Bark Blog

Pets Seek Shelter From Floods

When folks in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and other river communities near the Mississippi evacuated in anticipation of flooding, many of them didn't get a chance to retrieve their pets. Or if they did, they couldn't find a safe haven that would accept them. The New York Times reports on animal flood victims, the good people who are volunteering their time, energy and money to temporarily shelter them and hopefully, reunite them with their families.

As someone who experienced Hurricane Katrina firsthand, I'm heartened to know that authorities now recognize the importance of pets in people's lives. However, awareness doesn't necessarily lead to action; people should not have to resort to living in a car with their dogs because there are no pet-friendly, temporary housing options.

To ensure that your pets will be safe in case of an emergency, create a disaster plan now. Make a list of items you would need to bring, such as food, bowls, medicine, collar, leash, etc. Contact out-of-town family and friends to ask if you and your pets could stay with them in case of an emergency.

Donations for area flood victims are welcome through the HSUS, Cedar Valley Humane Society,Cedar Rapids Animal Shelter, Last Hope Animal Rescue and Companion Animal Network.

Julia Kamysz Lane

Feds Seize Food From PETCO Warehouse

Will the pet food industry ever get its act together? Yesterday, federal marshals seized allegedly contaminated pet food from a PETCO distribution center in suburban Chicago. The Food and Drug Administration inspected the warehouse in April and May and at both visits, found "live and dead rodents and birds on or around the pet food containers."

You'd think the third time would be the charm, but the food was again found to be stored in supposedly unsanitary conditions. PETCO vice president of corporate communications Kevin Whalen told the Associated Press the company has "acted aggressively to address each and every concern that was raised" at the government's last visit. Apparently, they need to do more.

This warehouse distributes food to Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin. No one has reported any adverse effects in their pets after eating food from PETCO. However, if you live in one of these states, the FDA recommends you take precautions when handling the food. If your pet becomes ill, contact your vet immediately and alert an FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator.

Julia Kamysz Lane

Another Pet Food Recall

If your dog dines on Timberwolf Organics, be sure to read this press release. The company is recalling two formulas that were produced with these three specific "best by" dates: Dakota Bison, best by 02/12/09; Ocean Blue, best by 02/20/09; and Ocean Blue, best by 03/08/09. For more information, please email customer.support@timberwolforganics.com or call (407) 877-8779.

Julia Kamysz Lane

To Meat or Not To Meat?

I am not a vegetarian, so a story about a culture where people eat dogs really challenges me. I'm horrified at the thought. But I eat beef. I eat pork. I don't eat horse meat. I'll eat chicken, but wouldn't touch crow. My lines seem totally arbitrary or, at least, culturally  determined.  I don't eat duck, rabbit or lamb -- for no really defensible reason other than some gut feeling. Who is to say that eating dogs should be off limits if eating animals, in general, is not?

So I'm wondering, can you love and work for animals and still eat them? I think about the work of Temple Grandin, who is not a vegetarian, but has done much to improve conditions for animals, particularly livestock. I'd like to hear from BARk readers about how you answer this central question. If you eat meat, have you considered it a conflict? If you are a vegetarian, has your relationship with a companion animal played a role in that decision?

Lisa Wogan

Struggling Shelter Flooded; Situation Desperate

Last November, Franklin County Animal Control in Benton, Illinois (southeast of St. Louis, MO), burned to the ground, resulting in the tragic death of more than 50 animals. The dedicated shelter staff and volunteers have made do with limited resources ever since. Rather than turn animals away, cats and kittens found refuge in a storage shed and dogs and puppies survived one of the coldest winters on record in outdoor kennels pulled from the ashes. Donations are desperately needed to rebuild, but the shelter is located in a rural area of southern Illinois where public and private funds are limited.

To make matters worse, the shelter is now struggling to stay afloat, literally, after days of rain caused flooding. In the words of the shelter director, "PLEASE PLEASE BEG PEOPLE TO HELP US. We've ... been out in the rain for the last two days getting soaked trying to get tarps back up & help all these animals, but the situation is hopeless."

Foster homes are needed most, according to Michelle Parson, President & Dog Program Director of A Caring Place Humane Society in nearby Darien, IL. If you can help, please contact Michelle at (630) 271-9002 or michelle.parson@comcast.net.

Other area shelters are also suffering due to flood waters. The photo above is from the Piedmont Animal Control Shelter, where eight dogs drowned. You can read more here.

Julia Kamysz Lane

Chicago Tribune Loves BARk!

To those of us who love dogs, the success of BARk magazine makes perfect sense. Who wouldn't want to read a smart periodical dedicated entirely to our cherished companions? But it's always nice when non-dog people (or entities) admit that they find it fascinating, too. So thank you, Chicago Tribune, for congratulating BARk on its 10-year anniversary in today's editorial, "That's 70 in dog years."

I especially like the dare at the end, in which the editors "defy anyone -- dog-haters and cat-lovers included -- to thumb all the way through BARk without grinning like a border collie. It will make you want to get a dog. Or be one." BARk readers, how do you feel after you read the magazine? Are you compelled to give your dog a big hug? Does it inspire you to try something new with your dog? Or add another pup to the pack? Let us know!

Julia Kamysz Lane

Is That A Dog Or A Coffee Table?

A few weeks ago, I visited a home as part of the adoption process for our rescue group. This couple was anxious to find a friend for their mixed-breed dog. They told me over the phone that their pup was spoiled rotten. Even so, I was not prepared for the coffee table with a wagging tail that waddled over to greet me. The poor dog was so overweight that he was practically as wide as he was tall. He was only four years old, but he walked and breathed with difficulty, as if he was much older and in poor health.

It reminded me of a recent visit to the dog park. I had joined a large group of people walking around the grassy path. Most of the dogs were running ahead to chase one another and play. But one overweight dog labored to keep up with us. I wondered aloud if she was okay. Her owner assured me that she was "just old" at eight years of age and had joint problems. I was shocked and felt really sorry for the dog. I then asked the owner to guess the age of my Catahoula, who was romping in the field with the "young" dogs. She guessed five years old. I bragged, "He's 10 years old. He competes in agility and does recreational sheep herding." Maybe he just has good genes, but I think the fact that he is in great shape has added quality years to his life.

Canine obesity is literally a growing trend. Take control of your own dog's health by checking out Stop Canine Obesity. Simply fill out the BARC (Body Assessment Rating for Canines) to determine whether your dog could stand to lose a few pounds. You can also learn more about the National Canine Weight Check, offered next month through participating veterinarians.

Julia Kamysz Lane

Dog Food Company Pays $3.1 Million Settlement

Two years ago, a New York veterinarian deteremined that her client's dog died due to tainted dog food. Soon thereafter, Diamond Pet Foods recalled 20 varieties of dog and cat food. The food was contaminated by aflatoxin, which naturally results from a fungus often found on corn. (For a list of ingredients to avoid and why, go to The Dog Food Project.) Diamond admitted that its plant in South Carolina failed to do internal quality testing and agreed to pay a $3.1 million settlement toward victims' expenses, including veterinary bills. Owners whose dogs died are eligible for up to $1,000 (a laughable number considering how priceless our canine companions truly are). For more info or to make a claim, go to Diamond's Recalled Pet Food Settlement Web site.

Julia Kamysz Lane

Was Your Dog Naughty Or Nice?

Did your dog get a special gift for Christmas? My husband and I tend to spoil our four dogs all year long (that's our pit bull mix, Shelby, at left), so for Christmas, we stick to simple stocking stuffers like treats, tennis balls and a toy. According to the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, Americans spent $48.7 billion on their pets in 2007. To put that into perspective, IRMA spokesman Peter Gill said, "That exceeds the gross domestic product of 120 nations."

If you went overboard with buying gifts for your dogs, please consider donating a few items to your local shelter. Many homeless dogs would enjoy treats, toys or just some attention. At this time of year, it seems like everyone is rushing around trying to do one more thing. If you have a few minutes, grab that extra carrier or package of treats and stop by the shelter. I promise it'll feel better than crossing every single item off your to-do list. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Julia Kamysz Lane

T.G.I. Friday's In Doghouse

Earlier this month, Laura Greenberg and her family went to a suburban Chicago T.G.I. Friday's to celebrate the disabled teen's 17th birthday. A manager refused to seat them because of Laura's service dog Dawn. Company policy, claimed the manager, stated that as long as an able-bodied adult was along, the service dog could not come in. Clearly, someone needed a refresher on the American Disabilities Act. It's one thing for the manager to be ignorant, but to go to the trouble of making something up? Unbelievable!

The Greenbergs complained about the incident to T.G.I. Friday's and insisted on an apology. The restaurant went a step further and donated money to two important charities: 1) the Laura Greenberg Foundation (c/o Glenview State Bank, 800 N Waukegan Rd, Glenview, IL 60025), which was created soon after her brain injury in 1997 to help with medical expenses; and 2) Canine Companions for Independence, a nonprofit group that trains assistance dogs and matches them with disabled people.

Julia Kamysz Lane

Taboo Treats & Chocolate Chart

Do you give your dog a grape every now and then? How about the occasional chocolate-chip cookie? If so, pick up the October issue of National Geographic and get the scoop on why these seemingly harmless treats can be dangerous. The feature story, "Canine Taboos," focuses on foods toxic to dogs, such as grapes, chocolate, coffee, onions and more. You might be surprised to find what's on the list.

Unfortunately, I have first-hand experience with this kind of food scare. Several months ago, I came home to discover an open bag of semisweet chocolate chips on my kitchen floor. One of the dogs had managed to open up the pantry door and get into my baking supplies. At first, I wasn't too concerned because we have four dogs and I figured the chocolate was divided among my entire pack. But then I realized that if only one of them ate all of the chocolate, s/he would be in trouble. I called my vet and she recommended we make all of the dogs vomit. Turns out that one dog -- our Dalmatian, Darby -- did indeed eat the entire 8-ounce bag of chocolate chips all by herself. Fortunately, she was fine but it was frightening nonetheless.

If you're concerned about the effects of chocolate on your dog, National Geographic also provides an interactive "chocolate chart." You can adjust the weight of the dog and the amount of chocolate ingested to determine the real-life symptoms. It can also help you determine if a vet visit is in order.

Julia Kamysz Lane

Bravo Recalls Poultry Products

Commercial raw diet company Bravo is recalling three of its poultry products over concerns that they might be contaminated with Salmonella and/or Listeria monocytogenes. The specific varieties and batches are:

1) Bravo Original Formula Chicken Blend frozen raw food
Product Numbers: 21-102, 21-105, 21-110
Batch ID code (on hang tag): 236

2) Bravo Original Formula Turkey Blend frozen raw food
Product Numbers: 31-102, 31-105, 31-110
Batch ID code (on hang tag): 236

3) Bravo Basic Formula Finely Ground Chicken frozen raw food
Product Number: 21-212
Size: 2 pound tube
Batch ID Code (on hang tag): 226

This is a voluntary recall as no pets or people have been reported ill due to any of these products. Pet owners may return unopened tubes of food to the place of purchase for a full refund. If the package is already opened, safely dispose of the food, wash the label and return it to the store for a full refund. For more info, go to Bravo Recall.

Julia Kamysz Lane

Food for Thought

Did you know that Carnation and Upjohn tried to market a birth-control dog food in 1985? Or that the second most important factor for most people in buying a dog food is the size and character of the resulting stool? On Sunday, September 2, take some time to read “They Eat What We Are,” Frederick Kaufman’s story on the state of the dog food industry in The New York Times. Kaufman traces the interconnected evolution of human diet and dog diet. The piece is loaded with some grim truths about how we got to where we are and also some interesting predictions, including nutrition professor Marion Nestle’s conjecture that the dog food market will split and that only about 5 to 8 percent of dogs will enjoy better, fresher foods, while the other 92 to 95 percent will see an ever more industrialized diet. Still, there is good news in the grass roots, slow food, socially responsible pet food campaign. Don’t miss it. (If you’re registered with Times Select, you can take an early look.)

Lisa Wogan

Wal-Mart's Secret Dog Treat Recall

A few months ago, while browsing vendor tables at an agility trial, a Bravo rep suggested I look at the label for the company's freeze-dried chicken breast strips. They were all natural, free of antibiotics and -- perhaps most importantly in those scary weeks following the massive pet food recall this past March -- not made in China. She added, "If you look at the label for other chicken-strip treats, it's likely the chicken came from China." Those words were ringing in my ears when I learned of Wal-Mart's secret dog treat recall of Chicken Jerky Strips from Import-Pingyang Pet Product Co. and Chicken Jerky from Shanghai Bestro Trading.

In late July, the retail giant began pulling these products off the shelves in response to customer concerns that their pets had become ill after consuming them. No public announcement was made, which is absolutely appalling. Surely, there were people who stocked these treats in their kitchen for weeks after Wal-Mart stopped carrying these Chinest brands. Didn't they deserve to know that they were harming their dogs?

Yesterday, a month after the company started removing the brands from its inventory, Wal-Mart finally released a statement suggesting customers return those treats for a full refund as tests concluded that they contained the toxin melamine. Wal-Mart spokesperson Deisha Galberth told the Associated Press, "There were very small amounts of melamine found. The amounts were so small the laboratory recommended more testing." She claims that the additional tests were necessary before going public.

Personally, I find any amount of toxins in my dog's food, treats or toys completely unacceptable and I would want to know about it immediately. If this keeps up, are we going to have to go back to growing our own produce to ensure it's safe? Do I need to start raising chickens in the old abandoned chicken coop in my backyard? Maybe it's time to cut out the middle man.

Julia Kamysz Lane      

Another Chapter in the Pet Food Recall

Well, it's possible that the pet food recall could have something of a positive aspect. The  Washington Post ran a story recently that  details the consequences and responses of pet food manufacturers. It's a fascinating insight into an industry that, until recently, most of us knew very little about. Thanks to all the attention, however, many of us now know far more, and that could mean good things for our dogs.
Susan Tasaki

Anatomy of a Recall

As the scope of the pet food recall expands, and as increasing numbers of brands are either added to the list or remove their products from the shelves voluntarily, the question that keeps coming up is, "How is this possible? How can so many foods be affected?"

One explanation can be found in an article posted on the MacLeans website. It's definitely an eye-opener!
Susan

Melamine found in Calif Hogs

Melamine was detected in the urine of pigs from a farm in Ceres, California. The farm, American Hog Farm, has been quarantined. These pigs were fed "salvaged" pet food sold as pig feed by Diamond Pet Food, this is the same company where the rice protein was recalled earlier this week because of the presence of melamine. See more on. This brings up to three different products, wheat, rice and corn protein that has been found to be contaminated with melamine. The Chinese government still refuses to allow FDA inspections.

Pet Food Tainted on Purpose

Looks like the FDA thinks that the pet food was intentionally treated with melamine, the industrial chemical, to boost their protein content. Additional reports from South Africa suggest a third pet food ingredient, corn gluten, was also contaminated with melamine. Read about this from the AP story.