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Today's Outrage
The tainted pet-food story just keeps getting worse. Now officials of a Chinese company that sells ingredients to Menu Foods, the Canadian firm that manufactured the deadly products - which have caused kidney failure and death in at least dozens, maybe many more, cats and dogs - are admitting the company routinely adds melamine to animal feeds. They don't see what the big deal is.
Do I need to remind you that this is the country where police go around clubbing pet dogs to death in the street as an anti-rabies measure? Loathesome.
Click here for today's story.
Is Pet Insurance for You?
Parade Magazine recently had a feature on pet insurance: where it can help, where it might not, how to choose it. Click here to read it.
Yet Another Reason Not to Eat Pork
Click here for an update on hogs that ate tainted pet food then got into the human food supply.
Your Pet Pix
Meet the extremely adorable Whiskey (top) and Lucky Salup.
If you'd like your precious baby on the blog, send a jpeg photo and some basic info - name, age, gender, where he/she lives - to pets@MiamiHerald.com
Check 'Em Out
"Therapy Dog, Inc., group is participating in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. On Saturday, April 28th, a team of certified therapy dogs and their owners will be walking to raise money for cancer research. You can see us at Coral Gables High School, from 4 to 10 pm.
"Our teams regularly visit at local nursing homes, Mercy Hospital and provide "reading dogs" at a local elementary school. We are proud of the work that our beautiful partners perform. It is amazing what a wonderful affect a gentle and loving dog can have on a sick or sad person. It's magic.
"Please support our efforts to fight cancer. Donations can be made through the web page. Anyone interested in therapy dog visits can meet us at the relay site.''
Feline Grooming Advice
From the Rev. Jim Houchens of Pembroke Pines: tips on keeping your long-haired cat smooth and sleek.
"Here is a technique that avoids the shaving. Make a mixture of corn starch and talcum powder. Work the powder into the clump with your fingers. Keep picking at the clump with your fingers and a metal flea comb. It's tedious, but eventually, you can get the fur untangled. The powder lubricates the fur so it will loosen the clump. Kitty may grow tired of this and give you a hard time. Give her a rest before you continue. My Maine Coon was so passive, she would tolerate most anything, same with the Persians.''
Note to Attorney:
With any luck, he's burning in hell.....
Man Admits Feeding Puppy to Snake
PHOENIX — A man who admitted feeding a puppy to a pet boa constrictor failed to show up for sentencing Tuesday.
Joseph E. Beadle, 40, had pleaded guilty last month to a charge of animal cruelty, a felony. He was set for sentencing Tuesday in Maricopa County Superior Court, and a judge issued an arrest warrant when he failed to show. He was facing up to a year in jail and a $150,000 fine.
His attorney, Gerald Bradley, told The Arizona Republic newspaper he did not know where his client was.
Police reports say Beadle fed the mixed-breed, 3-week-old puppy to the snake in June as two 15-year-old boys watched. He poured cooking oil on the dog so it would be easier for the snake to swallow, according to the reports.
Investigators found the snake was also a victim of neglect. The snake was removed from the home and is in the care of the Arizona Herpetological Society.
Great Photo in the Herald
Click here to read a story about "designer' public parks, catering to various activities (including dog parks). But the real draw is the great picture of a dog thoroughly enjoying himself.
Little Black Dog
Someone rescued this little guy in the Redland area of Homestead last weekend.
"He's got a long black coat, is around 10 lbs. (with a small white patch on his chest). This is someone's dog. He's housebroken, well mannered, leash trained, rides fine in the car and is non-destructive when left alone. I have not had to crate him at all .He can be a little yappy when he gets excited.''
He was found in the area of SW 187th Ave. & SW 320th St. Call 786-259-3386. He wasn't injured.
Pets in Condos Update
Citizens for Pets in Condos is an advocacy group that has submitted a bill to the Florida legislature that would permit emotional-support animals in condos with no-pet rules. Go to petsincondos.org for an update on the bill's progress and more info on the group.
How Dogs are Helping Injured Iraqi Veterans
Whatever your views on the war - and I certainly have strong ones, though a pet blog isn't exactly the place to air them - I hope we can all agree that servicemen and women returning from combat wounded should get whatever they need to recover and/or live as normally as possible. It's touching to see that dogs are contributing to that effort.
Click here for a story from the Denver Post about how learning to train a "sniffer dog'' is helping a brain-injured vet regain his memory and concentration.
Here's one from the Chicago Tribune about a program to place assistance dogs with disabled vets.
Georgeous Golden Needs a Home
This, from "Samy the Slider's'' foster dad (who clearly has a good sense of humor):
"He's a 15-month-old golden retriever. Unfortunately I am unable to keep him due to the fact that several nights per week I don't return home until late in the evening, leaving Samy crated for most of the day. One of my sons found Samy tied to a tree, having fled his original owner. Once we found the owner and returned him, all was well until they contacted my son and said they could no longer keep him.
"Samy is probably the most beautiful dog that I have ever owned, and certainly the most active. He is ultra friendly, especially with children, and speaks five languages. I recently had him tested and his i.q. was an astounding 182. He has already applied for membership in Mensa. He loves to run, as do all retrievers. His nickname "the slider" originated from the fact that while chasing the ball in the house, he can't stop his momentum and slides into the walls.
"Unfortunately, as much as I love Samy, it isn't fair to keep him crated all of those hours. I am going to be very selective as to where I place him, but if you have any interest in owning the best dog in the world and the best "Samy the Slider" in the entire universe, please email me at dub7600@aol.com, or call me at the office, 305.665.4177 or on my cell, 305.342.5376. ''
Purebred Chihuahua at the Shelter
His name is - I'm not making this up - PEE. His ID #A0958274. Tan and white, smooth-coated, about 2 years old. He's been at the Miami-Dade shelter since April 11, so is on borrowed time. Call the shelter at 305-884-1101.
Someone PLEASE Adopt Rocco!
He's greyhound/Lab, less than a year, and can't stay in his rescuer's apartment. You also get his toys, grooming supplies and a crate. He's got all his shots and is "almost completely" housebroken. Call 305-527-3669.
Pet Food Litigation Info
From a press release:
April 20, 2007 (Toronto, Canada) "Pet owner Karen Fraser of Toronto Ontario responded to the tainted pet food scandal by founding Petitionz.org with Ron Smith. The website has provided a constructive way for angered and grieving pet owners to respond to the ongoing pet food crisis. People from around the world have signed the petition and voted in the polls.
"While trying to keep up on the recall and reaction information that seemed to change by the hour Ms. Fraser came across articles by American media which indicated that U.S. pet owners would get little compensation if they won a law suit against Menu Foods. Few states recognize pets as anything beyond property.
"She then checked the website for the Canadian law firm Falconer Charney [which has] filed class action lawsuits against Menu Foods Inc. and Canada-wide distributors and producers of potentially contaminated pet food. On the site she found a court decision in Ontario granting damages to pet owners for emotional trauma. Under Ontario law a pet is not just another object that people own. A pet is an important part of people’s lives and Ontario law recognizes that people can be emotionally traumatized if their pet is hurt or dies.
"Ms. Fraser called the law firm to ask if Americans could join the Canadian class action lawsuit because the headquarters for Menu Foods is located in Ontario. Ted Charney offered this opinion: “Americans can file in Toronto because Menu Foods is headquartered in this province and made all material decisions in its operations from its head office.”
"Like many areas of the law this is not black and white. The Ontario judge may only grant Americans the compensation allowed by the U.S. state where they live but she/he might grant compensation under Ontario law. Mr. Charney suggests that pet owners should consider whether their state laws allow for compensation for emotional trauma before considering the Canadian lawsuit.
"Falconer Charney is representing pet owners who wish to recover compensation and help prevent contaminated ingredients and poison from entering the pet food chain. To learn more about the class action law suit and legal contact information visit Petitionz.org or call (416) 696-7621
or (416) 893-1551.''
Cooking for Critters
A reader asked for homemade pet-food recipes in light of the current crisis with so many brands of commerical food.
I'll do better than that. Click here and here to link to a whole slew of recipes, from basic chicken/veggies/rice dishes to apple-cinnamon cookies. Bless anyone who has the time and/or inclination to do this.
On the subject of the food recall (and the horrifying rising death toll), this from Tracy Tenner, veteran Fort Lauderdale dog trainer:
"I have taken a HUGE step. After feeding nothing but Eukanuba, which is NOT on any recall lists, for at least 20 years, I have changed my dog and cat food to Life's Abundance. It is formulated by a holistic vet using nothing but human-grade foods and is delivered directly to my door at whatever interval I request. The parent company. Trilogy (People-Pets-Planet) also offers all-natural treats, chewies, supplements, even pet-oriented, safe, cleaning products. It's not cheap, but neither was Euk.
"Check out healthfoodforpets.com.''
T-Bone Needs a Home
T-Bone is a 6-year-old male, neutered American Eskimo. He is healthy, had recent blood work, is heartworm negative and recently had dental work. He was hit by a car and his owner surrendered him. He is really sweet and desperately needs a good home. Call (954) 895-2799.
And They're Off!
The Search for America’s Fastest Chihuahua is On. It's the Third Annual PETCO Unleashed Races, wherein, says the company, Miami's "tiniest and finest will face off for a chance to compete for the coveted title of Fastest Chihuahua. Accompanied by their human family members, the competitors will race in heats of 10 along a 1/18th furlong (35-foot-long) track. The winner will be awarded a trip to San Diego to compete against 14 other regional champions in the national finals between innings of a major league baseball game at PETCO Park, home to the San Diego Padres, on Sept. 2, 2007.
It happens Saturday, May 5, 2007, at 10 a.m. at the North Miami PETCO, 14601 Biscayne Boulevard. For more information, call 305-940-2840. There's a serious purpose: "To celebrate the human-animal bond and remind all pet lovers about the millions of adoptable pets – including Chihuahuas waiting for loving homes.''
More on the Food Recall
WASHINGTON (April 17, 2007) -- The Humane Society of the United States has established a pet food safety information line with the most up-to-the-minute pet food recall information, including a list of all companies involved in the recall and ways to determine if your pet’s food was affected.
By calling 1-800-Humane-1, callers will hear a personal message from HSUS President and CEO Wayne Pacelle, and can then choose from among three areas: updated recall information on pet food and treats; tips on what you can do to protect your pets; and how you can help. Concerned pet guardians can also visit The HSUS online pet food safety center at hsus.org.
Said Wayne Pacelle, “Pets are cherished members of our family and they deserve high-quality, safe, nutritious food. Sixty-percent of U.S. households have pets, so this recall affects millions. The HSUS will continue to be the comprehensive source for information on this pet food recall and for all other issues affecting animals today. We are also supporting efforts by several members of Congress to find out exactly what happened and how it can be prevented in the future.”
Yet More Pet Foods Recalled
Now it's dry food from Natural Balance. Click here for that story and a bunch of good related links.
Cat Hoarder Busted
This out of Ocala: A guy living with hundreds of cats wallowing in waste has been busted for animal cruelty. Click here for the story.
Adorable Jack Russell Needs a Home
Is she not the cutest little thing? Someone should snatch her ASAP (she's a young adult). Here are the contact details: call 305 298-7967; e-mail ancy_ohare@evergladesresearch.com. She was running loose in South Dade.
Help Dogs; Win iPOD (maybe)
Click here to go to the Florida Pet Book site, where, for a $5 donation toward greyhound rescue, you can try your luck at winning an iPOD Nano. Florida Pet Book is a quarterly publication offering all kinds of critter-related information and resources.
Excellent Advice.....
When you are in deep trouble, say nothing, and try to look as though you know what you're doing.
Mutley Needs a Home
From his rescuers:
"Very sweet dog, been left out as a yard dog, good with kids, other dogs and cats. Needs a safe place. Neutered, up to date with shots and is unfortunately stuck in the middle of a divorce. Wife left him with husband who doesn't want him and will be taking him to [the county shelter] in a matter of days.'' He's 5-6 years old, and obviously part Chow.
Contact: CMuni@mdpd.com.
Kitties Need Homes
From Pam, resident Herald cat rescuer: "These five kittens, 2 to 3 weeks old, were left in a paper bag outside of Pet Supermarket in Homestead -- not even old enough yet to eat or go potty on their own! The manager found them on the sidewalk when he went to the store to open it one Friday morning. Luckily, rescuer extraordinaire & friend Laura happened along to come to their rescue, and she brought them to me. We bottle-fed them and helped them go potty 24/7 for three days until I could turn them over to Friends of Gummi in Naples. They're being raised by very experienced foster mom...and will be adopted out after spay/neuter in another 4 or 5 weeks.
''
'' Interested? E-mail Pjsansbury@aol.com
Save the Polar Bears! Save the Baby Seals! Save the Wolves!
Many wild animal populations are under seige from climate change and encroaching humans. Here are some sites where you can get involved in efforts to get them (or keep them) on the endangered species list, or to prevent wholesale killings, or to otherwise protect them: Defenders of Wildlife; harpseals.org; National Resources Defense Council.
Guess You'd Have to Do Poop Patrol With a Backhoe
This is circulating the Internet:
Hercules was recently awarded the honorable distinction of World's Biggest Dog by Guinness World Records. Hercules is an English Mastiff who has a 38-inch neck and weighs 282 pounds. With "paws the size of softballs" (reports the Boston Herald), the three-year-old monster is far larger and heavier than his breed's standard 200lb. limit. Hercules' owner Mr. Flynn says that Hercules weight is natural and not induced by a bizarre diet: "I fed him normal food and he just "grew"... and grew. and grew. and grew.
Ok, now for a reality check, go to Snopes.com, the site that debunks urban legends (or sometimes confirms stuff that merely sounds like urban legends). Hercules is a real dog but it's not a real picture, which shows a Neapolitan mastiff.
Oh well....
Congress Outlaws Animal Fighting
YESSSS!! Congress has sent a bill to the president outlawing cockfighting, dogfighting and every other DISGUSTING type of spectator carnage involving critters. I usually try to be sensitive to other cultures' activities, but there is no need/reason/excuse for subjecting live animals to the brutal business of combat for human "pleasure.'' (Now, if they'll focus on greyhound racing.....)
To read more about the bill and comments from the stand-up lawmakers who sponsored it, click here.
Beautiful Boy In Foster Home
The beautiful black dog below is in a loving foster home, so no need to call the contact. Thanks for caring about him.
Local Help for Jacksonville Humane
This is an e-mail sent to the board of directors and trustees of the Humane Society of Greater Miami/Adopt a Pet by its executive director, Emily Marquez-Dulin. The public is welcome to use the information as well:
I know that you must all be devastated by the fire that destroyed the Jacksonville Humane Society and ended the life of several animals. It was truly horrific as they, like us, are a limited admit facility in the business to guarantee the life of the animals in their care until they find a forever home. Our hearts go out to the staff and volunteers who are dealing with their loss.
We have reached out to help them and attempted to contact them with little success. There are emails from our organization to theirs offering help and supplies. In the meantime, we have opened the Jacksonville Fire Fund in order to receive donations and ensure their arrival in a timely manner...If you would like to make a donation, and we are asking for money only, please send it to us as follows:
Check Payable to the Humane Society of Greater Miami. Write Jacksonville Fire Fund on the subject line, and mail to Humane Society of Greater Miami/Adopt a Pet, 16101 W. Dixie Highway, North Miami Beach, FL 33160. For credit card donations, call Tracy Myers, 305-749-1816.
Cat Bio Sells for Big $$
A book about a cat that lived nearly two decades in a public library has fetched a whopping $1.25 million advance from a publisher. Dewey, the orange and white cat, was found as a kitten in the book drop of the Spencer, Iowa, library. Click here for the New York Times story.
Tragedy in Jacksonville
The Humane Society shelter in Jacksonville burned to the ground yesterday, killing dozens of animals (including most of the cats, housed deep inside the building). About 60 animals were saved by brave firefighters. This is so heartbreaking. I'm sending a check to help them rebuild and I urge others who can afford it to do so. Click here and here for stories and donation information. Adoptions resume tomorrow, and I hope the critters that escaped find loving homes quickly.
K-9 Amber Alert
This is a great site for advertising lost pets, sort of the pet version of the lighted signs over the interstate: http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/K9AmberAlert/
Beautiful Boy Needs a Home ASAP
This guy was found on Tigertail in the Grove, running in the street. Collar, no tags. Scanned for chip but no chip. A neighbor is keeping him until Saturday, then he goes to the shelter. He's neutered, in good shape, extremely affectionate. Contact tjtalentino@yahoo.com.
Pet Prevents Cat-astrophe
An Indiana family's elderly cat saved them from certain death by carbon monoxide poisoning by leaping around and meowing so hysterically that her people couldn't ignore her. Kudos to Winnie! Click here for the story.
Size Matters (as in: matters of size)
A new study pins the wide variation in the size of dogs on a specific gene (though selective breeding certainly plays a part). Researchers studied dogs from a 2-pound Chihuaha to a 160-pound Irish wolfhound. Click here to read the text of the story on National Public Radio (where you can also hear it) and to see some funny photos of gi-normous and tee-nintsy pooches.
Pet Food Recall Updates
More products have been added to the list because they're feared contaminated with tainted Chinese wheat gluten, including Wal-Mart's dog biscuits. The Chinese government is investigating. Click here for a story.
Click here to go to the FDA's recall page.
Max the Fashionista
From Mila Dorotea, who has sent some of the best pet pix ever to appear on the blog. Here's Max in his dramatic red rain slicker and in his reversible, patriotic jean jacket. 
If there was a DQ magazine, he'd belong in it.
Send your pet photos as jpgs to pets@MiamiHerald.com and I'll post 'em.
Latest Related to Pet Food Recall
Here are the headlines:Pet Food Recall Sparks Full-Page Ad Campaign In 59 Major Papers (Editor & Publisher). Click here for the story.Importer: No Bad Wheat Gluten in Human Foods (USA Today). Click here for the story.
Baseball n' Bones
Bark At The Park With the Florida Marlins
WHEN: Friday, May 4, 2007 at 7:05 pm.
WHERE: Dolphin Stadium, 2267 Dan Marino Blvd, Miami Gardens.
WHO: The Humane Society of Greater Miami/Adopt-A-Pet. This event gives fans a chance to bring their dogs to a Marlins game and support their local Humane Society. This year it's Marlins vs. San Diego Padres.
TICKETS: $12 adults, $6 kids and dogs. 100% of the proceeds from the dog tickets bought from the Humane Society of Greater Miami/Adopt-A-Pet will go to help the animals in the organization's care.
MORE INFO: Click here.
Back from NYC and Catching Up
Lots of stuff waiting for me, which I'll be posting over the next couple days. It's good to be home with my dawgs. First item:
WASHINGTON (April 2, 2007) - “What’s your issue?” When a crew with the Film Your Issue (FYI) competition asked passersby that question at the Sundance Film Festival, the answers were diverse: world hunger, peace, global warming. But according to The Humane Society of the United States, many issues facing animals are also critical to humans. FYIfounder Heathcliff Rothman also believes that animal issues should rank among the most important social issues of the day, and that the treatment of animals is often marginalized. The Film Your Issue competition invites young adults between the ages of 16 and 25 to submit films of a minute or less on any social issue. The only thing all the films must have in common is the passion of the filmmakers. The HSUS is an FYI sponsor, and HSUS President and CEO Wayne Pacelle is a VIP Jurist for the competition. To encourage more films on key animal issues, The HSUS has provided a number of short video clips on animal fighting, factory farming, canned hunts, the Canadian seal hunt, and other key campaign issues that filmmakers can download and edit for their films. The HSUS also offers a wealth of background information on their website and through their Animal Content in Entertainment program. Pacelle said that The HSUS is honored to be part of the FYI competition, and thinks that encouraging more films about animals is critically important. “We know that film is a tremendously powerful medium,” said Pacelle. “We’re asking young filmmakers to use that power to change the world for animals. Links to all resources and more information about the competition can be found at hsus.org. Films must be submitted by April 15, 2007. Pacelle joins an impressive lineup of judges including Walter Cronkite, John Cusack, Kevin Bacon, Mandy Moore, Peter Jackson, Wolf Blitzer, Ellen Burstyn, Marilyn and Alan Bergman and Brian Williams. Supporting the competition are corporate sponsors and partners including TODAY, Yahoo!, Starz, Universal Pictures as well as The United Nations and The Natural Resources Defense Council. In addition to the competition’s prizes, which include a summer internship at Universal Pictures and trips to New York for the FYI Awards ceremony at United Nations headquarters, The HSUS will consider all animal-themed entries for special recognition. Click here for more information.Greetings from NYC
And to all celebrating Passover tonight: my very best wishes for a fulfilling and meaningful holiday. This will be my family's first seder without my mom, who died in July at 90, so when we consider the traditional seder question - Why is this night different from all other nights? - there will a sadly personal reason. To anyone else facing this night with a heavy heart, mine goes out to you.
That said, I've of course been purusing the NY TImes, which has run several critter stories in the past few days. Click here for one yestday about "Catminster,'' the feline equivalent of Westminster.
Click here to read about home cooking for pets, in the wake of the Menu Foods disaster. That's not something I personally will be doing, since my cooking would probably make them sicker that Menu ever would - then again, I only feed dry food, which is unaffected by the recall.
