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[DOANE PRODUCTS COMPANY LETTERHEAD]
October 5, 1998
VIA EDGAR
United States Securities and Exchange Commission
Division of Corporation Finance
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20549
Re: Doane Products Company (Doane Pet Care Company)
Registration Statement on Form S-1
filed on August 7, 1998 (File No. 333-61031)
Ladies and Gentlemen:
On behalf of Doane Products Company (the "Company"), I hereby request that
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") terminate the
Company's filing of the Registration Statement referenced above (the
"Registration Statement"). The Company has decided to terminate the offering
contemplated by the Registration Statement due to changes in market conditions
as well as the availability of alternative financing plans.
We request that you issue an order formally terminating the registration
contemplated by the Registration Statement. Please note that the registration
statement on Form S-1 File No. 333-61027 of the Company's parent DPC
Acquisition Corp. (Doane Pet Care Enterprises, Inc.) will still be on file with
the Commission and DPC Acquisition Corp. is proceeding with the offering
contemplated therein. Please contact me at (713) 758-3250 or Thomas Heidenthal
of the Company at (615) 309-1009 with any questions.
Very truly yours,
/s/ GIL M. MELMAN
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Gil M. Melman
cc: Ms. Sonia Galindo (Via facsimile (202) 942-9528)
Mr. Thomas Heidenthal
Mr. David Oelman
Mr. Alan Baden