BY DENISE FLAIM
denise.flaim@newsday.com
If your cat or dog ate any of the pet foods recalled last week by Ontario-based Menu Foods and isn’t showing any dramatic symptoms of kidney failure — including vomiting, refusal to eat, lethargy or increased drinking or urination — that doesn’t necessarily mean you are out of the woods, veterinarians warn.
“There are two categories of kidney failure — acute and chronic,” said Neil Shaw, chief medical officer for NYC Veterinary Specialists & Cancer Treatment Center in Manhattan. “Initially there was an outburst of acute cases, but now we are beginning to see more chronic cases as well.”
Acute kidney failure is a sudden, major loss of kidney function that the body cannot adjust to, resulting in a very sick animal in a very short period of time. But with chronic kidney failure, “the damage to the kidneys happened over time, and the body has had a chance to get used to it,” oftentimes over the course of weeks, he said.
Cathy Langston, of the Manhattan-based Animal Medical Center’s renal-medicine service, said that some cats or dogs may have been mildly affected by the tainted food, but have not acted sick enough for owners to bring them into the vet. “Seventy-five percent of patients we have seen have been drinking and urinating excessively,” she said. “But that means that 25 percent of owners did not perceive a change.”
Indeed, in chronic cases, symptoms can be subtle, Langston noted. “The cat might go to the food bowl, but may not consume as much. The weight loss might be very gradual, so you don’t notice it on a day to day basis. And vomiting may be only occasional, and attributed to hair balls.”
Both types of kidney failure are serious, Shaw said. “With acute kidney failure, there is a danger of death from the initial episode,” which is typically treated with hospitalization and fluids. “With chronic kidney failure, it is typically not an immediate danger,” but lost kidney function cannot be regained, and the goal of treatment is to stop any more damage.
Veterinarians can use a urine test to screen for kidney failure, and might follow it up with bloodwork or an ultrasound.
For information on the recall, go to menufoods.com/recall.
Comments (425)
Go to the pet connection site I posted at the First Lawsuit thread and look at the blog and see what people are posting about their experience with calling Menu Foods and it makes you want to cry.
Here's the link:http://www.petconnection.com/recall/
Try mixing baby food (Beachnut) into the dry cat food saw this on the pet connection blog and thanks for giving the info here.
Seattle lawyers at the forefront of the issue of increasing the value of pets:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2003630637_webpetfood22m.html
Thanks for that website, Sheila. I've decided my cats are going in for blood tests this week. I'm not going to wait.
You're welcome. I just switched one of my dogs from dry Innova to fresh homemade. His stools started to get real odd - like a cow patty - now I'm worried about him. Next stop will be the vet for a test. I don't trust the pet food companies to tell us anything right away.
Trader Joes is recalling all their wet pet food products - made by Menu Foods. I have some in my cupboard and used it recently. Trader Joes said their wet food is not on the recall list but they want it returned to the stores as a precautionary move since Menu Foods makes it all.
Since divorce I was missing cooking for my family...... now I have a reason to cook again, for my cat and dog.LIfe is good!!!
Here's a happier story to end the day:
Doggie Stowaway Survives After Six Days Out At Sea
http://www.news12now.com/onset?id=4702024&template=article.html
Such a cute pup!
I would just like to say that I've been feeding my Miniature Schnauzer for over 2 years a natural diet of ‘Raw’ beef, fresh fish (High in Omega 3 - not ground cut into chunks as a treat), chicken, turkey (I let the store grind the chicken and the turkey) and thawed frozen vegetables - also ground mixed with a dose of ground Flaxseed every single day. People look at me like I’m nuts – so I don’t tell them why I’m buying all the beef in the store!!!!!!! Not all chicken and turkey is created in a ground state equal, so I look for the leanest, without added ingredients (herbs etc.) and for a tolerable price – Wal-mart carries tolerable Purdue meat products at a tolerable price here). She receives the meal of meat (about 1/3 lbs of meat and about 3/4 cup of ground vegetables) in the evening and organic tofu (prices from $1.00 - $1.99 – I watch for the sales or last day to sell markdowns – Wal-mart sells this for about $1.70 normally)(1/3 of a normal size container cut into chunks) in the morning......she not only at 7 years old is thriving on this diet but she never gains weight and looks so forward to breakfast and dinner time that she can almost not contain her enthusiasm. In the beginning it took a few days for her body, bowels, to adjust – be persistent their bodies do adjust – I’ve done this with two dogs now. I grind all the beef myself so that I can control the amount of fat in the mix. Everything is ground so that she actually digests it more thoroughly to gain the benefit from the natural vitamins and nutrients AND ENZYMES –(again fighting cancer). One thing that I will say is that the diet done this way controls all gas problems, she drinks very, very little water now - gets all water she needs from the food she eats (I was worried about that at first – she drinks when she is hot still or needs a drink though), the flaxseed helps with fiber to improve a daily bowel movement for her (she would go several days without otherwise - because the food is so well digested on this type of a diet), this is also a form of a cancer fighting/and preventative diet for your pets. I clean my cutting tools, boards, counters, hands well (lots of scrubbing, hot water and soap – just be clean not paranoid I guess I’d say) each time and during the packaging and processing of the beef and vegetables. The vegetables I grind and thaw 1 lbs at a time and store in Tupperware - that is done in about...4 days and then do another batch. The beef I buy on sale as round steak or any other lean beef / roasts on sale for about $1.33-1.69 and I buy about 30 lbs when it goes on sale at those prices. I have a moderately priced grinder I use. I buy the meat when I’m ready to process that night or the next morning – DO NOT leave it sit around even though your dog is much more tolerant of any meat spoilage than we would be – no need to take that risk. Then I get a friend over to help and we trim and grind meat and package it into ($dollar Store) frozen food storage bags measuring about 3/4 cup (1/3 lbs.) into each bag. I do not reuse the small food bags but I do reuse the 1 gallon ones. I push all the air out of the bag as I roll the meat into a tube and seal it. Then I take about 10 bags of rolled meat and place those into a 1 gallon freezer bag to help protect the meat in the freezer. I store these in stacks in my freezer and defrost 2 servings (small 1/3 lbs bags) of them at a time on a refrigerator shelf - trying always to NOT use a microwave to defrost because I feel that isn't good for our food either. I mix the veg, meat, and flaxseed up stirring until blended and let it set covered on the counter until nearly room temp, so I try to do this as soon as I get home so that within an hour or so I can feed her. She loves it, it's not that difficult, I don't feed the bone part to her (BARF) but a big dog would love that I'm sure. When I don't grind the vegetables (Mixed frozen vegs.) I see undigested vegetables in her stools so I always grind. I feed her bites of tomatoes that she loves! as snacks as well as the fish chunks as snacks. Occasionally I’ll feed the fish as a meal if I need to get some used up before it is old. I will caution those that have pets with very white or partially white fur though that the beef will color their white fur an amber color unless from the get-go you wash the fur with clarifying shampoos regularly and keep a watch for the first sign of this color. It's a natural occurrence and nothing wrong about it other than my Blank and Silver Schnauzer isn't quite as Silver anymore. I didn't know I needed to prevent this by washing it out frequently - BEFORE - it starts to happen and keep washing. But I'm content that she is healthy, happy, and not as concerned about the silver being a little less brilliant now. She is still beautiful in my eyes. I would also say you will need to brush your dogs teeth or spray their mouth out with a bit of water after meals - it seems to me like any wet food it requires I keep up with her teeth a little more often. By the way, my vet doesn't much like this diet, but he respects my wishes and is shocked at how well she is doing. If you have any questions please write to me. I'll be happy to talk with you.
Science Diet is recalling some pet food, mostly cat food, voluntairly even though these products are not on the official recall list.
See this FDA website for info:http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/hills03_07.html
It's getting a little scary when they start recalling stuff that's not on the official recall list. Makes a person wonder if there is anything safe.
I threw out all my Science Diet last night even though it was dry. I called a large vet clinic that I use and asked them if they have had any deaths or illnesses from the dry food and they said no. That's a little comforting but I'm still worried. I'm switching to Fresh Homemade until the truth of this all comes out. Maybe that's an over reaction but I just love my pets so much I can't or won't take the risk.
There's been some reports of dry IAMS causing illnesses but this may be just a coincidence. It is under investigation:
http://www.itchmo.com/read/several-unconfirmed-reports-of-iams-dry-food-causing-illness_20070323
Just heard MENU only manufactures Wet Food. But where else does China sell their poisoned wheat products?
The Science Diet products (savory cuts) that are being recalled per the fda website are the same ones that are listed on the MENU Foods.com website as being recalled. I didn't see any additional ones.
Oh, didn't realize that they were listed too on the recall list.
Also, on Pet connection site bloggers are commenting on deaths and illness from the Trader Joe wet food being the problem. And I believe that is not on the recall list but Trader Joes on their web site has posted their own recall and for good reason it appears.
It would be interesting to know where else that contaminated wheat went. I'll bet it just wasn't for dog food manufacturing.
RE: DRY FOODS and MENU FOODS
Yes, it is absolutely correct that Menu Foods only manufactures wet and moist pet foods; however, as the source of the contamination–wheat from China–was secured by Menu Foods by a third-party supplier, it is entirely possible that other manufacturers, including including makers of dry pet food, used the same wheat supplier or some other supplier who also imported from China. I would caution everyone to check their pet food’s list of ingredients for ANY wheat product (whole wheat, wheat flour, wheat bran, wheat gluten, etc.). At this point, there is no way of knowing just HOW MANY DIFFERENT manufacturing end-users purchased the tainted wheat from China.
The call list is in from Habitat for Horses. Strategy for Friday:
HR503
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE
Jean Schmidt, OH
Phone: 202-225-3164
Fax: 202-225-1992
Nick Lampson, TX
Phone: 202-225-5951
Fax: 202-225-5241
Henry Cuellar, TX
Phone: 202-225-1640
Fax: 202-225-1641
Bob Etheridge, NC
Phone: 202-225-4531
Fax: 202-225-5662
Timothy J. Walz, MN
Phone: 202-225-2472
Fax: 202-225-3433
And please don't forget to call your OWN representative and senators and urge them to co-sponsor.
"Update: The latest numbers from our PetConnection.com database: 1103 deceased pets (654 cats/449 dogs). You can still enter your pet there. We also encourage you to report to the FDA, although good luck with that, according to the S.F. Chronicle:
The FDA is not asking vets to report cases of sick pets, so no one knows exactly how many animals have been sickened or died after eating bad food.
Emphasis mine, of course. Not quite sure what to make of that, since the AVMA told Dr. Becker yesterday that pet-lovers should report to their veterinarians so veterinarians can report to to the state veterinarians who can then report to the FDA. (I’d guess this is addition to calling the FDA, which is what the FDA is still recommending.) As for reporting to Menu Foods, well, I haven’t been able to get through, and that seems to be....( the norm.)"
The pet connection website is very helpful. I've been posting some items and concerns here but can't keep up with it all. Please see their website for updates and further important information about the wheat gluten and what different products use it - pill pockets (don't know what that is but it's in that too.)
Right now I am concerned as I was feeding a puppy the Nutro Puppy dry and looked this morning and saw the Wheat products but at that time thought the only concern was the wet - for me I think the concern goes to the wheat products but again my vet, which is very large outfit, has reported no illnesses or deaths from the dry food.
Well folks, here is something I just found. Seems the pet food recalled may have had rat poison in it.
"ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Tests turned up rat poison in the pet food suspected of causing kidney failure in dogs and cats across the country and killing at least 16, state officials and scientists announced Friday.
The toxin was identified as aminopterin, which is used to kill rats in some countries, state Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker said. Aminopterin is not registered for killing rodents in the United States, though it is used as a cancer drug, according to the Environmental Protection Agency...."
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-03-23-poison-pet-food_N.htm?csp=24
We know and it's driving us all nuts and as yet they have not announced how they think the rat poison got in the wheat.
Could it have been intentionally put in the wheat? In China do they put it on the fields to protect the grain? I believe the Dept. of AG tested some of the wheat in the beginning of this and it turned up as having no rat poison - it was a very small sample. Or so it was mentioned on the Pet Connection. We will know more soon.
For your information from the Pet Connection website a list of safe pet foods according to what we know today:
Thursday, March 22, 2007- 1:30 p.m.
The latest update on Pet Food Express and the Menu Foods recall…
PFE’s current sales policy on wet dog and cat food is as follows:
NOT AVAILABLE FOR SALE
We are not selling:
Any item that has been recalled.
Any wet foods, recalled or not, from brands that were made by Menu Foods and that had a significant number of recalled products
The brands affected are: Iams, Eukanuba, Science Diet, Nutro
AVAILABLE FOR SALE ON A RESTRICTED BASIS
These are brands that are produced in whole or in part by Menu Foods but for which we have spoken to the manufacturer and been assured that:
Their products are not produced in the suspected plants.
None of their products are being recalled
They have had no reports of sick, dying, or dead pets.
Their products do not contain wheat gluten.
We are selling these brands only if a client is fully aware of the recall and the potential risk posed by feeding a product made by Menu Foods. Although we have been assured that there is no problem with these foods, we cannot and do not vouch that they are safe.
The brands included are: Nature's Variety, Wellness, Castor & Pollux, Newman’s Own Organics, Wysong, Innova
AVAILABLE FOR SALE WITHOUT RESTRICTION
We are selling without restriction any brand that is not made by Menu Foods at all.
The brands included are:
Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul
Canidae/Felidae
Breeder's Choice/Pinnacle (except for Chicken and Oats formula which is made by Menu)
Natural Balance
Solid Gold
Triumph/Evolve
Merrick
Kal Kan (Pedigree, Cesar, and Whiskas)
ALL OF OUR DRY, DEHYDRATED, AND RAW FOODS ARE UNAFFECTED BY THE RECALL & ALL BRANDS ARE FULLY AVAILABLE FOR SALE
IF YOU THINK YOUR PET IS AFFECTED…
If your pet is showing signs of kidney distress such as: marked changes in drinking or urination, loss of appetite, lethargy, or diarrhea, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
If you still have the food, keep it and freeze it or store it in an airtight container and refrigerate it. Retain all packaging, identify the date codes or lot numbers, and keep your receipts. Try to document when you fed the food and when the symptoms started.
If you have any questions, there is abundant information in the media. The internet is a good place to look and we have listed some good links below. Of course, Pet Food Express is also ready to assist you in any way we can.
Background information
Menu Foods, the largest North American manufacturer of wet pet foods, recalled certain batches of canned and pouched food products containing wheat gluten that they manufactured between December 2006 and March 2007. They took this action after receiving reports of animals dead, dying, or ill with kidney failure associated with eating certain foods that they produced. Menu, in carrying out their own feeding tests, verified a problem after a significant number of their test animals died after being fed certain formulas. After examining their records, Menu observed that the dates of the complaints coincided with the date that they switched their supplier of wheat gluten. They concluded from this that the wheat gluten is the likely source of the problem. We presume that it is on this basis that Menu has recalled only their "Cuts ‘n Gravy" style formulas containing wheat gluten, a protein source used to thicken the "gravy." No specific toxin or contaminant in or associated with the wheat gluten has yet been identified that would account for the problems and both Menu and the FDA continue to look at other possible sources of the problem.
Because no one yet knows what in the Menu Foods-produced products is harming the pets, we are being very cautious. We have ceased selling not just the items specifically recalled but all items made by Menu for brands that have more than one recalled item. We do not want to take the chance that the source of the problem is some other ingredient so far unknown that may be common to the other formulas.
There are some brands that Menu Foods produces that have had no items recalled and no complaints of problems. In at least one instance, we have learned that although Menu is the contracted manufacturer, this food was produced in an entirely different plant that has had no reports of problems. We are allowing clients to purchase these brands provided that they are aware of the recall and the potential risk of feeding a food produced Menu Foods. PFE cannot and does not assure the safety of these products.
And, of course, we continue to sell the brands that have no association with Menu Foods and we have increased our stocking levels of these brands to accommodate the likelihood that some people will want to switch brands.
PFE continues to monitor the situation closely and to communicate with our industry contacts to get the most current and accurate information that we can. Unfortunately, good information is scarce and much of what we learn comes from the media. We have received only a few reports of problems from our own customers. We don’t know if this is because there aren’t many problems in our customer population or if people simply have not yet made the connection. We will report on what we learn as it becomes clear.
Below, we have listed a number of links where you can get additional information. We have not gone into detail about medical issues – you are best advised to consult the AVMA website or your veterinarian.
For additional information on the recall, you may refer to:
Menu Foods- www.menufoods.com/recall or 1-866-463-6738
FDA- www.fda.gov
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)-www.avma.org/aa/menufoodsrecall
Websites of individual manufacturers:
www.breeders-choice.com
www.castorpolluxpet.com
www.hillspet.com
www.us.iams.com
www.merrickpetcare.com
www.naturalbalanceinc.com
www.naturapet.com
www.newmansownorganics.com
www.nutroproducts.com
www.omhpet.com
www.pedigree.com
www.professionalpetfood.com
www.solidgoldhealth.com
www.wysong.net
Excuse me sheilaM. I have been busy at work and unable to read and post all day. Thanks.
The scumbag who killed Chevy the dog has been identified and charged with not one count but two counts of animal cruelty. This means he could get a maximum of 8 years in prison, a $20,00.00 fine and probably many new friends (if you get what I mean). I have edited the article to protect those who wont be able to stand reading it in full.
Video clips of a dog being ------- ---------- were found on the cell phone of a St. Paul man accused of killing his former girlfriend's pet, according to charges filed Friday.
The man, Anthony Albert Gomez, 24, is charged with two counts of cruelty to pets. He is currently being held on $35,000 bail and was scheduled to make his first appearance in Ramsey County District Court Friday afternoon.
After -------- the dog -------, Gomez allegedly gift-wrapped it in a box and left it on the doorstep of Crystal Brown, 17, whom he had once dated. She had broken off the relationship.
Chevy, an Australian Shepherd, went missing Feb. 17. On Feb. 28, the box showed up at the home of Shirley Brown, who is Brown's grandmother. The box had a note addressed to Crystal.
When Crystal opened the box, she discovered to her horror that Chevy -------- was inside. The box also contained two small boxes of Valentine's Day candy, and a twin pack of AA batteries, according to a police officer's affidavit accompanying the criminal complaint.
The affidavit says that after the dog disappeared, Gomez called Brown and said he'd seen Chevy near his house. He also apparently offered to buy her a new dog, "which she thought very odd," the affidavit claims.
Brown's grandmother suspected Gomez was involved and called police. When questioned by police, Gomez denied any involvement.
But among the items found when police got a search warrant and searched Gomez's home was his cell phone. On it, investigators found "video clips showing a dog ----------------- --------------," the affidavit claims.
When asked about the clips, Gomez said he knew who ---------- the dog, and that the act had taken place in his basement, the affidavit says.
Gomez allegedly named others who he said committed the act, and he denied leaving the box at Brown's home. "He admitted 'instigating' the others by saying, '-----------' and do it with _________," the affidavit said. "He said that it was done because of missing drugs."
He also claimed Brown was present at the time, but she denied it.
Shirley Brown has said the dog's disappearance and death had devastated her granddaughter, largely because the teen considered the Chevy a "therapy dog." She said her granddaughter has had a tumultuous life.
Crystal and Gomez live about two blocks from each other. They had been seeing each other since the fall, but she broke off their friendship.
Gomez has a 2005 conviction for second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon, as well as a 2001 conviction for fifth-degree assault, according to records from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
The cruelty charges against Gomez are felonies. He was charged with one count of mistreating or killing a companion animal, and one count of animal cruelty.
Each charge carries a maximum punishment of four years' imprisonment and a $10,000 fine.
Oh how I hope he gets the maximum and LOTS OF NEW 'FRIENDS"!!
I feed my dogs Nutro Dry. I looked yesterday on Nutro's website that says their dry dog and cat foods are not manufactured by Menu. The dry food is manufacutured in their own plants in California and Tennessee. So I don't think there is any need to worry about the dry.
You know Meri-Lou, I felt more sorry for this 17-year-old girl before - and still do somewhat. But sounds like she was in a big mess with her life also. Unfortunately, the poor dog was the one to suffer for this.
Kathleen I agree with you 100%. At 17 no girl should have such a messed up life and be hanging around a scumbag like this one. The only part of his story that I believe is that he had something to do with the dogs death and that drugs were involved. Anyone at 24 who has a past like his, is nothing by trouble with a capital T. Where were her mother and granmother that they allowed her to hang around people like him.
Susan: I also feed Harry Nutro dry and found out that none of the dry is produced by Menu. I am continuing to feed him Nutro which does not have wheat or corn and only hope they are being truthful. Why does our Gov't pay farmers not to produce wheat and then they go and import it? Typical of the Gov't.!!!
Yes, Margot, I agree 100 percent but I'm not going on my soapbox right now. That is an issue that has stuck in my craw for a long time.
The ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center has just released more information:
Aminopterin, a toxin found in some rodenticides available outside the USA, is a folic acid antagonist, i.e. it disrupts the body’s ability to utilize folic acid. In animals, this can result in loss of appetite, diarrhea and weight loss. It may also cause leucopenia, which is a reduction in white blood cells, as well as birth defects.
Aminopterin is closely related in chemical structure and mechanism to a drug called methotrexate, which is used to treat some cancers, both in humans and animals. Renal failure has been reported in human patients receiving methotrexate. We do not know if aminopterin can cause renal failure in pets.
Based on these findings, the ASPCA does not recommend any change in treatment of animals affected; animals currently being treated for kidney failure suspected to be related to the ingestion of the contaminated food should stay on such treatment. Please follow your veterinarian’s advice.
It is unclear at this point in time how this toxin came into contact with the affected food. The ASPCA will continue to analyze the data on calls the APCC receives (which number between 400-700 daily on a wide range of substances), and release any new information it finds immediately.
How come the animals aren't bleeding from the rat poison? What is the entire story with this Folic Acid problem and not bleeding?
I found the following on craigslist. Does anybody have any contacts with animal authorities or dog (pitbull or non-breed specific) rescue groups in Central Islip, Suffolk County, LI, NY? Please reply to the email address directly below if you can help this person. I agree the dog should be taken away from this child. TY, Tara
***************************
Reply to: pers-299005750@craigslist.org
Yesterday, a young child was walking his PIT BULL down the street I live on in Central Islip. He lives about 4 houses down from me, I believe. He said to my little brother, who is 12, "My dog killed your cat. He bit its head off and I threw it in the garbage."
I see this as highly plausible because we do have a few cats that are outside (strays, yes, as we are animal loving people) and one has been missing.
Now, honestly.. I feel only people in my neighborhood that own pit bulls have them for one reason.. to breed them to fight. Now, don't get me wrong, I don't have anything wrong with Pit Bulls.. my friend has one and he's a doll. I need to find a way to get this dog away from this child. Only bad things will come from it.
Raw Footage now playing by dept of AG:
http://www.9wsyr.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=193689
Another craigslist emergency! Who knows about newborn kittens? Please call them!
Reply to: comm-299246025@craigslist.org
Date: 2007-03-23, 5:14PM EDT
CAN ANYONE GO TO 95-20 126TH STREET, BETWEEN 95 AND 97 STREET
IT'S NEXT TO JAMAICA HOSPITAL, NEXT TO SMOKEY PARK.
TWO NEW BORN KITTENS, DYING. THE PEOPLE HAVE NO CLUE WHAT TO DO WITH THEM! PLEASE, CAN ANYONE GO?
THEIR PHONE # IS 718-847-2699
They should be okay Tara, a rescuer was just showing up while I was on the phone giving her advice. She was keeping them warm, but she had no formular or evaporated milk on hand, nor did she have a bottle or eyedropper handy. I was about to advise dipping regular warmed milk in bread to carefully dribble into thier mouths just to get some nourishment into them when the rescuer showed up. Unfortuantely I cannot take them in as I have pups at this time.
Sheila M,
This is NO evidence that the rat poison came from wheat produced in China! CNN just did an update to this story and IT IS NOT KNOWN HOW THE FOOD BECAME CONTAMINATED!!
AND there have been NO reports of dry foods being contaminated and nothing at all that indicates the rat poison contamination came from wheat. In fact I haven't found anything that verifies that Menu Foods even imports the wheat they use in their products.
The dry food contamination was a totally different issue that occurred way over a year ago. That has no bearing at all on the current crisis. You are just muddying up this isssue with your false statements and private agendas IMO and that can ultimately do more harm than good.
A source from ABC news and Menu Foods reported to the media that that is where Menu believes it came from. The final word is yet not in.
Don't you just love freedom of speech? Vivi Bloggers please visit the Pet Connection for more information from concerned pet owners trying to save a few more of our beloved friends. And I believe most here know that I am making comments in an effort to inform and help save their lives.
VIN advises the below to their vets on the food recall:
"Do not repeat rumors, gossip or innuendo. This does not serve the public or our patients and clients. The reality of the current situation is that we do not know what the cause and extent of the problem is. If questioned by reporters, clients, or anyone, resist the temptation to speculate about or repeat information that you are not confident is accurate.
Only canned and pouch foods appear to be affected. Dry foods are not manufactured by the same process, and are manufactured at different facilities. There is no indication that dry foods are affected. The recall is restricted to canned and pouch foods."
Yes very true indeed. You advise people to listen to the government and Vets and VIN and not to their own experience or gut feeling. That works. Yes, that is one method of making decisions - defer to the expert.
TY, Diane!
Here’s a link to the raw footage of the press conference. In it they say they are STILL open and manufacturing food at both plants.
http://www.9wsyr.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=193689
What a horrible thing to happen to that poor dog! They should do the same to him! Where's the guiletine! (excuse spelling).
Posted by: sheilaM "Yes very true indeed. You advise people to listen to the government and Vets and VIN and not to their own experience or gut feeling. That works. Yes, that is one method of making decisions - defer to the expert."
Duh yeah! Dogs and cats die every day of renal failure and it has nothing to do with their food.
Old age, disease, infection and exposure to certain toxins like paints, solvents, antifreeze, to name a few are causative agents.
Only a postmortem can verify the cause of renal failure. Are some of these folks on pet connection doing their own autopsies? I doubt it, sheilaM, Sedona, Linda, CPF, Cynthia, and any other new names past and present that you'll post in during this ife and the next! And here's a LOL dedicated just for you! I know how much you appreciate my sense of humor. :)
Sheila,
What kind of dogs do you have? What do you feed them?
I'm just sort of skipping over the blog........
I ordered a small bag of Natural Balance from the local feed store. They carry the large bags..I'm surprised this hick town has it!!
For those of you who have heard me speak of Madison so much, I wanted to share this post from her Mom. This is Madison's story - get some tissues ready! I'm still crying! Gina is experiencing the first year anniversary of Madison's drowning - and you can tell the pain she is in. Please pray for Gina and Madison, and please light a candle at "B+" asking God to work His miracle in this little girl's life.
Thank you for understanding this long post in advance.
----------------------------
March 22 - One Year
This entry was posted on Thursday, March 22, 2007 3:01 PM and is filed under uncategorized.
It's hard to believe an entire year has gone by since the day my life was changed forever. I have had so many ups and downs this year and I don't know how I could have gotten through it without the strength of God's hands holding me up and friends and family constantly showing their love and support. I am truly blessed.
This day has been very emotional for me. I have shed many tears. I thought on this year anniversary I would go back over what happened and permanently (that's the plan anyway) bury it forever. Some of you who learned of Madison later on may not have read the story so this is for you too. So, here we go:
It was a sunny day in March. The twins yearned to be outside in the warm sun, but spring flirted with us. One day we would awaken to sun and warmth and the next cold and drizzle. After 2 days of rain and a cold front, the twins were anxious to go outside and play. They love to be outside. Their three year old curiosity kept them running for hours. "Look mom! snakes!" "No Madison, those are tiny caterpillars crawling on the leaf." "Why are they there?" Who can answer that?? So late morning, Jason, Madison and I all played outside. We kicked a ball. They went down the slide. We even looked for more bugs in the grass. Jason followed Madison as she led him around the backyard telling him what to do. He was happy to do it. He loved being led by his twin sister.
That's when they noticed it...the pool. The year before, we bought an above ground pool. It's a nice big one and we made it safe by building a bi-level deck. There was only one access to the pool. They would have to go up some stairs and onto the entry deck. But, it had a locked gate at the top of the stairs. That three year old curiosity got the better of them and even though they couldn't see into the pool from the bottom deck, it didn't stop them from picking up little toys and chunking them over the edge. Madison decided to push a chair up to the side of the pool and climb up to look. That's when I jumped in and said "NO...we do not play around the pool because it's dangerous." I marched them inside and said it was time to go inside because we are not allowed to play with the pool. Madison was none too happy. She was a spunky little girl and didn't like being told what she could and couldn't do. We played a little bit inside together and then Madison asked to watch a Dora the Explorer video. I thought it was perfect because I had to get a load of laundry in. I put the video on and both the twins sat down on the couch with their bowl of grapes. I gathered my laundry and went out into the garage to put it into the washer. While I was there, I gathered the clean clothes from the dryer and brought them inside. When I got back inside, there was Jason standing all by himself. "where Badison go?" (his cute way of saying his sister's name) I thought for sure she was hiding because that was one of her favorite games. So Jason and I start walking through the house calling in a long drawn out voice "wheeere's Madisoooon?" We'd come around a corner and yell "BOO!" But, there was no Madison. I started to panic. I saw the doors were all closed and I knew they were locked so why wasn't she answering? The tone of my voice got more and more frantic. I decided I better check outside. It didn't even dawn on me when I went out back that the previously locked deadbolt was now unlocked. I called for Madison and ran around the backyard. I looked in the pool but didn't see anything. I called my husband and told him that I couldn't find Madison and then ran out front and called 911 while I was looking for her frantically. 911 answered and I told them that my 3 year old daughter was missing. I couldn't for the life of me figure out where she could have gone but I know she had learned the front door lock just recently and decided to take a walk on her own. I ran back into the house and was looking for her and then, while still on the phone rang back to the backyard. Upon getting closer to the pool, that's when my worst fears were realized. In the pool I saw my precious daughter floating face down. Just typing those words gives me such a feeling of dread, panic and heartbreak. I can physically see it right now and it hurts. I yelled to the 911 operator that she was in the pool and I really don't remember what else was said. I didn't even notice the three chairs turned over to make a ladder up to the side of the pool. I ran up the stairs, unlocked the gate and jumped in the water, which was cold but not overly cold. I scooped Madison up and lifted her up onto the deck. We had just opened the pool for the spring, so the ladder to get out wasn't installed yet. To this day, I still don't know how I managed to get out of that pool. It's impossible. I can only believe that adrenalin and angels helped me. I started what I remembered of CPR and a little grape came up. I'll never forget the sounds she made. Everytime I would blow into her mouth, I would hear a gurgling sound. I so wanted it to be like the movies. I wanted her to cough a little and be ok. But, she wasn't. Her previously pink face was blue and she had no life in her. Before I knew it, the first EMS worker was there. He jumped the fence and immediately started working on her. I couldn't do anything but scream and cry. The police made me go inside where I proceeded to throw up. My husband arrived home just after the EMS got there and he stayed by her side. He had a single tear coming down his face. His only words were "it doesn't look good." NO I couldn't believe that. They worked on her for about 20 minutes and then loaded her into the life flight copter. She still had no heartbeat.
The next few hours are a blur. I remember talking to the doctor. He said Madison came to the hospital with no heartbeat but they were able to get a faint pulse finally. They got her as stable as they could and transferred her to the ICU at the hospital 20 miles away. I don't think I slept the next few weeks but a few hours here and there. Family and friends flocked to our sides and they were always there to pick me up when I didn't feel like I could even stand up. They forced me to eat. They forced me to sleep. I don't know what I would have done without them.
That day is filled with regrets and although I have gotten rid of most of the guilt, I still think of the what ifs. In hindsight, I know that Madison was indeed in the pool the first time I looked. She wasn't floating yet and because of where I was standing, I couldn't see her. If I had seen her that first time, maybe things would be better. What if I had bought new locks like I planned a few days before? I didn't know she could do the deadbolt to the back because it was hard to turn but I knew it was only a matter of time. Those what ifs will haunt me the rest of my life. I try to lock them away in a place at the back of my brain that I will never access again, but it seems to find its way back to the front of my brain every so often. I do know that accidents happen. They happen to the best of parents even. I think I have accepted that this was just a horrible accident. But, I don't think I will ever stop hurting and mourning for my little girl. I miss her laugh and her voice and her hugs and kisses. I miss seeing the personality in her eyes. But, with that said...
We are now a year later. No, Madison is not walking, talking, eating, etc. But, she is in there....somewhere. I'm not giving up on her. Just like she fought to get into the pool, she will fight to beat this injury. God is a healer and He has plans for her! I know so many people have told me they are better off since they met madison. She has touched so many lives and brought so many people to Jesus. I AM proud of her. Do I hurt? YES But, I'm trying really hard to focus on how far she has come and how many lives she has changed.
Lord, I trust you! I know that I still have doubts sometimes, but I still do trust that you will continue to take care of us. I pray that you continue to make Madison a testimony. Heal her Lord, so that everyone will see your power and your Glory. I pray this in your precious son's name, Jesus Christ. Amen.
On this year anniversary, please keep our family in your prayers. Continue to pray for madison's healing and for strength while we wait for that time. Let us always rejoice in the small gains. Thank you everyone for all you do for us. We are truly blessed.
http://www.princessmadison.org
My God, that was powerful. I never knew really what had happened. I am truly sad for Gina - Madison knows already what's inside. She's jsut waiting to get it out. I cannot imagine the pain and anguish over her. their marriage is one that will last forever. This is a story you see on TV - not read personally. I am so sorry for them on the anniversary of an awful day :(
HERE'S HOPING YOU KEEP POSTING THOSE FAX AND PHONE NUMBERS, KATHY!! I CANNOT SIMPLY BE THE ONLY ONE FROM HERE FAXING, AM I????
Thank you so much Darlene. I felt the same way. I cannot imagine what that day must have been like for Gina and John - and the rest of the family as well.
I'm going to try calling Gina shortly. I wish so much I could be there for Madison's Happy Rebirthday party. Gina is trying so hard to make this anniversary a celebration of life and not dwell on the negative side. She is amazing.
Psalm 34
I will bless the LORD at all times;
praise shall be always in my mouth.
My soul will glory in the LORD
that the poor may hear and be glad.
Magnify the LORD with me;
let us exalt his name together.
I sought the LORD, who answered me,
delivered me from all my fears.
Father, Great Deliverer, take away all our fears, and teach us to trust You. Protect Vivi, Annie, Hopey, Missy and all the lost and homeless ones. Keep them for anything/anyone who would harm them.
Send them to a volunteer who will take them to their families. Heal Spit,all the pet food victims who have survived, and all of our sick animals and animal lovers who have asked for our prayers. Be with Madison's family on the anniversary of her accident. We lift these petitions in confidence and in Jesus' name...
Father,continue Your watch over Vivi,Missy,Annie,Max,Hopey,Axel,Bowdee,Saffie,Zoey,Vern, the show babies, Biggie,and Sniffles.Show them to the volunteer of Your choice so that they may return to their earthly families. Surprise us by sending Vivi home to a volunteer (Kathy from Bayside,Rosa,Tina,Gail T,Bonnie,Diane T.,Diane K-M,Darlene,Debbie,Monica,Lois T.,Nancy M,Barbara Jean,Linda S. and her husband Mike, or Renee? Margot or Irene?)
Many of us also have animals which need Your healing touch.Great Physician we lift to you for your healing Jethro Scrappy, Homer, Mercy,Spit, Dante, Terrie's dog Cubby,Moses, Briar, Skittles, Barney, Tara,Joey,Meeko,Skeeter,Andi,Sparky,Scout,Dodge, Auggie,Billy,Ezme,Clarus,Star,Doogie, Felice, Max, Little McGee, Murphy, Mylie,Gunner, Linus, Kiva, Ellie,(restore all that had to be taken), Morgan,Tucker, Brandy, Lexie, Isabella, Twin Kittens, Bowen, and Heather.Enfold all of us in Your healing embrace.
We thank you for healing Maureen, and Zipper!! Thank Your for the improvement in Gail's Dude.Thank You for Isabella's improving health!Thank You for McGee's weight gain.
We are frail Father and many of us need Your healing so that we can serve the purpose for which You have created us.
We lift up the following people in need of Your healing:Madison,"J"., Kathleen,,Terrie,Amanda, Rosa C. Kathleen's Mom Mary, Renee, Pam, Jacque, JL, Lance, Chris,and Abby.
God of Power, stand behind Duke and Denise, and Otis' followers,and now Boston, as they have stood behind these animals, until justice is done.Thank you for Ruby, and all the bloggers who bring these animals to our attention. Take gentle care with Anne who has Alzheimers, and was the doxie's former mom.
Welcome all those who make the journey to Paradise, tonight. Let their animal companions greet them at the gates of Heaven. Hold both people and animals in your arms.
Give blessings to all who have done Your work.(We specially thank You for the success of Woody's rescuers!! Reward our faithful animal companions who have gone ahead. Let all who are homeless know Your love, and ours, too.
Send your angels and saints to work with Vivi's angels. These NYC volunteers, and their leaders;Tina,Rosa,and Bonnie, serve as Your compassionate presence on earth. Don't let them become discouraged. Let them know that prayer wise "we've got their back"!
Let our faith grow as a result of this experience! Restore as we sleep, Heavenly Father, as we turn over the night watch to you! YOU ARE IN CHARGE! AMEN!
Candles?
http://www.gratefulness.org
GOD INHABITS THE PRAISE OF HIS PEOPLE!!!
FYI_ just came from shopping & was at Petco - it seems that Nutro has put thier wet food back on the shelves. We spoke at lenght with a lovely girl who works for Nutro. She advised not to feed cats or dogs any wet food for at least another month...
We also asked about the dry food, she claimed that was not affected.
If the Wheat is coming in from China, don't believe that it went to one loaction only...
The wheat can be shipped all over the country = to be used for other things...
Linda - the wet food is back but don't feed it? Gee - there's marketing for ya. i don't believe it went to one locale or was the D/C's they gave. if they missed it coming in and there was no QC, then how exactly do they track it? can't be done.
Darelene,
I am not feeding it to the kittens, we are going to go with dry food for now. They are on science diet..
I am so freaked with this.. I made an appointment with the vet to have them tested ..
Who know if the other companies, just don't want to say anything yet..
Better to be safe ..
Even the girl at petco said, she is only feeding her cat dry food, no wet food..
know what's funny????? here alot of us still are trying to help each other after everything.
THANKS, VIVI :)
nite, nite
Linda, thats why I'm going to switch to Natural Balance..I'm afraid of Nutro now...stupid I guess, but I worry........
I was reading Natural Balance- but there was no food for Kittens..
Noext month,they will be a year old, so I will probably start switching them to that...
i know you wouldn't, Lina. but to pout it back on the shelves?? why? what is that inviting? i took Luna today just to check on her. she was on Euk. pouches until they recalled it. my Chow died of kidney and liever failure - you KNOW when that happens. seeing as Luna was here for less than 2 months, i was worried - and she has other issues as she has had a long 7 years. she's fine - no blood test, nothing needed. if you don't see the symptoms, don't waste your time, my friend. it is something that shows itself and you will have no doubt. if they are OK now, and you quit the food, the D/C is off, then they should be fine. I had a very long talk with Luna's doctor today just to reassure myself. there are alot of panicked calls coming in - i was there and the surgical nurses spent their lunch hour trying to help these terrified people. you will definately know from the symptoms they describe (basically) if they are sick - kidney failure doesn;t mess around. your gang is fine :)
Darlene,
I have to go anyway, becaue I want to have the 2 females spayed, so I want to make a appointment for the first of April..
I know they are fine..
They are running around now playing & knocking stuff down in my computer room..
Ralph & Norton are like 2 bulls.. they knock into everything..
Posted by Betty and Michael. Blessed be the Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. 'HOLY IS HE!"
It is time to step up in faith. The world has reached a point that we must truly keep our eyes on our Heavenly Father and His word. Home land Security is looking into this outbreak of poisoning. Hold your babies close to you. Pray over them every day. We cannot afford to not have the shield of God's protection over us and our families. I strongly suggest that we all read Psalms 91 over our families every day.
I Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and love, and of a sound mind.
Good morning Daddy God. We thank you for the life you have given to all of us. Calm all of our fears Daddy and give us your wisdom. Fill each and every one of us with your Holy Spirit to guide us. Give us your wisdom in the care of our babies and families. Surround all of us with your faithful angels with their swords drawn, ready for battle to protect us. We lift all of our little ones up to you for protection and glorious health and blessings. Thank you for your care over Vivi. We are very grateful to you for protecting her and for providing for her. How she needs you and how we need you to lead her to the safety and love of a rescuers arms. When we think of her beautiful little face and the spirit of life that radiates from her, our hearts long to see this little baby come home. Bring her into safe harbor Daddy. We love you and we trust you. Thank you for showing us your ways and thank you for increasing our faith with each day we are surrounded by your love and presence. You are the care taker of our souls and the healer of our hearts. Heal Vivi's heart so that she will not be afraid anymore and will come to human companionship when your army approaches her. Speak into her heart Daddy and lead her safely home. Please help Cocoa's family Daddy God. They need you. Hold them in your arms and comfort them with your love and knowledge that Cocoa is safe in your arms. Comfort and strengthen Gina as you continue your healing grace in Madison. Touch her Jesus. We love and adore you. We honor and praise you!! Protect your creatures from the tainted food Daddy. Lead us to know what to feed our babies so they will remain healthy and strong. Show us the way Daddy. Protect and deliver all of your creation from the abuse and hatred that covers our world. Let your Glory flood this earth for all to see. In Jesus's Name!!
Luke 15:4
What man of you having a hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, does not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness; and go after that which is lost until he find it?
Daddy God, continue to speak to and lead all we have brought to your throne to the safety and love of home with their families. Help us to find them Daddy God. Vivi, Biggie, Sniffles, Rags, Faithful, Little Aussie, Mommy, Daddy and Baby Girl pup, Apple Riley, Holly, (bring her out of the desert to safety) , Precious Hosanna, Buddy, Annie, African Grey, Patterson, pointer, Jack Russel, Grey Tabby, Bowdee, Yorkie, Shimi, the cemetary strays Buttons , Black Afghan Hound, Lola, Vern, Zoey, Saffie, Axel, Brewster, Hopey, Max, and Missy. Bring them home to their families filled with love, joy and warmth.
Isaiah 53:4-5
Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes, we are healed.
Holy Jesus, continue to touch our little ones with your precious healing power, CJ, Dante, Felice, Max, Little McGee, Murphy, Mylie, Barbaro, Gunner, Linus, Kiva, Ellie,(restore all that had to be taken), Morgan, Little Andi, Nicki, Dude, Brandy, Tucker, Lexie, Isabella,Twin Kittens, Bowen, Heather, Doogie, Clarus, Prince, Star, Skeeter, Scout, Tigger , Ezmeralda, New Foundland, Tank , Billy, Lilly, Auggie, Sparky, Meeko, Barney. Joey, Skittles, Zoey, Diva, Merlin, Magic, Briar, Fluffy, Cubby, Awmee, injured bird, Trevor, little Rachael who has stomach upsets like little McGee used to have before you touched him, Piper, Winnie, Mercy ,Rocket Spit McGee, Scrappy and Jethro. Continue your miraculous healing grace in our brothers and sisters, Madison, Gina, Baby Girl, JL, Lance, Pam, Chris, Pat, Jacque, Darlene, Kim, BJ, Rose, Mary Ann, Kathleen, Abby, Renee, Renee's uncle and cousin, Lois, Gail T. Button's owner, Joyce, Gail's mom, Julie, Sabina, Kathy, Amanda, Ann, Pam, Chrissy Sharon's dear friend, Jill, little Rachael, Irene, Sharon's mom, Cindy, Tara and Tommy. Continue to protect beloved Israel and America as they battle terrorism to keep us free. Shelter them and give them victory. Protect the innocent and lead them to safety and provision. We pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Bring justice for Otis, Otto, and Boxer Puppy. Bring Freedom and deliverance for Duke. Give them righteous Judges who will honor your creatures Daddy God and bring Duke home to his mommy where he is meant to be. Help us to raise all the funds that are needed, for you are our provider. Help those who are looking for employment to find the place you want their light to shine. Increase and bless them Daddy. Fill our lives with your glory as we work and watch for your Son Jesus, our Savior. Flood this earth with your glory and power for all to see. Bring Vivi home Daddy God. Let this be the day Daddy God....Let this be the day INDEED...In Jesus's Name we pray....Amen
When you were born, you were crying and every one around you was smiling. Live your life so that when you die, you're the one who is smiling and every one around you is crying. Dr. Joseph Crock DVM
I work for a pet store.I STILL feed Nutro dry for my dog and cat.As far as wet food, I feed Wellness.The wet wellness food has no grains.I feel both Nutro dry and wellness wet are fine and safe.I'll continue to feed both.
Thhis article was int he NY Times
scarey.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/24/us/24petfood.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin
Very scarey.
I 'm going to stick with the Iams Dry Lamb and Rice since no dry foods have been listed. Piper has done very well with it and can't go on other types since her stomach seems to get upset with other types. My other cocker spaniel lived to 16 years old on an Iams dry food. I have been checking with friends and family to check what their pets are eating and to make sure they know the scope of the recall.
With so much depressing news about pets and people, it would be nice if one of our lost pets would cross paths with a searcher.
I had a Lab live to 16 on Purina dog chow.My dog that I have now is 15 y/o.She eats Nutro Sr.What I like about Nutro is no by-products.....heads,feet,etc....YUK!
Nutro also has Glucosamine in It.The natural balance dog food seems to have same ingredients as Nutro Ultra.I see alot of you are changing to that brand.
Bottom line is: No more deaths from any source.
Kathleen: Although I sort of realized what happened to Madison, this was the first time I read the actual story. It just breaks my heart for Madison and for Gina and her husband. May today bring them the rebirth of Madison that they are praying for. I lit a candle and will do more through out the day.
I received this e-mail from Purina this morning:
"We want to take this opportunity to reassure you that Mighty Dog pouch products are the ONLY Purina(r) brand products affected by Menu Foods' recall. Nestle Purina stands behind the high-quality of our pet foods, and all Purina brand cat food products and all other Purina brand dog food products, including Mighty Dog canned products, can continue to be fed to your pets with complete confidence.
On Friday, March 16, Nestle Purina PetCare issued its press release announcing the voluntary withdrawal of our Mighty Dog(r) brand pouch-packaged products that were produced by Menu Foods
from Dec. 3, 2006, through March 14, 2007. While we had no indication of any product quality or safety issues specifically related to our Mighty Dog pouch products at that time, we are proactively withdrawing these products as a precautionary
measure, because the well-being of pets and the safety and efficacy of our products are our top priorities."
(Everyone, I don't know how I missed this baby whose parents had to have him euthanized yesterday, we've been on so many posts the last couple days--it just slipped my attention. I've also tried to scroll past a few anonymous postings.)
A PRAYER FOR MURPHY
Let us sing to the Lord a new song;
a song for all the creatures of the earth.
Let us rejoice in the goodness of God
shown in the beauty of all things.
This we know: every living thing is yours and returns to you. As we ponder this mystery
we give you thanks for the life of Murphy and we now commit him into your loving
hands. Gentle God: fragile is your world, delicate are your creatures, and costly is your
love which bears and redeems us all.
Holy Creator, give us eyes to see and ears to hear how every living thing speaks to us of
your love. Let us be awestruck at your creation and daily sing your praises. Especially,
create within us a spirit of gratitude for the life of this beloved Murphy who has lived among
us and given us freely of his love. Even in our sorrow we have cause for joy for we
know that all creatures who died on earth shall live again in your new creation. Amen.
Margot, Pat, Susan, Mila, Martha and all the others thank you so much for your candles for Madison. I am anxious to speak to Gina tomorrow and see how the Happy Rebirthday party went.
I just got home from taking MY new baby, Onyx, to the vet. Rubyyyyy, you will be happy to know I could not turn her over to the rescue group. She will be my baby - spent over $400 at the vet this morning.
Onyx got a clean bill of health, no heartworms (thank goodness), no worms, bloodwork all good, just had a Capstar for the fleas and then after her bath and spay she will be on the prevention for fleas/ticks and heartworms. She was an absolute doll. Vet said the best patient he had ever had. She LOVES to ride in the car, so she will be going places with me a lot I am sure.
The vet thinks she is a black Chow and Lab mix. I left the pictures at work, so it will be next week before I get them posted. I'll take some new ones with her looking all well and pretty when she comes home Monday evening.
My friend who trains dogs is going to help me get she and Tinkerbell used to each other. She was great with cats too. They had four cats at the vets office that live there, and she made no effort to bother them.
I also spoke extensively with this vet about the food recall. He said they are pretty sure this rat poisoning got into the food at the canning plant, and that all dry food should be just fine. I really liked this vet a lot!
THAT SHOULD BE A PRAYER FOR COCOA---NOT MURPHY!
Great to hear about your new baby Kathleen, best wishes!!
I have not been on the blog in a few days. Kathleen
congrats on your new baby, and I will say a special
prayer for Madison, how sad
Kathleen: Because of the trolls I've just been scrolling the blog. Didn't know you adopted a dog. How exciting. Keep us posted and thanks for acknowledging the candles I lit forMadison. Will continue them through out the day and evening.
Rat Poisoning causes bleeding - where's the bleeding? What's this about Folic acid - is this some special type of Rat Poisoning?
Posted by: sheilaM | March 23, 2007 at 05:22 PM
That was my thought - where’s the bleeding?
Comment by Linda — March 23, 2007 @ 3:21 pm
One post on AH and the other on Pet Connection. Sedona, er, sheilaM....you are so transparent it isn't even funny anymore.Everything you posted on this blog was a cut and paste of others peoples posts on Pet Connection. You don't even have a mind of your own.We all know you lost it a long time ago.Now you have resorted to stealing other peoples comments and pretend that they are yours? Why? Do you really think that we would believe that you were credible? You seriously need professional help with your obsessive personality disorder.
Kathleen, congradulations on your new family member. I bet Tinkerbell and Onyx will be best buds in no time. Keep us up to date on the progress and can't wait to see a picture. Always will light candles for Madison. May she regain her childhood soon.
Sharon, thank you for the prayer for Cocoa. I knew who you meant it for, also she was female. Sorry if I didn't mention that it in my previous post. With all the topics, I'm having trouble keeping track of where I posted.
My dogs just informed me that even tho their food wasn't on the list of recalled food, they want their diets changed. They want Jack in the Box burgers,
MacDonalds fries, Ruby Tuesday cocktails and for dessert, carrot cake that their mommy makes..haaaaaaaaaaa
I'm just sooooooooooo glad my food isn't on the bad list. I would die if my dogs got bad food.
NOT sheilaM, I think I love you! heh heh..xoxoxo
roooooby
ruby shoes - if you have a good carrot cake recipe, I think I love YOU! PLEASE ... can I have the recipe??? I'm begging and looking at you with big puppy dog eyes. *batting eyelashes*
Psalm 7
I praise the justice of the LORD;
I celebrate the name of the LORD Most High.
Father Creator, Do not let us give in to our fears;but trust in You. Help all the surviving cats and dogs in the pet food recall. Welcome into Your kingdom, all of them that did not make it. Let justice and retribution be Yours. Welcome into Your kingdom, sweet Cocoa. Bless and protect Vivi, Annie,
Hopey, Missy, and all the lost and missing. Heal Your animals and animal lovers. We lift these prayers in love, and in Jesus' name...
Father,continue Your watch over Vivi,Missy,Annie,Max,Hopey,Axel,Bowdee,Saffie,Zoey,Vern, the show babies, Biggie,and Sniffles.Show them to the volunteer of Your choice so that they may return to their earthly families. Surprise us by sending Vivi home to a volunteer (Kathy from Bayside,Rosa,Tina,Gail T,Bonnie,Diane T.,Diane K-M,Darlene,Debbie,Monica,Lois T.,Nancy M,Barbara Jean,Linda S. and her husband Mike, or Renee? Margot or Irene?)
Many of us also have animals which need Your healing touch.Great Physician we lift to you for your healing Jethro Scrappy, Homer, Mercy,Spit, Dante, Terrie's dog Cubby,Moses, Briar, Skittles, Barney, Tara,Joey,Meeko,Skeeter,Andi,Sparky,Scout,Dodge, Auggie,Billy,Ezme,Clarus,Star,Doogie, Felice, Max, Little McGee, Murphy, Mylie,Gunner, Linus, Kiva, Ellie,(restore all that had to be taken), Morgan,Tucker, Brandy, Lexie, Isabella, Twin Kittens, Bowen, and Heather.Enfold all of us in Your healing embrace.
We thank you for healing Maureen, and Zipper!! Thank Your for the improvement in Gail's Dude.Thank You for Isabella's improving health!Thank You for McGee's weight gain.
We are frail Father and many of us need Your healing so that we can serve the purpose for which You have created us.
We lift up the following people in need of Your healing:Madison,"J"., Kathleen,,Terrie,Amanda, Rosa C. Kathleen's Mom Mary, Renee, Pam, Jacque, JL, Lance, Chris,and Abby.
God of Power, stand behind Duke and Denise, and Otis' followers,and now Boston, as they have stood behind these animals, until justice is done.Thank you for Ruby, and all the bloggers who bring these animals to our attention. Take gentle care with Anne who has Alzheimers, and was the doxie's former mom.
Welcome all those who make the journey to Paradise, tonight. Let their animal companions greet them at the gates of Heaven. Hold both people and animals in your arms.
Give blessings to all who have done Your work.(We specially thank You for the success of Woody's rescuers!! Reward our faithful animal companions who have gone ahead. Let all who are homeless know Your love, and ours, too.
Send your angels and saints to work with Vivi's angels. These NYC volunteers, and their leaders;Tina,Rosa,and Bonnie, serve as Your compassionate presence on earth. Don't let them become discouraged. Let them know that prayer wise "we've got their back"!
Let our faith grow as a result of this experience! Restore as we sleep, Heavenly Father, as we turn over the night watch to you! YOU ARE IN CHARGE! AMEN!
Candles?
http://www.gratefulness.org
GOD INHABITS THE PRAISE OF HIS PEOPLE!!!
Sharon and Betty - Could you please say a special prayer for Madison? On this Happy Rebirthday party day she is having problems and they are at the ER with her right now. Thank you.
------------------------
March 24 - ups and downs
What started off to be a wonderful day has turned out to be one with many challenges. First, let me say how wonderful Madison's party was. Thank you to all who came out to celebrate Madison's life. I wish I had more time to sit and talk with each one of you, but it's neat that so many people came out. I was so touched by the amount of love and support in that room.
To baby Ricky's mom and grandparents: I know how incredibly difficult it must have been to come see Madison for the first time. I know you still mourn the loss of your little guy and seeing Madison was a reminder of all that you have been through and all you hoped to go through in the future. It meant so much to me that you came out to see her and support us. You are truly amazing people. God Bless You!
The party was truly wonderful and I thank all of you once again for being there. At the end of the party is where things got harder for us.
Madison started really tightening up and then started crying. She was loud and she doesn't cry for much. I thought maybe she was getting overstimulated from all the people so I asked the nurse to take her into another room or take her outside. She didn't get better and then her G-tube leaked all over my husband. So, he said he was going to take Madison home. That was fine because most people had already left anyway and I wanted her to be comfortable. I stuck around to clean up. John called me and said that Madison was not doing well at home. She was really tightening her stomach and crying a lot. We decided it could wait until I got home from cleaning up since it wouldn't be that much longer. When I arrived home, Madison was screaming/crying and in obvious pain. This is not how I wanted her day to be. Something was very obviously going on with her stomach and she has been having some symptoms related to her digestion. My mother in law and I decided to take Madison up to the hospital. At that point, she had been crying for about 2 hours straight.
Currently, I am sitting on the floor of her ER room while John holds her. We don't know much yet. They have taken blood, urine, etc and we are waiting to do a CAT scan to see if there is anything wrong in her stomach. I'm hoping this is something simple, but she did throw up last week and I feel like it could be related. Please say a prayer for my little princess tonight that she will be ok. I will update soon!
B+ for Madison!
Posted by Betty and Michael. Blessed be the Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. 'HOLY IS HE!"
Psalms 91
We dwell in the secret place of the Most High and we abide under the shadow of the Almighty. We say of the Lord, He is our refuge and fortress, our God, in Him we trust. Truly, He will deliver us from the snare of the fowler and from the noisome pestilence. He covers us with His feathers and under His wings we trust; His truth is our shield and buckler. We are not afraid of the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flies by day; nor for the pestilence that walks in darkness; nor for the destruction that lays waste at noonday. A thousand may fall at our side and ten thousand at our right hand; but it shall not come near us. Only with our eyes will we behold and see the reward of the wicked. Because we have made the Lord which is our refuge, even the Most High our habitation; there shall no evil befall us, neither shall any plague come near our dwelling. For He has given His angels charge over us to keep us in all our ways. They bear us up in their hands, lest we dash a foot, (a paw or a hoof) against a stone. We tread upon the lion and adder; the young lion and the dragon, Satan, we trample you under our feet. (And our Father has said) Because you have set your love upon me, therefore will I deliver you, I will set you on high because you have known my name. You shall call upon me and I will answer you; I will be with you in trouble, I will deliver you and honor you. With long life will I satisfy you and shew you my salvation..
Good morning Daddy God. King David's prayer says it all. Bring Vivi home Daddy. Bring her home safe and sound. Comfort and strengthen those who have lost their family members. Heal Sharon from this cold. In Jesus's Name. We praise you!!!
Luke 15:4
What man of you having a hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, does not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness; and go after that which is lost until he find it?
Daddy God, continue to speak to and lead all we have brought to your throne to the safety and love of home with their families. Help us to find them Daddy God. Vivi, Biggie, Sniffles, Rags, Faithful, Little Aussie, Mommy, Daddy and Baby Girl pup, Apple Riley, Holly, (bring her out of the desert to safety) , Precious Hosanna, Buddy, Annie, African Grey, Patterson, pointer, Jack Russel, Grey Tabby, Bowdee, Yorkie, Shimi, the cemetary strays Buttons , Black Afghan Hound, Lola, Vern, Zoey, Saffie, Axel, Brewster, Hopey, Max, and Missy. Bring them home to their families filled with love, joy and warmth.
Isaiah 53:4-5
Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes, we are healed.
Holy Jesus, continue to touch our little ones with your precious healing power, CJ, Dante, Felice, Max, Little McGee, Murphy, Mylie, Barbaro, Gunner, Linus, Kiva, Ellie,(restore all that had to be taken), Morgan, Little Andi, Nicki, Dude, Brandy, Tucker, Lexie, Isabella,Twin Kittens, Bowen, Heather, Doogie, Clarus, Prince, Star, Skeeter, Scout, Tigger , Ezmeralda, New Foundland, Tank , Billy, Lilly, Auggie, Sparky, Meeko, Barney. Joey, Skittles, Zoey, Diva, Merlin, Magic, Briar, Fluffy, Cubby, Awmee, injured bird, Trevor, little Rachael who has stomach upsets like little McGee used to have before you touched him, Piper, Winnie, Mercy ,Rocket Spit McGee, Scrappy and Jethro. Continue your miraculous healing grace in our brothers and sisters, Madison, Gina, Baby Girl, JL, Lance, Pam, Chris, Pat, Jacque, Darlene, Kim, BJ, Rose, Mary Ann, Kathleen, Abby, Renee, Renee's uncle and cousin, Lois, Gail T. Button's owner, Joyce, Gail's mom, Julie, Sabina, Kathy, Amanda, Ann, Pam, Chrissy Sharon's dear friend, Jill, little Rachael, Irene, Sharon's mom, Cindy, Tara and Tommy. Continue to protect beloved Israel and America as they battle terrorism to keep us free. Shelter them and give them victory. Protect the innocent and lead them to safety and provision. We pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Bring justice for Otis, Otto, and Boxer Puppy. Bring Freedom and deliverance for Duke. Give them righteous Judges who will honor your creatures Daddy God and bring Duke home to his mommy where he is meant to be. Help us to raise all the funds that are needed, for you are our provider. Help those who are looking for employment to find the place you want their light to shine. Increase and bless them Daddy. Fill our lives with your glory as we work and watch for your Son Jesus, our Savior. Flood this earth with your glory and power for all to see. Bring Vivi home Daddy God. Let this be the day Daddy God....Let this be the day INDEED...In Jesus's Name we pray....Amen
Fear knocked at the door, Faith answered. No one was there...
Daddy God, we place little Madison under your word in Psalm 91. Deliver her Holy Jesus. Touch her and heal her with your Great and Mighty love and power. Daddy, raise this child up to be a testimony to you and your Holy Son. This is NOT your will that she is ill. We stand in faith and strength in your word. In Jesus's Name we pray. Thank you Daddy!! We praise you!!
Gina just posted this update on Madison. I talked to Grandma Connie also, and Madison is home and doing much better. Nothing was found, but they will probably do further tests on her this week.
-------------------------
Hospital Update
This entry was posted on Saturday, March 24, 2007 11:58 PM and is filed under uncategorized.
Well, we are home! After many many hours and many tests, the doctor came to the conclusion that Madison was having stomach cramps/spasms. The problem is they are unexplained. The ER doctor was wonderful. I really liked him and he took plenty of time with us. He said that the CT scan and all the blood work came out fine so there is no real reason that she would be having these very painful spasms. We already had an appointment with Madison's gastroenterologist on Wednesday, so we will follow up with her. Thank you for the prayers for Madison! She is doing just fine tonight. She has some medicine in her to help with any lingering pain and it has made her feel much better. When John carried her inside the house tonight, she even lifted her head right up off his shoulder and looked around.
That's my girl!
B+ for Madison
THANK YOU JESUS!!! BLESSED IS THE NAME OF THE LORD!!
The energy from China has been and is very negative for their animals and now also for ours. The amount of concern I had over products from China for the last two weeks I believe was and is justified even though it annoyed many people here.
I am avoiding all wheat in my pet food and also in human food brought into my house. As a safety precaution I joined a local health food co-op and am now buying locally grown fresh food, not from a big supplier, and avoiding it also in the packaged organic foods - no wheat in any form. Easy to do as the co-op has many products that are wheat free.
I worry that the problematic wheat has been bought and is sitting in storage ready to put into more products. Everyone, please be cautious.
On another note, I am reading on various news media outlets and reports - that as yet the people in charge do not know how the poison, if that is the problem - there is still other concerns, got on the wheat to begin with.
And the real and pressing question is, could this be a bio-terrorist attack of some kind? A test, first on pets, then??????
So many questions need answering -
I hope not, Sedona. Though the thought did cross my mind for a minute. I think that they wouldn't want to mess with the Chinese govt, though. See what the investigation turns up. I just hope the toll on our pets doesn't go up much higher.
On another topic, they had a very touching tribute to Barbaro on Sportscenter yesterday afternoon. Dr. Richardson spoke about caring for Barbaro and the love he had for him. The vet is an avid horseman himself and hopes the cure for Laminitis will be soon. Also mentioned was FOB and how many horses have been saved due to people's love of Barbaro. Dr. Richardson talked about Barbaro's owners and they showed the sad clips after Barbaro was put to sleep. I wish there were more vets like Dr. Richardson. His students are very lucky to learn under him. May they be as compassionate and knowledgable as he is.
you can help with the cure for laminitus - $29 on the 29th of every month - Barbaro was born and died on the 29th - the reason for the $29 on the 29th. Go to https://galaxy.isc-seo.upenn.edu/pls/devadmin/dvpk0100.nv00?p_school=VT2&p_fund=601384
if you would like to see pictures of Millicent and her Roo service - go to www.pictage.com - the event to click on is called millicent
I don't want you to miss this Sheila/Sedona Linda, so I'm putting it here as well, sorry for the repetition:
I am extremely concerned Sheila/Sedona/Linda about the food recall, in fact I am terrified and that's why I don't need your endless repetitive passive/aggresive hysteria mongering when I check in here. Go back and look and you will see that I am not the only person here who has felt this way.
I feed dry Purina and canned Pedigree and a whole bunch of supplements and healthy natural additives. Puppies also get some Iam's dry food mixed in with the above. I've stopped the Pedigree sine the recall began and have been cooking beef and liver (which I posted on this forum), even though there is no wheat, nor wheat gluten in the canned Pedigree I was using. I am watching my fur kids very closely right now for the slightest signs of anything amiss to the degree of sniffing their breaths, watching their urination habits for any deviations and examining their stools, even though they are not and have never been on the recalled products.
You need to get over your delusions about me lady, time and time again you have been totally wrong about what you imagine in your mind about me. Obviously you are clueless as to what I am about, try really reading my posts, instead of reading into them with bias, taking things out of context, and blowing them out of proportion.
Okay, so now that I've given you a decent answer, how about extending me the same courtesy?
Why do you keep posting in fake names?
Why do you insist on repeating the same things over and over again, even when numerous people nicely ask you to stop?
Although I don't know you personally I doubt you pretend to be other people and repeat yourself constantly amongst your family, friends and in your workplace, so why do it here?
You get upset when folks come down on you, yet so often you bring it on yourself, why?
Why can't you take even the slightest bit of criticism or difference of opinion without becoming vindictive? Is that really necessary?
And may I point out that there was once a time when I defended you against people bashing you, but then I saw you changing names, playing head games, not respecting other bloggers requests and being vindictive and I regretted defending you for I realized you were reaping what you sowed.
And before you launch into a "Diane thinks she's perfect and knows it all" tirade, I'm letting you know here and now that's just a figment of your imagination. I do not think I'm perfect, no one is perfect. The best any of us can do is strive to be better in all our endeavors and dealings with each other. And I am always open to learning because I know I don't know everything.
I try to thoughtfully and logically approach issues and consider all aspects and it's too bad if that bugs you, that's your problem.
I'm cognizant that it isn't nice for me to write these things here, but you put me on block for no reason long ago, and so here is the only place to do this with you. Plus you opened the door by daring to question my maternal feelings for my fur babies, which was very low of you, ergo that you have so little regard for my feelings, why should I have any for yours?
I gave to the Laminitis fund at UPENN and received a wonderful Thank You postcard last week. It had Barbaro's picture of him winning his last race. The message was very warm and sincere. Next month my son graduates from Wharton Business School at UPENN. I will be watching with a mother's pride and a Philly hometown girl's pride for this wonderful school.
Sharon, Betty, and anyone else who could please say a lot of prayers for Madison, they would be very appreciated. This change we are seeing is not good. I am very concerned, and Gina was very distraught also I could tell. Here is the latest update.
Betty - That was such a beautiful prayer you posted. It brought tears to my eyes. I just know God is going to watch over this precious little girl. Thank you so much, and you also Sharon.
-----------------
March 25 - need more prayers
Well, I'm writing again asking for more prayers. I'm not sure what is going on with Madison, but it scares me so much. She has been so stable medically. She hardly EVER needs oxygen. The only times have been when she is sick. Well, a few days ago Madison had this episode where no one could wake her all day. She was kind of pale and just would not wake. Once she did, she was fine but she was asleep all day. Well, that is happening today. But, the really scary thing is that this morning, just after 7:00 am she started to desat in the 60s and was cyanotic (blue). She was immediately started on oxygen and it is up plenty right now. I'm so scared. Her breathing was shallow and slow and her oxygen too low. What is going on???? I hope she's ok
-------------------
Here is a link to the story about Madison's rebirth party on Saturday with a picture. Thank all of you for being the ones out there praying so hard for this little princess - you have made the difference I know.
http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/onset?id=75077&template=article.html
The little Yorkshire terrier died.
http://www2.ljworld.com/photos/2007/mar/24/119947/
On a lighter side, I thought I would share these cute stores with everyone
http://www.wkyc.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=64740
http://www.wkyc.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=64126
Oh, Thumper was a doll. That was neat being able to take the lamb to work. I haven't read the second story yet. I'm sure it will also be good.
Great stories, I love the fact that Dr Taylor
is donating his services. I always watched his show
on Animal Planet
Here is the call list for Monday: Thanks for all that are calling or faxing regarding the passage of HR503.
HR 503
COMMITTEE ON ENERGY & COMMERCE
Rick Boucher, VA
Phone: 202-225-3861
Fax: 202-225-0442
Bart Gordon, TN
Phone: 202-225-4231
Fax: 202-225-6887
Albert R. Wynn, MD
Phone: 202-225-8699
Fax: 202-225-8714
Tom Allen, ME
Phone: 202-225-6116
Fax: 202-225-5590
Cliff Stearns, FL
Phone: 202-225-5744
Fax: 202-225-3973
And please don't forget to call your OWN representative and senators and urge them to co-sponsor.
This is food recall is extremely tragic and more worrisome than the Diamond problem a while back. People need to pay attention to what is in pet food. All grains should be minimal if at all. It's also interesting that Old Roy and Eukanuba brands are made in the same place. What a price difference (advertising).
But I check all pet foods I buy for wheat and other grain products. Gluten is the protein found in grains and is probably used to amp up the protein level in commercial pet foods. The thing is that gluten is an extremely hard-to-digest protein even for humans. That is what gluten intolerance is. It inflames the intestines and prevents absorption of other needed nutrients also. There are people who have an extreme intolerance for gluten, and there are other theories that all people have problems with it and the inflammation builds up and becomes more serious over a lifetime of consumint gluten. Perhaps it is at the base of inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and even heart disease which is now known to be an inflammatory disease.
Wheat gluten is the worst offender, but also other cereal grains such as barley, oats and rye are problematic. Rice and corn gluten are the least offensive but some are still sensitive to those.
All products that contain gluten would most likely be primarily empty calories as they are already highly refined foods. Even "whole grain" breads that are so highly touted are refined products. We cannot begin to digest grains unless they are processed by milling and cooking.
So I would think grains would be doubly hard to process for carnivores like cats and dogs and should have no place in pet foods. There is no reason to put them in canned or pouched foods other than to bring up the protein level, but the Catch 22 is that that protein is very hard to digest and most likely causes inflammation to boot.
Everyone - Our sweet Sharon is still very sick. She is going to the doctor. I promised to post her nightly prayer for her until she is well.
So if you have prayer requests, please send to me at kat_stephenson@juno.com with PRAYER REQUEST in the header.
Beth, I will include sweet little Peebles in the prayer tonight. So sad the babies being lost from this recall.
Feeding our pets products with wheat in it is taking a big risk right now until we know the scope of this situation. Under any name, the truth is still the truth.
Yeah it's scary. I know it is. But I figured that you DKM were feeding something with wheat in it at one time at least, otherwise I couldn't understand why you seemed opposed to my suggestion to avoid wheat for now.
I may be taking my caution to the exteme but I do it to protect my animals that I love so much and also to avoid the cost of higher than my pocket book can handle vet bills. I'm glad you too have seen the light, or at least it appears you have by the lengthy post above ripping me apart and avoiding wheat.
All the negative vibrations from China were so evident for so long now and it pays us to care. I think most of us know that.
FROM THE PET CONNECTION WEB SITE:
From tomorrow’s edition of USA Today, now up on its Web site:
The Food and Drug Administration has received more than 4,400 calls from pet owners about the recalled, contaminated dog and cat food that has reportedly sickened and injured animals across the USA.
But the agency has yet to follow up on the calls, so it doesn’t know how many represent sick animals or simply concerned owners, says Stephen Sundlof, director of FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine.
Many pet owners are questioning the reported number of animals that have died from consuming contaminated pet food found in some of the more than 60 million recalled cans and pouches.
Menu Foods, which produced the food, has listed 16 deaths: 15 cats and one dog. The FDA is listing only 14 confirmed dead.
[…]
There are still questions about how many animals have died. With no national reporting system for animal injury or death, official numbers are impossible to come by.
However, data from the nation’s largest chain of pet hospitals, Banfield, suggest it is as high as hundreds a week during the three months the food was on the market.
During that time, the more than 600 Banfield hospitals in 43 states saw 200 to 250 cases of kidney failure in cats above the usual number that would have been expected, says Hugh Lewis, president of Data Savant, Banfield’s data collection arm.
During that period, Banfield vets saw 100,000 cats. Extrapolating to the entire cat population of the USA, that could mean “we’re probably talking several hundred cats a week across the country being affected,” Lewis says.
Our self-reported database, by the way, is now reporting 1,716 dead pets as of 9 p.m. PT.
I honestly have to wonder: Would the Associated Press accept only official government information if the deaths were people? Is this because these are “just pets”?
As long as the AP continues to report only 15 dead pets, the story will not be taken seriously. And that means there will be little interest in changes.
Report your pet’s loss to the FDA. Also, ask your veterinarian to report your pet’s loss to the state veterinarian for reporting to the FDA. Additionally, if your pet has eaten one of the recalled foods and become sick, add your pet to our database.
And yes, Menu Foods has now recalled all of its previously recalled labels, regardless of manufacturing date. Here’s a longer explanation of why, from the American Veterinary Medical Association. The AVMA says it’s not because foods beyond the recall range are suspected of being tainted, but because it’s easier to pull entire brands off the shelves instead of checking each can or pouch. In any case: Don’t buy or feed these brands, regardless of manufacture date.
Bottom line: We want your pet to be counted, everywhere. And we want your pet’s death to count for something, in hopes that in realizing the true scope of the problem changes will be made so something like this is less likely to happen again.
Sedona, your anti-Asian biases have no business on this blog.
You are really funny!!!! I am anti clubbing dogs to death in the streets, anti-poisoned wheat, and the U.S. needs to wake up.
It is called BOYCOTT and you know that you silly twerp........
why don't you start your own blog if you are so concerned? You seem more interested in stirring up trouble here, than in effecting a change.
Post your ideas on how to help the pets and which foods to use.
Wheat safety is the biggest concern now. Thousand of pets are dying across the country and no one who has lost a pet is posting anything here. I wonder why? Has this blog lost all social relevance except for a few friends who seem to want to control comments and control names and content and now I suppose what we think. Won't work. Afterall, this is still AMERICA.
Also, if your pet is sick do not return the tainted food to the store. Call the store and tell them but keep the food for evidence.
You know, it is possible this is accidental. Rodenticides are still placed around grain storage silos to keep out rats and mice even though the grains themselves are not treated with it. It is possible some accidentally got mixed in with the grains.
As far as products from China, I am sure it is no higher risk than what you buy here. We are more a target for terrorism and bioterrorism than they are. Do you think our own government would admit, even if it knew, that this or any of the e-coli outbreaks lately have been terrorist based? What kind of widespread panic would that induce in this country?
I would think the Chinese governmentis pretty aware and cautious knowing how much their economy depends on, and has prospered and grown, due to its foreign trade. Don't shop at WalMart either if you are concerned. Read labels on some of their frozen foods from meats to fruits and vegetables, and even fresh produce, and see where it comes from. It's not just TV's from China that WalMart sells. And it is not just WalMart that sells foods coming from China and elsewhere.
I read they ruled out the accident and rat poison at the warehouses - because the grain was stored in two different warehouses across the U.S. and all are tainted.
I know Libby, that's why I switched to local grown foods (lucky I live in Calif.) and Organic foods from the co-op - fresh where available, not packaged.
Thousands of pets dying? What is your source for that statistic, other than self reported? You want to talk social relevance? The ladies who post on this blog are out working for the animals, not sitting in front of their computers for hours copying and pasting whatever they find on other web sites or making up nonsense "gleanings". You need to take your own advice and develop your own opinions rather than copy and paste everyone else's.
Read the USA piece I posted above. And read the pet connection website.
If the wheat was imported it could have been contaminated in the country where it was stored before it came here--or even on board a ship. I am sure they use rodenticides on ships also. What is the law that applies on the open seas as to what you can use to control rodents?
The person posting as "not sheila". Grow up. This blog is not about attacking other people. There are reports in national media and from veterinarians at major veterinary colleges saying that this is more widespread than people know right now. And from the AVMA that nearly every vet in this country can report statistics to if they choose to do so.
Libby,
I believe they don't spray it on the grain on board the ships etc. but bait and trap around the outside.
I happen to be very anti-Asian myself -- and I have personal experience to base it upon. I was raised there. I could tell you stories that would make an Asian person's hair curl.
I don't know how it could have been mixed into the grain accidently - maybe something could have been mislabeled - I haven't had experience with the production or harvesting processes of wheat.
Right now it seems there's lots of possibilities - I'd like to know more about this new supplier and even MENU Foods suggested it was the wheat from this new supplier from China, so they must have had some good idea that something big was amiss.
I am pro humane treatment of people and pets.
You Americans, you are all so busy being "politically correct". You'd rather be "PC" than challenge animal cruelty where it is so obvious. You are all so "PC", yet you don't mind jumping all over someone on this blog. You are so "sensitive" to "anti-Asian" sentiment, yet you are incapable of being considerate to another blogger. It's really pretty funny.
Twerp? excuse me.........haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa...
"lucky I live in calif."...........lordy, save me and my fellow Californiaaaaans..............belch
My thought about the rat poison is:::they spread the stuff through the fields in China, when the wheat etc was harvested, it picked up the rat stuff, thus, the poison that is killing our pets...I could be wrong..
Roooooby
We are going to politically correct ourselves into the grave along with our pets if the U.S. and those in charge don't get to the bottom of this and to begin with start reporting the truth of the numbers of dead and ill pets.
Spread, spray, they did something in China to the wheat and now it is our problem and sad to say, our pets are suffering and dying because of it. A total heartbreak and I want our gov. to do something and now. I'm writing calling all my representatives today.
Little Shelter in New York needs everyone's help with this one.
Tears streamed down Jodi's face as she called together Little Shelter's Emergency Rescue Team. Someone - no name given - phoned with tragic news. A speeding car had slammed into a tiny Shih-Tzu pup. The caller was not even sure if the baby was still alive. All that was certain was that the injuries were horrific, and the little dog needed help - FAST!
When the team arrived at the scene, Little Trooper was in shock. Yet, somehow, he knew that love and hope had arrived. He slowly opened his soulful brown eyes that seemed to quietly say, "Thank you for coming to save my life." As Jodi bent down to comfort his broken body, Little Trooper softly licked away her tears. Then, gentle hands, a tiny stretcher, and a speeding van all worked together to bring the mangled dog to the veterinarian's office. Even before X-rays were taken, Dr. Liguori, who does many orthopedic surgeries, knew that equipment that is more specialized would be needed. The films confirmed the initial diagnosis: Little Trooper, barely ten months old, has a completely shattered pelvis and a badly fractured leg.
A specialist was called in, and surgery is scheduled for Monday. The procedure is going cost in the thousands and donations are desperately needed.
Mail your check or bring it to:
Little Shelter
33 Warner Road
Huntington, NY 11743.
Or
Call:
631-368-8770 Extension 205 or 206
Or
Click here to Donate to the Trooper Fund now.
On the Pet Connection website, a woman rescued a puppy and she heard from the rescue group that their dogs, who only ate dry food with wheat gluten in it, are also having problems. I'm trying to find out where this rescue group is so I can call them and find out more.
I am, as you know, concerned over the wheat in dry food too.
If those on this blog want to do something to bring attention to this terrible tragedy, please log onto
http://playingbig.blogspot.com/ and follow the instructions on how to get your voice heard by the media. Once you send it to the AP, go into your Sent Items folder, and forward it to your local News Media. I have already taken care of the Dallas Morning News, but I am sure they would love to hear from other's in Dallas.
Thanks, Meri-Lou -- I followed the instructions. I'm also writing several letters to various media. I can't understand why they are under-reporting the scope of this event. The FDA needs to start requiring quality control on pet foods.
By the way, I know they are under-reporting the numbers because I spoke with our vet on Saturday and he said that he has had three cats die last week that ate the recalled food, and he reported these deaths. These deaths aren't reflected in the media count, since that count hasn't changed in the last week.
Kathy - i am here!!! Faxing right away. I will also give as much as i can right to little shelter for little trooper's surgery. poor little baby :(
sharon - if you are looking - GET WELL SOON. a part of our "family" will be absent and we will miss you!!!!
Beth, I think they are under reporting the numbers for fear of a panic. Sad to say, but China is an ally of the United States and if the poison came from them, it could put a very serious strain on the relationship. I for one don't care, but I am sure from a economic point of view our government does. Also who is to say how wide spread this could be. Just my opinion
I could not get any information as yet about the dry dog food problems that was posted on the Pet Connection site. I spoke with my Vet Hospital that has over 30 vets and they said as yet they have had no illnesses from dry pet food.
I suspect they would not be worried about panic if it were contaminated baby food. This is a travesty. If we are going to continue to import products from third-world countries, we need to insist on quality control. Yes, that will increase prices, but it's worth it.
I just received this reply from the Dallas Morning News.
Thanks for bringing to my attention the dispute over the numbers of pets who have died from the bad pet food. We'll look for wire stories that address the discrepancy.
I went to petconnection.com and couldn't find a link to the database. Did I miss it? Can you get into it?
I'd like to see it for myself and would especially be interested to see how many cases have been reported from this area.
Thanks,
Nancy Visser
National Editor
The Dallas Morning News
214-977-7676
They are at least reading what is sent to them and I have replied back to her with the following
Try this http://www.petconnection.com/results. These are self reporting numbers and I realize that they may be somewhat skewed, but there is a big difference between 16 and 1,792. There is also a blog associated with this link that will let you read what people are saying. Neither MENU nor the FDA are reporting accurate numbers and until they are made to do so, the truth will not be known as to how serious this issue is. I am asking for your help to get the word out there to the public who has a right to know the truth
Menu Foods Recall Fact Sheet
Last Updated: March 24, 2007.
We will be adding to this list as additional news becomes available.
What is this page about?
On March 16, Menu Foods, a wet foods producer of private-label pet foods based in Canada, announced the recall of 60 million cans and pouches of its meat-in-gravy products for cats and dogs across more than 90 brands – the largest pet food recall in US history.
This Fact Sheet summarizes the events leading up to the recall as well as its aftermath and vital facts regarding the tragic incident that affected 1% of the US pet food supply. Thousands of illnesses and deaths were reported by pet parents.
To date the exact death toll is unknown, and it most likely will never be known.
Unofficial Death Toll Official Death Toll
1,541 16
Cats: ~67% Cats: 93.75%
Dogs: ~33% Dogs: 6.25%
Source: PetConnection Source: FDA
Cause of Death
Acute Renal Failure (ARF) from the ingestion of aminopterin (and possibly other toxins) from contaminated wheat gluten.
What is ARF?
What is aminopterin?
Mortality Rate
Menu Foods feeding trial mortality rate is approximately 17%. Real-world mortality rate is unknown.
Timeline
a.. December 6, 2006:
a.. Menu Foods switches gluten suppliers through a broker based in Kansas.
b.. Late December, 2006:
a.. Menu Foods may have started receiving complaints that its food is making some pets sick.
c.. February 20, 2007:
a.. Menu Foods receives the first of 6 customer reports that its food is making pets sick.
d.. February 27, 2007:
a.. As a part of its quarterly feeding trials, Menu Foods feeds their product to 40-50 cats and dogs.
e.. March 2, 2007:
a.. The first of 9 animals in Menu Foods feeding trial dies of acute renal failure. Mortality rate is quoted at 1 in 6.
f.. March 6, 2007:
a.. Menu Foods switches its supply of wheat gluten due to lab animal deaths.
b.. Kansas plant continues to operate.
g.. March 16, 2007:
a.. Menu Foods announces its recall of 60 million containers of food related to the deaths of lab animals.
b.. Media does not report these as lab-based deaths nor do they report the mortality rate.
c.. Menu Foods’ Web site is taken down and cannot be accessed.
d.. Menu Foods stock MEW.UN drops 45% by the close of trading day.
e.. Menu Foods estimate the recall costs at US$25-$34 million.
h.. March 17, 2007:
a.. Menu Foods posts its first recall list in the morning.
b.. Links to the remainder of the original site is removed from view.
c.. Consumers report encountering busy signals for their toll-free numbers. Those who do get through report that agents are taking messages for Menu Foods and checking products purchased against the recall list.
i.. March 18, 2007:
a.. Itchmo analysis indicates possible ARF in 74,000 pets.
j.. March 19, 2007:
a.. Menu Foods announces their enhanced Web site and customer service capabilities.
b.. Callers report no change in their ability to access the hotlines.
c.. Menu Foods recall list is changed. 6 brands are added and 1 is removed from the recall list.
d.. Class action lawsuit group is formed on Yahoo.
e.. FDA announces that the 60 million recalls packages amount to 1% of the US pet food supply.
k.. March 20, 2007:
a.. PetConnection. com’s self-reporting database (for pet owners affected by Menu Foods) gathers 241 reports of deaths.
b.. FDA announces that the 9 reported deaths only include those from the Menu Foods feeding trial.
c.. 2 brands are added to the recall list. Canadian brands appear on the recalled brands list.
d.. Official death toll is revised to 14 including 1 dog and 13 cats. This is the first official death toll that includes pets not included in the Menu Foods quarterly feeding trial.
l.. March 21, 2007:
a.. First lawsuits are filed in Chicago and Knoxville, TN.
b.. PetConnection’s self-reported database logs more than 500 deaths.
c.. Pet Food Accountability Petition is launched on itchmo.com.
m.. March 22, 2007:
a.. PetConnection’s self-reported database logs 845 deaths by the end of the day.
b.. Analyst and veterinarian estimates of deaths hit “thousandsâ€.
n.. March 23, 2007:
a.. First class-action lawsuit against Menu Foods is filed by a Seattle attorney and an Oregon family.
b.. The substance aminopterin is found in the recalled foods.
c.. The suspected wheat gluten is imported from China.
d.. A press-conference is held by Menu Foods and the USDA.
e.. PetConnection’s self-reported database logs more than 1,000 deaths.
f.. Menu Foods announces that it will compensate expenses associated with its tainted food.
g.. Menu Foods announces that its Kansas plant will shut down for 2-3 days to realign its production mix.
h.. Menu Foods stock rises 25%.
o.. March 24, 2005:
a.. PetConnection reports 1,541 deaths.
that is such sad news about the little pup - please keep up dated - will send what I can today.
that is such sad news about the little pup - please keep us up dated - will send what I can today.
sorry
I know people are angry with me and don't like me and everything else and think I shouldn't post from the Pet Connection: But here is an answer to my question about the dry food and I am posting it here: I deleted their names since I am copying their comments here. (I didn't mean to copy without reference to the pet connection before and sorry that I forgot the tag: Here it is and this affects me too with the dry food as I was feeding some Science Diet that had wheat in it before I switched:
To Linda & Valerie. My dog only ate the Ol’Roy Kibbles chunks and chews dry dog food, and the Ol’Roy Bark’n Bac’n moist dog treats, bought on 3/3/07, she became sick on 3/8/07, all of the symptons described in the recall, my vet’s first response was also looks like rat poisoning, unnfortunately we couldn’t save her and my baby died on March 15. She was only 7 and perfectly healthy. I firmly do not believe the contamination is only in the wet food products. I can’t get any answers from Wal-mart regarding who manufactures their ol’roy dog treats, I truly think that was the source, not necessarily the dry food. of course I can’t get through to menu to ask if they manufacture any dog treats distributed by Wal-mart. Does anyone know??
Comment by — March 26, 2007 @ 12:25 pm
This is the email I received: This was sent to everyone who adopted in Massachusetts, there are addresses from most of the adoption organizations
I was feeding Nutro Max small bites (DRY) to my 3 Aussies and 1
>>>>Corgi. For the last 3 weeks on and off all 4 dogs have vomited
>>>>yellow bile. I did not think much of it because it was on and
>>>>off…maybe they were eating snow…whatever. Then the
>>>>recall…only wet?
>>>>
>>>>My brother called me on Sunday on the way back from the Rescue show
>>>>and his 10 yr old Sheltie spayed bitch was vomiting bile on and off
>>>>for a few days and now has blood in her urine. They brought in a UA
>>>>and dog is being treated for a UA infection.
>>>>
>>>>Yesterday he called me and his male-13 month old German Shepherd has
>>>>blood in its urine…guess what…feeding DRY Nutro Max. Another UA
>>>>to vets. No infection.
>>>>
>>>>The dispatcher at the police department where I work over heard me
>>>>talking to my brother…she has 2 mixes on Nutro Ultra DRY…they
>>>>have been vomiting bile on and off for about 4 weeks.
>>>>
>>>>A women in my obedience class…her mother has a Terrier on Nutro
>>>>All Natural DRY…dog is being treated for blood in urine.
>>>>
>>>>The dispatcher called the FDA today and spoke with Bill Boiven
>>>>(Spelling) at 781-596-7783. She gave him all our info and he
>>>>contacted me. Guess what!!! They have already started to launch an
>>>>investigation on the dry dog food. They are getting millions of
>>>>phone calls about this. He did tell me that the foods are processed
>>>>by 2 different manufactures but this is way to coincidental.
>>>>
Comment by — March 26, 2007 @ 12:28 pm
Valerie, was there any mention from the FDA about moist dog treats? I’m so glad to hear that they may look into the dry, I’m not crazy! It is WAY to coincidential indeed. I did make a report to the FDA in Cincinnati,Ohio, about my dog’s death, but haven’t heard anything back.
Comment by — March 26, 2007 @ 12:39 pm
My 12-year old beagle mix, Scotty, ate at least one of the contaminated cans of dog food and has been experiencing vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, lethargy. He’s been to the vet three times in the last ten days. His bloodwork shows problems with the liver and not his kidneys, so the vets are not linking this to the food.
I’m curious if anyone else’s pet has experienced liver problems and not kidney problems after eating the contaminated food?
— March 26, 2007 @ 12:53 pm
Now I wonder about Mercy who had that liver problem and was on Science Diet. She since is off and I fed her all homecooked and then put her on Natural Balance.
The thread where I posted my questions is named:
Pet Food Recall, again the numbers. If anyone wants to read it for themsevles and not my copy of it here.
I'm calling my vet about Mercy today and asking if any of my other dogs should be tested. There is more to this story and we all know it too.
The media's attempt to stone wall and minimize this story is shameful and still are pets are getting ill and dying.
Elizabeth, How do we police the third world countries that we buy from?
In the Diamond recall, where did the corn come from that contained the aflatoxin?
What was the source of the e-coli in the last two outbreaks of contaminated California produce? There were people who died and even some that now suffer permanent disability because of that. It can also leave you with blindness and many other serious side effects if it does not kill you.
If we are going to rely on mass produced products to feed humanity and their pets, there is always going to be this kind of heartbreak.
I mentioned before that I have had quite a lot of contact with people from many cultures through international education. I have heard firsthand the horror stories from Asian and European and North and South American cultures. People are people and we are naturally biased that our own culture is better. Think of all the atrocities and genocide committed by the white Europeans that settled this country. Think of the horrors and disease Europe introduced while they were conquering the new world and ancient cultures of India and China. Humanity is humanity and always has been.
Don't forget horrific animal cruelty cases in this country such as a couple of kids used a Siberian Husky as target practice with a bow and arrow while repeatedly took the arrows out and shot the animal again and again. These kids were a sherriff's kid and a friend.
Sedona - why are you going by SheilaM now? Just curious as to why you keep changing your name.
Libby - the e-coli they think was from wild hogs going to the bathroom near or in the crop or its water supply/irrigation - was on the news last night.
BTW Sedona - how is Mercy doing now? Is she better?
Kathy,
Yes, she is better thank goodness and thank you for asking about her. I appreciate it so much. She goes in for another test in July, but her last blood work numbers were coming down a little, 20 points or so. So gives me hope.
I'm calling my vet today though about the possibility of the wheat contamination.
To the question about the name change thing Kathy - I don't know. Think life would be better if I stuck to just one?????
SheilaM--Thanks for the info on the e-coli. I had not heard that yet.
I just meant that this stuff comes from everywhere and it is tragic indeed, but how do we avoid it.
And I meant that one incident or a few is not a reason to condemn an entire culture. Everyone in this country is not cruel to animals because a few do horrible things. Everyone in this country should not be hated by the Iraqis because we have plunged them into civil war.
Libby,
I know you don't mean me right? I don't mass hate people at all. I cried over the pictures of the Chinese people trying to protect their pets from being taken from their homes.
I think that Boycott is an effective means to push social change and make our voices heard. Corporate America will listen to a Boycott and make sure policy changes.
Right now Corporate America is supressing the truth along with the FDA and the AP.
sticking to one name????? I know I would be less confused............
Libby,
I think a country that as a policy mistreats animals and acts ruthless towards pregnant women aborting 3 trimester unborn children etc is somehow worse than individual cases of animal cruelty. As a country we are light years ahead in treating our pets humanely, or at least we try to be, than the official mistreatment and disregard that is happening in China. I think there's a difference, but you are right, all animal cruelty needs to be stopped. But if this misinformation about Menu Foods and the pet deaths is any indication of our advance society, well we better start looking at home too - all is not well here.
Kathy, you choose what name do you like. I leave it up to you.
And my mother's friend's sister's next door neighbor's cleaning lady's son's friend's dog may or may not have gotten sick from food he may or may not have eaten but I know it's not from some other common animal disease.
Thanks for the humor not sheila - we all need a spot of fun!
I agree Kathy - sticking to one name would be alot less confusing. A new identity pops and we have no clue where this person is coming from.
not a biggie ---- I just knew that when you signed with Linda I knew it was you and then you changed to Sedona and I found out it was you and understood that you were now Sedona - now I see reference to Mercy and I figure.....hey - that's not that common a name so maybe SheilaM is Sedona ---- doesn't really matter to me what name you go by - just stick with it and stop changing - I confuse easily and I like to know to whom I am chatting. That's all - I've been Kathy in Colorado for over a year now.
Libby, the animal cruelty occurring in China is state-sponsored. I think that makes one heck of a difference.
I'll try to behave myself. How about Linda. Since that is my real name.
Did everyone see the new post by Denise Flaim. She too is referring to the Pet Connection. Also, the Pet Connection mentioned a nationwide march being organized. It has just been posted on several threads.
No I wasn't referring to anyone personally mass hating people.
There are people in this country who do abortions that late also and it is their personal choice, and it is their constitutional right. How is that not government sanctioned? Do you think the individual women in Asian countries that may have been subjected to those forced abortions were happy about it? How many women in Asian countries might like to overturn that? Just like anti abortion groups here, but it is still the law.
I guess the difference is - here we have a choice - and in China it is forced upon them - no choice. Even though I agree, these abortions are terrible and late term horrific, at least we aren't forcing it as a means of population control.
I even wondered if this rat-poison drug causes abortions and if the Gov. in China might be trying to use it like an experiment on its own people and somehow we got hold of the wheat inadvertantly - no real evidence, of course.
Evil is evil but somehow state enforced evil seems worse.
Libby and others,
My understanding is the gluten is used as a binding agent for the gravies in the recalled products and that such things are necessary for canned and pouched foods that sit on shelves for 3+ years or so. Without the binding agents the gravies would separate and look gross when the can or pouch is opened. This would not be appealing to the average consumer. Plus the consumers would have to stir it up and the average consumer does not want that!
They want a product that looks like it just came off their stoves that they can just dump into their pets bowls. Binding agents are in human canned foods for the same reason.
Unfortunately commercial pet foods are made to be aesthetically pleasing to consumers. They are also made with ease of use because that's what consumers demand. And so all sorts of dyes, binding agents and other things that give a "new and improved" odor and look are put into these foods all the time, and none of these additives have anything to do with what's best for the pets. It's all marketing and it's a highly competitive industry and we can't solely blame the manufacturers, as it's the consumer's that have the final word as to what foods are commercially released to the mass marketplace......
New products and older products that have been "new & improved" are intensely test marketed in blind studies to consumer panels in various parts of the country before they are released and mass produced if the consumer panel approves them.
So who is really to blame for so much of the junk & empty calories that is in commercial pet foods? We're a nation of fast food eaters much of which is empty calorie junk food and it should be no surprise that there's so many pet foods that are likewise.
Yes indeed gluten as a highly refined food is nothing more than empty calories. However I think carnivores can digest them fairly easily. I could be wrong, but if they can digest bones surely they can digest wheat and other grain products. Not to imply this is good, it's just the nature of things as they exist at this time in our society.
As for Menu Foods producing high and low end foods all at the same facility, they are not producing the same receipes for every label. I believe it was said on the news that they make over 1400 receipes as a combined total for all the manufacturers that has contracted with them. Most likely this would account for why some of the canned and pouched products they produced did not have the tainted substance.
That's my 2 cents on this topic...
Libby, do you understand what state-sponsored means? How is women having abortions in this country government sponsored? That may not be prohibited by the government, but it sure isn't state-sponsored. The animal cruelty in China is clearly state-sponsored. Therefore, it's not unfair to hold the state responsible for that behavior and to demand that the state alter that behavior.
To the question about the name change thing Kathy - I don't know. Think life would be better if I stuck to just one?????
Posted by: sheilaM | March 26, 2007 at 04:24 PM
For starters it would be honest and mature!
I am in favor of being honest and mature. So it's Linda.
They poop out corn and wheat - does that mean it's not so easy to digest or is it because of the empty calorie thing?
One last comment, domestic dogs that are feral, from what I've read, when they eat a rabbit - they go for the internal organs, stomach, kidneys, heart etc., and they leave the rest alone.
So I don't know about the bones thing so much even though there's a lot of talk about Chicken wings and the BARF diet. I don't feed raw bones to my dogs and give the bone meal. No real expert on this, but I don't want splinters even though the BARF people say it is fine.
Now wolves are another thing, and I'm not sure we can say what a wolf does is what our domestic dogs should do - hundreds of years of evoltuion besides.
dogs decended from the wolf - they are very similar in their digestion - although dogs have been domesticated for many hundred of years. Raw bones do not splinter that is why it is stressed that they be RAW bones - raw bones have a totally different texture than cooked bones - cooked bones are brittle and will splinter and puncture. When a wild or feral dog eats a rabbit for instance - they will eat the majority of all of it - that is why the barf diet tries to mimic that in feeding raw bones (skeleton), chicken backs (lots of internal organs are usually still attached to this piece of meat), raw, pulverized veggies (simulates stomach contents of rabbit) and other nutrients, ie. flax seed oil, cod liver oil. Anyone feeding raw needs to do their homework - you simply cannot just toss the dog a bone and think that is enough - a lot of knowledge, understanding and time is involved in feeding this diet. The benefits my dogs showed were amazing - clean teeth - no need for dentals, no visits to the vet - dogs were very healthy, very minimum poop pickup - no waste - most is used by th body, and very shiny healthy coats. AND they loved their food - they couldn't wait to be fed.
Yes, I understand that giving dogs raw bones is the best thing you can do for their dental health.
In addition to the raw bones meal, a meal of raw meat must also be fed - what I fed was raw hamburger (90+%) mixed with the raw veggies, oils, kelp and the second meal was chicken backs and necks - the necks have a lot of bone in it - good calcium source and the backs, as mentioned before - have some good organ meat attached usually. One needs to not be bothered by the occasional neck that still has a head attached to it tho - quality control in this department lacks
Since I no longer feed the barf diet, I still will buy large soup or knuckle bones from the grocery and feed them to my dogs - when the weather permits them to go out in the yard and knaw on them RAW ----- natures toothbrush.
I think there's a debate over the BARF diet. For sure when I feed my dogs the wheat and corn based stuff, there's a lot of poop to pick up and much waste.
The high-end Natural Balance seems to work fine as well as what I am cooking now for Snoopy since he started to have very loose BM's with the Innova.
Pet Connection is carrying some good information about what is happening.
The website is www.petconnection.com
Also, the news channel in the Sacramento Area are beginnig to report on the numbers being skewed too low.
Small acckkk AND I MEAN IT IN THE KINDEST WAY...OR AT LEAST I MEAN IT. Credibiltiy has failed right here before me eyes.........Names, names, names..HOw long will the one name thing last? Stay tuned for the next chapter in the exciting life of the booobie twins aka conjoined at the head twins,
uh, and I mean that in the kindest way.............haaaa
Linda: I don't care what name you go by. I just want to thank you for the Pet Connection Site. I think they are the only ones giving out correct info. I just bought Natural Balance for Harry.No more Nutro Dry no matter what the Co. says about it's being o.k. I just lost all confidence in them.
Margo,
You are so welcome. I know I harped about it and kept posting much to some people's dismay, but I felt that for the sake of our pets the more it was on here the better. The animal blog just wasn't keeping up with the events.
Ruby, MaryL, or whoever you are...belch. I have been hated, sent vile e-mails, threatened and so much more that it is all difficult to believe and for what I do not really know. My stuff was no worse than anyone's elses, but so what. Life is not a popularity contest.
And to the others that hate me here, have a nice life my job is done. God bless.
Yes, thank you Linda. In fact, thank you for all of the relevant, pertinent and helpful information you have brought us recently, despite the fact that have been some ungrateful people who have not been so gracious to you.
Sorry, Margot!
By the way it should be mentioned that manufacturers constantly do surveys to keep abreast of what consumers want. Unfortunately many people don't like to be bothered with surveys and that's a shame because the results of those surveys play a large role in helping companies determine what new products should be developed and what changes should be made to existing products.
So if you want to see healthier and safer pet foods on the market keep that in mind the next time you're asked to fill out a survey either online, by email, snail mailed or telephoned, your opinions can make a positive difference.
I've never been asked to participate in a survey regarding pet food.
FYI when giving your dogs beef marrow bones, do
not boil them, put them in the freezer and then
when frozen give to your dogs. I have been doing this
for years and have never had to do a dental on any
of my greys or whippets. Boiling the bones can cause them to splinter. My freaking head is spinning
over this dog food debacle with Menu Foods. I a m
considering going back to raw but it is alot of work
My girls eat Merricks right now and are doing great
but who knows what other dog food company will show
up on the list. I am sick of this !!! Where do
we get honest answers ???
I have many times Beth. LOL You don't own a dog so do you really think a dog food manufacturer is gonna contact you?
Linda wrote:
"I have been hated, sent vile e-mails, threatened and so much more that it is all difficult to believe and for what I do not really know. My stuff was no worse than anyone's elses"
Oh please don't even try to go there. You are not a little innocent that people pick on for no reason, and so don't play the martyr act for sympathy. While there are countless things that I can point to, I'll go for the most recent one....just yesterday you wrote that I have no maternal concern for my dogs and puppies. Not only is that a lie, but it was a terribly low thing for you to say and it was based on something you made up in "your" mind. You based it on that I feel people should keep feeding wheat products which is also a lie! I NEVER said such a thing....where do you get off distorting my words like that?
So don't act so clueless and innocent, you know darn well why you've received so much negative feedback from this blog.
Ever ask yourself how come the majority of other regulars here don't have tons of hate mail? It's all cause and effect my dear....
What you so often do here is just like a bratty kid who goes and keeps poking a sleeping dog until finally the dog growls and snaps, and then the kid goes crying and says "That dog is bad, he growled and snapped me for no reason"....yeah right!
If you're really "in favor of being honest and mature" using your true name is just the first step, there's a lot more steps to take on the "honest & mature" road honey and I'm sure I'm not alone in saying I would love to see you walk that road, if you can. Guess time will tell, it always does.
Diane, I hope none of your babies and big boys/girls have been hurt by this?
Linder/Sedoner or whatever name you use, your belch offended me! How tacky of such a lady to do that!
I have never sent you a vile email nor have I threatened you. I sent you one email when I thought there was a chance you were human..It was asking you to stop posting what I considered uncalled for things..You never responded..
I realize life is not a popularity contest and I know and you know, neither of us would win in a contest, but I hate your changes of names, gross posts, even tho you deny them..You STUFF WAS WORSE THAN OTHERS, MUCH WORSE SO STOP THE INNOCENT STUFF.
REGARDS, maryl/ruby/roooooby..(scratch the "regards")........
"Ruby, MaryL, or whoever you are...belch. I have been hated, sent vile e-mails, threatened and so much more that it is all difficult to believe and for what I do not really know. My stuff was no worse than anyone's elses, but so what. Life is not a popularity contest."
Thank God they haven't Gail. I'm still taking precautions though to err on the safe side by cooking beef and liver for now to add to their dry kibble, instead of feeding the Pedigree canned I was using even though there's no wheat gluten in it, mainly because we still don't know for sure if wheat gluten is indeed the problem.
While Pedigree is manufactured in NJ by Mars foods, until they know more I'm playing it safe without extremely changing their diet. I also keep checking the web for updates and have called manufacturers to make sure the dry foods I'm using are okay as well as closely watching the dogs for any signs of illness or changes in their urination and defecation habits.
Fortunately I've been blessed with good instincts regarding products for my dogs. I never got into "cuts with gravy foods" because of concerns that they might choke from woofing it down as that's what many dogs, (especially certain breeds) are prone to do. I also distrusted "Greenies" the minute I saw them, never liked pig ears either, and many other products that have ended up recalled and/or causing deaths or illness. I just hope and pray my instincts will always remain this good! :)
"Come to me, all who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)
May God give each of you rest and refresh you for tomorrow.
Father Creator, do not let us give in to our fears; but trust in You. Help all the surviving cats and dogs in the pet food recall. Welcome into Your Kingdom all of them that did not make it. Let justice and retribution be Yours. Welcome into Your Kingdom, sweet Cocoa and sweet Peebles. Bless and protect Vivi, Max, Annie, Hopey, Missy, and all the lost and missing. Heal Your animals and animal lovers. We lift these prayers in love, and in Jesus' name . . .
Father, continue Your watch over Vivi,Missy, Annie, Max,Hopey,Axel,Bowdee,Saffie,Zoey,Vern,the show babies, Biggie, and Sniffles. Show them to the volunteer of Your choice so that they may return to their earthly families. Bless all of these who work so diligently and with such kind hearts to bring them home as well. Surprise us by sending Vivi home to a volunteer (Kathy from Bayside,Rosa, Tina, Gail T,Bonnie, Diane T, Diane K-M, Darlene, Debbie, Monica, Lois T, Nancy M, Barbara Jean, Linda S,and her husband Mike, or Renee? Margot or Irene?) Many of us also have animals which need Your healing touch. Great Physician we lift to you for your healing Jethro Scrappy, Homer, Mercy, Spit, Dante, Terrie's dog Cubby, Moses, Briar, Skittles, Barney, Tara, Joey, Meeko, Skeeter, Andi, Sparky, Scout, Dodge, Auggie, Billy, Ezme, Clarus, Star, Doogie, Felice, Max, Little McGee, Murphy, Mylie, Gunner, Linus, Kiva, Ellie,(restore all that had to be taken), Morgan, Tucker, Brandy, Lexie, Isabella, Twin Kittens, Bowen, and Heather. Enfold all of us in Your healing embrace.
We thank you for healing Maureen, and Zipper!! Thank You for the improvement in Gail's Dude.Thank You for Isabella's improving health! Thank You for McGee's weight gain.
We are frail Father and many of us need Your healing so that we can serve the purpose for which You have created us.
We lift up the following people in need of Your healing: Madison,"J", Kathleen, Terrie, Amanda, Rosa C, Kathleen's Mom Mary, Renee, Pam, Jacque, JL, Lance, Chris, and Abby.
God of Power, stand behind Duke and Denise, and Otis' followers,as well as those of Boston and Chevy, as they have stood behind these animals, until justice is done. Thank you for Ruby, and all the bloggers who bring these animals to our attention. Take gentle care with Anne who has Alzheimers, and was the doxie's former mom.
Welcome all those who make the journey to Paradise, tonight. Let their animal companions greet them at the gates of Heaven. Hold both people and animals in your arms.
Give blessings to all who have done Your work.(We specially thank You for the success of Woody's rescuers!!) Reward our faithful animal companions who have gone ahead. Let all who are homeless know Your love, and ours, too.
Send your angels and saints to work with Vivi's angels. These NYC volunteers, and their leaders; Tina, Rosa, and Bonnie, serve as Your compassionate presence on earth. Don't let them become discouraged. Let them know that prayer wise "we've got their back"!
Let our faith grow as a result of this experience! Restore as we sleep, Heavenly Father, as we turn over the night watch to you! YOU ARE IN CHARGE! AMEN!
Heavenly Father, we send up a special prayer for our treasured Sharon and little Princess Madison that they may heal and feel well once again. Please watch over and protect them both during this night watch, for they both love You so much.
Candles?
http://www.gratefulness.org
GOD INHABITS THE PRAISE OF HIS PEOPLE!!!
Thank you for taking over for Sharon while she's ill, Kathleen. I hope you are feeling better, Sharon.
Kathleen, can't wait to hear more about your new furry animal addition to your family. Tinkerbell will love her new buddy.
My cousin, Karen could use your prayers. She has been battling Lou Gehrig's disease the past 2 years and her condition has declined in the last 2 weeks. I will see her in Philly this weekend and was told to prepare my son and daughter so they aren't visibly shocked at seeing her. With this disease the mind stays fully intact while the body declines which makes it more tragic. Thanks, Kathleen and I hope we get good news on our lost pups, pets very soon. We sure could use it.
Thank you for posting the prayer Kathleen. Prayers for Sharon to get well soon.
SueG: Glad you mentioned Merricks. Don't you just love it? My picky kibble boy loves the Wilderness Blend with a little Senior Medley wet on top. Anyone interested in checking this family-owned company out can go to www.merrickspetcare.com; you can find a retailer in your zip area and read all about their products. I've had nothing but positive results - fresher breath, less stool, less gas and a soft/shiny coat even more so.
Oops! No "s" in Merrick website. Should be www.merrickpetcare.com
Thank you Kathleen for taking over Sharon's duties while she is sick. I hope she is feeling better soon.
Here is today's call list - please take a few moments to call/fax and ask for their support of HR305 - the anti-horse laughter act
The call list is in from Habitat for Horses. Strategy for Tuesday, March 27:
S.311
COMMERCE, SCIENCE & TRANSPORTATION
John Thune, SD
Phone: 202-224-2321
Fax: 202-228-5429
David Vitter, LA
Phone: 202-224-4623
Fax: 202-228-5061
Jim DeMint, SC
Phone: 202-224-6121
Fax: 202-228-5143
Kay Bailey Hutchison, TX
Phone: 202-224-5922
Fax: 202-224-0776
Mark Pryor, AR
Phone: 202-224-2353
Fax: 202-228-0908
And please don't forget to call your OWN representative and senators and urge them to co-sponsor.
ooops - looks like todays calls are to senators so instead of mentioning HR305 it will be S311
I've always used whatever name I want to use on this blog and what I post is not up to popular decisions and never has been and never will be.
And DKM I believe you are concerned about your dogs, but why did you object so much last week when I posted about avoiding wheat even in dry dog food until, at least, the bottom line is discovered?
And as far as the nasty attitudes, you guys started it in the very beginning - so don't act so innocent - you can dish it out but you can't take it. But that is water under the bridge and still you guys want to continue being nasty - so what? The world can and is a pretty nasty place at times why should this blog be any different?
If you are just tuning in today and want up to date news on the pet food poisoning, go to this web site: www.petconnection.com
This Newsday site is not relevent.
Thanks, Linda. Many of us appreciate your posts and comments, so just ignore the usual suspects.
Beth,
In this country aren't we the government? Do you think taxpayer money does not go to fund abortion hotlines and everything else on down the line towards abortion? How is choosing abortion as a means of birth control or because parents cannot be bothered to talk to children about responsibilities of sex, somehow not abortion as it is in other countries? I am actually pro choice by the way, and know every case does not fall into these categories. Do you have first hand knowledge that Chinese government officials go door to door to round up women for forced abortions? Not just propaganda and unsubstantiated internet sources?
There is a very large Chinese student population here at our local state unviersity and I think I will ask those actual citizens about this. Most every higher education institution in this country has a large international student population from almost every country one can think of. It would be a good resource for anyone who wanted to talk to actual citizens of any country of their choice and find out what really goes on, and to find out a citizen's opinion of it. This is possibly a way to verify all those things you hear repeated about other countries and cultures.
As far as the U.S.being light years ahead of other countries in treatment of animals,--not. It all depends on where you sit looking out at world from, and what you have been taught from the cradle as to what your opinions of other animals are. There is horrible animal legislation in cities such as Louisville and Denver. There are breed specific bans everywhere. Our own local county supported shelter has a policy that "pit bulls"that come in do not under any circumstance go back out the door no matter who wants them. I'm pretty sure shelter staff would not know the difference between a purebred Am Staff show dog and a backyard bred "pit bull".
How about the estimated 4 million dogs and cats euthanized annually in this country? What about the outcry on this blog over the animals Las Vegas euthanized? Does this paint a pretty picture to the rest of the world--our throwaway mentality toward animals we consider pets? I have purebred dogs and do breed rescue as well as volunteer at a couple of all breed shelters. If you have any humanity at all, how do you put an animal you have had for 5, 6,7, 8, 9, 10 years in a shelter with literally no chance of adoption, because you are "moving and can't him/her with us". There are staggering numbers of people who do this and other even more unspeakable cruel things to animals. Granted there are people who love their pets as much as other family members, but they are in every country where their personal economic situation permits them to have animals as pets.
Don't even consider either the inhumane treatment and slaughter of food animals. Read Temple Grandin on how she fought for humane slaugher of food animals, and her experience with kosher slaughter where a frightened animal is hung upside down from hooks and has its throat slit. We have been sold a bill of goods by the agricultural industry about food animals not being sentient beings. Pigs are extremely intellligent and sensitive animals. Cattle are sacred in some cultures. Talk to a person from India about the horror of eating a member of the bovine species.
It all depends on where you sit.
Thanks Beth. I suppose the usual suspects just get their kicks out of being nasty and hold onto grudges 24/7. I could retailiate but I won't. Why bother. They will never change. They haven't liked what I have posted from day one and nothing has changed in over a year.
Libby, I said our country is light years ahead of others, but maybe you have a point. More enlightened Nations ban ear cropping and tail docking, but we Americans have a bunch of nasty habits that we refuse to give up.
But, still I believe the Humane Society of the United States, SPCA, and many other groups have passed laws and raised awareness so that we are different from a country that removes dogs from their owners and beats them to death while the owners plead for mercy. Now I have posted websites and articles about this here, but the blog outrage has been over the top. So Libby do some investigation and see for yourself.
More reports of problem with dry food posted on the Pet Connection website.
Linda,
We all can have our differences of opinions. Like I said, talk to people who actually live there to find the truth. Anyone can put up a website and video on the internet, and it is not necessarily true or official. And it is oh so, so easy to inflame the public with video also when you put a spin on it.
It happens here too. There was a woman on one of the show dog lists who lost the last two of her line of rottweiller show dogs who had escaped her yard while she was gone. These were two big lovable goofs and her neighbor knew this and the dogs were not dangerous. So her neighbor called animal control to pick up the dogs so nothing would happen. The person who was sent out proceeded shoot both the dogs despite the neighbor begging and pleading and screaming for the dogs' lives. Imagine the spin that could be put on this if it was video taped and put out on the internet and used by other countries for propaganda. I could be wrong and it could just be internet propaganda but I thought Denver was going door to door to round up a certain breed of "danerous dog" too.
I'm not posting any more on this or the abortion issue and how we are so much better than the rest of the world. We can all disagree and have our own opinions. We all, including myself, should at least try to find credible first hand sources before we believe whatever we see on the internet.
It's not practical for me to travel to China and see for myself. There are many credible sources reporting this problem in China. There is always a risk of error in second hand information, including reports on Iraq etc. At some point we choose what and who to believe. For me, I believe the many sites including the Humane Society of the United States in their reporting accuracy over the pet abuses in China. Type in China in the search at their site and see what comes up.
You don't have to travel to China. There are substantial numbers of Chinese nationals in this country as students. I think you said you were in California, and there is a large Chinese population there if I'm not mistaken.
I also think we have learned not to believe everything that is credibly reported in the media such as there was credible evidence that there were weapons of mass destruction in Iraq so it was okay to invade a sovereign nation, that had not attacked us in any way.
We also disagree about the Humane Society of the United States. As I volunteer in shelters and do rescue, I know they do not contribute any of their estimated $95 million annual budget to shelter animals or animal rescue. You can also go to the IRS website since HSUS is a 501(3)(c) corporation and probably get a breakdown of just where their money goes to since they have to submit this annually to keep their status.
Linda, I'm not saying you are wrong about what goes on in China. It could be the truth. I also mostly enjoy reading your posts, and reading your Vivi postings.
By the way, I have been away from the blog for a while. What's going on with Vivi and do y'all believe she is still out there?
Kathy - i am all over the new list. i am hoping that more people from this blog are faxing or calling regarding this.
Paws For Life just rescued 2 more yesterday from death row - a baby and a grown shepard - both girls :) they are gorgeous and desperately needed out of the shelter. Way to go, Ginny and Jill!!!!!
Avoid this Newsday site as it is not relevant.
Posted by: Linda | March 27, 2007 at 11:05 AM
If its irrelevant to you, why do you come here and insist on ramming your China BS down everyones throats? This thread is about pet food, not everything thats wrong with China. Most intelligent people have known about the horrors of China for DECADES.Just because you decided to open your eyes now is no reason to make the rest of us hear about it ad nauseum.WE KNOW ALREADY! What don't you get about that? Do your own boycotting like alot of us do and take a pill already. You are the one who single-handedly ruined this blog. No one else. So give it a rest already!
I hope so too Darlene - you are the only one that is letting me know tho so I don't have any feedback. I know it is a tough issue - as are all animal related issues, but this has got to stop. There are way too many horses - newly born ones - being slaughtered right alongside their mamas - what a life.
I have been in contact with one of the editors for the Dallas Morning News for the past two days and she was kind enough to run today, the same aticle as the Los Angeles Times did. I ask everyone on the blog, to take a moment to send an email to the editor of their local newspaper, asking them to write an article regarding the pet food recall and the failure on the part of MENU and the FDA to report the accurate numbers of sick and deceased pets. The truth will only be told, when enough pressure is applied.
Why does it matter to you, phony name person, what Libby and I were talking about? Why does our discussion about China bother you so much?
If the grain is confirmed to be from China, is that too off limits in your mind - is it just that you only want to read certain comments here - ones that you approve of.
Seems to be asking a bit much on a public blog.
This is the reply that I just received from one of the editor's at the Dallas Morning News.
No problem. We'll keep an eye on it. My concern,
beyond the pet issue, is whether this can just as easily get into people food. The whole thing is a huge tragedy.
Let me know when you hear something new. If you
hadn't emailed me yesterday, we wouldn't have been looking for today's LA Times story.
And, if you ever find a way to get into the database on the pet Web site, pls send me a link.
Thanks, Nancy
What are you free speech haters going to do - you tried to stop me from posting about wheat issues when there are real concerns over wheat and other grains too - Saying I was upsetting people.
Try to stop me from having a conversation with another blogger who raises the question of China and Asia and animal treatment in this country, I didn't.
Just make a list of everything that makes you happy and post it, and then threaten blog extinction to anyone who violates your code of blog ethics I suppose.
Many post on other topics not under the thread heading and you know this and all is okay except when I post. Admit it, you just don't like me no matter what I post.
Do you understand the bill of rights at all?
Libby, I didn't say that our treatment of animals was good -- I agree with you. Overall, it's pathetic, too. However, it is better than the treatment of animals in most of the countries where I have spent many years living.
I have spoken often to Chinese citizens, living in China, about animal issues and the abortion issue, too. It is state-sponsored. I don't think very many people would agree with your warped definition of "state-sponsored." Pretty odd, in my opinion.
Yep, you really do sound like a pro choice person, I must say.
It's sad that many people will only be concerned when the tainted products make it in to human food. It should be just as alarming when it is affecting animals, as when it affects humans. Just shows you how homocentric most people are.
Libby, I HAVE gone to the source, talked to Chinese people in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shijiazhuang within the last five years. I've seen the dog markets. I've tried to pass out brochures and information. So -- please don't tell me about "going to the source." I've done it. Have you????
Meri-Lou,
That is wonderful. Great in fact.
On another note, I said the blog has lost relevance because we have the most urgent situation for all our pets, and people here want to attack me instead of caring about some of these issues I bring up, like the wheat, and even offering their own comments on how to help. The blog attackes me for sharing articles and for scaring people when all of us being scared is the appropriate response.
On the pet connection, people are posting their stories and being scared and offering help etc, but here I am attacked non-stop even when I post legitmate concerns. Stop being so angry with me and post some helpful sites and information that we all need and then maybe the blog will be back on track -
This is interesting. MENU is now being made to answer questions regarding the tainted pet food. It's about time.
http://www.hsus.org/web-files/PDF/Kucinich-letter-Menu-foods.pdf
Thanks, Meri-Lou. We should all write to Mr. Kucinich to thank him for his efforts and encourage him to pursue a full investigation. I sent out letters yesterday to the corporate principals of Menu Food with regard to the pet recall.
We need to get the media (T.V., radio, papers)to continue to make this issue an important one and to keep it in the publics eye. MENU and the FDA can run, but they will never be able to hide.
Well, Kathy - it only takes a minute and i have a letter already written and to the point. instead of sitting her arguing back and forth, the time is best spent trying to help. to each his own. i myself am done fighting on here.
PLEASE ALSO CLICK ON WWW.ANIMALRESCUESITE.COM
today. it does help the animals get food they so desperately need now more than ever.
Darlene, I click every day and it is also a requirement of those who work for me to do the same. I have included as part of their yearly appraisal (A&D)
I'm leaving for good. The pet connection website offers wonderful topics and information and Meri-Lou and others here now are doing a good job of keep everyone informed.
I posted the wheat issue in good faith to alert unspecting pet owners, maybe even a few little old ladies out there who are not up to speed, so they wouldn't be duped into buying a name product using this poison.
Best to everyone.
Do we know whether clicking on that site actually results in food to the animals? And, if it does -- why do they require a click on the computer? Can't they just provide the food? Seems odd to me.
As for Menu Foods, I am trying to locate a full list of all the foods they produce. I would like to know ALL the brands that come out of their factories. I think we are entitled to that information. It's proving to be difficult to find, though.
"LIreneC" -- we know what you're doing. Using someone's middle name isn't going to scare anyone, okay? Big deal. Wow, you are so smart. You know what? You are nothing more than a schoolyard bully. You're probably a stay-at-home mom with too much time on your hands between soaps. Maybe you should do some laundry, hmmm?
both Renee and I have contacted them. alot of people who visit that site often buy things from the sponsors. the sponsors have agreed to support the shelters, despite the number of clicks each day. but each click adds to the numbers of bowls they give. a little incentive for people to help. they also work on the rainforests, horse rescue and breast cancer as well. this is legit and they have been around for years.
Meri-Lou: did you ever see the doggie paw ankle bracelet? adorable!!!
Beth thanks.
But I am tired of the fight all the time over everything I post. Even the wheat problem that Congress is now looking into. Mainly, it's just the constant battle over it all and none of it makes any sense to me. I just don't want to continue. I can keep it up if I cared to and they can't stop me, can't block me etc., so complaining to Denise Flaim won't help. But there's better places that understand and appreciate my determination, better for me.
gee - that's very nice. Marty is a very good friend of mine and she's a stay at home Mom. know what she's doing today instead of playing on here?? she is faxing Vivi and Max flyers to 75 additional fax numbers that Jackie just gave her. Marty is also working with Marnie mailing out flyers to areas surrounding Queens as well. I, for one, thank God she's at home, has the time, and has the heart to continually help us. ...and she's in Georgia... you don't need to be local to help.
It's our loss, Linda. Some people just never grow up and get out of the sandbox.
I wasn't talking about Marty or Marnie. I was talking about "LIreneC".
Linda - i NEVER complained to Denise about one single thing. i do appreciate the facts you post and when i asked you to stop with the details, you did the nice thing and stopped eventually. we all need to be eduacted, i think, on what is affecting our world and our animals. the complaints to Denise had to do the fake names, identity theft, and very offensive posts based on researched and ACTUAL IP addys. of the offenders. that is the truth.
Darlene, No I have not, but I think I have seen and bought everything else they have. I know good and well that I have spent enough to feed a gazillion (whatever that looks like) animals. I have clothes, wind chimes, cosmetic bag, shoes, other jewelry and a boat load of other stuff. Everything there is so cheap and made very well that I don't know how they do it.
Beth, and Meri-Lou, and others that care,
Since I won't be around to nag, please keep up with this issue of the dry foods (wheat and perhaps other grains) at www.petconnection.com more and more renal failures are being reported there by people who only use dry foods.
Also, could these problems be linked to something as yet undetected.
I'll leave so you all can be happy. Just stop it please.
FYI - Jill from PAWS FOR LIFE said that Harley, the spinning German Shepheard is doing better with her new family and her new trainer. things are looking up for that poor baby.
I don't know who has been blocked or who hasn't. I'm sure I've posted my share of the offensive, but not all of them by any means, at least offensive to some people. But it never seemed to matter if anyone was ugly or offensive to me. I was always fair game.
But it isn't being blocked that is at issue here, it is the constant attacks over what I post and the meanness. Enough is enough. No one seems to let dying horses die (pardon the reference to horses but you know what I mean.) Enough already. It's wearing me out and I just want a little blog peace.
"LIreneC", who is one of those "intellectual" people who is too cowardly to post her name, has decided she can define the parameters of what is discussed on this blog. She doesn't want any of that "China BS" -- nice one, there -- it's "BS", is it, when animals are tortured?
And, since all of the local searchers have told us over and over again that they know who these anonymous posters are, I'm sure they know exactly who "LIreneC" is. I sure have my suspicions.
Uh Linda before ya go, please show me the posts you've claimed I've written that say people should keep feeding products with wheat.
LOL Also take a real hard look at what you wrote below where you say you could retaliate but you won't.....duh.....the sentence you wrote right above that statement is in essence a retaliation!
"Thanks Beth. I suppose the usual suspects just get their kicks out of being nasty and hold onto grudges 24/7. I could retailiate but I won't."
i have the wind chimes too!!!!! they are so cute. and the back packs, the fleece (good for Vivi hunting), the pajamas - oh, to die for!!!! my first purchase fed 280 bowls!!!! got alot of great stuff for stocking stuffers at Christmas time as well. and you're right - so incredibly priced, i don't know how they can afford it.
Libby,
Great posts, especially the 11:59 one, WTG!
For heaven's sake DKM. Give it a break will ya. Post something on helping our pets.
One last note, just heard from my vet and he said that Science Diets tests all their products for contaminates - so not to worry about the dry Science Diet. What a relief there. (Or any Science Diet for that matter.)
i know who ONE IS. the Newsday people know the rest. guess whoever was acting like a total ass on here, finally pushed them too far.
and good for them - applause.
good to know about SD - i will tell my friends.
I have the fleece and PJs too. If anyone is looking for really great merchandise, made well and is cheap, this is the place to shop and help save a life or two at the same time.
I guess DKM agrees that it's "BS" that animals in China are tortured. I guess when you crop/dock, you might think that way.
I totally second that, Meri-Lou. you guys wouldn't believe how nice the stuff is and if you met friends here and exchange gifts for whatever reason, thank about it - what do we all have in common? you'll chuckle with how cute the stuff all is.
I don't always agree with Linda but she's right on target when it comes to the pet food recall. Thanks to her Harry is being weaned off Nutro dry,which was purly my decision, and onto Natural Balance. I have been researching all the pet foods and from my own observation, Natural Balance seems the best food at this time other than homemade which I'm not knowledgeable enough to attempt as far as proportions of ingredients. If Linda wants to talk about things you don't agree with then just scroll by. We all do the best we can with the info we get.
Thompson,
I'm going on record here to say I find all your stereotyping disgusting and vile. From Asians to "stay at home moms" and the people here that you refer to as the "usual suspects".
It's all about labeling and finger pointing with you huh? Makes ya feel taller to step on whole groups of people, right?
Meanwhile the truth is that there are more Asians, "stay at home moms" and "usual suspects" here that have more intellect and humanity than you have in your big toe! Simply for the reason that they have the decency and brains not to cast harsh judgments on whole groups of people.
And NO, I do not think the animal torture in China is BS numbnuts, I've known about it and done my part against it since the 70's just like many others here. You and Linda have posted about it endlessly for over 3 weeks now! I think it can be said "WE'VE HEARD YOU LOUD & CLEAR!" Is there any need to keep repeating it?
The two of you haven't added anything NEW to the issue, nor have your posts here stopped the torture, so what's the point of beating the drum to death here?
Wouldn't both of you be better off alerting other blogs and message boards? There are probably hundreds of thousands of dog and cat blogs and message boards all over the Internet where you two could spread the word. If you're both so concerned and passionate about this issue and truly want to see a mass boycott of products from China, then why are you both limiting yourselves to this little blog and Pet Connection?
Frankly I don't think either one of you are truly committed to the cause, I think you both keep repeating it here to break everyone's chops because people have asked you to stop. So let's see if you both really care.......
As stated we all know about the China issue here, so if you both keep posting about it here instead of spreading the word to all the hundreds of thousands of other places on the web, then we'll all know that the two of you are full of poop!
Fair enough? :)
MARGOT: I agree. Let's all just post information (but please keep it not so upsetting - no graphic images please for those who are upset by these things - me included).
Also, I think we owe respect to Denise Flaim for providing us this forum. Posting comments to attack the Newsday blog is not showing that respect in my opinion. Let's be nice and appreciative of her efforts to help us and Vivi.
LASTLY, PLEASE STOP FIGHTING ON THIS BLOG! Right now my heart is breaking at the thought that this little girl and her family who I have grown so fond of are going through this rough time - a time when we may be saying goodbye to Madison. Life is too short and precious folks to argue and fight. Let's agree to disagree sometimes, and try to show respect and love to each other as well. There is no reason we cannot all get along - WE ALL CAME TO THIS BLOG BECAUSE WE LOVE ANIMALS SO MUCH. Soapbox speech over with, time to cry again!
Margot - I've been feeding Natural Balance for the past two years - since I stopped feeding raw - just for grins - I went to their website to check a few things out and noticed that they are doing a raw diet - so.....I wrote and asked when the raw diet would be available in my state - I just got an email back asking for my address so they can send me some coupons and a frequent buyer card.
For those of you that feed Natural Balance (I truly believe this is a GREYt food) email them and let them know what you think of their product - get some coupons - every little bit helps.
Interesting how similar DKM and "LIreneC" posts are. . . . .
Oh, and DKM, your earlier comment about me not owning a dog. I actually buy quite a bit of dog food each month, which I take to my local shelter with me when I go to assist with fundraising efforts. So, yes, I would expect to get surveys if they are out there.
Margot and Kathy - I also switched to Natural Balance because of Mabel's allergies. She just plows through the stuff. I'll have to check out their website.
Margo, what did Linda/Sedoner/Cynthia say about Nutro? I must have missed that...I feed that and have been for over 10 year...Is what was said on this blog or what?
kathleen: On one of my other blogs I read that a young Soldier was killed in Iraq. His wife's name is Diane and his name is Darrell Griffin. I really don't know him but I emailed Diane and she was kind enough to email me back to thank me in the midst of all her heartache. Could you say a prayer for him. This and Madison are real tragedys. The rest of the fights on the blog have always been small stuff IMO. I lit a candle for Dear Sharon but I did it on the main candle site. How is she feeling? Please tell her I'm thinking of her. Thanks.
Wondering too, what's wrong with Nurto dry? I feed the dry chicken and rice formula and there's no wheat in the ingredients.
Not sure if anyone is interested or not, but a local therapeutic riding facility is having their annual fundraiser/auction this Saturday. Their auction is also online. Some pretty cool things and it all goes to a good cause.
Here's the link to the auction: http://www.freedomhills.cmarket.com
Here's the link to the Freedom Hill therapeutic riding program:
http://www.freedomhills.com
RUBY SHOES: Linda didn't say anything about Nutro Dry I just read on the pet connection that some dogs had blood in their urine from it.if it wasn't for Linda, I never would have known about that site.
Kathy: The Petco near me has the organic so it probably won't be too long before you'll have it near you.
Margot - I certainly will remember this brave young man and his wife (and all the others as well). I agree. Too many tragedies in this world. If not for the love of our Heavenly Father above, I don't think I could bear them with each day.
I have not spoken with Sharon by e-mail, but I'm sure when she feels better she will post on the blog for us. I sure hope she is better soon. She has been sick a while with this stuff it seems. They were thinking maybe the flu.
Stop the bickering for heaven's sake. Lets just all agree to disagree about this China stuff. No one is forcing anything on anyone, not anymore.
As to the food: my only concern was over the wheat ingredients until we know more about this poisoning stuff. And I had posted some links to articles about the problem with wheat and digestion. I just thought that avoiding wheat products would be wise and I had switched to Natural Balance two weeks ago.
I was feeding Mercy Science Diet and wondered if her liver problem could have been caused by the wheat if that was of the same batch as that bought by Menu. My Vet said that Science Diet tests all their pet food and he assured me that my Science Diet (Dry - but all Science Diet) was fine to feed. (I believe but do not know but some cat food might be on the recall list as a precautionary move - but I can't be sure as I haven't researched it.)
So that's all I know about the wheat in our products was articles I posted and my own concern over the wheat.
I just wish all the fighting and name calling and etc, etc, etc would stop - this blog can be sooo good if we would just get beyond all the he said, she said, I'm better than you stuff.
Can we just call a truce and try to get along. Life is too short and it is getting shorter. There are lots of things to put our energies into other than name calling and arguing.
"Interesting how similar DKM and "LIreneC" posts are."
Only in your deluded mind Thompson! I wasn't even on the blog at the time that was written.
Instead of making false insinuations why don't you try responding to my post regarding you and Linda speading the word about China on so many of the other places on the web?
Beth--
What type of dog markets are you talking about? Dogs being sold as livestock or as food? This occurs all around the world including here.
Have you ever visited puppy mills in Missouri for instance that the state government will do nothing about because it brings money into the state? These places are true hell holes and unimaginable conditions and filth. Or any of the dog auctions there? Where a dyplastic, missing teeth, skinny, quaking with fear malnourished bitch may be sold as a good producer because she has had 5 or 6 litters already of 6 or 7 pups each and she is maybe 4 years old? How about Hunt Corp there that sells to major pet chainstores? They are clean at least but dogs live wharehoused without human interaction. Where are PETA and ALF and HSUS and Dogs Deserve Better on these conditions? Oh, they are trying to pass laws on how long you can have your dog tethered.
I have also been to the remote hollows of Tennessee and places in Applacia, and the Ozarks where people actually live in paper shacks in extreme poverty and squalor and I have heard tales of animals you would consider pets being consumed and it is understandable.
I know it's there-it is here too. But I am curious about what kind of dog markets you are speaking of if you want to email me privately. I did not really want to continue the China thread here as people are sick of it and even if the tainted wheat did come from there, what does it have to do with how they treat animals.
cool story:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070327/ap_on_fe_st/heimlich_hound;_ylt=Avys4pDlNsEXRuaTov6iJ1ShOrgF
Beth Thompson wrote:
"Oh, and DKM, your earlier comment about me not owning a dog. I actually buy quite a bit of dog food each month, which I take to my local shelter with me when I go to assist with fundraising efforts. So, yes, I would expect to get surveys if they are out there."
LOL How does that put you in any of the pet food marketing databases? Even if you've signed up for any of the incentive programs that some manufacturers offer, they probably wouldn't contact you because their applications ask details about your pet ownership. For obvious reason they contact known pet owners to do pet food surveys, duh!
BTW: On your Pet Connection site that you hold in such high esteen when you click on "Responsible Breeders" and go to boxers it says: "tails and dewclaws to be docked at 3 days old" :)
DKM: I'm not using the web to deal with the China issue -- not that that wouldn't be valuable. I am working with a group IN China to try and educate and instigate change. Okay, smartie pants . . . so what are you doing? Let's hear it. Ball's in your court now.
DKM, Linda posted the Pet Connection site, NOT me. Why don't you read things alittle closer, okay?
I'm still waiting to hear what you are doing to get the word out -- unlike Linda, who is trying very hard to educate people. Let's see, besides docking tails and cropping ears, what are you doing, DKM?
"DKM: I'm not using the web to deal with the China issue --"
What do you call what you've been doing here?
Wasting my time, obviously.
Still waiting to hear what you're doing DKM. Besides docking/cropping -- not unlike what they do in China, actually.
Hey everyone,
***Important sites about the Food Recall***
Just wanted to pass along two very important and informative websites for those that don't already know about them. Both sites are updated constantly-
http://www.howl911.com/#foods
(when you go to this link, click on the scrolling red text regarding the recall and it will bring you to a great page with a lot of information)
http://www.caninecare.org/
Stop trying to include me in a fight here. I am simply going to help out at other sites, so you don't have to worry about name changes or anything else. This bickering is too much and I'm worn out over it. I took it personally and got upset but no more. It makes this blog ineffective and right now with the animal crisis, we all need to circle the wagons and do our best to help out anywhere the spirit leads us. But for sure stirring the pot seems pointless.
My local news channel ran the website for the pet connection and I am so thankful they did as it has and is being a great help and comfort too.
my post of 5:14 made no impact :(
I've been doing my bit for over 3 decades, signed petitions, written letters, attended rallies, etc., etc.
Doesn't matter who brought up Pet Connection, the point is one of their deteminations for a responsible boxer breeder is that they dock tails and dew claws.
And if you are that ignorant to compare docking and cropping under anesthesia by licensed vets to the horrors that go on in China, then either you know absolutely nothing about what goes on in China or you must be much more disturbed than I ever realized, which is it? :)
What do you call what you've been doing here?
Posted by: Diane Kowalchyk-Morris | March 27, 2007 at 05:43 PM
Wasting my time, obviously.
Posted by: Thompson | March 27, 2007 at 05:44 PM
EUREKA! I think she's got it! :0
For some reason I feel like Henry Higgins.....anyway...
Yes, posting a gazillion posts about the same subject for over 3 weeks is a waste of time!
Nice to see you finally saw the light Thompson!
Now repeat after me: "The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain" and you'll really be a big hit around here! :)
DKM: So, "responsible" breeders dock/crop, do they? Well, I'm willing to be educated. Exactly why do they do so? Is it medically necessary? Is it even medically recommended? Why do so many vets refuse to do it? Why do so many countries make it illegal? If you're so important in the breeding world, what are you doing to convince the drafters of the boxer standard that docking and cropping should no longer be allowed?
Still not hearing anything, DKM.
Still not hearing what YOU are doing about animal cruelty, other than imposing on your own puppies.
You have a lot of nerve beating up on Linda, in my opinion. A lot of nerve.
Linda as far as I know Science Diet does not have wheat in their food, I use it for my dog and have for years, certain canned cat food was on the list,but not canned dog food. I did my research on it and when I went to the vet to get her prescription Science Diet I asked them and also read the ingredients. Just wanted to clear that up about Science Diet so there are no worries about it. I did switch to Natural Balance but went back to what my gut said. Stick with what you know and don't make yourself crazy changing foods every few days and read about it before you go crazy and listen to what everyone else says.
Instead of fighting about what goes on in China wouldn't it be easier to ask if people are willing to help and give a list of places to write of fax to instead of rehashing the gore over and over again, if someone had asked if we can all work together on this as a group I thing half of this bickering and crap would have not gotten so out of control that people had to keep using fakes names. Keeping you real name and being honest gets you more respect.The more fake names that are on here noone starts to believe anything anymore. We see a list from Kathy everyday, what's so difficult, if you want it done get the information for us and it will be done. I'm sure everone can find time to write or fax a letter, in the time it takes to fight on here a letter could have been written.
The website posted by Renee has a prominent article about the fur trade in China. You might all want to jump all over her for posting that.
I hear your 5:14 post kathy and I'm in complete agreement. Guess we're just in the monority.
I'm in complete agreement with you Kathy and Margot. I'm s-o-o-o-o tired of this nitpicking.
I happen to like the way Boxers look with c ropped
ears and tails, and I also like Great Danes with
cropped ears. Diane - continue to breed your
magnificent Boxers with their cropped ears and tails
i can't wait to see your dogs in the ring when I
finally start Fiona, BTW she is now calm enough
to go into the ring, YIPPEE
Beth,
I have answered the crop and dock questions twice already, I have also answered what I've done regarding animal cruelty in China as well as here in the US. Go back through the threads and look them up as I'm not going to keep repeating the same things, this blog has had enough of that!
FYI: For a number of years I fought to permit choice for ear cropping when the standard was due to be revised for reasons that you would not understand as you are not a breeder, nor do you know anything about my breed and that battle was won by a membership vote and the revision went forward. However I would NEVER fight to ban docking the tails as that would be condemning my breed to a lifetime of painful tail fractures and infections that ultimately lead to amputation when they are mature, which is a MAJOR surgery when they are older as it's much more painful and riskier due to all the nerves being fully formed & developed, as well as the blood vessels and bone, as opposed to when they are just 3 days old. It's very minor at that age, they don't even need stitches, surgical glue is what most vets use. As soon as they're home they are back to nursing on their dams as if nothing happened, no elizabethan collars to wear, no antibiotics needed, no stitches to remove, no risk of hemmorage, etc..
The tail carriage on certain breeds necessitates docking, if you knew anything about breed structure and conformation you would understand this.
PETA is responsible for the AVMA's position and the banning of docking and cropping in other countries and I have fought them in numerous ways as I know what their ultimate agenda is and I am opposed to the cruelty they inflect on animals in their blind zealot need to get their message across.
So what about you? Doesn't it shock and horrify you that PETA has tried to poison animals at shows with antifreeze and also let dogs loose from their crates at outdoor shows near major highways, as well as other crimes against animals they have done? Doesn't it outrage you that they have so much money in their treasury and yet so little of that goes to really helping animals in need?
Aren't you even a tad concerned that they fail to meet the Better Business Bureau's criteria for a non-profit organization?
So where's your head at, are you pro or anti PETA?
PETA has made me very angry through this pet food recall. I look at all of the media referring to PETA and it turns my stomach. PETA can get media attention for condeming rat poison in pet food, yet they are responsible for anti-freeze in pet food? I've never seen such a ----- up group in my life. I honestly do not understand. How do they rationalize their standings and actions??
SueG, Me too on the cropped ears and tails on Boxers..Great Danes I'm not sure about, I haven't been around a real live one, but I see nothing wrong with it....I had a boxer years ago and had her ears cropped, sweet girl. To each his own I think.
As for Fiona, yipppppeeeeee is right. I know what a time you had and now she'll be a lady and prance and strut and win, I hope...
I bought Natural Balance today and I'm mixing it with the Nutro the dogs have been eating,my male, for almost 10 years and the girl, for 5 years. They seem to like the food, but of course, they also eat cat poopies...heh heh..
then just scroll by the fighting. to be honest, some on here deserve AOLOT worse as they have done nothing but be critical for a long time. hey, i think Natural Balance owes me big time for introducing all of my friends here to their food!!!
when i get coupons and stuff, and believe me i will, i will let you guys know and we can split them up. why, you ask???? LUNA IS ALLERGIC TO THAT TOO!!!!! *^%$^))((*&^(* KILL ME!!!! so, on to Hills Z/D Ultra I go..... AND NO, HILLS IS NOT SCIENCE DIET, THANK GOD!!!!! go and visit Jill's horse rescue site if you want to - IT'S PAWS FOR LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! if you see something cool, it ALL goes to the horses :) also, WWW.PETEDGE.COM is having a 91% off toys and stuff for our babies. check it out!!!! toys for $.89????? YEAH, BABY!!!!!
ROOOOBY!!!!!!!!!! I EAT CAT POOPIES TOO :)
HI, SUE G - FIONA IS ON HER WAY!!!!!!
and my parents cropped my Dobie's ears and tail too.
JILLY-POO!!!!!! how splendid to see you here :)
i am pleasantly surprised, my pet :)
talked to the slut - she is out walking Large Marge tonight after we worked on Vivi whereabouts on the phone and computer... my contacts are dried up and ready to fly out.
Darlene you hag, glad to see you..isn't it your bed time???????
Darlene:
Your WWW.PETEDGE.COM site isn't respooooding..whats da scoop?
Roooby
Sue G,
Looking forward to meeting you and Fiona at the shows! Maybe we can get the weenie crew to join us at one of the shows near NYC, that would be a hoot! :)
YES!!!!!!!!!!!! road trip!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AND A STAY OVER FOR SURE :)
ROOOOBY!!!!!!! www.petedge.com
that's it, baby!!!!!!
ROOBY - just tried it - took me 3 times but it came up, angel :) keep trying.....
YOU CAN'T AFFORD NOT TO BUY IT
going to bed now, Witchy Poo :)
love you, Ma!!!!!
Unfortunately you can have a fair amount of kidney dysfunction long before the blood tests start showing anything, so it pays to watch for other changes in your animals
Darlene, my dear - too much beer?? The site I referenced is not Paws for Life, but the therapeutic riding program - Freedom Hills - that isn't our program; however, I will be at the dinner Saturday night. Think Debbie would let Jose be my date????
BTW - Onyx found a home and there are people fighting over Gypsy! Too bad she had to spend that extra week in the shelter due to *********!
I agree Nancy, dogs and cats can be very stoic when they are not feeling well and so it may be hard to know that something is wrong. An old time vet taught me that sniffing their breath for traces of urine is a tip off that the kidneys are not functioning properly.
I looked at Walmart today and the only can food they had was pedigree. All the ol roy canned food was gone. Maybe they know that even the food they had with no gravy wasn't good.
ooops!!!!!! sorry, Jill - getting cnfused with your associations again. sorry about that.
Jose is all yours - NAKED!!!!!!!!!!
sooooo very glad about Onyx and Gypsy - what a bunch of sleezy pigs - BUT, YOU WON AND SO DID SHE!!!!!!! i will run and tell Audrey!!!!!
YEAH!!!!!! 2 more babies from death row get new homes!!!!! the other shepherd (AKA: sweet potato) won't be far behind!!! now, i can go to sleep and dream happy thoughts:) thanks for the good news, my friend.
oh, hey Diane!!!!!! nite, nite!!! speak soon and a road trip is a def. i'll bring the pierogie and beer :)
Lots of canned and pouched foods have been pulled off store shelves as a precautionary measure until they can review the makes and lot numbers.
Sounds good Darlene! :)
Hey Gang!
Jill - that's terrific news about Gypsy and Onyx!!!! How can people not fight over them - they're gorgeous!!!!! You guys are great!
Oh, btw - gave DC TATER TOTS with his dinner!!!!
Lo - you giving Rooooby's sweet tater to DC for dinner?? She won't be able to clean!!
I kept giggling during dinner. He thought I was nuts!
Jill you skank, I told ya I ain't cleaning your house! Talk to the HOOF woman! haaaaaaaaaaaaa
BTW, I bought a book at the local flea market yesterday called, TALK TO THE HOOF...cute cartoons aobut horses...I might share it with a horse person..
Gotta go fix my sweet potato...xoxoxo (0:
Hey Lo, Jill, Ruby.
Jill I am so happy for Gypsy, was that the lighter shepherd? I loved them both.
All this talk of sweet taters and tater tots, makes you hungry, better than tattered taters. Finally back after the Large marge walk and doing Vivi stuff with Darlene. I'm sending you am email Lo.
Rooooby!!!!! How are you feeling, dear?
Ok Deb. Gypsy is the darker shepherd. The lighter colored one is Casey. Both are GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!
Ruby what's wrong with your sweet tater did it fall on the floor again mama? Be careful they bruise easy when you drop them. Noone wants a rotten spud.
Ruby - tuck that thing out of sight!!!
Debbie - Lo is correct - Gypsy was the darker one. The 6 month old. As for the tattered taters ... no comment! That one did me in! LOL!
Rotten spud!! *howling* The suck will go out of her Hoover!
Thanks Lo I am rooting for Casey, she is a true shepherd and the stance on her is magnificent, my favorite breed, reminds me so much of mine. The ears get me everytime.
Jill good job girlfriend, you do amazing work, getting ready for the wings and wine.
Hey All,
I am employed at a Pet food store.
The FDA had us pull all "chunks and gravy" food regardless of lot # or any other #.It is my understanding that the Gravy is the problem, the wheat gluten in the gravy.
I am no more privy to any info other than you but, thought i'd pass that along.
ACK! I wanted wings and wine tonight - but no one would go with me!! Party poopers. :(
you =replace with= that...Oy
Wings and Wine Yeee Hah!!!!!!!!! I got the wings and Wine...PARTAY!
uh, have to get up early for work...can we do it another night?
I'm able and willing :)
I'm always ready for wings and wine - Buffalo Wild Wings ROCKS!
Did you say Hoover she better have a Hepa filter or the dust will fly all over like Lois's pack of pesky insects.
Do you think spoiled spud is better? I cried with the hot potato and sour cream.
Gypsy is only 6 months old? she is big and already stands like that? I'm amazed it must be instinct. I am so hoping Casey gets taken soon. How old is she?
I'm soooo glad I don't feed any canned goods or pouch foods.My fat cat Mr. Peabody eats only kibble now. He did have a tablespoon of fancy Feast and Friskies a few months back when he was sick. My Dino cat who had to be put down a year ago, died of kidney failure. He wasn't sick and then he was, it was fast and its true, you don't notice sickness as much with cats. I gave the boy fluids twice a day for 1-1/2 years and he had blood tests once to twice a month..usually just once a month.One day the poor guy just gave up.He's the cat I had to have put down the day Vivi ran off at JFK...Feb. 15th, 2006.....
Another wing and wine person here yippee. I think we all have to work early, stop killing me with the emails, people think I'm nuts with these outbursts.
It was the wheat gluten in the gravy, my pet store had pulled everything also from the shelves, I did go into another one and saw canned foods with gravy from I think it was Iams or Eukaneuba and questioned the person there about it. They said everything was checked before and all the bad ones were pulled. I use dry and never use canned food.
Casey is a little over a year old.
The sour cream had me snorting. Don't know if I can look at another sweet potato after today!! Or a vacuum for that matter!
No pesky insects here!! Nosireee!!! Methinks you should look closer to home for those, Deb!
Doesn't anyone drink beer besides Darlene & I? Wine - blech!!!
Killing YOU with emails??? I left long enough to go to the tater doc and came back to absolute insanity! Guess we could blame Darlene - hmmmm - no - it's Ruby's fault!
That's because you set them free, Lo - Darlene gave us a play by play.
Ruby I know what you mean, when I had Fluffy here all of a sudden he wouldn't eat I tried everything and he wasn't even my cat. Turned out he was going into renal failure and had Aids. What do I know I always had a dog except when I was young I had a cat. I thought he was just being picky with his food. When he turned down the chicken I knew something was wrong. Thank goodness he is somewhat ok now and has a nice new home, cannot say much about his owners putting him out at 15 yrs old. He's lucky I took him in for a year instead of being on the streets, I hate people even if they are my neighbors.
Roooby's fault? Excuse moi? I was at the feed store and the mail box place and a thrift shop looking for a lid to a casserole dish I broke..I am truly, really, honestly innocent of all the many,
hundreds of emails..........I was buying sweet potatoes for my casserole and looking for instructions
on how to clean someone elses house.
I think I got a virus, cough, cough so Ms. Jill, talk to da paw!
Hey Jill - try keeping up with all the e-mails on a blackberry!!!!! The thing chimes with every e-mail and the screen is so small I can only read them with my glasses (which I hate)!! Then, of course, there's the bursts of laughter every two minutes!!!! My co-workers think I am certifiable!!!