For Immediate Release:
December 9, 2008

Contact:
Lisa Lange 757-622-7382

Norfolk, Va. -- PETA gives Fox 2000's new movie Marley and Me "two paws up" for sending the animal-friendly message that dogs are a part of the family--for better or for worse. In the movie, John and Jenny Grogan (played by Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston) love and care for Marley through tipped-over tables, shredded couches, eaten necklaces, and all of Marley's hilarious-but-naughty escapades.

The Grogans' dedication to Marley reminds audiences that adding an animal to the family means making a lifetime commitment to treat the animal like a family member even when he or she is unruly, hard to live with, ailing, or old and whether or not you have children (the Grogans have three children, who consider Marley their "brother").

PETA also applauds the filmmakers for having the Grogans adopt Marley from a rescue group instead of buying a puppy from a breeder or pet store. PETA points out that people who are determined to have a specific type of dog can adopt the breed of their choice from a rescue group or animal shelter. Buying from breeders and pet stores only encourages people to bring more dogs into a world that is already desperately short of good homes.

"Dogs are members of the family, and Marley and Me reminds moviegoers that they deserve to be treated as such," says PETA Vice President Lisa Lange. "We hope this movie inspires people to stand by their animal companions--even when it's not easy--and to love them unconditionally, just as they love us."

PETA offers tips for raising healthy and happy animal companions at HelpingAnimals.com.