Franklin the Dog Park Greeter!

The Friends of Lakewood Dog Park and Subaru sponsored an event yesterday, Super Bowl Sunday, for My Best Friend’s Bowl (MBFB), a local pet food bank-sort of-animal welfare group. (They serve clients of Lakewood Community Services Center from Lakewood, Rocky River and Westlake, Ohio ONLY right now until funding grows…)

The event aimed to increase food donations for cat and dog owners in Cleveland.

MBFB’s founder, Judy Towner, explained yesterday that she started the Cleveland pet food charity while working for a local food bank.

A “client” came to her on the side awhile back and said, “excuse me, you don’t happen to have a bag of dog food somewhere around, do you? I’ve been feeding my dog rice for a week or two now…”

Yes this broke her heart.

(Yes, it broke MY heart hearing it…)

But I have spoken before about the effects of the recession on pet abandonment. I would rather have Judy and My Best Friend’s Bowl put healthy, appropriate pet food in an animal’s bowl than have that particular animal (or multiple Cleveland animals) surrendered to a shelter or rescue that’s already over-loaded, or worse, let loose to run (and/or die and/or reproduce) on the streets.

* Side note: Since 2009, the amount of abandoned animals has skyrocketed. The American Humane Association estimated that in 2009 alone there were 8,000 foreclosures every day and with those – there were 15,000 to 26,000 animals in danger of losing their homes daily. (The ASPCA also issued several statements – one

"Stuff the Subarus!"

here in February 2009. The harm to animals because of the economy and foreclosure crisis problems started affecting household pets as early as the summer of 2008.)

Anyhow, the Subaru station wagons appearing at the Lakewood Dog Park yesterday were quite large…! And, by about 12:45 p.m., which was 45 minutes before the end of the event, they were filled to the brim with goodies, as you can see from the photos.  There were all types of cat food, cat treats, dog food, dog supplies and dog bones there…. Some kind folks from Subaru even made cat nip toys to sell and donate proceeds to the cause. Plus there was a half-full donation jar at the head of the park (at 11:30 a.m., 30 minutes in…)

Needless to say, this event was a rousing success.

Some dog park regulars who came said they were impressed at the turnout. One man, “Skee,” said that he’s a “3 pm regular… but [the event had] brought dog-lovers and animal welfare folks from all around the area as far as [he] could tell.”

I myself talked to folks from as far away as East Side suburbs, a good 40-minute drive.

Again, the Super Bowl Sunday Pet Food Donation Drive was a smashing Subaru success. I waited to post this until today because I wanted to get a final tally – the last count was 1,030 pounds of food! HOORAH!!

Just one of TWO Subarus STUFFED with dog/cat goodies...

Yip-Yip-Hooray!

The ThoughtsFurPaws admins encourage you all to “LIKE” the Lakewood Dog Park and My Best Friend’s Bowl on Facebook to garner more support for them.

*** And if you live here check out the regular dog park pooches including, Peanut, Franklin, Ignacio (who knows Latin and doesn’t stop kissing), Cass (who is a sweet rescue girl just coming around) et al. ***

And, should you be interested in getting a pet-friendly car in Cleveland, Ohio — Subaru has a reputation around town, and they’re famous for being the most animal-friendly car in the country — please contact Laurie at Ganley Westside Subaru, 25730 Lorain Rd. in North Olmstead. You can also call 216-513-9565 with inquiries.

Thanks Subaru and My Best Friend’s Bowl for saving the lives of Cleveland animals –

- and for helping Cleveland families in need who would otherwise have to let go of their beloved four-legged fur friends!

** By the way, if you’re planning to donate to a pet food drive or bring food to a shelter/rescue, PLEASE ensure that your wares ARE NOT EXPIRED. Judy – who is thankfully extremely thorough — received quite a few cases of expired dog food on Sunday  — it is so old it’s considered poisonous…  She told me that “a man brought 15 cases of dog food. I always check dates on them and out of the 180 cans he brought, I found only 12 cans I can use. Maybe … you could advise your followers/readers that if they are going to donate something … to please check the date. His was from 2007-2010 and when I turned the cans to check the date, I actually heard them slosh inside! POISON!!! This also goes for their own food. Sometimes they don’t realize how long it’s been on the shelf!!” **

I know that 99 % of us pet rescuers/volunteers/etc have the best intentions, but you MUST be detailed in your giving or in-kind donating – and ensure the goodness of the food (and other things too – like that your check won’t bounce, causing the organization more for a return fee than the original donation, for example — things like that.) The thought actually crossed my mind that there are malicious and mean volunteers who are only doing it because they are on paper or something.

So please, everyone double-check everything & DO NOT give your dog or cat expired ANYTHING-especially medication (that’s what my vet said on the phone from Avon Lake Animal Clinic in Lorain County, Ohio.).

Current law defines a “vicious dog” as one that, without provocation, has seriously injured a person, has killed another dog, or is of the general breed known as “pit bull.” Among numerous other changes, the bill drops the reference to “pit bull” from that definition.

BUT THE SENATE has PASSED SUB-HB 14 –THEY’VE LISTENED TO US!

They’ve honored constituent wishes and REMOVED PIT BULLS from the VICIOUS DOG LAW!

Watch for yourself near the 45-minute mark here (!):

Courtesy Best Friends Animal Society: a Happy Pittie, as it SHOULD BE

The measure notes that the label doesn’t include a police dog that has injured a person or has killed another dog while assisting law enforcement officials.

OHIO READERS: this is an interesting, fun, sociable way to drive food donations to a shelter and to help local animals! Let’s all come together at Lakewood Dog Park on Super Bowl Sunday (you don’t have to miss the game – just take a half-hour break to come on over…!)

As part of an outreach mission for 2012, Friends of the Lakewood Dog Park, Inc. 501(3)(c) is hosting a pet food donation drive to benefit another dog-loving Lakewood organization, My Best Friend’s Bowl (MBFB).

And what better time to do it than Super Bowl Sunday!

MBFB is part of the PAWS OH Feed the Pets Program.

Simply stop by the Lakewood Dog Park February 5, 2012 from 10:00am to 1:30pm with a donation of dog or cat food. We have a super goal of stuffing a Subaru full of food to fill hundreds of pet bowls.

Representing the event sponsor, Ganley Westside Subaru, Laurie Sekeres, will be on hand showing off a “Dog Tested, Dog Approved” Subaru, with a tailgate wide open and ready for pet food donations. Dry or canned, big bags or small, all will be greatly appreciated. Gift cards to any local pet supply store will be used to purchase food when needed. One gallon zip-lock bags are needed to break down larger bags to smaller.

And because it’s Super Bowl Sunday, we want a win-win situation! Not only will all the pet food collected be donated to My Best Friend’s Bowl, but for every new or pre-owned vehicle purchased from Laurie at Ganley Westside Subaru during the month of February, $100 will be donated to Friends of the Lakewood Dog Park, Inc. 501(3)(c). Half of all Subaru owners own a dog, so we know we’ll see a lot of canine pet parents.

The organization really scored a touchdown with support for the event from the Cleveland Browns. So, be sure to stop by with your pet food donation and see what surprises we have.

Here is why it’s so important to help:

“It is heart breaking for a pet owner to have to surrender a beloved animal because of their economic situation. My Best Friend’s Bowl is dedicated to providing a temporary supply of food to the people in our community and their pets through Lakewood Community Services serving clients from Lakewood, Rocky River and Westlake. It is our goal to keep pets and their owners together and make sure every bowl is full. 25-30 lbs of dry dog food would feed an average dog for a month. 3-4 lbs of dry cat food will feed an average cat for a month.”

◊ ◊ Remember, if you’re not a member of Friends of the Lakewood Dog Park, Inc., you can join the team on February 5th from 10:00am to 1:30pm. The annual fee, ONLY $10. ◊ ◊

*** For more information visit: www.LakewoodDogPark.org or www.mybestfriendsbowllakewood.com ***

The ThoughtsFurPaws admins encourage you all to LIKE both organizations on Facebook. Contact Laurie Sekeres at Ganley Westside Subaru, 25730 Lorain Rd., North Olmstead, Ohio 44070 or Call: 216-513-9565 with questions/inquiries.

And thanks to the Cleveland Browns! Woof! Woof!

DON’T FORGET: Go to the Lakewood Dog Park, 1699 Metropark Drive, Lakewood, Ohio 44107 off Detroit just over the Rocky River Bridge and past of the Emerald Necklace Marina in the Rocky River Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks.

  Ark Naturals Suggests Pet Owners Consider Natural Botanical Alternative to Chemical Pesticides to Control Fleas & Ticks

My friend sent this to me to post – I thought I would give it a good old college-try argument on ThoughtsFurPaws as there are clearly two sides here… she would like to – as I would – undercover an oft-misunderstood myth… and also remind you guys that pets need winter protection from fleas and ticks.

But there’s a right and wrong way to do so — and to advertise your new product…

What do you think?

“Today I walked barefoot in 20 degree temperatures on a sidewalk with laden with residue from this weekend’s first official winter storm in the northeast. Returning home, I didn’t wipe my feet off but proceeded to jump on your bed and walk around the house. I watched as my roommate put a pair of rubber gloves on her hands. Gasp, I shuddered to myself, why the gloves? She put a funny smelling solution in between my shoulders and said it would help protect me against pests. She said the package of mystery liquid told her avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing and wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling.”

Think about it: Our dogs spend their time walking where we take them, eating what we feed them, and hoping that fleas and ticks take the winter months off (they don’t). With paw to pen, Fido would indeed scrawl that across the family memo board…

Contrary to popular belief, fleas and ticks don’t take the winter months off. Fleas and ticks are a way of life for dogs and cats but controlling them is a matter of choice.

Anyhow, a new report suggests that pet owners might consider a natural botanical alternative to chemical pesticides to control fleas and ticks.

A December, 2011 press release issued by the law firm Green & Associates announced that class-action lawsuits against makers of pesticide-based “spot-on” (aka topical) flea and tick products has prompted Ark Naturals CEO Susan Weiss to recommend that pet owners use a natural botanical alternative to effectively control fleas and ticks. (Just Google “lawsuits against flea and tick products” and you’ll see at least five different brands facing lawsuits, some include Sanofi-Aventis, Bayer, Merial and Sergeant’s.)

“The Green Associates’ press release was alarming and frightening at the same time,” said Ms. Weiss, whose Ark Naturals company has been marketing natural pet products for 16 years, including Flea Flicker! Tick Kicker!, a formula developed recently as a natural, botanical alternative to chemical pesticides in controlling fleas and ticks.

Fleas and ticks are a way of life for dogs and cats but controlling them is a matter of choice, and the “pesticide solution” – their words, not mine, “seems to be wrought with serious problems,” Ms. Weiss noted in the release.

Reports of dangerous side effects associated with spot-on flea and tick products date back far; the Natural Resources Defense Council released a report in 2000 called “Poisons on Pets: Health Hazards from Flea and Tick Products.”

The report revealed a link between chemicals commonly used in flea and tick products and serious health problems in both people and pets.

More recently, a 2008 study by The Center for Public Integrity reported at least 1,600 pet deaths (about one pet a day) related to spot-on treatments with pyrethroids to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over a five-year period, according to an analysis of EPA pesticide incident exposure data by the center. The report continued, saying pyrethroid-based flea and tick treatments — from Hartz, Sergeant’s, Farnam, and Bayer — are approved for sale by the EPA, and they are readily available at grocery stores, specialty pet retailers, and hardware stores. But they “have stirred the ire of pet owners…”

Moreover, the Center reported that pyrethroid spot-ons also account “for more than half of ‘major’ pesticide pet reactions reported to EPA over the last five years—that is, those incidents involving serious medical reactions such as brain damage, heart attacks, and violent seizures. In contrast, non-pyrethroid spot on treatments accounted for only about six percent of all major incidents.”

Ms. Weiss said that New Jersey class-action suits claim the EPA has done nothing to change the advertising, marketing or labeling of pesticide-based flea and tick products to alert pet-owners of the possible serious side-effects, which could include shivering, salivating, dilated pupils, vomiting, tremors and skin irritation.

The release goes on to say:  “Nancy Scanlan, DVM, Executive Director of theAmerican Holistic Veterinary Medical Association and past president of theVeterinary Botanical Medical Association, said she has long been aware of theproblems associated with the chemical and pesticide-based flea and tickproducts. “I prefer natural botanicals over pesticidesfor treating fleas and ticks and there are a number of good natural productsthat work without harsh side effects,” said Dr. Scanlan. “Herbal flea and tickproducts tend to be safer than pharmaceutical or pesticide flea and tickproducts, but all products that are formulated to rid pets of fleas and tickspose some percentage of risk.”

As a way of doing business Ark Naturalsprovides a full disclosure of its Flea Flicker! Tick Kicker! product and is oneof the few, if not the only company, that includes a “cautionary statement” onits website www.arknaturals.com.

Is this just a nice way of this CEO saying that she believes the lawsuits have done nothing – a safe way of her putting her opinion out there…? What do you think?

Now, I am going to take a second to tell you why I believe the EPA has “done nothing…”

As far as my research would take me, this is what I found:

As an honest media representative/blogger/writer/product reviewer, I am noting that in a 2009 report, the EPA, according to a Channel 5 News Report in Cleveland, blamed the vast majority of these unlikely incidents on misuse of the product – i.e., people putting on too much in one spot, the product dripping into an animal’s eyes/ears/mouth – which is specifically mentioned as a hazard on labels, plus, not letting the product set in or not rubbing it in thoroughly as advised on label, etc.

This means human/operator error — not product error.

Ark Naturals’ “natural botanical Flea Flicker! Tick Kicker! is labeled as GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe) by the EPA and FDA.

Generally?

Is that supposed to make us feel better about it???

It doesn’t make me feel better…

Anyhow, apparently, all you do to use Ark Naturals is spray on a light application, massage it into the animal’s coat, and it starts working immediately. As a way of doing business, Ark Naturals provides a disclosure of its product and includes a “cautionary statement” on its website.

Currently, nine class-action lawsuits are pending against makers of topical flea & tick products in the wake of an EPA investigation into safety of the pesticides used on dogs & cats.

Hartz, for example, is one of the most well-respected pet product companies in the world; mud-slinging campaigns aplenty have been waged against them online over the years because of the lawsuit against them.

I talked with a representative today from Hartz; this is what they say: 

1. The Hartz Mountain Corporation believes that all pets deserve the best care possible; safety is our #1 priority.

2. We are confident in the quality of our topical flea and tick products, including Hartz® UltraGuard® and Hartz® InControl® brands for dogs and cats, all of which are held to the same safety and efficacy testing standards and labeling direction as all EPA-registered flea and tick products.

3. Because safety is our number-one priority, we undertake rigorous clinical tests on all our products. All EPA-approved topical flea and tick products sold through retail channels are held to the same safety and efficacy testing standards as those brands purchased from veterinarians. Labeling direction mandated by the EPA is also consistent for all flea and tick prevention products sold through retail channels or veterinarian offices.

4. We are confident in the quality and safety of our products, and will continue to work with the EPA on labeling and other matters to make sure our consumers better understand the proper use of these products and use them with confidence. Hartz agrees with the EPA on the importance of carefully following label directions when applying topical flea and tick control products to pets.

5. Hartz flea and tick drops accounted for only 4.6 percent of all adverse effects reported to the EPA in 2010 for topical dog and cat flea and tick treatments. In addition, from 2008 to 2010, Hartz reduced the amount of adverse effects reported per total Hartz doses sold by over 38 percent.

6. Per the EPA, most reported incidents were classified as minor, meaning effects were minimally bothersome and rapidly resolved.

My position on this?          

 (If you care or know the ThoughtsFurPaws writers… here it is…!)

*** Kudos to a company for hopping on the “natural” bandwagon and making a product like this. ***

*** However; don’t EVER use the misfortune of those people who have lost animals or had pet injuries (due to the other products) to announce/promote/sell your own product – that’s just wrong… and it’s a fear-based PR tactic. ***

It’s bad public perception and (PR) manners to blast (however imperceptible) another company to get YOURS ahead…

I believe:

So to all you pet owners who HAVE had a pet injured or lost due to flea/tick topical applications: I am SO sorry for your loss or strife.

I cannot take a side as I am a professional and FAIR journalist… I’m simply reporting the pet world news!

- SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE HEARING ON SUB HB 14 -REPEAL OF BREED DISCRIMINATION

VICIOUS DOG (Sears, B.) To remove pit bulls from the definition of “vicious dog” in state law, to establish a process by which owners, keepers, or harborers of dogs that have been designated as nuisance, dangerous, or vicious may appeal that designation, to define a “nuisance dog,” to change the definitions of a “dangerous dog” and a “vicious dog,” to require the owner of a dangerous dog to obtain a dangerous dog registration certificate, to prohibit certain felons from owning dogs under certain conditions, and to change the penalties involving ownership of nuisance, dangerous, and vicious dogs. (REPORTED-AMENDED; 4th Hearing-All testimony-Possible amendments & vote)

The panel amended the bill before reporting it out of committee. The changes would:

–Waive the requirements relating to spaying and neutering dogs if the animals have a medical condition that would make doing so harmful to the dog.

  I will keep you posted everyone!

I was asked politely to post this — and I agreed…

… but I stipulated that I will not be endorsing the author’s point of view.

This post is about (supposed) “mean” things” that pet owners do their animals; some are plain old silly, some are natural, & some, I have no idea why the author wrote what she did…I’m not even giving the link juice out…

I do agree with a few – the actual mean one or two that are in here… the others, well, I just want my readers to see how bat-shit-crazy people are sometimes, and the things they will write to get attention and for the sake of controversy. (Trust me, ThoughtsFurPaws doesn’t need it).

You will notice that after some of these points I have listed a “point” of my own opinion…

Here goes:

“The relationship between a person and their pet is a powerful one, but every once in a while, pet owners take their love to a … new level of absurdity … downright meanness. Even seemingly innocent activities like pushing a cat in a stroller or putting bows in a dog’s hair can be torturous and … cruel. Unless you want your pet to hate you or feel like less of an animal, steer clear of these pet peeves of the pets. (Okay, that’s a cute saying…) Here are the 10 meanest things owners love to do to their pets.”

1. DRESS THEM UP: Today’s pet owners are obsessed with dressing up their dogs and cats in ridiculous costumes and clothing for holidays and virtually any occasion. As if being dressed isn’t humiliating enough, owners have the nerve to take their dressed up pets out in public. Let’s face it: pets hate clothes and accessories, so stop torturing them with such silly costumes.

2. PUT TAPE ON THEIR PAWS: THIS ONE I agree with… Pets withstand a lot of humiliation, but one of the meanest things that owners love to do to them is put office or Scotch tape on their paws. Pet owners have a blast watching cats and dogs squirm and stick to the floor with every sticky step. This seemingly innocent prank is actually just plain mean!

** I have seen this and it’s flat-out animal cruelty for one reason – because it SCARES the animal. They dont’ understand and are afraid. I believe that this factor makes this an actual mean thing to do… ***

Per #1, Franklin had a BLAST as Elmo at Halloween being dressed up!

3. WAKE THEM UP: There may be nothing cuter than a curled up kitten or a snoring dog, but that doesn’t mean it’s OK to wake them up when they’re sound asleep. Pet owners have no problem waking their furry friends as they catch some Zs, but we hate it when they do it back. Just like you wouldn’t wake a sleeping baby, you should resist the temptation to wake a sleeping pet.

4. TEASE THEM: Some pet owners are downright mean and love to tease their dogs and cats with toys and treats. You might get a good laugh watching your dog search relentlessly for a ball you never threw, but this kind of teasing can come back to bite you big time. Teasing and play-fighting can cause dogs to become aggressive and disobedient.

*** Special note, the author used the famous 2011 YouTube video, Ultimate Dog Tease for an example of this. That video was NUMBER ONE for the YEAR with MILLIONS of hits, and by no real means even teased the animal…. IT WAS A JOKE LADY

5. PUT CATS ON LEASHES: Let’s say it together: Dogs walk on leashes, not cats. Sadly, there are too many cat owners out there who don’t understand this concept. Cats don’t like leashes and probably never will. If your feline wants to walk with you, they’ll follow you without a leash.

6. MAKE THEM DANCE: Unless your dog is related to the salsa-dancing golden retriever on YouTube, he or she probably doesn’t like to dance. And cats? Forget about it. People love to swing around their pets and make them stand up and dance against their will, but this cruel activity often ends in biting, scratching, and a hatred for dancing.

7. PAINT THEIR NAILS: Some pet owners have taken dog grooming to whole other level of wacky by getting their pooches’ nails primped and polished. And the worst part is male dogs are also at risk of having their nails painted. When will people learn that pets are animals and not dolls?

*** While not mean, I kinda think this is a bit too much, but I think I feel that way becuase I had early over-exposure to it when I lived in The OC. All the seriously wealthy women came into Nordy where I worked with their pimped out Pomeranians… getting manis and pedis and I was shocked because the dogs didn‘t like it… ** If your dog enjoys it – by all means, it’s cute as hell - but if she doesn’t, maybe think twice next time about some large thing coming at you with stinky colored stuff and scissors and clippers…

8. PUT THEM IN STROLLERS AND PURSES: Four-legged creatures are meant to walk, not be strolled or carried by their owners everywhere they go. You might think you’re spoiling your dog or cat by toting them in a stroller or bag, but you’re actually humiliating them and taking away valuable exercise time.

*** Um, how else are you supposed to carry a teacup breed in the 21st century – hee hee???? ****

*** And Im sure any dog who is spoiled enough to get a free ride in a Fendi gets PLENTY of exercise….! ***

9. PUT THEIR EMBARRASING MOMEN TS ON YOUTUBE: Pet owners get a lot of entertainment from watching their dogs and cats every day, but that doesn’t mean you should share their embarrassing moments with the whole world. Pet owners love to videotape their animals playing, sleeping, and making complete fools of themselves and put these moments on YouTube for all to see.

*** Are you a… something not smart??? One of the greatest joys of pet ownership is sharing your fur-baby’s silly antics with other pet-lovers – online or where ever – blockhead. ****

10. TAKE GLAMOUR SHOTS: You may love to take photos of your fur babies, but some people go as far as having them professionally photographed. Although some dogs and cats can sit still for a photo session, most don’t have the patience for stillness, bright lights, and the silly props that come with most pet glamour shots.

Let me know what you think… are these things mean – or are they normal and natural? OR BOTH? What’s your opinion?

And to the original author – please take no offense to me calling you a blockhead; but I disagree and believe this is horse-puckey.

The most-interesting and very inspiring book, Pure Gold, about Holli Pfau, a Golden lover and all-around friend to animals, rescuer, and how she came about having SIX rescues and was able to train them, is enlightening, inspiring, and full of love, hope, and stirring stories that make you laugh, cry and talk/laugh out loud all at the same time. (“Hey – Benson did that SAME thing when we first trained him!!”)

Pfau’s dogs “guided” her to a career in animal-assisted therapy, sending her into wilderness adventures in one of my favorite places on the entire Earth — the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.

Her dogs: Nikki, Bodie, Tucker, Sophie, Daisy and Chatter each have their own little personality quarks that will warm your soul as you leaf through the pages – turning each one with more fury than the previous so you can find out what happens next…

Along the way or rescuing and training and bringing up these guys, she decided to add “rally obedience” and agility to the assortment of activities for the dogs. In each and every case, the golden-colored, sweet-hearted and level-headed dogs led her along the way…

Thus, Pure Gold is a tale of the unexpected escapades that come up when you have one (or SIX!) wonderful Retrievers – and it also, in great detail, tells the reader in narrative form and with humor and wit, of the fruitfulness of one’s life who owns rescued dogs…

Holli Pfau and two of her Golden rescues

Pfau totally nails the kinship that is formed between rescuer and “rescuee” if you ask me… although my family and I have rescued mostly cats, and only one Golden (Gibson – the white one), I personally also helped to rescue and recover a puppy mill Basset Hound and have been part of the rescue of many other animals through my volunteer work.

*** Pfau has a blog on the website you should check out: one of my favorite blog posts – “The dogs made me do it.” ***

This detail was taken from the Pure Gold website:

“Inspired by the lives, antics and talents of her six rescued or second-hand golden retrievers, Holli Pfau wrote Pure Gold to support the efforts of Golden Retriever Rescue and other dog rescue and adoption programs.”

Chatter the Rescue...

Pfau says on the website that she wrote Pure Gold to assist in efforts to rescue and place Golden Retrievers and other dogs in their forever homes. Fundraising for rescue is a special program available to 501(c)(3) non-profit dog rescue organizations, humane societies and shelters across the country. These groups can purchase autographed copies of Pure Gold at the wholesale price, sell the book at list price, and retain all profits for their programs.

BRAVO Pfau… BRAVO.

Some organizations that are supported by Holli and the profits of this book include:

Golden Retriever Club of America (GRCA) and Land of Pure Gold Foundation…

*** On my account, (coming from a total bookworm here as well as a rescue advocate and Golden-obsessed dog-lover), this book gets a full FIVE STARS!! You guys must got and read it! Check out puregoldbook.com for more information, fun pictures, blog posts, author information and cool stuff about each pooch! ***

Last week, Henry and Franklin started the renowned Eukanuba 28-Day Challenge; Henry is on Senior Formula and Franklin on Joint Formula.

Here is their initial post.

Here are some basic Q and A I wanted to show my readers that the generous folks at Eukanuba asked…

What was your first impression of the new packaging of the Eukanuba food?

The packaging was nothing that was out of the ordinary. I was pleased that it explained in bold big letters what type of food it was and had pointed out the positives of that specific formula. I like the bright colors of the bags, too – makes it stand out among others I think, as does the large dog picture! As a marketing professional (though not familiar with “shelf marketing”), the colors, fonts, and pictures combine to make an intriguing yet not confusing or overwhelming package.

What do you think of the ingredients of the Eukanuba formula that you received?

Henry with his new Eukanuba

Franklin is a former puppy mill stud and spent the first 5 years of his life in a cage in Holmes County, Ohio. This did untold damage to his joints, bones, muscle tissue, etc., particularly in his legs since the Basset by nature has such teeny legs, but Frank has especially taut joints. The Custom Care Healthy Joints Formula was what I chose for Franklin. The ingredients were the reason I chose it… The vet said we could supplement him with Glucosamine and Chondroitin, but also recommended finding a food with L-Carnitine, which helps to burn fat properly and will help Frank achieve the ideal weight, in turn, helping him maintain joint health. He is getting better and better with more exercise, but even the vet recommended a special Joint food/formula before the Challenge started to help his little legs support his behemoth Basset body!

Was there something specific that appealed to you about the Eukanuba formula that you selected for your dog?

Well, I wanted to get a senior formula for Henry because he is over 10 and is very quickly showing signs of aging. He has significantly slowed down, become even more ornery, and whinier, more needy, and definitely takes his dear old time doing absolutely anything! He has bad breath, is slow moving, has lots of tummy trouble, and bad skin problems.

I’m hoping the protein, fat, vitamins and minerals in the senior formula will enhance his appearance (skin and coat) with the private OmegaCoat® formula, which has premium levels of Omega 6 and 3 fatty acids to promote skin and coat health. We also want the food to help him have less upset tummy issues; I was turned on by the other Eukanuba “secret ingredient,” (that’s what I told Henry it was), the “FOS.” According to the site, almost 70% of your dog’s immune system is found in the digestive tract. Also, since it has “an exclusive formulation of fiber with beet pulp…” and this FOS, we hope he has less diarrhea – let’s just say it. We want solid poops, more often and more consistently. Eukanuba Senior foods also contain antioxidants so Henry will get sick less often, we hope… Antioxidants help maintain their immune system.

Also, the senior formula is what I’m hoping will help Henry the Horrible’s HORRIBLY bad breath. The smart folks at Eukanuba put “DentaDefense” in the food – which is clinically proven to reduce tartar in 28 days!!

What did you think of the food (texture, appearance, smell) when you first poured it into your dog’s bowl?

Intriguing, enticing, flavorful (for them): they literally DOVE into the bowl and have so looked forward to every meal this week!! I know it felt different than other foods we’ve used – it was more moist, almost like it was dipped in liquid flavoring or something…

How did your dog react the first time you fed him the Eukanuba food?

They were so happy, they wanted to eat more.  Franklin is usually quite reserved while eating – he started to wag his tail and eat at the same time, which is a first for him…

They both proceeded to totally wolf it down, which is weird for Franklin, who is an historically slow and picky eater. Henry guarded his food and licked it multiple times before gulping it down. Franklin took his time, cherishing each little bite, grabbing no more than 6 or 7 pieces of kibble at once so he could enjoy it as much as possible.  They totally savored the flavors…

They were instantly turned on.

♥ In the Smith house, we are looking forward to Week Two… thank you, Eukanuba! ♥

So my favorite Basset Hounds in the world, Franklin the puppy mill rescue many of you have read about (read here and here), and Henry, the ornery, senior, speckled Basset Hound, who I sometimes refer to as Henry the Horrible, and who my sister calls the “Speckled Hen” because of the adorable spots all over his under-belly, will be taking the amazing Eukanuba 28-Day Challenge thanks to the oh-so-generous folks at (P&G Pet Care and) Eukanuba.

— We are setting off with Senior Formula (for Henry) and Joint Formula (for Franklin). —

Franklin Lauding Eukanuba, His New Fave...!

These sweet and rambunctious boys have gone from one food to another in recent times as the economy slowed and funds for premium food has slowly diminished. Most of the time they were eating Noutrish, which they did like, or another “over-the-counter” good food.

However, we have always wanted to try out Eukanuba…

When we heard about the Challenge, we thought it would be great to see if we could actually see a visible change in them (like so many past participants purport…), in their coats, their eyes, their movement, their energy and/or something else tangible. After all, the 28-Day Challenge has a seriously good reputation.

** Henry in particular is aging quite quickly (he is 10) and is getting more irritable and a hell of a lot slower as he goes. We’re hoping the Senior Formula can help – well welcome it with open arms.

** And for Franklin, he has joint issues because he sat in a cage at a puppy mill in Holmes County, Ohio, (aka “Puppy Mill Country, Ohio”) for the first 4.5 years of his life…

So let’s try this out!

You guys will read my first week’s review NEXT Wednesday.

The feeding of Eukanuba starts today; and yes, I am a bit behind the other Challengers as we had some issues here at home.

Anyhow, we are stoked — we’ve heard such great things about the Challenge already and can’t wait to let you know what we uncover! Keep posted – we’ll check in again a week from today!

♥Jaime, Frank, Henry and Ashly Smith♥

*** This is my second official post on the fabulous and fantastic We Are Pet Nation. Please guys, come and check it out: awesome site, no bull**it, real news, funny stories, and lots of great animal welfare updates via, who else… ME?! *** Here goes….

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Animal welfare advocates should pick a passion when it comes to fighting for our favorite four-legged friends… I guess a better way of saying “pick a passion” is, “choose your battles.”

Yes, I mean battles– plural.

Fellow bloggers and I (on right) at BlogPaws, learning to advocate!

One step at a time, you can do it.

Whether you are waging a campaign to overturn BSL, are arguing with Council for stiffer animal cruelty penalties, or are going to a state /national level with a fight like the one I discussed about puppy mill legislation, you have to focus on one thing; it’s imperative to do this first. As much as we want to run out and change all the laws, save all the animals, get every pet “fixed,” and put every cat and dog into a home, we must take small steps if we want to change the world. (And I firmly believe that one person can change the world because I have seen it.)

Call me a believer; call me an optimist. But if you’re going out there to fight the “fat cats” (no pun intended), particularly ones with deep pockets, you should be, too. Otherwise, you may get knocked down the first week… So – hone in on one thing to achieve first. Also – set realistic goals, even if you take baby steps.

And remember – always, always believe in yourself. Do not yield. To anyone. To any statement made against you. To anything. Carry courage in conviction everywhere you go. Now read on and then you’re ready to roll…

To be successful in advocating for animals in your city or area:

1. Find supporters who are willing to walk the line… find some who are super-intelligent and can talk politics, some who have connections (and, if you’re indeed trying to pass/overturn legislation, find some who are willing to strongly voice opinions to ANY audience). You’ll need volunteers and campaign coordinators willing to stand in the snow carrying signs, getting signature on petitions, and some to “pester” locals by handing out brochures, getting more signatures on petitions, and approaching people who are attending pet shows, conferences, & gatherings or going into pet stores/malls.  (Please see number 4 before completing this.)

To read the other nine tips, and some more great information about animal welfare advocacy and how to achieve success in doing it locally where you live, check out this link.