Friday, December 24, 2010

Rescue Poem

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Once I was a lonely dog, just looking for a home.
I had no place to go, no one to call my own.
I wandered up and down the streets, in rain, in heat and snow.
I ate whatever I could find, I was always on the go.

My skin would itch, my feet were sore, my body ached with pain.
And no one stopped to give a pat or to gently say my name.
I never saw a loving glance, I was always on the run.
For people thought that hurting me was really lots of fun.

And then one day I heard a voice...so gentle, kind and sweet,
And arms so soft reached down to me and took me off my feet.
"No one again will hurt you" was whispered in my ear.
"You'll have a home to call your own where you will know no fear."

"You will be dry, you will be warm, you'll have enough to eat.
And rest assured that when you sleep, your dreams will all be sweet."
I was afraid I must admit, I've lived so long in fear.
I can't remember when I let a human come so near.

And as she tended to my wounds and bathed and brushed my fur
She told me 'bout the rescue group and what it meant to her.
She said, "We are a circle, a line that never ends.
And in the center there is you protected by new friends."

"And all around you are the ones that check the pounds,
And those that share their home after you've been found."
"And all the other folk are searching near and far.
To find the perfect home for you, where you can be a star."

She said, "There is a family, that's waiting patiently,
and pretty soon we'll find them, just you wait and see."
"And then they'll join our circle they'll help to make it grow,
so there'll be room for more like you, who have no place to go."

I waited very patiently, the days they came and went.
Today's the day I thought, my family will be sent.
Then just when I began to think it wasn't meant to be,
there were people standing there, just gazing down at me.

I knew them in a heart beat, I could tell they felt it too.
They said, "We have been waiting for a special dog like you."
Now every night I say a prayer to all the gods that be.
"Thank you for the life I live and all you've given me.

But most of all protect the dogs in the pound and on the street.
And send a Rescue Person to lift them off their feet."

-- Arlene Pace (September 18, 1998)

When I (Arlene Pace) wrote this poem it was inspired by my foster Sheltie "Patchie: who by the way is in a home where he is the light of their eyes. I think now that it is more in the way I see the rescue efforts of all the people that are doing such a great a job all over this country. So I wish to dedicate this poem to all of you in rescue, the doers, the helpers, the donators of money and/or time and tears. [Please feel free to recopy, reprint or resend to anyone.]

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Monday, December 20, 2010

Kroger Pet Food Recall

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My personal opinion....this is a good reason not to include corn in pet foods, and to use premium holistic foods.

The Kroger Co. is recalling select pet food packages from stores in 19 states fearing some of these products may contain aflatoxin, a toxic chemical byproduct that could be harmful to animals.

The recall involves certain bags of Pet Pride Cat Food, Pet Pride Kitten Food, Old Yeller Chunk Dog Food, Kroger Value Cat Food and Kroger Value Chunk Food, the company said Saturday.

The Kroger Co. urged customers to immediately consult with their veterinarian if their animals show any signs of sluggishness or lethargy combined with a reluctance to eat. A yellowish tint to the eyes or gums, severe or bloody diarrhea are also warning signs, the company said.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Aflatoxin is a fungal toxin that contaminates maize and other types of crops during production, harvest storage or processing.

The company has set up a Customer Recall Notification system to help customers determine whether they have purchased any of the contaminated products. Most of recalled products have an expiration date of October 23 and 24, 2011.

States with Kroger-operated stores included in the recall are Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.


Here is the link to the press release from the Kroger company:

http://www.kroger.com/SiteCollectionDocuments/Recalls/pet_food.pdf

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Friday, December 17, 2010

Come Fly With Me! Holiday Season Pet Travel Safety Tips

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With the holiday season upon us, many people will be traveling, and many will be taking their furry companions along with them. After all, our pets are part of the family, too!

Airline travel with pets is always scary. There are always stories of mishaps, accidents, and the occasional death. As much as we want our pets to be with us to celebrate the holidays, we hesitate to take them with us due to these issues.

So, how can we protect our fur kids when traveling? What steps can we take to ensure that they will be safe and healthy?

Christina Selter “Pet Safety Lady” founder of Bark Buckle UP the trusted authority for pet travel safety, recently emBARKed her national airport tour live from LAX. The tour was formed to help educate pet owners on how to travel safer with their pets. “Safety starts on the way to the airport so to ensure ultimate safety, comfort and convenience for two and four legged passengers be sure to plan, pack and follow the rules”, said Pet Safety Lady. Her airport tour will take a giant BITE out of pet air travel commotion. Her Furry friends help her demonstrate airline approved pet carriers, crates and “BONE”afide pet pat down TSA style.

The following was taken from the Bark Buckle Up website on how to safely fly with your pet.

When flying with a pet, your first decision is whether you can take him/her on board (in cabin) with you or if your pet is larger then 20 pounds (carrier included) you would need to transport via cargo. Not all airlines allow pets in cabin and some do not allow as cargo, so call that specific airline directly.

A pet traveling via in cabin is your carry on bag, fee would apply and they MUST stay in their carrier the entire flight. Most airlines have a maximum quantity of pets per flight and REQUIRE reservations.

Your pet’s health and immunization need to be in good standing and each state requires Rabies vaccination.

Airlines do require specific type of carriers by size and you should LOCK your carrier to prevent your pet from escaping. For in cabin pets with carrier should be less then 20 pounds the pet must be able to stand and fully turn around in the carrier the size slightly varies per airline, but on average the maximum size for cabin pet carriers is 19" long x 13" wide x 9" high and for cargo airline requirements also differ slightly, so call that specific airline directly.

If your pet must travel in the cargo hold, you can increase the chances of a safe flight for your pet by following these tips:

Use direct flight and if not a direct flight use same carrier whenever possible. Because the pet owner is responsible for getting the pet at baggage to transfer to other airline, but if same airline they will transport your pet between flights.

If traveling during the summer or winter months, choose flights that will accommodate the temperature extremes: Early morning or late evening flights are better in the summer; afternoon flights are better in the winter.

Carrier should have a lock, ID, flight information, pet photo, owner information and emergency contact (the Free Bark Buckle UP Pet Safety Kit works great and be sure to laminate it). Also keep the same information in your wallet.

Do not ship pug-nosed dogs or cats such as Pekingese, Chow Chows, Bostons, Pugs, Puggles and Persians (mix of these breeds) in the cargo hold. These breeds have short nasal passages that leave them vulnerable to oxygen deprivation and heat stroke in cargo holds.

Helpful travel tips and what to pack to help make the trip easier:

Pet needs to wear a collar/harness with current ID tag.

Let your pet get used to his/her carrier at least a month before your flight this helps to minimize his/her stress during travel.

Do not feed your pet for four hours prior to air travel. Small amounts of water can be given before the trip.

Do not give your pet tranquilizers unless your veterinarian has prescribed for them. Make sure your veterinarian understands that the prescription is for air travel.

Clip your pet's nails have to help protect against their hooking in the carrier's door, holes, and other crevices.

Avoid when possible, flying your pets during busy travel times such as holidays and the summer.

Packing for pet travel is simple the same rules apply as when you pack yourself or children. Most carriers have a side pocket to fit all of this easily.

  1. Pack medicines in your carry on
  2. One meal or snacks in your carry on (in case of flight delays or cancellations)
  3. Photo ID attached to carrier and same in your carry on
  4. Travel bowl (folding ones are easiest)
  5. Bedding for the carrier
  6. Poop bags
  7. ID tag on collar or harness
  8. Leash
  9. Toy or chew bone
  10. Fresh water (get after in airport)
The following is a link to the press release from December 15, 2010 at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) at the Holiday Season Air Travel Press Conference. Representatives from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) shared the holiday travel forecast, while the Airport Police conveyed travel safety and Customs & Border Protection (CBP) showed us hands-on what "not" to bring into the country when returning from an overseas trip. In closing, Christina Selter “Pet Safety Lady” and founder of Bark Buckle UP, the trusted authority for pet travel safety, shared with us some tips for traveling safe with pets.


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Tuesday, December 14, 2010

We have a winner!

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We have a winner in our gift basket drawing from Three Dog Bakery!!


And our winner is......

Donna Dugan

Congratulations!!!

For anyone else who would like to order some of these very tasty holiday treats, the kind folks at Three Dog Bakery have given us a special offer. Get free shipping on orders of $40.00 or more. Just enter the coupon code PetFoodReport when ordering to take advantage of this special deal. Offer is good through 12/27/2010.

I highly recommend their treats and food. Treat your pet to some special holiday goodies!

Thanks to all my readers and those who entered in the drawing. And a special thank you to the great folks at Three Dog Bakery for their generosity.

Happy Holidays from me, and from our pups...
Solomon, Danny, Bailey, Sam, Bella, and Katy.

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Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Win a Gourmet Doggie Gift Basket!

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Thanks to my good friends at Three Dog Bakery, I am giving away a special "Life with Dogs" gift basket, valued at 70.00, full of gourmet treats, gourmet entree for dogs, chews, toys, and gifts.

Everything from Three Dog Bakery is top-notch stuff, made with the best, wholesome ingredients, and good enough for you to eat yourself!

Here is a list of what is in this special gift basket:

Classic Cremes-Carob Cookies with Natural Peanut Butter Filling - 16 oz
Description: Carob sandwich cookies filled with natural peanut butter filling. Carob and peanut butter belong together like dogs and tummy rubs.

Classic Cremes-Golden Cookies with Natural Vanilla Flavor Filling - 16 oz
Description: Golden sandwich cookies filled with vanilla filling. You'll be asking yourself, "Are these really for dogs?"

Oven Bake Dog Biscuits Apples & Oatmeal - 16 oz
Description: All natural Apples and Oatmeal oven baked into a crunchy, dog-drooling biscuit!

Roll-Over Rewards Apples & Oatmeal Dog Treats - 16 oz
Description: All natural apples and oatmeal baked to a cookie perfection. Its mini-size is ideal for puppies, little dogs and training treats.

Gracie's Gourmet Entree for Dogs - Chicken, Carrots, Green Beans & Rice
Recipe - 12oz

Description: We brought food from the dinner table to your dog with our all natural dog food Entrees. Packed full of succulent carrots, green beans and broccoli, as well as luscious chicken that's been slow cooked - the result is the best gourmet dog food that leaves them licking their chops with satisfaction.

All Natural Rawhide Braid - 6" Vanilla - 2
Description: 6" all natural rawhide dipped in vanilla flavoring.

Aussie Pet Naturals Jute Rope Toy- The Perfect Eco Friendly Toy
. 100% Vegetable Fiber
. Strong and Durable Jute Rope
. 100% Biodegradable and Recyclable
. Environmentally Friendly
. Help Sustain the Planet's Resources
. Inspired and Designed in Australia

Amazing Gracie: A Dog's Tale (Paperback)
She was the loneliest pup in the litter--a deaf and partially blind albino Great Dane. She had huge sky blue eyes. And when Dan Dye reached for her, she struggled to her feet like a clumsy foal, raised her forehead to his, and announced, as clearly as if she had actually spoken words, You know I'm the one. Now get me outta here!

This basket would be a wonderful collection of goodies for your pups, or would make a terrific gift for a fellow dog lover.

If you wish to enter the drawing, please email me at terri.oak@gmail.com with the subject line "gift basket". The drawing will be held on Wednesday, December 15. The winner will be notified via email. The gift basket will be shipped directly from Three Dog Bakery and should arrive in about 5 days, so it should be there in time for Christmas.

Email me at terri.oak@gmail.com to enter. Entries must be received by December 14, 2010.

Good luck!!

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