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Pedigree is sponsoring an episode of NBC's Celebrity Apprentice in which the contestants are tasked with creating an awareness campaign for Pedigree's annual adoption drive. The episode is slated to air on January 10^th. Pedigree's Annual Adoption Drive kicks off on February 7^th. The winning campaign will be aired during USA Network's airing of The 132^nd Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on February 11^th and 12^th.

"I'm pleased to be able to partner with PEDIGREE(R) on 'The Apprentice' and help bring attention to the important issue of homeless dogs," said Donald Trump. "I firmly believe that everyone deserves a second chance and these dogs are no exception. This is an exciting partnership for us on the show and one that I hope will help do some good for all of the dogs in shelters and breed rescues nationwide."

The episode is an extension of the annual PEDIGREE(R) Adoption Drive, the cause-related campaign the brand created four years ago as a means to rally dog lovers to come to the aid of the more than four million dogs in shelters and breed rescues across the country, half of whom never make it out.

"At PEDIGREE(R) we believe every dog deserves a loving home, so we're proud to partner with 'The Celebrity Apprentice' to further shine a spotlight on the dog adoption crisis," said Rob Leibowitz, Vice President of Marketing Mars Petcare US. "For four years, we've infused this campaign with emotion, because as dog lovers, this cause is very near and dear to our hearts. Our hope is that after this episode airs, the importance of dog adoption will be a cause that hits home for dog lovers everywhere."

To help bring the issue to life and spur consumer action, the two teams going head-to-head are charged with creating a community awareness campaign which appropriately conveys the message of The PEDIGREE(R) Adoption Drive. In order to get properly prepped, contestants make a visit to a local Manhattan animal shelter as well as review previous communications developed in support of the Adoption program.