That time of the year again

Morning, Sweetie!!! It's the holiday season and your Momma's feeling down again ... you know why.

Jason's coming home to stay. Says he's rather be homeless in CA than in CO and, especially in winter, I can see his point. Hopefully I can get him to transfer to a college with dorms so he'll have a place to live.

Sharisse hasn't decided what she's going to do. Dwayne's supposed to be out in Jan but then will be transported back here to serve his time. We'll see how that goes. She's always flip flopping in her plans but she can't do anything til maybe Feb. cuz good ole Mom ain't got no money since it went to Jason. Maybe I can get her to go to a college in WA in a larger state with dorms also.

I still have to finalize the legal separation papers for Housing but that will have to wait til Feb. also.

Only Allah knows what everyone's future is right now.

I know you're enjoying the holidays at Rainbow Bridge. Will Santa be visiting?

Love,
Mom

Happy Thanksgiving

Still missing you, Sweetie!!!

Max is still missing and Tux has turned into a sweetheart (but of course no one can compare to you)!

Your human siblings are doing well. Jason might be down in December on winter break from college and Sharisse has a job and moving into her own place in a week or so.

I know all you guys enjoyed the Thanksgiving festivities at the Bridge. Hope you didn't eat too much!

Love always,

Mom & Dad

Hi

Just wanted to stop by and say "hi" to my most favorite furbaby of all time. I know you're having fun at
Rainbow Bridge. We're missing you as usual, Tasha! It's almost turkey day and wish you were here to sample the turkey. You always enjoyed sharing our meal. LOL

Be good and play nice.

Love always,

Mom & Dad

The Daily Cat Tip

Green and mean: House plants can be poisonous by Tracie Hotchner, author of The Cat Bible

Cats love to dig in the earth in household potted plants - and much to your dismay you may find them using it as a litter box. But a more serious issue is that cats like to nibble on household plants, many of which are toxic to cats. The "Danger List" is so long (it's in "The Cat Bible," if you're curious) - and cats are naturally drawn to greenery - that the only way to be really safe is to make sure that you designate your potted plants as "off limits" to your cats.

New killer of our pets

http://www.truthaboutpetfood.com/articles/480/1/The-Silent-Killer-of-Pets/Page1.html

When God Says No

I asked God to take away my habit.
God said, "No. It is not for Me to take away, but for you to give it up."

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole.
God said, "No. His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary."

I asked God to grant me patience.
God said, "No. Patience is a byproduct of tribulations; it isn't granted, it is learned."

I asked God to give me happiness.
God said, "No. I give you blessings. Happiness is up to you."

I asked God to spare me pain.
God said, "No. Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to Me."

I asked God to make my spirit grow.
God said, "No. You must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful."

I asked God for all things that I might enjoy in life.
God said, "No. I will give you life, so that you may enjoy all things."

I asked God to help me LOVE others, as much as He loves me.
God said ... "Ahhhh, finally you have the idea."

THIS DAY IS YOURS. DON'T THROW IT AWAY!

May God Bless You!

"To the world you might be one person, but to one person you just might be the world"

"May the Lord bless you and keep you,
May the Lord make His face shine upon you,
and give you Peace ..... forever"

"Good friends are like stars ... You don't always see them but you know they are always there.

To Max ... wherever you might be

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SWEETIE!!!!!!!!





Maxicat ... you are 3 yrs. old today and even though we only had you for about 15 months til you got out (thank you Dwayne ... NOT!), we will always remember your sweet disposition and the way you loved to cuddle.

I will always believe you found your way to another family who loves you as much as we do and is taking care of you. Your big sister, Tasha, already let your Daddy know that you were not with her.
Your brother, Tux, has really come out of his shell since you left and maybe that was God's plan all along.

We will always love you and will never ever forget you.

Love,
Mom & Dad

Never High-Five Your Cat

From Chicken Soup for the Soul: What I Learned from the Cat

BY: By Lynn Maddalena Menna

ats as a class, have never completely got over the snootiness caused by that fact that in Ancient Egypt they were worshipped as gods.

~P.G. Wodehouse

When a little black cat decided to become part of our family, there was a certain period of adjustment. Not being pet owners, we were absolutely clueless on the care and keeping of felines. You'll be happy to learn that Toonsie turned out to be an excellent teacher and my husband and I are now very well trained. For those of you contemplating adopting a kitten, I'd like to share with you a few pearls of wisdom that we picked up.

10. Never High-Five Your Cat

There may be moments when you wish to congratulate your cat for a task well done. Try to avoid the traditional high-five--or low-five, for that matter--as they tend to flex their claws on impact, leaving your palm with tiny triangular flags of skin. It's your cat's little way of reminding you who's in charge. Not that you need reminding--that was firmly established in the first five minutes of making her acquaintance.

9. Avoid a Midnight Swim in the Dark

Now of course we know that cats don't swim. Most of them hate water and consider anyone who immerses themselves in liquid to be a total idiot. Still, if your cat is used to watching you take a daytime dip, she'll keep her eye on you, but leave you to enjoy your swim. Not so if you decide to take that dip in the dark. Avoid this at all costs unless you wish to have your cat clinging to your screen like a very loud decorative ornament. You see, you think you're alone in the dark, but your cat can see all the nocturnal creatures out there and will continuously scream a warning at her rather obtuse parents.

8. Napping One Hour Prior to Your Cat's Supper Is a No-No

You know how you stick a toothpick into a baking cake to see if it's done? Well, Toonsie will stick one sharp claw into you to see if you're still alive and able to feed her dinner. She may not be hungry yet, but prefers the peace of mind that food service will run smoothly at the first rumble of her tummy. She will continue this test every ten minutes just to be on the safe side. Not only will you not have slept, but you'll probably have thrown your back out from the landing you took every time she used you as a human pin cushion and you flew into the air.

7. Decorate Your House to Match Your Cat

This may seem like a silly hipster affectation, but trust me, it's not. If the color of your cat matches the color of your rug, sofa, bedspread, any and all comfy spots where she will choose to sleep, it will save endless hours of vacuuming in the long run. Fortunately for us, everything in our house was already black before Toonsie arrived. If down the road we ever get a tabby, for instance, I'd definitely redecorate in beige. It's just easier.

6. Remember that Cats Like to Read

Cats like to keep abreast of current events, so should you open a newspaper, be prepared for your cat to jump on top of it and snuggle in for the long run. Feel free to read around her, but she will not be budged from her sweet spot. Even if you buy your cat her own paper, she will still prefer to read along with you. Just enjoy it.

5. Cats Are Natural Helpers

I can't tell you how many times Toonsie got involved in construction projects around the house. She helped the TV man install a satellite dish on the roof. She assisted the cable guy with wires in the attic. The phone man couldn't have wired the phone in the basement drop ceiling without her. I even watched her follow my husband step for step between the pool filter and skimmer, sticking her nose in to inspect the process right along with him. Of course Toonsie was the most helpful when my husband demolished the bathroom down to the studs in order to remodel it. She never missed an opportunity to get into the floor or ceiling to do an inspection.

4. Never Think You Can Outsmart Your Cat

Like world champion chess players, cats plot their game plan several moves in advance. Whether you are trying to get in or out of the door, climb a stepladder or a flight of stairs, your cat will find a way past you. Just because your cat is sleeping on the other side of the house doesn't mean she is unaware of your actions. Try sitting down for dinner while she's sleeping. Your stealth cat will be sitting between you instantly without the sound of even one paw step. You may not know where she is, but she knows where you are. Get used to it.

3. Keep to a Schedule and NEVER Take a Vacation

There's an urban myth that cats are independent creatures who are aloof and can fend for themselves if left with enough food and fresh water. Not true. To arrive home so much as one hour later than her supper time will result in a very angry cat. She will sit with her back to you and let you know that you are no longer on speaking terms. We needed to take a business trip that would only keep us away one full day. Toonsie was fed breakfast on day one, brunch on day three, and was left big dishes of all her favorite dry foods and canned foods on timers. When we arrived home, not one morsel was touched and she was royally pissed. She stared at us accusingly, stamped her paws when she walked, and refused to come near us. You've never been stung until you've been snubbed by a cat.

2. Always Buy Extra Sushi

Believe me, it's just easier. When placing your sushi order, decide what you can eat and then just order a few extra pieces of sashimi--cats watch their carbs. Toonsie can eat sushi faster than you can cut it into pieces and put it on her plate, and it's probably the only food she will overeat if we don't control her portions. It's a culinary treat that gets to be pretty pricey since she prefers it from a good Japanese restaurant as opposed to the supermarket. Why do we do it? The look in her eyes that tells us, "Raw fish, you two are smarter than I thought," is reward enough for us.

1. Thank Your Lucky Stars Every Day

You've never been loved until you've been loved by a cat. They become an addiction. Toonsie gives us endless hours of entertainment and affection. From waking us for breakfast at sunrise until she gets her goodnight kiss, Toonsie never lets us forget that we're happier people for having her in our lives.

Daily Cat Tip

Dry cat foods are like kitty crack by Tracie Hotchner, author of The Cat Bible

This is what I call any and all dry cat foods because they are sprayed with an addictive substance - what the pet food industry calls the "proprietary substance" (also known as the "secret sauce") since a cat will not naturally eat either form or substance of dry food or! kibble. Carbohydrates are not natural to the cat's digestive system in anything but the smallest amounts - for example, the undigested grain and plant matter that would be in the stomachs of rodents or birds a cat would feed on if she was fending for herself in nature. In order to get a meat-eating animal to accept hard nuggets of processed cereal grains it has to be sprayed with a substance they will be drawn to and then become "hooked" on. Pet food companies spend millions testing their foods and developing their own closely guarded "secret sauces." Radio show host and pet expert Tracie Hotchner is the author of The Dog Bible and The Cat Bible. Click here to follow her on Twitter.

More from Susan

A Must visit Website HealthyStuff.org

HealthyStuff.org is a nonprofit environmental research organization that just released results on over 900 common products texted for toxic chemicals including lead, mercury, and arsenic. Pet toys, beds, and collars were included on their list of products tested. Please check out their site to find your pets ‘stuff’.

http://www.truthaboutpetfood.com/articles/446/1/A-Must-visit-Website-HealthyStufforg/Page1.html


Why then?

Some dog foods and cat foods use ingredients many consider to be risk ingredients. Furthermore, those that use what many consider risk ingredients in dog foods and cat foods, defend their use vigorously. If these ingredients are so safe, why then have so many other pet food companies stopped using them?

http://www.truthaboutpetfood.com/articles/447/1/Why-then/Page1.html

WTG ASPCA!!!

1. ASPCA Locates Dog Attacker Through Facebook

Last Friday, September 11, ASPCA Special Agent Paul Lai arrested New Yorker Donnell Walters for allegedly beating his boyfriend’s dog, a 4½-pound Yorkshire Terrier named Lucy. Lucy’s owner alleges that in late July, a verbal dispute triggered Walters, 22, to assault the tiny canine. He is accused of repeatedly slamming or dropping Lucy to the ground, shattering one of her legs.

When ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement (HLE) began its investigation, Agent Lai had trouble finding Walters. He cleverly used a variety of tools, including Facebook, the popular social networking website, to locate the suspect. Friday’s arrest was made at Walters’ Manhattan workplace; he has been charged with one count of aggravated animal cruelty, which carries a penalty of up to two years in jail.

"Lucy was the innocent victim of a domestic dispute,” says Stacy Wolf, ASPCA HLE Vice President & Chief Legal Counsel. “As unfortunate as these kinds of incidents are, it is good to know that the criminal justice system is treating them with the seriousness that these crimes deserve."

After the incident, Lucy’s owner phoned the ASPCA to report the dog’s injuries. He then brought her to the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, where her broken leg was operated on and repaired using screws and a metal plate. Lucy was returned to her owner and is recovering well from her ordeal.

If you know of an animal who is being hurt, please report it—those who intentionally hurt animals may move on to abuse the people in their lives. To report animal cruelty in New York City, call the ASPCA’s tip line at (877) THE-ASPCA. Visit our Report Cruelty FAQ to learn how to report cruelty elsewhere.

Do you Twitter? Use this hashtag to tweet on this article: @aspca and #FacebookArrest

when you have a quiet minute

Click here: PassionUp Fun Page

This is one of those pages that's really nice to read when you have a quiet minute.

I apologize

I know it's been awhile since I posted and I apologize to my "readers". I promise I will try to do better. Here's another "inspiration" for you ... I think it's just beautiful.


http://www.greatdanepromilitary.com/Life/index.htm

God's Cake

God's cake...
This is about the best thing I've ever read as an explanation.

Sometimes we wonder, 'What did I do to deserve this?' or 'Why did God have to do this to me?' Here is a wonderful explanation!

A daughter is telling her Mother how everything is going wrong, she's failing algebra, her boyfriend broke up with her and her best friend is moving away. Meanwhile, her Mother is baking a cake and asks her daughter if she would like a snack, and the daughter says, 'Absolutely Mom, I love your cake.'

'Here, have some cooking oil,' her Mother offers.
'Yuck' says her daughter.

'How about a couple raw eggs?' 'Gross, Mom!'

'Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?'
'Mom, those are all yucky!'

To which the mother replies: 'Yes , all those things seem bad all by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake! '
God works the same way. Many times we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult times. But God knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good! We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful!

God is crazy about you. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen. He can live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart.

If you like this, send this on to the people you really care about.
Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance!

Prayer of the Day

Open Our Minds and Hearts

I pray that we may at all times keep our minds open to new ideas and shun dogma; that we may grow in our understanding of the nature of all living beings and our connectedness with the natural world; that we may become ever more filled with generosity of spirit and true compassion and love for all life. I pray that we may learn the peace that comes with forgiving and the strength we gain in loving; that we may learn to take nothing for granted in this life; that we may learn to see and understand with our hearts; that we may learn to join in our being.

- Jane Goodall

NEW THINGS COMING!

I've decided to start putting other things on Tasha's Blog ... inspiration type of things from her. Believe it or not, our furbabies are watching over us. I believe that they, like those human loved ones who have gone before us, aren't watching every second of every day (not that they have that sort of time thing in Paradise/Rainbow Bridge) but if we need either our human or furbabies at sometime in our life, they know and come to us.

Enjoy.


http://www.greatdanepromilitary.com/Life/index.htm

From the Daily Cat Tip

Up, up and away: A great toy for cats
by Kelly Modzelewski, Dog and Cat Writer

I was watching children play with a bubble machine the other day. Then, a dog came up and started chasing the bubbles around. I thought: "What great exercise!" and it dawned on me that it would work equally as well for cats. There are even bubble machines for pets! Or use a kid's bubble machine. And make sure to use non-toxic bubbles. You can also make your own solution with 2 cups non-toxic dishwashing liquid, 6 cups water, 3/4 cup white Karo syrup.

Kelly is a dog columnist and pet writer. She lives in the Boston-area with her three pit bulls and one neurotic cat.

A dream

My husband was telling me he had another one from Tasha. She usually comes in more of a "feeling" than actuality. He said she seemed to be in a rush ... he wanted to ask her questions but he did say that she "told" him that Max was not with her. That means he's not at Rainbow Bridge. He's still on this earth somewheres ... I like to think some other lucky family has him as he is such a sweetie!

New articles for those who are interested

AVMA feels it is Safe to Drug Meat Producing AnimalsThe AVMA letter to Congress is urging members to vote against H.R. 1549 and S. 619, a bill titled the Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act. To the contrary, an independent commission consulted with national experts and concluded industrial farms routinely feed antibiotics to livestock that aren’t sick which can threaten human and pet health.http://www.truthaboutpetfood.com/articles/424/1/AVMA-feels-it-is-Safe-to-Drug-Meat-Producing-Animals/Page1.html

Truth in Advertising Laws Don’t Apply to Pet FoodFederal Trade Commission Act Laws say one thing; AAFCO Pet Food regulations say something completely different. Laws that require advertisers of every other product sold in the U.S. to be truthful, do not apply to dog food or cat food. http://www.truthaboutpetfood.com/articles/425/1/Truth-in-Advertising-Laws-Dont-Apply-to-Pet-Food/Page1.html

Food, Inc.Please, please, please go see this film; without consumer awareness, nothing will ever change.http://www.truthaboutpetfood.com/articles/423/1/Food-Inc/Page1.html

Max

Oh Tasha ... do you know where he is? I am so mad at Dwayne for leaving the door unlocked and Max and Tux getting out!!!!!

I thank you for sending Tux home again (but he was an outside cat with his previous owner so maybe he's "used to" coming back home?) but Max hasn't returned yet.

I thought he was "chosen" by you ... I know his name was sent by you in my dream but why hasn't he come back? I only hope he's ok.

Tux has gotten more "cuddly" than he was before. But I know he misses Max.

Roger keeps having dreams of finding Max ... he's so miserable.

Please watch over Max for us?

We love you forever, baby!

Love,
Mom

Are Pets being Legally Overdosed?

The Pet Food Products Safety Alliance provided pet owners with some startling test results of Nutro Cat Food; zinc levels tested lethally high.

http://www.truthaboutpetfood.com/articles/380/1/Are-Pets-being-Legally-Overdosed/Page1.html

Sad day today

Max is missing! It's all my son in law's fault for leaving the back door unlocked. Wind caught it and blew it open sometime after 11 pm last night. Tux came home but Max hasn't. We're praying that Tasha is looking out for him and will make sure he gets home.

Info on flea and tick treatments

http://www.truthaboutpetfood.com/articles/367/1/More-Bad-News-for-spot-on-Flea-and-Tick-Treatments/Page1.html

Sounds too good to miss!

An Upcoming Movie Exploiting the Food IndustryFood, Inc. will be released in June to limited theaters; it tells the truth about our nation’s food. Watch this interesting movie trailer, and then imagine the condition of pet food.

http://www.truthaboutpetfood.com/articles/356/1/An-Upcoming-Movie-Exploiting-the-Food-Industry/Page1.html

It’s not just What you Feed, it’s How you Feed too!

Good article!!! I'm off to buy new bowls for my furbabies.

http://www.truthaboutpetfood.com/articles/360/1/Its-not-just-What-you-Feed-its-How-you-Feed-too/Page1.html

Kuddos to these witnesses

Heroes Help Save Canine Cruelty Victims

On April 23, ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement Agents arrested Staten Island resident Tyrone Walker for animal cruelty. Walker, 41, was charged with two counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty and two counts of abandoning an animal. If convicted, he faces up to two years in jail and a $2,000 fine.
On the afternoon of April 2, witnesses near Marcus Garvey Park in Manhattan saw a man, later identified as Walker, take two dogs out of his car, tie the dogs to a park fence and drive away. Concerned passersby called the police and provided the car’s license plate number and descriptions of the man. When animal control arrived at the scene, they discovered that one of the dogs, an elderly male Rottweiler, was frothing at the mouth and unable to stand. Both dogs were rushed to the ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital.

The Rottweiler, named Shadow, was gravely ill with cancer and died soon after arrival. The other dog, an 8-year-old Belgian Shepherd named Savannah, was diagnosed with Lyme disease but was otherwise fairly healthy. She is currently progressing well, recovering with the help of ASPCA veterinarians and is not available for adoption at this time.

ASPCA Agents arrested Walker without incident. Although he initially denied ownership of the dogs, he later admitted that they had been given to him by a friend.

This arrest was made possible through the involvement of concerned citizens who witnessed Walker’s alleged actions and decided to do something about it. We all are capable of this type of heroism — please use your voice for those who cannot speak for themselves, and report abandonment, neglect and cruelty to animals.

FDA doesn't care

Very interesting!

http://www.truthaboutpetfood.com/articles/351/1/FDA-Tells-Senator-Robert-Byrd-They-Dont-Care-Pet-Food-Violates-Federal-Law/Page1.html

Puppy Mill Conviction

ASPCA Experts Help Secure Puppy Mill Conviction

This past March, Dr. Melinda Merck, ASPCA Senior Director of Veterinary Forensics, helped secure an animal cruelty conviction by testifying in the trial of Kathy Bauck, operator of Pick of the Litter Kennels. The New York Mills, MN, breeder sells animals to pet stores and online—and has at times housed more than 1,300 dogs of at least 32 different breeds. Bauck was arrested in August 2008 and charged with several counts of felony animal cruelty, torture and practicing veterinary medicine without a license. On March 24, after a 4½-day trial and six hours of deliberation, a jury cleared Bauck of felony charges but found her guilty of four misdemeanors (one count of animal cruelty and three counts of torture).

In early 2008, a freelance animal cruelty investigator, Jason Smith, began working at Pick of the Litter to gather evidence against Bauck. Smith submitted testimony and videos of alleged abuse to Otter Tail County sheriff’s detectives last May. The videos included footage of injured, ill and emaciated dogs, as well as of Bauck dunking dogs in vats of insecticide. “The veterinarian working with the prosecution contacted me about one month before the trial started,” recalls Dr. Merck. “I was asked by the prosecutor to review all the video and case files and provide expert opinion.”

With a history of complaints and citations against her—including a 2006 cease-and-desist order from the Minnesota Board of Veterinary Medicine for performing surgery on animals without a veterinary license—Bauck is well known to ASPCA investigators. “Kathy Bauck has been a chronic problem,” states Bob Baker, ASPCA Anti-Cruelty Initiatives Investigator. “I visited her facility in 1998 and reported her to the USDA for violations of the Animal Welfare Act—but as far as I know, there was no follow-up on the part of USDA.”
At her sentencing hearing last Friday, May 1, Bauck was sentenced to 90 days in jail, with 20 days to be served right away. The other 70 days were “stayed,” meaning they will be served only if she violates her probation. The judge also sentenced Bauck to 80 hours of community service and ruled that if she plans to continue participating in operating the kennel, she must allow unscheduled inspections—and that inspectors must be allowed

I know it's been awhile but I'm back.

What ‘kind’ of Protein is Your Pet Eating?

Pet Food regulations require an adult cat food to provide a minimum of 26% protein and an adult dog food to provide a minimum of 18% protein; however, the regulations aren’t too picky about the source of and/or the quality of protein used to meet the percentage requirements. Everything from choice cuts of meat to grains to diseased, rendered animals are used as protein in pet foods. Pets are what they eat; here is some helpful information to learn what ‘kind’ of protein your pet is eating.

http://www.truthaboutpetfood.com/articles/348/1/What-kind-of-Protein-is-Your-Pet-Eating/Page1.html

No protection for pet food

I hope this article inspires you to write your Representatives in Congress! Please forward the article to every pet owner you know - this bill needs to be stopped!

If Approved Pet Owners Could be Left Completely Defenseless
No Protection for Pet Food H.R. 875 Food Safety Modernization Act
The Food Safety Modernization Act, currently being considered by Congress as the answer to the many food safety concerns in the U.S., blatantly gives pet food manufacturers carte blanche opportunity to dump risky garbage into your pet's food bowl without accountability. If this bill is approved, pet food can easily and legally get far worse than it is today.
http://www.truthaboutpetfood.com/articles/317/1/If-Approved-Pet-Owners-Could-be-Left-Completely-Defenseless/Page1.html

OMG

WHAT THE HELL ARE WE FEEDING OUR FURBABIES?????


http://www.truthaboutpetfood.com/articles/298/1/One-Giant-Step-for-Human-Food-Safety-No-Mention-of-Pet-Food-Safety/Page1.html

Learning the 'truth' can save your pet's life!

On this the anniversary of my baby's crossing, I felt compelled to post this article. She would want me to try to get the news out.

As this article is very long, I'll just post the link and you can read it for yourselves.

Learning the 'truth' can save your pet's life!

Pet Food Ingredients By-Product Meal, Meat and Bone Meal, Animal Fat…what’s in there?

* By Susan Thixton

A Story every Pet Owner Should Read; An Insider’s Experience with a Rendering Facility

http://www.truthaboutpetfood.com/articles/290/1/Pet-Food-Ingredients-By-Product-Meal-Meat-and-Bone-Meal-Animal-Fatwhats-in-there/Page1.html

One Year Ago Today!

Well, my sweet Tasha ... today you have been gone one year. It seems like only yesterday that you left us in the wee hours of the morning. I have no words of wisdom today. I'm burning a candle and looking at your picture remembering all the years we had together. Oh Tasha ... we still miss you and not a day goes by without thinking of you. Have fun on the bridge today, baby! Think of your Mom and Dad if you can manage it? We will always love you!!!

Mommy

Pet Vaccinations

More Doubt about Pet Vaccinations
The website DogsAdverseReactions.com provides a compelling report on the risks of pet vaccinations titled ‘Science of Vaccine Damage' based on research from Purdue Veterinary School.
http://www.truthaboutpetfood.com/articles/288/1/More-Doubt-about-Pet-Vaccinations/Page1.html

Sooooo Cool!!!!!!!!!!

I have to post this cuz I think it's really, really cool!!!

http://abcnews.go.com/WN/story?id=6990365&page=1

Whistle Blowers?

Where are the Whistle Blowers?

Last summer, Federal Marshals seized various animal foods from a Petco Distribution Center due to unsanitary conditions at the warehouse. Filthy conditions at a peanut processing plant in Georgia are found responsible for 2100 recalls and countless illnesses. Where is the courage and integrity of the workers in these facilities? Did no one notice the rodent and pest infestation? It’s time for all to blow the whistle.

Recently a pet owner shared with TruthaboutPetFood.com her story of a rancid pet food purchased at Walmart. She took the time to follow up with Walmart, she contacted the pet food company, and she reported the incident to the FDA. Although I don’t know this pet owner personally, my guess is that like the rest of us, she didn’t have the time to make several trips back to Walmart, or spend an excess of time on the phone with the pet food company and the FDA. However, she did the right thing; she blew the whistle on a problem because she didn’t want other pets to get sick. S he’ll probably never know if her efforts will force a change in Walmart’s warehousing of pet food, but, she tried.

ABC Television produces an interesting show called ‘What Would You Do?’ Broadcast Journalist John Quinones hosts the show that observes how ordinary people behave in staged dilemmas. It is heartwarming to see how many people come to the aid of a stranger; stand up for or take action when the need arises. The television show leaves me in grateful tears, and proves there are many good people in the world.

Imagine if one of the employees at the Georgia peanut facility would have blew the whistle on the filthy conditions there; the result could have been drastically different. Local, State, and Federal agencies need to develop confidential means for employees to alert officials
to a potential problem within a company; and then the officials need to follow through on complaints. Furthermore, every warm blooded individual needs to take the time and report problems. Don’t stick your head in the sand; it’s not going away on its own. We need more whistle blowers; what would you do?

Wishing you and your pet(s) the best,

Susan Thixton
Truth about Pet Food
Petsumer Report
www.TruthaboutPetFood.com

More on the puppy mill doggies

Tennessee Puppy Mill Dogs Find Forever Homes

Earlier this month, the ASPCA led a multi-group raid of a puppy mill in White County, TN, resulting in the rescue of almost 300 small-breed dogs. As promised in last week’s ASPCA News Alert, public adoptions of the dogs who were transferred to the ASPCA’s New York City Adoption Center began last Friday. Thanks to loads of positive publicity, our puppy mill dog-adoption hotline was ringing off the hook with people seeking information in the days leading up to February 20.

And what an adoption day it was! “The scene at the ASPCA Adoption Center on Friday morning was nothing short of incredible,” recounts Anita Edson, ASPCA Senior Director, Media & Communications. “Lines began to form outside the ASPCA well before sunrise, with eager adopters camping out with lawn chairs and blankets as early as 5:00 A.M.! The lobby was teeming—a mix of the bustling crowd and the equally excited Adoptions staff, all ready to help place the Tennessee dogs with the best possible matches. By the end of the day, over 200 adoption forms had been filled out!”

We are thrilled to report that of the 39 eligible dogs, 38 have been adopted. The dogs will leave the ASPCA for their new homes after they have been spayed or neutered, microchipped and given the final “okay” from our veterinarians. The more than 200 dogs whom the ASPCA entrusted to animal welfare groups based in other states are doing well, too, garnering their own share of media attention and admirers eager to provide them with loving homes.

While the Boston terriers, miniature pinschers, Pomeranians, dachshunds, Chihuahuas and other rescued pups are putting their pasts behind them, the ASPCA is still working the case to make sure that justice is delivered. As with most criminal investigations of this large scale, there is much evidence to be gathered, sorted and analyzed. At this time, the ASPCA’s Field Services division is still preparing evidence in conjunction with the White County Sheriff's Department. We will keep you posted on both the legal case and the dogs’ fresh starts as New Yorkers—stay tuned for updates on some of the adopted dogs in upcoming NYC Success Stories.

Canola Oil

After reading this, I thought "WOW". While I don't use Canola oil myself I have thought about switching based on what I hear. I don't know if anyone out there uses pet food with canola oil in it but it's food for thought ... not only for our furbabies but for ourselves as well.

Canola Oil in Pet Foods; Is it Healthy?

Many different brands of dog foods and cat foods have chosen to use Canola oil in their products; several even utilize the heart healthy claim provided to Canola oil by the FDA. However, a great deal of research shows Canola oil is anything but healthy.

http://www.truthaboutpetfood.com/articles/275/1/Canola-Oil-in-Pet-Foods-Is-it-Healthy/Page1.html

Awwwwwwwwwwww

TN Puppy Mill Raid Update: Puppies Take Manhattan!

The hundreds of dogs liberated from a Tennessee puppy mill last Wednesday are ready to begin the next chapter of their lives. After spending a few days in a temporary shelter being evaluated and treated by the ASPCA's cruelty investigation team, veterinarians and behaviorists, the dogs have now been transferred to multiple humane groups for continued care and eventual placement in new homes.

Although the criminal investigation into the breeding operation is ongoing and charges have not yet been filed, relocation of the dogs is possible because the puppy mill’s owner agreed to sign over custody to the White County Sheriff’s Department, which then turned them over to the ASPCA. Initially, 285 dogs were pulled from the property—however, several of them were pregnant. A shih tzu gave birth to six puppies the day after the raid, and three more babies were born on Saturday, bringing the new total to 294.

Earlier this week, 43 of the small-breed dogs—some puppies, some adults—made the 13-hour journey to ASPCA headquarters in New York City. Many will be able to be adopted right away, although some will be best served by a longer rehabilitative stay. “It’s doubtful any of these dogs has ever been walked on a leash, and many have never been outdoors,” says Jeff Eyre, ASPCA Director of Field Operations. Potential adopters are asked to keep in mind that these dogs have led abnormal lives, and that they will require extra patience to assimilate as household pets.

Special thanks are due to all the agencies and individuals who participated in this giant effort, from the volunteers and veterinarians who came from all corners of the South to the White County Sheriff’s Department and American Humane Association, an exemplary partner that assisted in everything from rescue to assessment.

Adoptions of the White County puppy mill dogs begin today at the ASPCA Adoption Center in Manhattan 022.(424 E. 92nd Street). For more information, please call (212) 876-7700, ext. 4145.

From Susan Thixton: Two Sick Dogs and No One's Listening!

Judy’s babies, Bernadette and Wilhelmina, have been vomiting and suffering from bouts of diarrhea for the last six weeks. Judy took her girls to the vet several times, and even took a package of the Three Dog Bakery Entrée meal for her vet to examine. He told her the ingredients looked good and to continue with the food. A few more trips to the vet when she noticed a smell of rotten food on her dogs breath. Never suspecting the food was bad, until, she noticed that one of the packages was ‘bloated’ and swollen. “I pulled out a package to feed my two min pins and it was swollen and when shaken, just watery. I did not open the package and noticed that the other packages were similar.” All of the remaining packages were in various stages of bloat.

Judy left a voice mail message with Three Dog Bakery (the pet food manufacturer), their return message simply instructed her to return the remaining food packages to them – not to return them to Walmart (the place of purchase). No instruction to care for her pets, nor any information if Three Dog Bakery would investigate were provided in the message. Another follow up call from the Directory of Marketing told Judy they would test that batch of food, and contact Walmart.

Judy next went to WalMart; she took the night manager to the pet food aisle to show him the pet food products, on the shelves ready for sale, as well in various stages of bloat. The dog food packages were swollen and apparent to be problematic. The WalMart night manager told her he could not remove the products from store shelves unless there was an official recall. She pushed on with another manager, who politely sent her on her way with a ‘thank you, we’ll check into it’.

Two sick dogs, a dog food with visible signs of a problem, and no one is listening to a concerned pet owner that is trying to prevent other dogs from becoming ill.

Judy then wrote me asking for suggestions. I realized that TruthaboutPetFood.com needs to provide assistance to pet owners in these types of problems. So, I’ve developed a special page on the website with some basic advice if you suspect a pet food is making your dog or cat sick. The page is titled ‘What to do if You Suspect a Pet Food is Contaminated’ and is linked at the top of the Home page (directly under the Search box). This page will change when additional resources become available. For those of you who have been through this process, please feel free to send me any suggestions to add. The information on the webpage is copied below.

Wishing you and your pet(s) the best,

Susan Thixton
Truth about Pet Food
Petsumer Report
www.TruthaboutPetFood.com


What to do if You Suspect a Pet Food is Contaminated

Where do you turn if you suspect your pet’s food is contaminated? Do you call the pet food manufacturer or the FDA? There are little official guidelines provided by the FDA, however here are some options for you in case you suspect your pet’s food is poisoned or contaminated.

Every suspect pet food contamination should be initially reported to your veterinarian. If you think your pet’s food is suspect of making your dog or cat sick, take your pet to your veterinarian immediately. Recount to your vet in as much detail as possible, everything your pet has consumed (treats, ‘people food’, ect) in recent days and when the symptoms first appeared. Your vet will decide if any further testing or treatment is necessary.

Stop feeding the suspect food immediately when your pet gets sick. Do not throw the suspect food away; keep the remainder for possible testing.

As soon as possible, contact the pet food manufacturer regarding the symptoms your pet has experienced. Some will ask you to send them the remainder of the pet food (don’t send them everything you have) for their own testing; if you do this make arrangements in advance for the pet food company to provide you a copy of their results. Some manufacturers will take your information and promise to return your call; some will return the call, others won’t. Lack of interest in the complaints of a customer will tell you how much the pet food manufacturer actually cares about their products and the pets of their customers.

Most pet food manufacturers will keep a portion of every batch of pet food made for a year (or so). Responsible manufacturers will investigate every complaint, working with the pet owner to determine the cause of the pet illness. If need be, the manufacturer can test the batch to determine if there is a problem.

Promptly report the incident to the FDA. The FDA website states if you consider the incident an emergency, call the agency's main emergency number, staffed 24 hours a day, 301-443-1240. Otherwise, call the FDA consumer complaint coordinator in your geographic area. Click here for a list of FDA Consumer Coordinators. Non-emergencies for veterinary products call FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine at 1-888-FDA-VETS (1-888-332-8387).

Report the incident to the place of purchase.
Responsible retailers will report the incident to their sales Reps and/or the pet food manufacturer. Many smaller retailers (such as independent pet shops) will keep track of all customer complaints and possibly even pull the product from store shelves until resolved.

Should you wish to have the suspect pet food tested, there are many private labs that will test the food for contaminants and toxins. Many veterinary colleges provide pet food testing resources, however many will need the recommendation for testing from your veterinarian. One of the best is Cornell University Veterinary School. http://www.vet.cornell.edu/about/contact.htm

A Google search (or similar Internet search) for ‘food testing laboratories’ will provide you a slew of possible independent labs. The vet school or independent lab will provide you with instructions on how to ship the food for testing.

Copies of any positive for contamination lab results should be provided to the pet food manufacturer and the FDA. Depending on the results, the FDA should investigate the incident further (ask them to do this).

Most pet food contaminations occur due to manufacturing errors. However, some contaminations can occur during warehousing of the pet food.

If laboratory test results prove positive the food was contaminated or poisoned, you have the option to consult with an attorney. Sadly, legal action is often the only way to hold a pet food manufacturer accountable.

Recall of Baked Dog Treats

American Nutrition, Inc. Announces a Voluntary Recall of Baked Dog Treats

Contact:
American Nutrition, Inc.
1-800-257-4530 or
feedback@amnutrition.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Ogden, UT – February 10, 2009 –As a result of the expanded recall by the Peanut Corporation of America’s (PCA) Blakely, Georgia facility, American Nutrition, Inc. has issued a voluntary recall for certain baked dog treats containing peanut paste supplied by PCA. The Blakely PCA facility is the subject of an ongoing U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigation into potential Salmonella contamination of peanut paste and other peanut products.

According to the FDA, pets with salmonellosis may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets may exhibit milder systems such as decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain while other pets may show no symptoms at all. Well animals can be carriers and transmit the bacteria to other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and exhibits these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

While the risk of animals contracting salmonellosis is minimal, there is risk to humans from handling these products. It is important for people to wash their hands -- and make sure children wash their hands -- before and, especially, after feeding treats to pets.

The following items manufactured by American Nutrition, Inc. are subject to this recall:

American Nutrition Vita Bone Flavors Large Dog Treats (48oz. box)
UPC 0 12623 73480 4, Best Before: All Dates prior to JAN 18 10

American Nutrition Vita Bone Flavors Medium Dog Treats (24oz. box)
UPC 0 12623 73241 1, Best Before: All Dates prior to JAN 18 10

American Nutrition Vita Bone Flavors Small Dog Treats (24oz. box)
UPC 0 12623 73240 4, Best Before: All Dates prior to JAN 18 10

American Nutrition Vita Snacks Peanut Butter (3oz. plastic bag)
UPC 0 12623 81315 8, Best Before: All Dates prior to 01/18/10

Farm Style Small Assorted Dog Biscuits (5 lb. plastic bag)
UPC 0 78601 90205 4, Best Before: All Dates prior to 01/18/10

Hill Country Fare Small 5 Flavor Dog Biscuits (4 lb. plastic bag)
UPC 0 41220 52080 0, Best Before: All Dates prior to JAN 18 10

Hill Country Fare Small Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits (4 lb. plastic bag)
UPC 0 41220 17538 3, Best Before: All Dates prior to JAN 18 10

Integrity Small Assorted Dog Biscuits (4 lb. plastic bag)
UPC 0 64237 14639 8, Best Before: All Dates prior to 01/18/10

Northwest Royal Small Dog Biscuits Assorted Flavors (5 lb. plastic bag)
UPC 0 71357 00337 2, Best Before: All Dates prior to 01/18/10

Mill Creek Premium Large Assorted Dog Biscuits (20 lb. box)
UPC 0 78601 95106 9, Lot Codes: 001A7xxx to 018A9xxx

Mill Creek Premium Small Assorted Dog Biscuits (20 lb. box)
UPC 0 78601 95105 2, Lot Codes: 001A7xxx to 018A9xxx

Premium Smarty Dog Biscuits Assorted Flavors Small (4 lb. plastic bag)
UPC 0 41512 04609 4, Best Before: All Dates prior to JAN 18 10

Springfield Prize Multi-Flavor Dog Biscuits (26 oz. box)
UPC 0 41380 14169 3, Best Before: All Dates prior to JAN 18 10

Springfield Prize Multi-Flavor Dog Biscuits (4 lb. plastic bag)
UPC 0 41380 13965 2, Best Before: All Dates prior to 01/18/10

Western Family Biscuits Multi-Flavor (10 lb. box) --UPC 0 15400 06229 9 , Best Before: All Dates prior to JAN 18 10

Western Family Biscuits Multi-Flavor (4 lb. plastic bag) --UPC 0 15400 06408 8 , Best Before: All Dates prior to JAN 18 10

Western Family Biscuits Multi-Flavor (18 oz. box)
UPC 0 15400 03886 7, Best Before: All Dates prior to JAN 18 10

Next Gen Pet Products Small Assorted Biscuits (30 lb. box)
Lot Codes: 001A7xxx to 018A9xxx

Small Assorted Dog Biscuits-Bulk (1/25# box)
Lot Codes: 001A7xxx to 018A9xxx

Western Family (Canada only) Small Dog Biscuits 4 Assorted Flavors (2 Kg. plastic bag)
UPC 0 62639 29585 1, Best Before: All Dates prior to 01/18/10

Yeaster Small Assorted (30 lb. box)
Lot Codes: 001A7xxx to 018A9xxx

Consumers who purchased the recalled items should discontinue use immediately and return items to the store location where they were purchased or destroy any remaining product.

No other products other than those listed above are part of this recall. For more information on Salmonella, please visit the FDA website at http://www.fda.gov/salmonella.

Consumer safety is important to American Nutrition, Inc. The company sincerely regrets any inconvenience this may cause our valued customers. For additional information, please contact American Nutrition at 1-800-257-4530 between 8 A.M. and 5 P.M. Monday through Friday, Mountain time.

What I learned about cat food ingredients

And this also holds true for dog food. When I started reading labels of the "top brand" pet foods, I didn't like what I read.

This is what I got from Susan's pet food newsletter. I changed brands ... yes, it costs more but I'm more comfortable with my choice.

‘Wheat Gluten’, ‘Corn Gluten’, or ‘Rice Gluten’. These three ingredients were the bad boy pet food ingredients of 2007. Tainted glutens were found to be the cause of thousands of dogs and cats becoming ill and dying. It is not that glutens themselves are toxic to pets – these ingredients have been used in pet foods for years.

The problem was the source or manufacturer of the glutens – imported from countries with far less quality standards than in the US. The majority of glutens used in the US pet foods are from imported sources. These imported glutens contained added chemicals that caused crystals to form in the kidneys of dogs and cats.

Not only is it important to avoid dog foods and cat foods (and dog and cat treats) that contain glutens because of the possibility of dangerous added chemicals, it is important because they add no real quality nutrition to the food. Glutens are used as a thickener AND as a source of protein in pet food. Adult maintenance dog foods must provide a minimum of 18% protein, adult maintenance cat foods must provide a minimum of 26% protein. If the meat source of the pet food does not provide enough protein, glutens are often added to boost the protein level of the pet food.

The best nutrition for your pet comes from a meat protein pet food not from a gluten protein. Avoid dog foods and cat foods (and treats) that contain ‘corn gluten’, ‘wheat gluten’, or ‘soy gluten’.

‘By Products’. By-products have never been the cause of a pet food recall, but they are definitely ingredients you want to avoid feeding your pet. To give you an understanding of by-products, I’d like to compare this pet food ingredient to pies – you know, the dessert! How many different types of pies you can think of? There are apple pies, cherry pies, chocolate pies, meringue pies, meat pies, mud pies, pie in math, cow pies (yuck!) – I think you get my point. Now imagine if you purchased yourself a prepared ravioli dinner at the grocery and you looked at the ingredients and you see ‘pie’ listed as the first ingredient in your dinner. Hmmm, pie in ravioli – what kind of pie? You wouldn’t know if it was apple pie or mud pie or even cow pie. All you would know is that your dinner contained ‘pie’. Considering ‘pie’ could be anything from apple pie to cow pie – my guess is that you wouldn’t be having ravioli for dinner. Same thing with by-products in pet food.

AAFCO (American Association of Feed Control Officials – the organization responsible for all animal feed manufacturing rules and regulations) defines by-products as “meat by-products is the non-rendered, clean parts, other than meat, derived from slaughtered mammals. It includes, but is not limited to, lungs, spleen, kidneys, brain, livers, blood, bone, partially defatted low temperature fatty tissue, and stomachs and intestines freed of their contents. It does not include hair, horns, teeth, and hoofs. It shall be suitable for use in animal food. If it bears name descriptive of its kind, it must correspond thereto.”

So, with respect to pet food – a by-product is a catch-all ingredient name. All left over meat materials from the human food industry are clumped into one ingredient name – by-product. There is NO certainty of what you are feeding – one batch of pet food might be more intestine by-products while the next batch of pet food might be more liver or bone by-products. There is NO way of knowing what is actually contained in the pet food ingredient by-product (the pet food manufacturers themselves couldn’t tell you exactly). Avoid dog foods and cat foods (and treats) that contain By-products of any kind …Chicken By-Products, Beef By-Products, Chicken By-Product Meal, Beef By-Product Meal, and so forth.

‘Meat Meal’, ‘Meat and Bone Meal’, or ‘Animal Digest’. These three ingredients are similar to by-products. AAFCO defines Meat and Bone Meal as “the rendered product from mammal tissues, including bone, exclusive of any added blood, hair, hoof, horn, hide trimmings, manure, stomach and rumen contents, except in such amounts as may occur unavoidably to good processing practices.” Again, a catch all ingredient name for the left-over parts of animals used for human food. No consistency to what is contained in these ingredients (all three of these pet food ingredient definitions are similar) – no way of knowing what is actually in your pet’s food. Avoid dog foods, cat foods, and dog and cat treats that contain ‘meat meal’, ‘meat and bone meal’, or ‘animal digest’.

‘Animal Fat’. In 2002 the FDA tested many different brands of dog food (cat food was not tested) for the presence of the drug pentobarbital. Many brands of dog food tested positive to contain the drug. Pentobarbital is the drug used to euthanize dogs, cats, cattle, and horses.

How can the drug that is used to euthanize animals be found in pet food? The answer – euthanized animals are rendered (cooked) and the end ingredients are placed in pet food. It has long been rumored that euthanized dogs and cats (from animal shelters and veterinarian offices) is the major source of the pentobarbital in pet food. However, no one has been able to prove or disprove this rumor to date. The FDA/CVM (Center for Veterinary Management) developed testing methods on two separate occasions to determine the species source of the drug. No results have ever been determined. The pet food manufacturers adamantly deny they use rendered dogs or cats – but NO clinical evidence has ever been released to confirm the pentobarbital is from euthanized cattle and horses in pet food as they claim.

However, the one thing the FDA/CVM has determined through their testing is the pet food ingredient ‘animal fat’ is the most common ingredient to contain pentobarbital. In other words, if you are feeding a dog food or cat food (or treats) with the ingredient ‘animal fat’ in the ingredient listing – you are (more than likely) feeding your pet euthanized animals. Not every batch of pet food tested that contained the ingredient ‘animal fat’ has proved to contain pentobarbital – but why would any pet owner want to take the chance? Avoid dog foods, cat foods, and dog and cat treats that contain the ingredient ‘animal fat’.

‘BHA’, ‘BHT’, ‘TBHQ’, and ‘Ethoxyquin’. These pet food ingredients are chemical preservatives and you might have to look through the entire ingredient list to find them. It is worth the look because there is plenty of clinical evidence to associate all four of these chemical preservatives with cancer and tumors (simply do a Google search on any one of these chemicals). All four of these chemical preservatives are rarely used to preserve human food and if so, are used in quantities far less than what is allowed in pet food. Avoid any dog food, cat food, or dog and cat treat that contains ‘BHA’, ‘BHT’, ‘TBHQ’, and ‘Ethoxyquin’ on the label.

‘Corn’, ‘Wheat’, ‘Soy’. While there is no scientific evidence that proves these ingredients are dangerous to pets – they are potentially dangerous ingredients associated with recalls in the past (1995, 1999, and 2005). These grains are highly prone to a deadly mold (aflatoxin). It is suggested (by AAFCO) that all pet food manufacturers test grains for the mold, but as recalls of the past have proven – that doesn’t always happen. I do not think these ingredients are as risky as others mentioned above, but they are ingredients I avoid for my own pets.

There is more to selecting a true healthy pet food for your dog or cat than avoiding the above mentioned ingredients. This is just a start - based on pet food history, AAFCO ingredient definitions, science and opinion of many pet food experts including myself. There are many quality pet foods available that do NOT use the above ingredients and that add health promoting ingredients to their foods and treats. Continue to learn as much as you can about what you are feeding your pet and ALWAYS read the labels!

All rights reserved PPC Publications

My brothers and sisters saved!!!

Breaking News: ASPCA Leads Raid of Tennessee Puppy Mill

The ASPCA’s best and brightest are currently on the ground in White County, TN, managing operations of a puppy mill raid that began Wednesday morning, February 11. Our forensic cruelty investigation team, led by Dr. Melinda Merck, ASPCA Senior Director of Veterinary Forensics, is evaluating dogs and collecting evidence for the future criminal prosecution of the puppy mill’s owners. Members of the ASPCA Disaster Response team and several of our legislative professionals are also assisting at the site.

More than 285 small-breed dogs—including Boston and Jack Russell terriers, Pomeranians, shih tzus, Chihuahuas, poodles, miniature pinschers and schnauzers—were recovered from multiple buildings on the raided property. According to Dr. Merck, the dogs are suffering from a general lack of basic care, such as little to no food or water, feces-encrusted pens and lack of proper ventilation in enclosed areas. Conditions such as matting, sores, mange, poor teeth and abscesses are widespread. Dogs in critical condition were examined immediately on the scene and in the Mobile Animal CSI Unit, and those needing emergency care were transferred to local veterinarians who have volunteered their services.

Local officials became concerned about this particular puppy mill last September after a visitor to the property—someone who had intended to purchase a dog—alerted the White County Humane Society to the poor conditions of the animals. The White County Sheriff’s Department began a formal investigation, ultimately enlisting the ASPCA’s support for this week’s raid. Other parties assisting in the rescue include American Humane Association, Nashville Humane Association, several local veterinarians and PetSmart Charities, which provided the majority of sheltering supplies and an emergency relief vehicle.

Back in June, the ASPCA assisted in the raid of a puppy mill in Lyles, TN—the state’s largest raid to date. Thankfully, the Tennessee General Assembly is taking action to address the state’s puppy mill problem—last week, a consumer protection bill addressing large-scale commercial breeders was introduced in the Senate; introduction of a House companion bill is expected soon.

How can you help to ensure a safe future for dogs like these? When you donate today, you will help us in all of our life-saving efforts, including ones like the puppy mill raid in Tennessee.

To learn more about the White County raid, please visit our blog to see pictures of the puppies we rescued.

How to Understand Pet Food Label Ingredients – the basics

This article is so long I thought I'd just post the link for anyone who's interested in reading it. Keep your furbabies safe and loved!


http://www.truthaboutpetfood.com/articles/254/1/How-to-Understand-Pet-Food-Label-Ingredients--the-basics/Page1.html

Ewwwwwwwwwwwww

Now I have never heard of this brand of treats for dogs but thought I'd copy over what I received in my email in case anyone out there is interested.

Pup-Peroni Dog Treats kicks off an $8M Advertising Campaign

Del Monte Foods, producer of Pup-Peroni Dog Treats announces an $8 million national ad campaign. You decide about the quality of this soon to be highly advertised pet treat.

Pup-Peroni Dog Treats is about to be advertised on televisions everywhere; Del Monte Foods is spending the largest amount of money ever on the treat. The new commercials “will highlight consumers’ strong conviction that their pets can communicate and empathize with them.”

“This program also underscores the company’s commitment to making strategic investments in our key brands and to driving growth,” said Bill Pearce, Del Monte’s chief marketing officer. http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfranci...2/daily69.html

Is Pup-Peroni the right treat for your dog?

Here are the ingredients listed on the www.pupperoni.com website for the ‘Original Beef Flavor Pup-Peroni:

Beef, Meat by-Products, Soy Grits, Sugar, Liver, Salt, Propylene Glycol, Garlic Powder, Caramel Color, Natural Smoke Flavor, Potassium Sorbate (used as a preservative), Sodium Nitrite (for color retention), Red 40, BHA (used as a preservative), Onion Extract.

The highlighted ingredients explained further:

Meat by-Products. This is a rendered meat ingredient commonly used in ‘grocery store’ type pet foods and treats. The FDA determined this ingredient to be a probable source of pentobarbital, a lethal drug used to euthanize animals. Thus, this pet food/pet treat ingredient more than likely contains rendered euthanized animals and the lethal drug used to kill them.

Propylene Glycol. Known risk to cats and toxic to small children. Controversial ingredient in pet foods/pet treats.

Garlic Powder. Controversial ingredient; some dogs cannot tolerate garlic. Cousin to onions which is toxic to dogs.

Sodium Nitrite. Chemical used to destroy the botulism bacteria; linked to lung disease.

Caramel Color and Red 40. Science has shown common food colors are linked to tumors and cancer.

BHA. Scientifically linked to cancer.

Onion Extract. Onion is toxic to dogs.

Having more information on the ingredients of Original Beef Flavor Pup-Peroni Dog Treats, would you give this treat to your dog?

Wishing you and your pet(s) the best,

Susan Thixton
Truth about Pet Food
Petsumer Report
www.TruthaboutPetFood.com

Red 40 and Yellow 5

Maryland may become the First to ban Food Dyes

Maryland Legislators are considering prohibiting behavior disrupting food dyes such as Red 40 and Yellow 5. Foods containing these dyes, also common to pet foods and pet treats, could be required to provide warning labels if the Maryland legislation is passed. http://www.cspinet.org/new/200902061.html

The Center for Science in the Public Interest reports that “Health experts have been concerned about the impact of food dyes on learning and behavior since the 1970’s.” Senior nutritionist David Schardt states that based on 30 years of evidence, “the FDA should have banned the dyes years ago and responsible manufacturers could have stopped using them voluntarily.” Schardt will testify before Maryland lawmakers.

Despite scientific evidence linking many common food dyes to behavior problems in children, no scientific research is available to link these same food dyes frequently used in grocery store and pet store dog and foods to behavior problems in pets. Most pet owners would assume that the same findings would be discovered in pets consuming Red 40 or Yellow 5 or other known risk food dyes as has been proven with children over 30 years.

The pending Maryland legislation does not state if pet foods and pet treats would be included and thus if pet foods will be required to provide warnings if they contain food dyes. Maryland pet owners will keep their fingers crossed that lawmakers did not forget their pets. Regardless, always read the ingredient list for every food or treat you provide your pet. Avoid foods and treats that contain dyes.

Wishing you and your pet(s) the best,

Susan Thixton
Truth about Pet Food
Petsumer Report
www.TruthaboutPetFood.com

Some of my friends have asked ...

"are you still posting from the pet food newsletter you get?"

I have to admit that I have been lax in doing this. Now that the 2-3 months of sadness that I experience each year have passed, I will restart. One never does know who reads my blog, what they may find useful, or maybe something I post will save a life.

More to follow.

Maryalice

Been awhile

I know it's been quite awhile since I posted but just wasn't in the mood and my pc wasn't working very well. But now it's up and running again so I'll start posting ... maybe someone out there can use what I post.


DAILY CAT TIP:
TODAY´S TIP: FOOD & NUTRITION
January 15, 2009

Don't be bowled over: Use a saucer instead of a bowl
from The Cat Bible

Get rid of any plastic feeding bowls - while you're at it, get rid of bowls! Plastic bowls can retain the odor of what has been in them, even when washed, and bacteria can grow in them, too. But actually, the bowl shape is not good for a cat in any case - it forces her chin into the wet food, which can result in skin irritations. The best dish to serve on is a small plate or saucer.