• by Tanya Gazdik , June 24, 2012

Grammy-nominated country duo Thompson Square is teaming up with Purina Dog Chow Brand Dog Food to focus on the special moments families have with their dogs.

The husband-and-wife musicians experience their special dog moments on the road, touring the country with their puppy, Etta, a miniature Schnauzer and Yorkshire Terrier mix.

"We are a proud dog family," said Shawna Thompson of Thompson Square in a release. "We couldn't think of a better way to join the community of dog owners, knowing how much a dog would bring to our lives in every situation, from being on a cross-country music tour, to simply spending time at home with family."

Through a new tab created on the Purina Dog Chow brand's Facebook page, dog lovers can now visit “Dog Families Know,” a new community within a community, and share their own unique family moments about their dog's impact on their family. Users can post stories, photos and videos.

A new topic will be proposed each week through July 31 that dog families can relate to. For every unique story, photo or video tacked onto the virtual community board -- via Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook – St. Louis-based Purina will donate $1, up to $25,000, to Patriot Rovers, Inc., helping support its mission to "Save Dogs, Help Soldiers and Honor Heroes." In addition, one photo will be selected each week as the Purina Dog Chow Facebook cover photo. 

Purina commissioned a survey which revealed that people have many positive perceptions about our canine companions, and that they affect families in many ways. More than 8 out of 10 people surveyed agree that dogs provide unconditional love and accept you for who you are.

Eighty-five percent of dog families surveyed agree that their dog is a life force for a family. Nearly 90 percent of dog owners surveyed agree that their dog teaches their children to be more responsible.

"We know that dogs enrich the lives of families, and based on the feedback we've been receiving on our Facebook page, we know our fans believe this, too,” said Karen Ganschaw, senior brand manager, Purina Dog Chow Brand Dog Food, in a release. "We are so excited to team up with Thompson Square for this campaign. Their loving relationship as a dog family makes them a perfect fit to represent our brand and the Dog Families Know program."