So... who do I go to for help in freeing up the pet name? :O

You wait until they go through and clear out the accounts. They just did it not too long ago, so you might have to wait a while.

Frozen/inactive accounts are typically cleared after 12-14 months.

Is it automatic, or do I have to submit a name? and it's been 1 year and 10 months ;_; How much longer??

[edit]

oopsies. never mind. that's the account age. Still inactive for 8 months and counting :/ Booo