NATCHITOCHES -- Northwestern State athletics and PetStar Animal Care finalized an agreement for the local pet company to be an official corporate partner, announced associate athletics director for external relations Haley Taitano.
 
PetStar will be the official sponsor of NSU's "Bark at the Park" events at baseball and softball games in which fans can pay an extra $2 to bring their pets, and NSU athletics donates $2 to the Humane Society.
 
Fans can also find NSU giveaways such as VIP football tickets or tailgating packages to select games on PetStar's Facebook page.
 
"As a dog mom of three and a PetStar customer, I was thrilled when owners Trey and Jessica Underwood contacted me about wanting to get more involved with NSU athletics," Taitano said. "Expanding our 'Bark at the Park' events is a win-win not only for NSU and PetStar but for all of our dog-loving fans who want to bring their four-legged companions to our beautiful venues.
 
"We appreciate PetStar and their willingness to support both NSU athletics and the NSU Foundation."
 
The Underwoods also established a scholarship with the NSU Foundation.
 
Trey Underwood said he uses lessons taught in team sports to manage his business with his wife Jessica.
 
"PetStar came to Natchitoches to provide quality veterinary medicine within an inviting environment, and we filled our hospital with people who love animals and have a heart for giving back," Underwood said. "We currently employ more than a dozen wonderful Natchitoches residents, many of which are students or alumni of NSU.
 
"We have a love for athletes and the mentality of team sports, and we use it daily to support our medical teams. It's been an honor to be welcomed into this beautiful community, and we look forward to growing with Northwestern State."
 
NSU athletics director Greg Burke said PetStar's support illustrates the local community's willingness to stand with the Demons and Lady Demons.
 
"The commitment by PetStar to become a member of the official NSU Athletics partner list further fortifies the Stand United movement which is sweeping through Natchitoches and beyond as we continue the 2017-18 athletics year.
 
"I enjoyed the chance to visit with Trey and Jessica and appreciate their willingness to support our student-athletes.