This pretty boy may look like he just lounging around like any other dog but this is Pantera, the newest addition to Chicago Police Department’s Organized Crime Division although it wasn’t all that long ago this 16-month-old Black Lab’s future didn’t look so bright.  He was a shelter dog, spending his time at the Chicago [...]

One LA pastor, Rev. Tom Eggebeen, has come up with a way to bring new members into his church, at the end of their pooch’s leashes. Yup, Covenant Presbyterian Church has gone to the dogs with a special 30 minute service which includes doggies beds, bowls of water and doggie treats, Canines at Covenant.
When [...]

What is the popular *euphemism* for the Harrisburg Humane Society lately?  The Harrisburg IN-Humane Society!  Their concern for Baron in the eyes of the public is fake, laced with scorn towards Baron’s owner, and indifferent towards the animals in their possession.
Aren’t we up in arms over the conditions at the Memphis Animal Shelter?  Let’s add [...]

After hearing about a recent PetSmart recall of beef hoove chews contaminated with salmonella from the indefatigable Therese Kopiwoda at PetSitUSA, I found myself launching into one of my regularly scheduled rants about “voluntary” recalls.

Every freaking press release, from industry or from FDA, uses that same meaningless phrase: a “voluntary recall” — as if there’s any other kind, considering that the FDA doesn’t have mandatory recall authority.

And then I was caught mid-rant when something completely different popped into the old email inbox: a warning from the FDA that no one should buy other treats made by the same company that manufactured the treats in the PetSmart recall, because they, too, were probably contaminated with salmonella:

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is issuing this health alert to warn consumers not to use Pig Ears and Beef Hooves pet treats manufactured by Pet Carousel because the products may be contaminated with Salmonella. The products were distributed nationwide in both bulk and retail packaging for sale in pet food and retail chain stores. Pet Carousel is based in Sanger, Calif.

The products were manufactured under conditions that facilitate cross-contamination within batches or lots. Although no illnesses associated with these products have been reported, the FDA is advising consumers in possession of these products to not handle or feed them to their pets.

The affected pig ear products were packaged under the brand names Doggie Delight and Pet Carousel. The affected beef hooves were packaged under the brand names Choo Hooves, Dentley’s, Doggie Delight, and Pet Carousel. All sizes and all lots of these products made by Pet Carousel are included in this alert.

During September 2009, the FDA conducted routine testing of pig ears made by Pet Carousel. The test results detected a positive reading for Salmonella. This prompted an FDA inspection of Pet Carousel’s manufacturing facilities. During the inspection, the agency collected additional pet treat samples. Further analysis found Salmonella present in beef hooves, pig ears and in the manufacturing environment.

I guess a “health alert” is about as strong an action as our current FDA can take. Which raises the question: When will Pet Carousel issue a “voluntary” recall of its own?

However much the “voluntary” thing makes my head explode, at least PetSmart sent out a press release and recalled the treats. Good for them. Of course I’d rather they weren’t selling contaminated treats in the first place (and I bet they do, too), but bad things do happen, and the way you tell the good businesses from the bad is how they react when they do.

A lesson everyone in the pet food industry should take to heart. The sooner the better.

Although I’m not exactly holding my breath.

My wife was pretty upset with me when I brought home an old stray dog that not only smelled bad but appeared to have no idea he was not supposed to use the bathroom in the house. She said if I was going to keep the poor mutt he would have to live outside.

Training your Shih Tzu should start as soon as you get him/her home. It can be a bit difficult as these dogs need lots of petting and praising. It can be time consuming and you need to have lots of patience. Shih Tzu respond poorly to harsh and bulling behavior.

Dogs who get much attention at home rarely become wanderers. If your dog is called once In a while, and spoken to, he won’t be so inclined stray away. There should also be regular play, walk., and, of course, times when you bring him indoors

In the past, it has been a trend to dress parent and child with the same clothes. However, this has changed a little bit these days; the child is a four-legged pet. Today’s generation is satisfying their parental cravings with spoiled pooches, instead of having a real human baby. So, numerous people are looking to coddle their dogs with designer dog clothes. Just like any human clothing, it has different styles, colors, and designs that suits any season.

If you are considering adopting a Bichon Frise, you will be getting a wonderful companion and snuggle partner. Bichons are affectionate, friendly, gentle and playful.

If you do not have a particular breed that requires regular grooming, you will be faced with the seemingly daunting task of trimming your dogs nails from time to time. Learning how to properly trim your dog’s nails isn’t nearly as difficult as it might seem.