to have Coco as the winner of AKC/Eukanuba National Championship, representing the best of the purebred dog,” said Ron Menaker, AKC Chairman. “Rewarding these fine is what the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship is all about. We congratulate her breeder, owners, and handler for this tremendous accomplishment.“

Coco is owned by Pamela Beale, Stephanie Ingram and Elizabeth Matell and is shown by AKC Registered Handler Beth K. Sweigart of Bowmansville, PA. Judge Frank T, Sabella of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., awarded the National Champion title on Wednesday evening.

“Coco, raised on Eukanuba, is truly the best of the best,” said Kelly Vanasse of The Iams Company. “She’s an illustration of what exceptional breeding, training and nutrition can AKC/Eukanuba National Championship/Page 2

produce. And the accomplishment is all the more impressive because the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship brings together only the best of each breed to compete each year.”

More than 1,500 dogs in every AKC-recognized breed and variety entered in the show for $225,000 in cash prizes and prestigious titles. In addition to the $50,000 cash prize, Coco’s owner also received a 2004 Suzuki XL-7 4WD EX III offered by American Suzuki Motor Corporation.

This year marked the first time the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship was open to international competitors. International dogs from 9 countries as far away as Belgium, Hong Kong and Chile participated.

Coco was selected from among the following group winners: ƒ SPORTING – CH POOLE’S IDE SKYLARK, “Emily”-- Irish Water Spaniel ƒ - CH LUXOR’S PLAYMATE OF THE YEAR, “Bunny”-- Ibizian Hound ƒ WORKING – CH BLUE CHIP PURPLE REIGN, “Raisen“ -- Doberman ƒ TOY - CH YAKEE LEAVING ME BREATHLESS AT FRANSHAW, “Les”-- Pekingese ƒ NON-SPORTING - CH BANDOG’S JUMP FOR JOY, “Joy”-- French ƒ HERDING- CH HUM’NBIRD KEEPN UP’PEARANCES, “Kevin” -- Pembroke

Other highlights of the evening included the Junior Showmanship Finals and the Best Bred By Exhibitor Competition. Eighteen year-old, Jennifer Nee of Wautoma, WI was crowned Best Junior Handler and CH. Huntwood’s First Knight was named Best Bred By Exhibitor in Show shown by her co-breeder and co-owner Susan Kipp, of Union Grove, WI.

The show is also being held in conjunction with the AKC National Agility Championship and AKC National Obedience Invitational, the two crowning events in these exciting canine companion events. The winners will be announced today (check akc.org for results). Additional coverage of the events, including photos is available on the AKC web site.

The AKC/Eukanuba National Championship was taped for a simulcast on cable television’s Animal Planet and Discovery Channel for broadcast at 8pm EST on Jan. 31, 2004. In advance of the airing, a free viewer’s guide is available by calling toll-free at 1-800-566-5038. Last AKC/Eukanuba National Championship/Page 3 year’s airing of the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship was the No. 1-rated in Animal Planet history. # # #

The American Kennel Club (AKC), founded in 1884, maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world. Its rules and regulations govern more than 15,000 competitions each year. The Iams Company, founded in 1946, is committed to enhancing the well-being of dogs and cats by providing world-class quality foods and pet care products. For more news on the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship, visit www.akc.org, or to request your free Viewer's Guide call the Iams Pet Professionals at 800-566-5038.