Notes to Tasha

It's done

2010-06-09T09:21:00.000-07:00

I'm finally living "alone". A few days ago I took that nice letter I typed up for Roger awhile back ... the one talking about "soon the legal separation will be final, you are now a visitor, you have to leave by 10 p.m. and I will be enforcing this" ... you know the one? The one I thought would solve the problems and I wouldn't have to be the bad guy ... the one I thought he'd "honor" and do what he should? You know that didn't work. First of all, I should have known better ... imagine saying "it's ten pm ... you have to leave" when you don't have anywhere you want to go.

The man has "friends" ... I know of 2 who would put him up ... and that's the 2 Jessie's. Given the choice between them, I'd go with the older one.

Well, he's been sick so I let him stay over. Then the Memorial Day weekend came and of course no one is around. Finally I had 2 days off and his sweet tooth was acting up. I ran out of sugar (and I don't know how that happened since there's supposed to be no one here when I'm not) so I pulled out the remaining brown sugar for coffee/koolaid knowing that would last til I do food shopping but he went throught that in one day for crying out loud! Also, when I went to make the p'nut butter cookies for Sharisse to send her, he got into my jar of p'nut butter I had stashed in my bedroom and I had to use less than what the recipe called for. He offered to go get me some but I said no. Sheesh!!!

So, as I said, I pulled out that letter and circled some parts and added more. I guess I was mad when I did it as I reread it a few days later and thought "boy, that sounds mean". I know he read it as that night when I came home from work he called and asked me to put his bag and the things on the washer outside on the porch and I know that bag wasn't in the front room when I went to work that day. He hasn't said anything about the letter but he hadn't been to my house in about 3 days so I know he read it. When he came by yesterday he was with Jessie and picked up a bag and left again. He hasn't said where he's at or what's happening.

So, now he's gone and I can buy chicken breasts at the market without the fear of them being gone when I want one.

Jason's almost got his own place ... actually he's trying to rent a room in a family's house for $300. He'll find out today if they'll let the deposit be paid in a couple of weeks as I only have the $300 for him since he said he didn't think there was a deposit at all but it's only a little more than the $300 so I might be able to do that next payday or the following if I can't swing it on the 22nd.

Well, gotta run.

Talk to you later.

Love as always,
Mom

Another month gone by!

2010-06-02T12:45:00.001-07:00

Oh Tasha ... time is flying by. September will be here very soon. I can't wait.

And Max will be gone on year on the 10th! I do miss him so much. I try not to take it personally as cats will do what they will do but it's still hard. Tux came home ... why didn't he? I bet Tux got him lost on purpose so he'd be the only cat in the household! LOL

This legal separation thing sucks! Sometimes I just wish I had gone with the divorce but it probably wouldn't have made any difference ... Roger has no place to go (he won't ask friends as he doesn't want their pity) so he's here most of the time. Other than my not buying any food for him, not doing his laundry, or anything happening in the bedroom, not much has changed. I'm looking forward to moving into a one bedroom either across the street (which would be nice as they only have a front door and he won't be able to break and enter) or stay withing housing. That way alot of stuff can be gotten rid of.

Well, guess that's about all. I know you're having fun up there and are welcoming all the newcomers to the Bridge.

Love,
Mom

You already knew, didn't you???

2010-05-14T20:15:00.000-07:00

Sharisse has been trying to call but couldn't get through so she put it on myspace. It's official ... going to be a boy! And it's "Nicholas Andrell Cook". Her Dad would have been so proud and happy. I can't wait to get up there in September!!! Alleged 3rd grandchild but first grandson!!! Watch out for her, Tasha! She needs all the help she can get.

Love you, baby!!!

Mom

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY BABY

2010-04-18T09:13:00.000-07:00

OMG ... totally forgot to wish you a Happy Birthday on the 15th!!! It's on my phone so I did not forget but you are now 16 years old!!!!! Oh, Tasha ... I still remember when we first got you!!!!!

Is your Daddy up there with you????????????

I love you so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mom

April's almost over

2010-04-18T09:07:00.000-07:00

Time is going by so fast!!! I didn't post anything for April ... guess I talk to you enough in real life!

Sharisse is going to find out 5/11 what she's having. I think it will be either Nicholas Andrell or Isabella Nicole. Trying to get Nicole instead of Marie to honor Nikki who's done so much for her and will be there with her at the time of birth if I can't get there in time. Also, Nicholas will honor her also as Nikki is a nickname for both.

Went and paid the $300 for the default papers for the court and took them to Merced Friday. He'll get a copy of the default at him Mom's house. The papers have been filed with the judge so in less than 2 weeks (hopefully depending) I will have the finalized signed paper stating we are legally separated.

Right now we're (oh, excuse me ... it's "I'm" now and not "we're) getting ready for the inspection this Monday or Tuesday. Roger cleaned out the back room and my trash can is overflowing! LOL

Gotta run and finish up some last minute things as I'm working night tomorrow and morning Tuesday and don't want to be doing any more cleaning then.

Love as always and missing you sooooooo much!

Mom

Heading for April!

2010-03-24T09:13:00.000-07:00

OMG ... I can't believe it, Tasha. Almost April already!!! I know time means nothing to you furbabies at the Bridge ... you're enjoying yourselves and that's the way it should be.

Looks like Sharisse will find out next month whether it's a boy/girl. She's going for Nicholas or Bella but that's always subject to change. I'm still planning on going up there in September ... she's looking at 9/13 as a delivery date but babies come when babies come.

Found out yesterday that another set of papers have to be filed with the court for the LS. There goes another chunk of money but since the refund was a "gift" so to speak ... can't complain too much. Allah knows what the future holds and takes care of us all.

Have a coffee "date" online with Sharisse at 10 ... she got the mug and loves it as I knew she would.

You have fun and take care of all the newbies who are crossing over the Bridge.

Love,
Mom

February already?

2010-02-06T18:13:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it, Tasha??? Next month will be 2 years since you've been gone!!! Everytime I take the trash out at night at work I look up at that star and know you're watching over me. Seens like it was only yesterday that I sent Ginny the money for your residency upkeep and now I'm getting ready to do it again! Time sure flies ... sad though.

Sharisse is coming along ... Dwayne's back in CA ... they came and got him. I don't think she'll be back though as there's an arrest warrant out for her from Salinas. Oh well. I'm trying to save up money cuz I want to go up there in September when she's getting ready to have the baby. I just have to be there.

Love you always.

Mom

Sharisse is set ...

2010-01-23T12:36:00.000-08:00

Just called me and she says she's 6 weeks pregnant. Guess God took it all out of everyone's hands, didn't He? LOL

Now she'll get cash aid from welfare and more once the baby is born. Don't know how Dwayne will react to this. Told her she doesn't have to tell him right away ... California's supposed to have til 2/7 to come get him. Not sure what's going to happen if they don't ... guess he'll be staying in WA. Joey's the father and his family is thrilled!!! I'm glad that his Mom is there ... Sharisse was using her phone to call me. Not sure how I feel about it. Told her I was withholding my total enthusiam til baby was born ... probably should have been more excited but I wasn't ... not sure why though. Will have to think on that for awhile. Maybe cuz she's so far away? Guess that's where my vacation money at work will be going next year (supposed be due 9/23 but that will change) as I do want to be with her when she delivers. Now the thought keeps replaying in my mind when I told her that I knew I would not die until she had her first child ... I would be there at the birth. Probably shouldn't have said that as now I'm thinking she might feel that once she has this one, I will be called home. Maybe she won't remember? At the back of my mind, I'm thinking the same thing.

Talk to you later.
Mom

Nothing left for anyone/anything

2010-01-18T09:57:00.001-08:00

It seems to be all gone, Tasha. I still love you, Baby but I find I seem empty inside. Catherine has said that I'm in mourning, depressed, etc. over the separation and I guess she's right.

Sharisse is wanting $300 so she can have a camper which she may get through an agency with their voucher into an RV place. I don't have that! I wrote and told her if I needed to send her this, I would have to let bills go and double up on them next month and I won't be sending it to her ... I said I would send it to the RV place. I wonder if this is the same place that she talked about going into as a renter and asked for money and when I said I would send it to the place itself, she tells me she made a mistake and they only have homes for sale and not rentals.

I sent her off the letter and will wait to hear from her. Meanwhile I will go on with my daily routines.

The locks are being changed tomorrow. Roger's been here sleeping in the 2nd bedroom and we're not really talking. I just have nothing to say/give anymore.

Joined a Yahoo group for dealing with divorce ... most stories include spousal support and children so I am kind of a different case.

Gotta get ready for work. Talk you later.

Love you always,
Mom

As you know ...

2010-01-12T09:16:00.000-08:00

Roger got served with the legal separation papers yesterday. I guess talking to you has become more or less my new online journal. I still keep the written one ... remember I tried to keep one through my email folders but I guess I deleted the one I was working on as one day it was just gone. That will teach me to send it to my folder instead of keeping it like an email ... you know what I mean.

Even though he knew it was coming my stomach was still doing flip flops when the man was coming to the door and I had to tell Roger he was here.

He has 30 days to respond and then, from what I understood from the paralegal office, the judge will get it and sign off on it and I'll get the final papers in the mail. Then I can take it down to housing and it will be done.

Now if I can just get my damn locks changed. They were supposed to do it last month but Deb said she dropped the ball on that one ... they were supposed to do it yesterday but didn't come. Now I have to call Deb tomorrow and set it up for the next day I have off which isn't til a week from this coming Friday. Arrgghh.

I know there's a reason why it wasn't done ... I just want it done now. I'm tired of waking up and finding him here. But everything in God's time ... not mine.

I'm off to work ... talk to you later, my baby!

Love,
Mom

Almost Done abd a Dream

2010-01-10T10:30:00.001-08:00

Jason's home. Got in New Years Day. Nice to have him back again.

Last payday I got a money order for the processor server. He came by and I gave him the paperwork. His Dad showed up this a.m. to serve the papers but Roger's not at home. So I will call Mr. Wyatt to let him know when Roger's here.

Had a dream about Max the other night. Funny ... it's very rare I remember my dreams but I remember this one. Max showed back up ... I think it was at the back door and not the front. I opened the door and there he was scraggly/thin with a hurt front paw. I remember I took him in and fed him up on the kitchen table. I know Tux was here but that's all I remember. Tasha, I have no clue what the dream means. Did you send it to let me know Max is still alive and more or less ok? Is he eventually coming home? I do know I get sad when I think on it. I know ... "well then, Mom stop thinking on it!" LOL

As always, I love you and will forever.

Mom

The first day of a brand new year

2010-01-01T09:22:00.000-08:00

Morning Tasha!!! Is this coming year going to be better at the Bridge than last? Maybe it would if the arrivals were alot less? That should be everyone's wish for a new year.

Jason's due home in a few. He's actually supposed to have arrived at 9:15 so he should be home any minute now.

I still don't know what Roger's thinking about this mess. I reread my journal and remembered those bad times in Boston. Made a list of all the things I "do" and sent him an email stating that (among other things) and said "with all I do all you HAD to do was the hours and you couldn't do that! A big part of me has died ... the way I feel now I will not be living with him again.

Let me leave you now as you certainly don't need my anger/upsetness to darken your days at the Bridge. Max is still out there and Tux has a new collar! He's such a sweetie and I thank you for sending him to us. Even though you didn't pick his name like you did with Max, I know you chose him.

Love,
Mom

That time of the year again

2009-12-24T09:36:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-26T21:05:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-17T18:02:00.000-08:00

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

2009-10-28T16:25:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-26T20:43:00.001-07:00

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

When God Says No

2009-10-19T10:22:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-15T10:01:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-14T09:04:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-13T09:30:00.001-07:00

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

2009-09-18T09:11:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2009-09-18T09:01:00.001-07:00

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

2009-09-17T18:19:00.001-07:00

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

2009-09-15T08:52:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-15T08:50:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-24T17:38:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-08-22T09:15:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-22T08:59:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-21T09:06:00.001-07:00

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

2009-08-21T09:05:00.001-07:00

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

2009-06-30T17:20:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-06-18T13:25:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-10T16:43:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-31T10:09:00.001-07:00

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

Sounds too good to miss!

2009-05-19T10:31:00.001-07:00

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!

2009-05-19T10:05:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-15T09:32:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-08T14:11:00.001-07:00

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

2009-05-08T13:43:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-05-06T16:12:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-05T16:24:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-15T14:38:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-03-08T18:55:00.001-07:00

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!

2009-03-08T16:14:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-05T11:00:00.001-08:00

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!!!!!!!!!!

2009-03-03T10:28:00.000-08:00

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?

2009-03-01T10:45:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-27T16:28:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-22T10:53:00.001-08:00

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

2009-02-20T18:19:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-02-17T18:39:00.001-08:00

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

2009-02-15T17:14:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-14T16:27:00.000-08:00

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!!!

2009-02-13T18:03:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-12T17:47:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-12T16:23:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-11T16:15:00.000-08:00

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 ...

2009-02-10T16:18:00.000-08:00

"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

2009-01-15T17:35:00.000-08:00

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.

The Daily Cat Tip

2008-11-17T16:09:00.000-08:00

But she does it herself! Find out why you also need to pitch in and groom your cat
from The Cat Bible

Why do you need to groom an animal who spends a third of his or her waking hours doing that very thing? There are good reasons why your cat will benefit if you brush him or her regularly. Long-haired cats need the most help keeping their coats in tip-top condition, but even short-haired cats benefit from the strokes from your brush that stimulate the skin and help loosen the dead cells and hair.

Green and Mean!

2008-11-11T12:57:00.000-08:00

Green and mean: House plants can be poisonous
from 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.

Daily Cat Tip

2008-11-06T19:28:00.000-08:00

TODAY´S TIP: HEALTH & WELLNESS

Allergens got you climbing the walls? Wipe down surfaces and walls weekly
from The Cat Bible

This might sound bizarre but it's true - you need to wash your walls if anybody in the family is allergic to cats. The airborne particles of dried saliva and dander that cats produce from self-grooming are sticky and can adhere to any surface. To clean your walls, use a damp disposable cleaning cloth - if you're opposed to using disposable materials from an environmental standpoint, then use a cloth you can rinse and wring out frequently during the cleaning process.

New item coming ...

2008-11-05T15:48:00.000-08:00

Thought you might all be tired of all the notices I've been posting regarding the unsafe pet food that's out there. So I am starting something new here.

It will be daily cat tips from Catster. Maybe they can be of help to someone.

Enjoy.

2008-11-05T15:32:00.000-08:00

The information provided in the following articles just appalled me when I first learned of it. My thanks to Debbie for sending the initial article that started me on to discovering this information. Buckle your seat belt before you read them, you're in for another bumpy ride.

If you thought Genetically Engineered Grains are scary ... Genetically Engineered grains have been in existence for several years, amidst many concerns from various organizations and individuals. Now, the FDA is set to approve Genetically Engineered Animals to be introduced into the food chain.
http://www.truthaboutpetfood.com/articles/145/1/If-you-thought-Genetically-Engineered-Grains-are-scary/Page1.h tml

Horrifying - Laboratory Animals rendered into Pet Food. Millions of laboratory animals are used each year to test new drugs yet to be approved by the FDA for safety. But have you ever thought about what happens to those test animals once the research is over?
http://www.truthaboutpetfood.com/articles/144/1/Horrifying--Laboratory-Animals-rendered-into-Pet-Food/Page1.html

Wishing you and your pet(s) the best,
Susan ThixtonTruth about Pet Food
Petsumer Report
http://www.truthaboutpetfood.com/

Another Mars Pet Foods recall

2008-10-27T21:18:00.000-07:00

Another Mars Pet Foods recall announcement (10/27/08) due to Salmonella contamination. Special Kitty Cat Food sold in various states are being recalled.

http://www.truthaboutpetfood.com/articles/138/1/October-27-Mars-Petcare-Recall-Announcement/Page1.html

Susan Thixton

2008-10-25T18:24:00.000-07:00

The Associated Press announced today (10/20/08) that some 1500 dogs have died in China due to melamine contaminated dog food.

http://www.azcentral.com/offbeat/articles/2008/10/20/20081020ChinaDogs20-ON.html

The pet food company's name was not known - but Chinese newspaper reports states the food was made by Harbin Hualong Feed Co.

After the reports of Chinese babies dying from melamine tainted formula, I wondered if - God forbid - melamine tainted products have somehow been making it into the US without any notice. Months ago I wondered if the Center for Disease Control had any statistics on kidney disease in the US, and if so, has there been an increase of kidney disease in US citizens. Thanks to one of the subscribers of this newsletter - here is the ‘rest of the story'...

Has Chinese Melamine been affecting US Citizens for years? A new report from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases states chronic kidney disease is up 30 percent in the US; consumers have to wonder if melamine contamination plays a role in the dramatic increase.

http://www.truthaboutpetfood.com/articles/129/1/Has-Chinese-Melamine-been-affecting-US-Citizens-for-years/Page1.html

Wishing you and your pet(s) the best,
Susan ThixtonTruth about Pet FoodPetsumer Report
http://www.truthaboutpetfood.com/

More News

2008-10-25T11:15:00.000-07:00

Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome, aka Dog Alzeheimer's
The FDA has approved a drug to treat the ‘syndrome' in dogs, but should you wish to forego medication, here are a few suggestions from my own experience.
http://www.truthaboutpetfood.com/articles/133/1/Canine-Cognitive-Dysfunction-Syndrome-aka-Dog-Alzheimers/Page1.html

FDA HypocrisiesThe FDA jus t never ceases to amaze. For anyone that can read between the lines, it's very apparent who the FDA takes care of...and it's not U.S. citizens.
http://www.truthaboutpetfood.com/articles/132/1/FDA-Hypocrisies/Page1.html

More Melamine NewsIt's very heartbreaking and very scientific, however for those who wish to read it, here is a toxicology report published by The Proctor & Gamble company scientists regarding the melamine/cyanuric acid in pet food last year.
http://whattoeatbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/datson2008.pdf

The Philippines Bureau of Customs began yesterday (10/24/08) - testing all importations of pet food and animal feed from China; as well as testing milk and dairy products, and meat imported from China. This action by the Philippine Government is in response to the many recent products that have been discovered to contain melamine, including baby formula in China.
The Philippines is holding all products from sale, until they have been tested clean of melamine. So far, six mil products were found to contain "alarming levels of melamine."
How unfortunate for U.S. citizens that the FDA will not take the same action and test every single Chinese imported drug, food, pet food, or ingredient. Currently, the FDA inspects only 1% to 3% of all food and drug imports into the United States.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/oct/25/yehey/top_stories/20081025top4.html
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/129247/Customs-alerted-vs-pet-food-feeds-from-China

Please be careful.Wishing you and your pet(s) the best,
Susan ThixtonTruth about Pet FoodPetsumer Report
http://www.truthaboutpetfood.com/

Rainbow Bridge

2008-10-23T19:26:00.000-07:00

Rainbow Bridge Performed by Emi Fujita (Original Lyrics)

Do you know now that I must be going
To a place full of happy memories?
In an emerald meadow by a Rainbow Bridge
You can hear heaven's anthem on the breeze

Well, a heavenly light falls around me
In a twinkling my youth has been restored
Over green hills and valleys once again I roam free
Like the days when on eagle's wing we soared

I'm surrounded by many companions
And together we pass our pleasant days
Every need is provided, there is nothing I lack
Save for you to whose memory my heart strays

When you're heaven-bound
There's a place you pass through
Called the Rainbow Bridge,
I'll be waiting there for you

Yes, I'll be waiting for you

With a heart that's tried and true
Till the day I can feel , once again,
Your arms around me

Fare thee well now for I must be going

Dry your tears, no you must not cry for me
Till the day that we meet again at long journey's end
At the Rainbow Bridge, You know that's where I'll be

At the Rainbow Bridge This heart waits faithfully

http://www.imeem.com/ufocrew/music/_fRHWxNc/emi_fujita_rainbow_bridge/

Since we're all buddies at the Bridge ...

2008-10-23T18:21:00.000-07:00

I wouldn't want to forget my doggie friends and their furparents so here's one for all those who love dogs as much as my Mom loves me.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- October 20, 2008 -- The Hartz Mountain Corporation, Secaucus, NJ is voluntarily recalling one specific lot of Hartz Chicken-Basted Rawhide Chips due to concerns that one or more bags within the lot are potentially contaminated with Salmonella. Hartz is fully cooperating with the US Food and Drug Administration in this voluntary recall.
Salmonella can cause serious infections in dogs, and, if there is cross-contamination caused by handling of the rawhide chips, in people as well, especially children, the aged, and people with compromised immune systems. Healthy people potentially infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. On rare occasions, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irrita tion, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.
Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Animals can be carriers with no visible symptoms and can potentially infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
The product involved is 4,850 - 2 pound plastic bags of Hartz Chicken-Basted Rawhide Chips, lot code JC23282, UPC number 3270096463 which were distributed to a national retail customer. While the normal testing that Hartz conducts through an independent outside laboratory did not detect the presence of Salmonella in any Hartz rawhide products, sample testing conducted by another laboratory did indicate the presence of the bacteria in a sample bag of the Chicken-Basted Rawhide Chips. Hartz is aggressively investigating the difference in test results and the potential source of the problem.
Although Hartz has not received any reports of animals or humans becoming ill as a result of coming into contact with this product, Hartz is taking immediate steps to remove the product from all retail stores and distribution centers. Dog owners who purchased this product should check the lot code on their bag, and, if the code is not visible, or if the bag has lot code JC23282 imprinted thereon, they should immediately discontinue use of the product and discard it in a proper manner.
Consumers can contact Hartz at 1-800-275-1414 with any questions they may have and to obtain reimbursement for purchased product.
Wishing you and your pet the best,
Susan ThixtonTruth about Pet FoodPetsumer Reporthttp://www.truthaboutpetfood.com/

More Melamine Tainted Milk Products Recalled

2008-10-17T16:41:00.000-07:00

More Melamine Tainted Milk Products Recalled
By Susan Thixton
Published 10/14/2008

When will melamine ever go away? The FDA announced (October 10, 2008) the recall of YILI Brand Sour Milk Drink because it may be contaminated with melamine. YILI Brand Sour Milk Drink was distributed to New York City through Asian retail grocery stores.

The number two rated word on the anxiety scale for pet owners is melamine (number one would be recall). And now that melamine is being discovered in products from baby formulas to coffee creams, you wonder what’s next. Please be careful with every product you provide your pet – avoid foods and treats that contain glutens and soy and rice proteins. These ingredients are most likely to be Asian sourced and could be contaminated with melamine.

Melamine aside for a moment, on this recent recall announcement from the FDA, a bold red font message was posted at the top of the release. “FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.” We have no idea what action prompted the FDA to add this statement to recall announcements.

Even though I try not to, I guess I have somewhat of a bad attitude when it comes to the FDA. People products aside and looking at just one pet food issue, for the FDA to decide it is safe for our pets to eat a euthanized animal – and the drug used to euthanize the animal, I cannot have a good attitude about them. I hope I am wrong about this, but the only thing I can assume is that somewhere along the line, some company or organization has ‘encouraged’ the FDA to allow pet food to become the dumping ground for products that would otherwise be considered waste. Nothing else makes sense or adds up to be a plausible reason.
Back in the spring of 2008, as I watched the FDA’s pet food safety meeting, I saw no concern or worry on the faces of FDA and CVM (Center for Veterinary Management) executives. There was no air of ‘we really need to get this fixed to prevent another deadly recall’. In fact, quite the opposite was obvious. It was casual and relaxed, almost fun; unlike the feelings of millions of U.S. pet owners. This meeting, that pet owners waited a year for – hoping that finally the FDA would step up and take control of the foods provided to our pets, lasted only 90 minutes and the ONLY one there that showed any concern about our pets was Mike Floyd of DefendOurPets.org. The officers of the FDA and the CVM acted like it was just another meeting, just another day. Talk to any pet owner, their dog or cat is not ‘just another pet’. If only the FDA, CVM and AAFCO would understand this. Our pets are not a profit source for big corporations, they are our family.

Be careful out there!

Wishing you and your pet the best,

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

FDA Ignores Pet Food Safety Deadline

2008-10-17T16:30:00.000-07:00

The FDA Amendments Act (FDAAA) was signed into law last year requiring the FDA to make improvements on food safety for people and pets. The first deadline required by the Amendments Act law, requiring an Early Warning and Notification System during a pet food recall, has come and gone seemingly ignored by the FDA. If the FDA can ignore the law, where does that leave 74 million US pet owners?

On September 27, 2007, President Bush signed into law the FDA Amendments Act, known as FDAAA. Section 1002(b) of FDAAA required the FDA to develop “Early Warning Surveillance Systems and Notification During Pet Food Recalls”. The deadline for these pet food safety measures was clearly stated; “Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish an early warning and surveillance system to identify adulteration of the pet food supply and outbreaks of illness associated with pet food.” The deadline for this to be completed was September 27, 2008. The FDA has not developed a pet food surveillance system or recall notification system; but they are working on it.

On May 14, 2008, four months before the deadline to complete the pet food surveillance and recall notification system, the FDA held the 5th Animal Feed Safety System Public Meeting in Gaithersburg, Maryland. One would think that during this meeting, the FDA would have been feverishly working out the final details of the mandated pet food recall notification system. However, quite the opposite happened. Eight months into the one year deadline, the FDA Animal Feed Safety System meeting merely re-stated what needed to be accomplished and highlighted existing gaps in existing programs. http://www.fda.gov/cvm/AFSS051408Welcome.htm

Still ‘working on’ the mandated pet food safety reform, the FDA provided pet owners with “Update #5” in August 2008 (one month before the deadline). This update from the FDA brags about a few speeches given by the FDA; a 50 state meeting on food protection held in August 2008; and a reminder of a formerly discussed FDA 3rd party certification program for Food and Feeds safety. There was no mention in the FDA update regarding the upcoming deadline for a pet food surveillance system or pet food recall notification system. http://www.fda.gov/cvm/AFSSprojplan5.htm

As of mid October 2008, there is no updated information on the FDA’s website regarding Section 1002(b) of FDAAA – the early warning system and notification system of a pet food recall.

The deadline – September 27, 2008 – has passed. The FDA has accomplished little to nothing in the year since Congress developed the Amendments Act and the President signed it into law. Please contact your Congressman and urge them to hold the FDA accountable for ignoring the FDAAA mandated deadline. Pet owners and all consumers cannot afford for the FDA to ignore the law.

Wishing you and your pet the best,

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

Why are we a society of 'After the Fact?'

2008-10-05T17:08:00.000-07:00

Why do humans not learn valuable lessons until after the fact? I can’t point any fingers, because it happened to me too. But, I just don’t understand it. After a pet gets sick or dies, a pet owner learns about inferior and/or risky ingredients in their pet’s food and only then makes changes. But it’s ‘after the fact’ – after a pet gets sick or dies. Why does it have to happen this way?

Very recently I was talking to someone who was very knowledgeable in organic ‘people’ food, yet she fed her dog what I consider to be a very inferior pet food. When I made a slight suggestion (and I really mean slight suggestion) that she should consider changing dog foods, I heard the same response I’ve heard many times before…”We’re doing fine with it.” I once thought I was ‘doing fine’ too. And then my dog died at eight years old from bone cancer my vet told me was caused from the chemical preservatives in her food; I wasn’t doing fine anymore.

Is it that we are hard headed, and once we get comfortable with something we just don’t want to hear anything bad about our comfortable place? Or is it that it takes hard lessons for us to learn? The following shares some further insight…

"What's the secret of your success?" the teacher asked.

"Two words," the principal replied.

"And what are they?" asked the teacher.

"Right decisions."

But how do you make right decisions?" the teacher queried.

"One word," the principal responded.

"And what is that?"

Experience.

"And how do you get experience?" asked the teacher.

"Two words," replied the principal.

"And what are they?

"Wrong decisions."

We all make those ‘wrong decisions’. But the question still remains, why does it take a hard learned ‘wrong decision’ in order for pet owners (myself included) to learn what pet foods to avoid? Years ago I owned a pet boarding and training facility in Louisville, KY. A contractor I had hired walked out on me before the job was finished with $3,500.00 of my money in his pocket. Which ended up costing me another $3,500.00 to hire someone else to finish his mess; a $7,000.00 ‘wrong decision’. Even though I wasn’t a happy camper about my expensive lesson, my father added to my education sharing some advice I’ve never forgotten …’well, you’re learning who NOT to do business with’.

It is such a shame that so many pet owners have to learn the hard way who ‘NOT to do business with’ in regards to pet foods. There are folks out in the world who have learned their hard lessons and work to prevent others from learning the same way. From natural and holistic pet food store owners to bloggers and to website owners like myself, my guess would be many started their business specifically because of the pain they felt learning that hard lesson and they truly want to prevent others from making the same mistakes.

Which leads me to what I think is a possible explanation of ‘doing fine with it’. We have all been exposed – over exposed – to people and businesses that sell us on something and then later we discover it was only to line their pockets with money. We’ve all been burned far too many times. We’ve become jaded, and tend not to believe anyone about anything. Because we’ve believed in so many different people and products, and had the rug pulled out from under us so many different times, and every time fell painfully on our #$% without any warning … now we tend to want to learn things the hard way. Bummer.

If you’re still with me – still reading this – here’s what I think we can do. For starters, once you find someone or something that you’ve found to be quality – if it doesn’t hurt the environment, or damage anyone’s person or pet, tell other people about it. Ok, yes, at first some might still have that jaded attitude and not listen. But just imagine … if after some time of being told about good things – products and people that can benefit your life, maybe as a whole we would begin to shift to becoming more open and less having to learn those hard lessons. Then, the people and companies that really are mindful of your health, your pet’s health, our environment, and so on – those companies could earn more money, produce more ‘good’ products or services and the whole thing can just keep right on rolling!

I firmly believe that the many profit minded companies out there are counting on we will continue to be jaded and will want to learn things the hard way. They count on those folks ‘doing fine with it’. With pet food, they count on their tremendous advertising dollars keeping the media quiet and count on their lobbing efforts keeping the laws the same, protecting them and hindering the quality minded manufacturers. They count on nothing will change. Actually if you think about it, absolutely nothing has changed since the deadly recall last year. Chinese imports continue to be tainted, continue to lack inspections by the FDA, and pet owners continue to buy pet foods whose label does not tell them country of origin of ingredients.

And then with the most recent recall from Mars Pet Care due to Salmonella contamination; as with the many Salmonella recalls in recent years, absolutely nothing has changed either. The FDA has not required – through law – pet food manufacturers to properly disinfect pet food manufacturing equipment in between batches or runs. One ingredient in batch one could be contaminated, and if the equipment is not properly cleaned and disinfected, batch two, and batch three, and so on can become contaminated and the result can be hundreds of illnesses and deaths. We can’t count on the FDA to suddenly ‘get it’ and we can’t count on profit minded companies will suddenly have a change of heart (or that they even have a heart). But we CAN count on those we trust. Once you find those products or services you trust, please, make an effort to help those companies; tell others about what you’ve discovered. Who would you rather give your money to? A quality minded person or company, or a profit minded person or company? It’s up to us to help build the quality minded companies into power houses they deserve to be. I am all for any business that produces a quality product; those that earn money ethically, honestly and without deception. Those guys should all be millionaires. Because when they do make it – they invest in other ethical companies and projects and everyone benefits. Start sharing with your family and friends about the ‘good’ stuff you come across, if only the quality minded companies begin to get support, the impact on the entire world could be tremendous.

Wishing you and your pets the best,
Susan Thixton

Truth About Pet FoodPetsumer Report

http://www.TruthAboutPetFood.com

Articles Coming ...

2008-10-01T17:34:00.000-07:00

Tasha ... even though I let you know what's going on, you probably already know it before it happens.

I get the newletters from Susan with all information about pet food, recalls, etc. and just had the idea that I should start posting them on here. I know I (along with alot of people in this world) fed you what I thought was a great food and while I refuse to think that this eventually contributed to your death, I can't help but feel that just maybe ...

I tell your dad not to dwell on the fact that maybe, just maybe, something was in the soil/grass of our yard that you so lovingly rolled around in every day (there have been others living here before us and who knows?). This was the first yard you ever had that you could do that safely enclosed so that nothing would happen to you.

We choose to believe that it was your time ... after all, you were almost 14 and that's quite a long life.

So I will start posting some of the articles I get in my emails and maybe, just maybe, they will give people "food for thought".

We love you always!

Mom & Dad

It's been awhile ...

2008-09-28T19:08:00.000-07:00

since I've come here to post to you. You know that doesn't mean I've forgotten about you at all ... you are still the queen and will always be. Old man Tux and young whippersnapper Max can never take your place ... you are unforgettable.

You already know the ones we have lost as they're busy making friends and playing like they were young ones again.

Max and Tux are being their selves ... getting along quite well. But you know this. If you have a minute, find Axel and tell him that his Mom, Joyce, needs him. I was supposed to keep a check on her but you know how time is ... gets away from you. She's hanging in there though but misses him so much.

Don't know what's up with Sharisse. Last time we talked she didn't want to borrow my cell and now she had her phone disconnected. What's up with that? I guess I'll hear eventually ...

I have heard Moms say "I'd rather have a boy than a girl ... boys are easier". Never understood until now. Jason's up in Utah doing well (or so he says) and he's getting my peanut butter cookies/money every so often but Sharisse? It's hard when they get married ... who coined the phrase "you're not losing a daughter, you're gaining a son"? Bunch of BS if you ask me. And God only knows where Alicia is with her kids. Yes ... boys are easier. Now I know what those women meant.

Guess I'll just put some money away as she will call eventually and let me know what's up. Wish I knew how her cat Tyson was though ... and what the vet said about his paw if she took him afterall.

Love you bunches past, present and future.

Mom.

Something for you, Mom and Dad

2008-08-14T21:53:00.000-07:00

Remember Our Love

I was chosen that day
I've learned how to fly
Allah took me away,
but please don't you cry

And I chose you that day
to try and be strong
so please don't you cry
and don't say that I'm gone

When you're feeling alone
just remember our love,
I'm up near the stars
looking down from above.

Remember our love
In a moment you'll see
that I'm still here beside you
when you're thinking of me.

Why we got a new furbaby ...

2008-07-27T09:42:00.000-07:00

For those who ask or think we are "forgetting" our beloved pet ...
Gabby posted this today and I felt I had to put it here. Tasha already knows why we have two new furbabies and while I'm not sure she sent Tux, I know for sure she sent Max to us as she picked his name. I especially like this one line: Rescue me not to replace one you've lost but to sooth your spirit. I will cherish you.

Rescue Me ----------

Rescue me not only with your hands but with your heart as well. I will respond to you.

Rescue me not out of pity but out of love. I will love you back.

Rescue me not with self-righteousness but with compassion. I will learn what you teach.

Rescue me not because of my past but because of my future. I will relax and enjoy.

Rescue me not simply to save me but to give me a new life. I will appreciate your gift.

Rescue me not only with a firm hand but with tolerance and patience. I will please you.

Rescue me not only because of who I am but who I'm to become. I will grow and mature.

Rescue me not to revere yourself to others but because you want me. I will never let you down.

Rescue me not with a hidden agenda but with a desire to teach me to trust. I will be loyal and true.

Rescue me not to be chained or to fight but to be your companion. I will stand by your side.

Rescue me not to replace one you've lost but to sooth your spirit. I will cherish you.

Rescue me not to be your pet but to be your friend. I will give you unconditional love.

Rescue me with true love in your heart and I will give you these things all the days of my life.

By now ,,,

2008-07-23T20:20:00.000-07:00

you have met Shakka. I know everyone at the Bridge was waiting for him and gave him a major welcome.

Please, once Shakka is settled in, remind him to send a sign to Gabby and Mahm? They are hurting so badly right now.

Let him know we all "miss" him as we have come to love him almost as much as his Mommy and Daddy. His Mommy was kind enough to let all of us at the forum get to "know" him and see him.

We love you, Tasha! That will never change, Sweetie!!!

Your Wings!

2008-07-15T21:18:00.001-07:00

Aren't you the pretty one??? Who's my bestest pretty baby? Tasha's my bestest pretty baby!!!

Aren't Gabby and Mahm wonderful? And such talent? They made you such pretty wings, a halo, a rainbow, wonderful clouds and a gorgeous sky!!! Their talent is a true gift from God!!!

Enjoy your wings, baby ... fly along with all the other furbabies ... fly down to your Mom and Dad and visit!!!

We love you.

You are a devil, you are!

2008-07-04T13:23:00.000-07:00

Are you dancing around up there patting yourself on the back for saving another furbaby? I bet you're strutting around just as pleased as punch and telling everyone what a great job you did!!!

Even though his name is Joker ... I'm not sure I'm going to keep it. But since I'm no good with names and I haven't heard any ideas from you yet, it just might stay.

He's in hiding right now but I'm sure when he comes out it will be very interesting to see how him and Max get along.

Love you, baby (and getting your dad to agree wasn't as hard as I thought it would be LOL).

Jason's home!

2008-06-29T09:38:00.000-07:00

It's nice to have him here again, isn't it? I think he's ok with you being gone but with Jason, one never knows. Could you visit him? I think he would like that. Let him know about the bridge and how happy and young again you are.

I've copied over something that was posted on the forum:

Words from the Departed (Saint Augustine)

"Death is nothing,
It is as if I were in the room nearby.
It is me, it is you,
What we were for each other will remain.

Call me as you were used to,
Talk to me as you always did,
Do not use a different tone,
Do not be sad or solemn,

Keep laughing at all the things that made us laugh.
Pray, smile, think of me, pray with me,
I want my name to be said at home,
As it always was,
Without emphasis, without traces of a shadow.

Life means all it ever meant,
It is what it always was : the bound is not broken.
Why would you not think of me?
Just because you cannot see me?

I am not far away,
I am at the other side of the path …
See, everything falls into its place …

Do not cry if you love me,
If you only knew the gift of God and what Heaven is!
If you only could hear from here the singing of the Angels,
And see me among them!

If you only could see the eternal horizons and hear the eternal songs,
The new paths I am walking on!
If you only could, just for a moment, contemplate the true Beauty,
At whose side others seem to fade!

What? You did see me, loved me in the kingdom of shadows,
And you think that you could never see me again, love me again,
In the Kingdom of Reality?
Believe me, when death comes to break what ties you to,

As it did before with me, and when, the day only God knows about,
Your soul will reunite with mine in Heaven,
This day, you will feel again all that tenderness that died.
Dry your tears and do not cry if you love me,
Because I am at the other side of the mirror”.

Jason's coming home!

2008-06-27T09:52:00.000-07:00

Well, Jason will be home soon. He's on a 2 1/2 week break from Job Corps. He just called and he's in Modesto. The boy called me at 6:45 this morning to let me know he was at the LA airport!!! Can you imagine???? Waking me up for that????? LOL

I still haven't told him about you passing over the bridge. I didn't think he could handle it with the school work and all the other stuff he had to deal with (he loves you so much) but now he will find out. He'll come in thinking you are here and he'll find Max. I know Max will worm his way into his heart and Jason will love him as he loves you. If there's any problems, I will send him to the forum for support.

And he has a girl friend! Sounds like this one might be the one (or maybe he's just grown up?) ... he has grown up.

Will keep you posted.

I've attached something that Sol just posted this morning.

We love you!!!!! Still crying also.

Mom & Dad

With love, Sol from Spain

Words from the Departed (Saint Augustine)

"Death is nothing,
It is as if I were in the room nearby.
It is me, it is you,
What we were for each other will remain.

Call me as you were used to, Talk to me as you always did,
Do not use a different tone,
Do not be sad or solemn,
Keep laughing at all the things that made us laugh.

Pray, smile, think of me, pray with me,
I want my name to be said at home,
As it always was,
Without emphasis, without traces of a shadow.

Life means all it ever meant,
It is what it always was : the bound is not broken.
Why would you not think of me?
Just because you cannot see me?

I am not far away,
I am at the other side of the path …
See, everything falls into its place …
Do not cry if you love me, I

f you only knew the gift of God and what Heaven is!
If you only could hear from here the singing of the Angels,
And see me among them!
If you only could see the eternal horizons and hear the eternal songs,

The new paths I am walking on!
If you only could, just for a moment, contemplate the true Beauty,
At whose side others seem to fade!
What? You did see me, loved me in the kingdom of shadows,

And you think that you could never see me again, love me again,
In the Kingdom of Reality?
Believe me, when death comes to break what ties you to,
As it did before with me, and when, the day only God knows about,

Your soul will reunite with mine in Heaven,
This day, you will feel again all that tenderness that died.
Dry your tears and do not cry if you love me,
Because I am at the other side of the mirror".

Sad lately

2008-06-13T20:25:00.000-07:00

Not sure why I've been so sad these past few days. Maybe it's due to the fact that on the 8th it was 3 months since you left us. Or maybe it's because Sharisse and I had a "falling out"? I know I'm always sad over that but we talked on Sat., the 7th for a bit when I told her I had the money she needed for rent. She tried to pull that "oh that's ok ... you don't have to ... I know you probably need it for something". What the heck? She's the one who needed it so desparately ... oh well. Haven't talked to her since ... hope she's ok. Or maybe it's just a combination of things? Haven't figured out the specifics and I probably won't ever know exactly why. But the reasons aren't that important I guess. Just rambling. Shasta's mom is still having a hard time. I've been trying to help but I'm not a professional.

But Jason's coming home the end of this month! And I'm really looking forward to it. I spent more at the store than I wanted but he's asked for "special" foods; i.e., peanut butter cookies, spaghetti, and deviled eggs. Says no one can beat Mom's cooking! LOL

Well, I'll let you go ... I know you're busy playing with the other furbabies and probably getting ready to sleep as I know you've had a busy, funfilled day.

Mommy and Daddy love you so much!!!

On your 3 month marker

2008-06-08T01:30:00.000-07:00

Tasha, this one's for you my sweet baby. Mommy and Daddy love you so much and you will remain in our hearts and memories forever ... you are truly irreplaceable!

They're a very special gift to be cherished and loved
You're chosen for each other by God Himself above
It's a match made in heaven so it can't be wrong
You're tied together by a bond that's oh so strong

All they'll ever ask from you is to be loved and fed
And at night make sure they have, fresh water, and a bed
In return for so little the rewards are so great
You'll get a companion for life with some very special traits

When you are lost and the end seems so far away
They'll walk by your side they'll help you find your way
When life gets you down they can put a smile on your face
As they run you in circles with their fast pace

You'll share the good with the bad; you'll be happy and sad
And through it all you have a friend; the best you ever had
You're time together will be special and unique
It will be as priceless to you as a rare antique

Then before you know it the day will arrive
When suddenly your lifetakes a steep dive
The furry friend who's been with you for all of these years
Has now passed on and left you in tears

As you sit and wonder "what did I do?"
Why is this all happening to you?
Into each of our lives a little rain must fall
And you must be strong to answer the call

Your little one's spirit has flown home on the wings of a dove
To a special place that awaits them in heaven above
St. Francis will meet them when they get home
He will take them to a meadow where they're free to roam

There in the meadows down by the pond
Your furry friend will remember his loving bond
He'll look into the water, then you apppear
He can see you're frightened; he can feel your fear

Through the bond that still ties you from heaven above
He looks down upon you; he sends you his love
Because you loved him and because you care
Whenever you need him he'll always be there

There in the meadows they patiently wait for the day
When you will celebrate your life together; each and everyday
Waiting for that day when you come walking back home
When together for an eternity through the meadows you'll roam.

Author Unknown

The end of another month

2008-05-30T14:44:00.001-07:00

GOOD NIGHT DEAR FRIEND

The time has come for you to take a journey of your own,
And I must see through all my tears that God has called you home.
Through sadness fills my heart today and many days to come,
I know that you are now at rest in God's eternal love.

You were to me much more than friend of any human kind,
The joy and happiness we shared was more than most will find.

A special place within my heart for you will always be,
A place of joy and love for you, in sweet fond memory,
Perhaps that place within my heart that is for you today,
Will one day grow to fill my heart and take my grief away.

author unknown

Well, Tasha ... another month that you are no longer here. Time is going by so fast but it seems like only yesterday you were still with us. I can't believe that in a week's time you will have been gone 3 months. I know you are just waiting until mom and dad get around to joining you at the Bridge and we will be there when it's our time.

We still miss you ... I know that you're saying "and how could you not?" as you were our whole life. Max is doing his job in keeping us busy with his antics ... he's still a child and is acting like one. LOL

You have a good day playing with all your friends up there. And tell Shasta to send his mommy a special sign. Can you do that for me?

Love,
Mom & Dad

What a great idea!!!

2008-05-20T17:19:00.001-07:00

Oh Tasha ... what a lucky furbaby you are!!! Ginny has added a photo album option to the residency pages of all of your friends!!! All of us parents are simply thrilled with what she's done for all the furbabies!!

Now everyone can see all the pictures I have of you and the other furbabies!!!
Spread the word so all your friends can send signs to their parents on this new addition???

We love you ... will always love you ... and will never forget you ... until we all meet again ...

Love,
Mom and Dad

A poem from a friend

2008-05-18T10:31:00.000-07:00

I'm putting this lovely poem here as I know people come visit and I thought maybe others would enjoy it. It is a tear jerker (for me anyways). All your feelings about "should I do it now?" or "should I wait?" are perfectly normal.

I was going to talk to you about our troll but you already know everything that happened so I have decided not to go into the details. If her furbaby is really over the Bridge, say "hi" for me. You know which one I'm talking about.

MAY I GO NOW?

May I go now?
Do you think the time is right?
May I say goodbye to pain filled days
and endless lonely nights?

I've lived my life and done my best,
an example tried to be.
So can I take that step beyond
and set my spirit free?

I didn't want to go at first,
I fought with all my might.
But something seems to draw me now,
to a warm and loving light.

I want to go, I really do.
It's difficult to stay.
But I will try as best I can
to live just one more day.

To give you time to care for me
and share your love and fears.
I know you’re sad and afraid,
because I see your tears.

I'll not be far, I promise that,
and hope you'll always know
that my spirit will be close to you
wherever you may go.

Thank you so for loving me.
You know I love you too.
That's why it's hard to say good-bye
and end this life with you.

So hold me now just one more time
and let me hear you say,
because you care so much for me,
you'll let me go today.

Author Susan A. Jackson

Thought I'd pass this one one

2008-05-12T17:47:00.000-07:00

This was posted from a dear friend and I just thought there might be someone out there who has lost a furbaby and could "use" it at this time. Here's what she posted:

Dear Forum Moms, I received this on Mother's Day, 2004, just 12 weeks after losing my Buddy. It helped me then, and I hope it will help someone else now. Happy Mother's Day to everyone who has ever been a mom to a best friend. Susie ~~~~~

MOTHER’S DAY MESSAGE FROM THE BRIDGE:

Hi Moms We had to take time out from my busy day to wish you a very happy mothers day. Even though we are not with you, we really are. We are never far from your side no matter where you go. You see our spirit lives on in your heart and in your memories of me. We see everything you do and we watch over you day and night. We love you so very much. We know how hard it was for you when we had to leave, but we had to go. Our time on earth was complete and God was calling us home again. We were sent to you for a reason, I know the reason, God knows the reason, but maybe at this point in time you don’t quite understand why we where taken from you and now we are gone. In time you will know. We promise. Some of us were old and tired and had to travel the Bridge so we could be young and with out pain once more. Surely you did not want us to suffer any longer. Some of our moms had to make the decision to bring us to the vet and help us cross the bridge. Please believe us you did nothing wrong. We thank you for this gift that you and the doctors have to end our sufferings and to bring us to peace in God’s glorious Heaven. Some of us had accidents that took us from you abruptly. But we did not suffer. We were lovingly brought to heaven by beautiful angels. It is so beautiful here we never want to leave. Not that we do not love you, but you will see when you get here what we are talking about. Some of us were young, but our time was spent on earth. We had to go Moms, it was not our choice but God’s. Remember we are all God’s creatures and when He called us home we had to leave you. Please do not cry for us, be happy that we are happy. It is a glorious place, we promise. We are cared for and loved so much. Everyone gets along great and we all gather round when a new fur baby comes to us. We show them the way and help them adjust to it up here. Well, Moms, we need to go now, but remember we love you so very much and we are always at your side. So when you need to talk to us, look upward into the sky and we will be smiling down on you. We are always with you, Love forever, Your Precious Furchildren ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ =^..^= =^..^= Susie Squillions =^..^= =^..^= Tabbytown Momcat “Heaven and earth are threads from one loom.” ~ Shaker Proverb Please visit Buddy’s RainbowsBridge residency: http://www.rainbowsbridge.com/residents/Buddy128/resident.HTM

Can you find her?

2008-05-02T21:07:00.000-07:00

Oh Tasha ... we, at the forum, received very sad news today. It seems that
Rose, one of our "friends" could not find a reason to continue her life without her precious furbaby Sam who left for the bridge February 21st. I know you must have met Sam by now. He crossed the bridge the same time TT did. Were you with everyone when they welcomed Rose as she crossed the bridge?

Did you see your dad the other night? He was watching you playing with your friend in his dream. He saw the green grass and pretty flowers and told me you were having so much fun running and chasing your buddy!

Play nice, Tasha! Have fun. Enjoy yourself ... we miss you so much. And we still cry for our loss.

Love,
Mom

Your poor brother!

2008-04-24T11:52:00.001-07:00

Well, Tasha ... as you probably already know, today's the day your brother, Max is having that "procedure" done. I know you and the other furbabies at the Bridge are looking down on the doctor who is performing said procedure and making sure everything goes well.

We still miss you ... you are one in a million, Sweetie!!!

It's still so hard. Remind all your friends to send hugs/kisses to their mommies and daddies. And tell Shasta the ferret to stop what she's doing and send a message to her mommy, Catherine!!! She is missing her baby so much and I'm worried about her. There are so many humans hurting on the forum ... please gather the newcomers together (or get the head Man involved) and help them send signs to their furparents like you did for Dad and me.

Love you forever!!!

Mom

Death is nothing at all

2008-04-18T11:41:00.000-07:00

Death is nothing at all.
I have only slipped away into the next room.
I am I, and you are you.
Whatever we were to each other, that we still are.
Call me by my old familiar name, speak to me in the easy way which you always used.
Put no difference in your tone, wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Pray, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be the household word that it always was.
Let it be spoken without effect, without a trace of a shadow on it.
Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was; there is unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner.

All is well!

~ Kevin Mayhew

Happy Birthday Tasha!!!

2008-04-15T21:18:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, my Sweet Tashi!!!

Today you are 14 years old. We miss you so much. Max was laying on my desk while I was typing and he needed hugs as I've been at work all day. He was asleep when I left this morning. As I was snuggling him, I glanced up at your picture which sits there and the tears started once again.

I wouldn't trade those years with you for anything.

Enjoy all the cake and ice cream over the Bridge and play nicely with all your friends.

Love,
Mom and Dad

Settling in

2008-04-11T14:03:00.000-07:00

Tashi, as you know, Max is settling in and "marking" Dad's bags. LOL
Since you never did that sort of thing (you are a lady in the true sense of the word) I was starting to be concerned. But when I went to the shelter today to pay for Max and set up his appointment to be "fixed" (don't want him to contribute to the overpopulation of furbabies in this town if he ever gets out), I asked Melinda about it.

I told her it was your Dad's bags he tends to leave around the house (you know how he is LOL) and she said it was that territorial thing going on. Max is smelling all the odors Dad brings in with him so Max is putting his mark on anything that may go back out with Dad so that everyone will know Max has prior claim. Guess that saves him and he won't have to "pack his bags and get out" as I like to tell him. LOL

The biting has stopped ... yes, I did yell at him over it and I am not sorry as the bite hurts. Dad still says it's a sign of love and he doesn't "know his own strength" type of thing.

And I also cut his nails. He was quite good during that ... not as squirmy as you were, my love.

I know Dad said "no more pets" but you also know there are many furbabies out there who need a forever home and Max has wormed his way into Dad's heart. But you also know that no one will ever replace you!!! I sit here at the computer and look at your picture. You are still our Tashi! We will never forget you.

Oh, could you be a sweetie and get on Shasta's case about easing her mommy's pain? I'm quite worried about her.

Let me let you go, sweetie. I will talk to you soon.

Love,
Mommy

Max is here

2008-04-05T19:25:00.000-07:00

Well, Tasha ... you did it this time. LOL

Picked up Max and he's here sleeping on the bed. I swear he's taking up the whole bed (remember how Dad used to get upset while I was away in Reno that time and complained about you "taking up the whole bed!"). Well, I think Max is longer than you and he does take up the whole bed when laying from side to side. Did you do that so I'd know what Dad meant??? Hmmmmm ..........

Dad will go sign the papers on Wednesday and he will officially be ours. Wasn't that nice of Laurel to "trust me" to do the adoption on Wednesday and not today? You knew his time at the shelter was drawing to an end ... I know you sent her a message. Thank you, Sweetheart!!!

Dad feels like Paul McCartney. He never agreed with Paul getting married again after Linda passed on. But never fear ... you will never be replaced in our hearts. How could you??? You are one of a kind.

We will always love you. Now we'll show love to Max ... I know he was someone's pet .. he's so friendly and has already claimed his spot in the bedroom window.

Watch out for Midnight, Kate's dog, who's coming next weekend. It's his time and I know it must be scary for the newcomers.

Take care, get some sleep, and remember ...

We will always love you!

I got your message

2008-04-04T21:33:00.000-07:00

Oh Tasha ... looks like we're on the way to saving a furbaby (but you already know about that).

For anyone reading this entry I will go into a little detail so you'll understand that there are indeed signs from our loved ones.

You can read about the visit my first husband paid me in my post entitled "I'm as sure as I can be" of several days ago. Now about this most recent sign ...

I had been looking at a pic of a tabby that my friend posted. The tabby is at our shelter and he's running out of time. I put his pic away til the next day when I called the lady who runs the shelter and left a message. Next day called her again and left another message saying I wanted that cat ... he is a handsome fellow. Went to bed that night and when I woke up the next day, I had this thought in my head that "his name is Max". I am no good with names. I envy people who can come up with a really great name for a cat/dog or whatever but I've never been able to do that. I think I named my cat after my daughter's girlfriend ... I don't remember.

So is this a sign? I definately think so. You be the judge.

Finally

2008-04-01T20:51:00.001-07:00

Hey there my sweet! Guess what??? But I bet you know already, don't you?

I finally got your Dad to mow the grass and then we planted the Camellia I bought you. I will be sure to keep you updated on it's progress.

Keep an eye on the newcomers? They will be so afraid and probably not know what's going on. You and the "veterans" need to take care of them.

Good night, Tasha. Mommy and Daddy love you so much!!!

Just another day

2008-03-31T14:58:00.000-07:00

Afternoon, my baby! I'm getting ready for work and thought I'd drop by to say "hi". I'm at the pet loss forum every day (sometimes several times a day) and there are new losses each day. Luckily we have the Rainbow Bridge site to comfort and support those of us who need it.

I am getting better each day. At least now when I go my favorite site with my other "family" I can post responses. I couldn't do that before so I know I'm getting "better".

Saturday night was bad as the tears just wouldn't stop. But what did I expect on the 3rd week marker of you leaving us?

You be good, Tashi and watch out for those new arrivals. Make sure the angels up there find everyone who comes!

I love you so much!!!!

Love,
Mom

Another dream

2008-03-27T20:56:00.000-07:00

Oh Tasha ... thank you so much for your visit to me the other day. Your Dad told me tonight that he dreamed of you again. You were on the bed with him putting your face in his just like you used to do. I know I had a dream about you several nights ago but I just can't remember it. Maybe that's why you visited me the other morning on the way to work?

Please talk to Shasta and tell her to send a message to her Mom, Catherine. She is hurting so badly. And thank all of your fur friends up at the Bridge for "sending" all of us to Ginny's site ... it has truly saved many people.

I love you so much!!! Have a good night's sleep, sweet baby!!!

Love,
Mom

I am as sure as I can possibly be that ...

2008-03-26T17:14:00.000-07:00

I saw Tasha this morning on my way to work.

Let me back up a bit and tell a story that I have never told anyone before. Shortly after my husband of 27 years passed on, I went over to my mother-in-law's house for something ... can't remember why but I was alone. Where she lived visitors parked across the street in a lot. As I got out of the car, I looked over to her apartment building and there, on the bench they had in the grass, sat a gentleman. He had on the exact same baseball hat, royal blue sweatshirt, light blue jeans, and white sneakers that my husband used to wear all the time and was sitting the way my husband would have sat.

I, being a rational, logical human being, could not grasp the concept that it might be him paying a "visit" to me. As I started to come across the street I was still being logical and walked by him all the while telling myself that it was just "some man who happened to have on similar clothes as my husband". When I left to go home, he was gone. I told no one of this.

As time went on and I heard stories of others receiving "visits" and signs from loved ones, I came to believe that what I saw (and tried so hard to talk myself out of) was indeed my husband.

So back to today. In all the time I have worked at my job, whether I am getting a ride in the early morning or taking the bus later in the day to go to work, I have never seen any cats in the neighborhood except for the couple who always visit my yard.

I caught my ride at 6:30 am this morning and we went the same we we always do. As we were driving down the street approaching a stop light, I noticed a cat sitting in the street near the sidewalk. There was no traffic this morning, there never are any people uptown walking around at that time as nothing's open. So as we pull up to the corner to wait for the light to change I'm looking at this cat. It's just sitting there looking at me. Black and white just like my Tasha. Could have been her double. It wasn't a ghost as my friend commented on the cat. She had never seen Tasha so she wouldn't make a connection but I just looked at the cat and had to wonder.

Makes sense to me that if a loved one was going to visit from the other side, they would be in the same clothes that you knew them best in and if one of our furbabies were going to visit, it would be the same kind of furbaby that we had here in this life.

I called my husband at lunch and told him I had seen her. I had never even told him about my "visit" from my first husband so many years ago. I did today.

So I'm putting this down in Tasha's blog to remember.

I will believe that this was a visit from my beloved furbaby!!! And I am so grateful to God, my first husband, all the other furbabies at Rainbow Bridge, and "anyone" else who had a hand in making this possible.

Comparing Grief for Animal Friends to Grief for Humans

2008-03-25T15:53:00.000-07:00

A friend wrote this for those of us who have lost animal friends in the hopes that it would help us understand. I'm offering it here for the same reason.

So many times, I have read a post in which someone says that they feel guilty because they grieve more intensely for their animal family members than they did for their human family members. There are several reasons why so many of us feel that way, and I would like to explain them here.

First, our animals love us and accept us under any circumstances. It doesn’t matter if we are happy, sad, angry; rich or poor; living in a mansion or a shack; in the best of health or not. They love and accept us under any conditions, and they never tell us to change. They are with us 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year. They never give us advice, and they don’t criticize us. All they ever do is love us and hope that we love them.

Another thing that adds to the intensity of our grief is that we are 100% responsible for our animal family members. Our human family members can tell the doctors where it hurts or feels wrong, but our animals can't. It's up to us to notice when something is not right, and to get them in for treatment. When we do take them in, we (and the vets) have a lot of work to do trouble shooting the symptoms most of the time, and that isn't easy when the patient can't tell us what their symptoms are. When you add to that the fact that our animals frequently aren't themselves in the stressful environment of the vet clinic, it can take longer to diagnose the condition.

As animals, one of their greatest survival instincts is to hide any signs of illness or injury so as not to appear weak. For that reason, we often don't know anything is wrong until it's too late. We feel as if we've failed them somehow, and that feeling adds to the grief. The fact is, we did not fail them. We did the best we could with the information and resources we had at the time. Our animals know that we would have done anything to help them, and they know the love we had for them.

In addition to that, when we lose a precious family member, everyone understands why we grieve, and they don't put a time limit on it. Too often, people don't understand why we grieve for our animals beyond the early days. They tell us we should "get over it" and "move on." Did you ever hear that from a family member, friend, or co-worker when you lost your parents? Probably not. Losing our animal family members is a very intimate experience that few others (outside of this forum) understand fully.

Our furries loved us no matter what. All they ask is that we accept their love and treat them with kindness. There is no reason for anyone to feel guilty for the intensity of their grief under any circumstances. Grief is different for each of us, and it's different each time we have to face it. Those of us who have lost precious family members and then have had to face the loss of an animal family member are faced with the same depth of grief, but with fewer people who understand. We feel more alone in the loss of an animal. The fact is: Love is love, loss is loss, and grief is grief. Period. Susan "Susie Squillions" Lynch ©