Does This qualify as a bad hair day?

And Mom wonders why we don't like going to the groomer.


(Picture originally posted here)

ALERT - Poisonous Houseplant

Received via email (thanks, Michelle!), original message from the Burnt Hills Veterinary Hospital (and checked via several other sources)

Poisoning ALERT!!!!

"Sago Palm" or "Cycad"
Poisoning Alert- It has come to our attention that many home improvement stores are selling a houseplant that can cause serious poisoning in pets and children. The plant is called the “Sago Palm” or “Cycad”. It is also referred to as “The Oldest Known Plant”. It is used in outdoor landscaping in Southern States, but can only survive as a houseplant in the North. All of this plant, including the seeds and root ball are toxic. Signs of illness first appear about 12 hours after ingestion and include gastrointestinal sign such as vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy. The toxins in the plant lead to severe liver failure with progressive weakness, jaundice, bruising and bleeding and other signs of liver failure that lead to death.

It is estimated that 75-80% of animals ingesting this plant will die in spite of aggressive medical treatment.

If you have one of these plants in your home you will want to be sure to keep it away from pets and children, preferably by disposing of it safely in a covered trash can or “rehome” it with someone who does not have pets or young children in the household.

Here is what this plant looks like:

Best. Treat. Ever.

Dang, I love these things:
Taco bell cheese roll-up. 200 calories (whatever the heck those are) of doggie bliss.

When I'm really good I get to go in the car and get one.

Tonight I got two.

Life is good.

FDA Stops Interstate Trade by Evanger's

Last year, the FDA determined that Evanger's was not meeting requirements to ensure the safety of their product. Specifically, the concern was botulism, which can cause paralysis and death. The FDA ordered Evanger's to take measures to ensure that their products did not carry the risk of botulism, including both manufacturing and record-keeping requirements.

At the end of last week, the FDA announced that Evanger's had failed to comply with both, and so the company was now going to be prevented from shipping their product:

FDA Suspends Temporary Emergency Permit of Pet Food Maker
June 12, 2009

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced today it was suspending the temporary Emergency Permit issued to Evanger's Dog & Cat Food Co., Inc.

Evanger's, operating in Wheeling, Illinois, deviated from the prescribed process, equipment, product shipment, and recordkeeping requirements in the production of the company's thermally processed low acid canned food (LACF) products. The deviations in their processes and documentation could result in under-processed pet foods, which can allow the survival and growth of Clostridium botulinum (C. botulinum), a bacterium that causes botulism in some animals as well as in humans.

In April 2008, Evanger’s was issued an “Order of Need for Emergency Permit” after the agency determined that the company had failed to meet the regulatory requirements to process a product that does not present a health risk. In June, 2008, FDA issued Evanger’s a temporary Emergency Permit. During inspections conducted between March 2009 and April 2009, FDA determined Evanger’s was not operating in compliance with the mandatory requirements and conditions of the Temporary Emergency Permit.

“The FDA is stopping Evanger's ability to ship pet food in interstate commerce,” said Dr. Bernadette Dunham. “Today’s enforcement action sends a strong message to manufacturers of pet food that we will take whatever action necessary to keep unsafe products from reaching consumers.”

In order for Evanger's to resume shipping in interstate commerce, the company must document that corrective actions and processing procedures have been implemented to ensure that the finished product will not present a health hazard.

Botulism is a powerful toxin that affects the nervous system and can be fatal. The disease has been documented in dogs and cats. Signs of botulism in animals are progressive muscle paralysis, disturbed vision, difficulty in chewing and swallowing, and progressive weakness to the body. Death is usually due to paralysis of the heart or the muscles used in breathing.

While FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition is responsible for regulating all human and animal LACF processing, FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine has authority over animal feed and foods. The two centers are collaborating on this enforcement action.

Sadly, Evanger's, who many people swore by, is now joining the ranks of the pet food makers that can't be trusted. Mom and Dad have been concerned about Evanger's since they started putting metadione in some of their products earlier this year.

It's important to note that this does not mean that botulism has been found in Evanger's food, nor has Evanger's issued any sort of recall. In fact, their response has really amounted to simply "Our products are safe." Oh, and they "accidentally" deleted pertinent records. The FDA feels that the company's practices mean that this could happen in the future, though, and that combined with Evanger's disappointing response to the FDA's actions is good enough for Mom and Dad to swear off Evanger's (we used to love their Mackerel).

And given the fact that the FDA doesn't exactly do a great job with human food, how bad do you think companies have to be before the FDA steps in on pet food?

Friday's Furry Friend in Need

Meet April #10
Labs4Rescue
CT

More About April #10:
Meet April! If you are looking for a lab in a much smaller body, April is the pup for you. She is 7-9 months old and 28 lbs. April is sweet and affectionate. She has short legs which makes her low to the ground. She is just too cute. April was found roaming with her sister Annie. They were picked up just in time before they made their way to a nearby highway. April gets along with other dogs and just loves everyone she meets. She is eager to please and she is a velcro dog. She will follow you everywhere. She is housetrained and crate trained. For additional information about April please email April Reeves at apr0227@msn.com. This dog is being fostered in Connecticut. April #10 is up-to-date with routine shots, house trained and spayed/neutered.


IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM LABS4RESCUE:
We receive many questions about our adoption process from potential adopters, most of which can be answered by viewing our Adoption Process Page. To expedite the process, please follow the step-by-step instructions outlined. Please hurry as your new best friend is waiting for you!

ALERT: FDA INVESTIGATING NUTRO AND MENU FOODS

FDA Confirms Probe of NUTRO Pet Food Deaths, Illnesses

Menu Foods earlier revealed it was the target of a federal probe

By Lisa Wade McCormick
ConsumerAffairs.com
Copyright 2009 © All Rights Reserved

April 20, 2009
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has confirmed that the agency is investigating NUTRO pet food, following a series of unexplained illnesses and deaths. Consumers have been complaining for more than two years that their pets have become ill after eating NUTRO products; many have recovered when they were switched to other foods. The company has steadfastly denied that its food is to blame.

Until now, the FDA has been mum about whether it was actively investigating the company. Today, the FDA’s Division of Freedom of Information confirmed the agency has an ongoing investigation into NUTRO — and said that investigation could be criminal or civil in nature. The office did not elaborate on the nature or focus of that investigation.

The investigation came to light when the FDA denied a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request by ConsumerAffairs.com seeking a list of complaints and lab results the agency has collected regarding NUTRO pet food. The agency denied the request and said that releasing the information could hamper “prospective or ongoing” action by law enforcement.

More here

ConsumerAffairs.com complaints about NUTRO

Other articles:
• Feds Deny NUTRO Investigation; Witnesses Say Otherwise
• NUTRO Bites Back; Denies Probe of Pet Deaths, Illnesses
• FDA Confirms Probe of NUTRO Pet Food Deaths, Illnesses
• Lawsuits On the Trail of Nutro, Canidae Pet Foods
• Mars Extends Pet Food Recall; More Salmonella Found
• Mars Recalls Cat Food Sold at Wal-Mart due to Salmonella
• Mars Recalls More Pet Food; Possible Salmonella Contamination
• Mars Petcare Recalls Some Pedigree Dog Food
• Expert Finds Unexplained Pet Deaths 'Not Consistent'
• Illness, Death Dog Nutro Pet Food
• String of Illnesses Afflicts NUTRO-Fed Pets

More about Pet Food Recalls
Also under fire is Canidae, currently under a class-action lawsuit for dog illness and death. Sadly, Canidae is a premium food that even many trainers, even Mom and Dad, used to trust. Diamond, another manufacturer, has also had recall issues. We STRONGLY recommend that you do not buy ANY food manufactured by Diamond or Menu Foods, and that you check out the Pet Food List before purchasing any new brand.

DIAMOND FOODS MAKES:
Artemis
Canidae
Kirkland Signature Brand Pet Food
Natural Balance
Solid Gold Health Food for Pets


MARS PETCARE MAKES:
Krasdale
Nutro
Red Flanned dog food (a PMI Nutrition brand)


MENU FOODS MAKES:
Americas Choice, Preferred Pets
Authority
Award
Best Choice
Big Bet
Big Red
Bloom
Blue Seal
Breeder's Choice
Cadillac
Castor & Pollux Pet Works
Cats Choice
Companion
Compliments
Co-Op Gold
Demoulas Market Basket
Despar
Drs Foster & Smith
Eagle Pack
Eukanuba
Fame
Feline Classic
Feline Cuisine
Fine Feline Cat
Food Lion
Foodtown
Giant Companion
Giant Eagle
Grreat Choice
Hannaford
Health Diet Gourmet Cuisine
Hill Country Fare
Hy-Vee
Iams
J.E. Mondou
La Griffe
Laura Lynn
Li'l Red
Loving Meals
Master Choice
Medi-Cal
Meijer's Main Choice
Mighty Dog Pouch
Mixables
Natura Pet Products
Natural Life
Natural Ultramix
Nature's Logic
Nature's Variety
Neura
Newman's Own Organics
Nu Pet
Nutriplan
Nutro (Nutro Max, Nutro Max Gourmet Classics, Nutro Natural Choice, Nuro Ultra)
Old Mother Hubbard
Ol'Roy Canada
Ol'Roy US
Paws
Performatrin Ultra
Petcurean Pet Nutrition
Pet Essentials
Pet Pride
Pet Pride - Good n Meaty
Precise Pet Products
Presidents Choice
Price Chopper
Priority Canada
Priority US
Publix
Roche Brothers
Roundy's
Save-A-Lot Special Blend
Schnucks
Science Diet Feline Savory Cuts Cans
Shep Dog
Sophistacat
Special Kitty Canada
Special Kitty US
Springfield Prize
Sprout
Stop & Shop Companion
Stuzzy Gold
Tops Companion
Triumph
Truly
Wegman's Bruiser
Wegmans
Weis Total Pet
Western Family Canada
Western Family US
White Rose
Winn Dixie
Wysong
Your Pet

Friday's Furry Friend in Need

Panini
Female - 4 years
English Setter - 42 lbs.
Little Guild of St. Francis

About Panini:

My name is Panini and I am a sweetie!! I'm a little nervous of new surroundings, not people though!! I love new people!! I enjoy giving kisses and having my ears rubbed. Other dogs can be slightly intimidating at first but I do enjoy playing with them. Children 5 and above would be best for me

You can find out more about Panini and the other dogs at the Little Guild of St. Francis here:

http://www.littleguild.org/

Hmmmm...

Thanks to an anonymous commenter, who provided the link to the story below. Certainly something that bears watching:


Winner of 'dream' animal shelter clashes with Zootoo
By Greg Toppo, USA TODAY

Last May, the online animal lovers' community Zootoo.com picked a St. Louis animal rescue organization from among 1,000 contestants as the winner of its first $1 million makeover.
But 11 months later, the shelter's founder says he has spent nearly $175,000 of his own money with virtually no contribution from Zootoo and is still waiting to move into his new facility.
Meanwhile, he says, local cash donations have dried up, and his hoped-for dream shelter in a donated office building sits empty and unfinished. Contest winner Randy Grim, founder of Stray Rescue of St. Louis, now says he'd "much rather have come in second" in the competition.

Zootoo founder Richard Thompson, a millionaire entrepreneur and former Meow Mix CEO, acknowledges the delays but says he has spent $150,000 of Zootoo's money to push the project along. He says he has paid for consultants, architects, inspections, zoning and taxes, among other expenses — spending he says Grim would not necessarily see. "We are working slowly," he says, "but we're moving ahead."

The contest was a first for Zootoo, and "maybe we made some mistakes," Thompson says. "The first time you're out test driving a car, you make mistakes."


For the full story, go here.

A Sad Day

Mom and Dad had to take one of our kitties to the vet today, 'cause she was sick. Then they had to help her cross over Rainbow Bridge. They were very sad. We're all very sad, too, but we know that we'll all see Shadow again. She wasn't always friendly to us dogs (or other kitties), but she always loved Mom. Mom says she got her name when she was a kitten, 'cause that's all they saw of her, she hid so much. She was afraid of everyone and everything. Then one day, she came and jumped into Mom's lap - and pretty much stayed there. She and I had just gotten to be friends. We'll miss her lots.

I am trying my best to make them laugh today, but it isn't easy.

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.

There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.

There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Bye Bye Snow

Well, there's no more snow around here, which I kind of think is too bad, but Mom and Dad sure aren't complaining. She says it still might snow (we're in New England, after all), but it looks to me like Spring might be here for real.

I love the snow. As a fond farewell, here are some pictures of me playing after the last storm. Yeah, I know, I'm not supposed to bite the leash. But hey, it was fun! And if you think I'm silly in the white stuff, you should see Simba!

I love snow!

Diggin' a snow fort


When you're as fuzzy as me, you can sit right down in the snow,
and your butt doesn't even get cold!


I don't wanna go inside, Mom!

Friday's Furry Friend in Need

Meet a dog with one of our favorite names - Bandit!

About Bandit:
Bandit is a male Black Labrador Retriever mix who is about 1 year old and weighs ~85lbs. Calling all Lab Lovers!! Do you love the Lab breed and are searching for the perfect Labbie boy to share your life with? Then come and meet Bandit! Bandit is a super friendly boy, very playful and loves to socialize with other energetic dogs. He is a great choice for a family searching for a canine with true Lab spirit. Do to his size, he will need some basic manners training such as how to heel on a leash.

Want to see him in action? Check out his video:

For more information, or to sponsor Bandit, visit D.A.W.S.

Wellness / Old Mother Hubbard Not Affected by Peanut Butter Recall

From the Old Mother Hubbard website:

Wellness and Old Mother Hubbard Products Do Not Contain Peanut Butter, Peanuts or Peanut Products from Peanut Corporation of America

All Wellness and Old Mother Hubbard products are safe for pets to consume

Tewksbury, MA, January 21, 2009:

No products made by Wellness/Old Mother Hubbard are affected by the recent peanut butter recall. Wellness and Old Mother Hubbard do not purchase any peanut butter, peanuts or peanut products from the Peanut Corporation of America.

All Wellness and Old Mother Hubbard products, including those that contain peanut butter are safe for pets to consume.

Consistent with our mission of providing uncompromising nutrition for dogs and cats, we are committed to healthy, high-quality and natural pet food ingredients and recipes.

To learn more about our comprehensive Quality Assurance Program click here.

More of the Peanut Recall

In addition to Grrreat Choice pet foods, and Pet Food Corp / Parnell's Pride Pet food Peanut Paste, the following are now on the recall list:

Brand 'Avanza Supermarket' Puppy Chow snack mix (All sell-by dates)
Econofoods (Excluding Wisconsin stores in Sturgeon Bay, Clintonville, Marquette, Holton and Iron Mou' - Puppy Chow snack mix (All sell-by dates)
'Family Fresh Market' - Puppy Chow snack mix (All sell-by dates)
Family Thrift Center - Puppy Chow snack mix (All sell-by dates)
'Food Bonanza' - Puppy Chow snack mix (All sell-by dates)
'Happy Tails ' Multi-Flavored Dog Biscuits
Brand 'Pick'n Save (Ohio stores in Van Wert and Ironton only)' - Puppy Chow snack mix (All sell-by dates)
'Prairie Market' - Puppy Chow snack mix (All sell-by dates)
'Shoppers Valu ' -Multi-Flavored Dog Biscuits
'SunMart Foods' - Puppy Chow snack mix (All sell-by dates)
'Wholesale Food Outlet' - Puppy Chow snack mix (All sell-by dates)

Check the FDA's list frequently - I don't think we've seen the last of this one.

Attention PetSmart Shoppers...

If you buy your dog treats at Petsmart, you'll probably want to look really closely at the peanut butter ones. In fact, right about now it probably pays to be really careful about ANYTHING you bring into your house with peanut butter in it. The peanut butter in question, King Nut peanut butter, is not sold for retail, but is used to make items with peanut butter in it, like Keebler crackers, Amos cookies, some ice creams, and now....

...Dog biscuits are the latest to join the salmonella peanut butter scare:

Grreat Choice brand dog biscuits, sold at Petsmart, are being recalled.

Here are the products in question (links take you to the FDA information page):

Extra Large Assorted Biscuits, 8 lb. package, product code 73725700779

Large Assorted Biscuits, 8 lb. package, product code 73725700638

Peanut Butter Biscuits, 4lb. package, product code 73725700766

Small Assorted Biscuits, 32 oz. package, product code 73725702900

Small/Medium Assorted Biscuits, 10 lb. package, 73725702755

Small/Medium Assorted Biscuits, 4 lb. package, product code 73725700601

Small/Medium Assorted Biscuits, 8 lb. package, product code 73725700605

For more information, go to the FDA's web page on the recalls.

Um...Yeah...

Wow, I'm not even really sure where to go with this one:

Clinically Depressed Poodle Mauls Former French President Chirac
Thursday, January 22, 2009

Former French President Jacques Chirac was rushed to a hospital after being mauled by his pet dog who is being treated for depression, in a dramatic incident that rattled the ex-president's wife.

The couple's white Maltese poodle, called Sumo, has a history of frenzied fits and became increasingly prone to making "vicious, unprovoked attacks" despite receiving treatment with anti-depressants, Chirac's wife Bernadette said.

"If you only knew! I had a dramatic day yesterday," she told VSD magazine. "Sumo bit my husband!"

Mrs. Chirac, 74, did not reveal where the former president was bitten, but said, "the dog went for him for no apparent reason."

More, including a picture of Sumo, here

De-Wackifying Status Update

Well, Mom's continued to work with Simba every day since the little dickens got home. He's not so little anymore, actually:

Mom and Dad think he's about 65 lbs. - and still growing! He's about a foot taller than me, and weighs almost twice what I do. He's bigger than all of us, actually - when he stands on his back legs, he's almost as tall as Mom!

He's learned to share toys now, and isn't such a jerk about the water bucket. As far as food goes, he sits and waits for his meals, lets Mom take his bowl away, and even has a new trick - he will take a cookie right out of her mouth. Amazingly, he'll leave her lips attached to her face! He doesn't growl anymore, and he'll drop anything for Mom and dad - bones, treats, toys, food, and stuff he's not supposed to have, like socks. He'll let Mom take things out of his mouth, too. He knows sit, shake, touch, stay, wait, come, leave it, drop it, and down. He also gives hugs and kisses. He's really uncoordinated sometimes, though, and still can't catch cookies. Most of the time, he hits them with his nose and sends them flying. Not so bad for Bear and me, though - we just wait to see where they go, and then swoop in!

Mom says she's going to post some information on what steps she went through to teach him how to behave at mealtimes. She says that the most important thing when working with a dog that has issues like his is to remember to be patient - don't rush things, and don't get discouraged if things don't change immediately. She says that if your doggie friend has the same problem, you can always email us for information on what you can do to work with him or her. She says that you should always consult a trainer when you have a dog that is displaying aggression, especially if your dog has actually bitten. There are a whole lot of different reasons for aggression - from medical to behavioral, and consulting a professional is always a good idea in aggression cases.

Simba was what some people refer to as a "red zone" case - he was going to be put to sleep because his behavior was potentially dangerous to people and other dogs. Thankfully, he loves people and gets along great with other dogs in almost all situations - food and especially neat toys were his triggers. Mom says he's what behaviorist trainers call a "resource guarder."

Even though he was aggressive in only certain situations, which were fairly predictable, Mom and Dad say he is not a dog that could have gone into most homes, and the people that had him before us made a good decision when they decided they couldn't keep him. With a little boy and an older dog in the house, he just wasn't a good fit for that family. Mom and Dad, though, figured we could give him the home - and the training - he needed. Mom says he's not perfect, and she still does exercises with him every day at mealtimes, but he's come a long, long way. He loves to play with Bear and me, and keeps trying to show off for Zoe. She's not impressed with him much, though, and pretty much ignores him.

Oh, and he's a ham, too - that smile in his picture? That's all his - it isn't drawn on or anything. Pretty funny, eh?