Nylabone, an iconic brand in the Central Garden & Pet portfolio (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA), proudly partnered with American Humane Society to sponsor the reunification of retired military working dog Erika with her former handler, Staff Sergeant Tara of the U.S. Air Force.

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Nylabone Sponsors Reunification of Local Retired Military Working Dog Erika with Former Handler Staff Sergeant Tara of the U.S. Air Force.

Erika, an eight-year-old Belgian Malinois, served alongside SSgt. Tara for nearly two years in Nylabone’s home state of New Jersey at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, as well as during overseas deployments, including Kuwait and Vietnam. Trained in suspect apprehension and detection, she played a vital role in protecting service members.

In the summer of 2025, Erika officially retired after seven years of service. Thanks to the financial support from Nylabone, American Humane Society was able to step in to escort Erika across the country to Texas in September for a heartwarming reunification with SSgt. Tara. Nylabone's sponsorship will also help cover Erika’s veterinary care for the rest of her life, ensuring she enjoys a healthy and happy retirement.

“Erika and Staff Sergeant Tara share an incredible bond, and we are honored to help bring them back together,” said Glen S. Axelrod, President and CEO of Nylabone Products. “We are grateful for Staff Sergeant Tara’s service and are thrilled Erika will now spend her retirement in the loving forever home she deserves.”

This reunion reflects Nylabone’s ongoing commitment to supporting military working dogs and their handlers. Since 2018, Nylabone has partnered with American Humane Society to sponsor multiple reunifications and to provide monetary and chew toy donations for shelter dogs and service dogs in training through the Pups4Patriots™ program.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to work with Nylabone to bring military working dog Erika home and reunite her with her best friend,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane Society. “American Humane Society is honored to help give this courageous canine the comfortable retirement she deserves after seven years of distinguished service to our country.”

Through the Nylabone Cares™ program, the company also supports hundreds of local and national charities by donating chew toys and educating pet parents on healthy chewing habits. These efforts align with Central Garden & Pet’s Impact strategy, which is dedicated to making positive changes through philanthropic work focused on community health, employee well-being, and sustainability.

Learn more about the Nylabone Cares mission at https://nylabone.com/about-us/nylabone-cares.

About Nylabone

Nylabone, a leader in healthy chewing since 1955, crafts high-quality chew toys, tasty chew treats, exciting play toys, and innovative dental solutions. A family-founded company, Nylabone has a history of helping pet parents take the best possible care of their dogs. They are committed to developing world-class solutions for destructive chewing, separation anxiety, dental health, and more, helping dogs live fuller, happier lives. Recommended by veterinarians, Nylabone® products encourage a positive relationship between humans and their furry best friends. To put it simply, Nylabone Chews Best™! For more information, visit www.nylabone.com. Nylabone is a brand owned by TFH Publications, Inc. TFH Publications, Inc. is a subsidiary of California-based Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) and has been a leader in responsible animal care for over 70 years.

About Central Garden & Pet

Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) understands that home is central to life and has proudly nurtured happy and healthy homes for over 45 years. With fiscal 2024 net sales of $3.2 billion, Central is on a mission to lead the future of the pet and garden industries. The Company’s innovative and trusted products are dedicated to helping lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a leading portfolio of more than 65 high-quality brands including Amdro®, Aqueon®, Cadet®, C&S®, Farnam®, Ferry-Morse®, Four Paws®, Kaytee®, Nylabone® and Pennington®, strong manufacturing and distribution capabilities, and a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. Central is based in Walnut Creek, California, with more than 6,000 employees, primarily across North America. Visit www.central.com to learn more.

About American Humane Society

American Humane Society is the United States’ first national humane organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare, helping to verify the humane treatment of more than one billion animals across the globe each year. Founded in 1877, American Humane Society has been at the forefront of virtually every major advancement in the humane movement to rescue, care for and protect animals. For more information or to support our life-changing work, please visit www.AmericanHumane.org, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram and subscribe to our channel on YouTube for the latest breaking news and features about the animals with whom we share our Earth.

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Nylabone's sponsorship will also help cover Erika’s veterinary care for the rest of her life, ensuring she enjoys a healthy and happy retirement.