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.).

Thank you so so much to all the kind folks at Eukanuba and Dogtime Media who were able to get Franklin and Henry into the 28-Day Challenge, first of all…

Second, we knew going in that Proctor and Gamble Pet Care Division has an awesome reputation – our kittehs eat only IAMS wet and dry food and eat health treats too.

However… we are eternally grateful because we have seen such an amazing change in the exterior and the temperament of both our precious pooches, Franklin and Henry, with the Eukanuba formulas they are on. Eukanuba asked me to, in 100 words or less, to sum up the best part. Here’s my word-for-word answer:

100 words or less is tough for me, but here goes… Franklin and Henry were never just “good” dogs; they have always been extraordinary. Their health, on the other hand, WAS NOT.

However, as of now:

-          Franklin and Henry are going “number two” three times a day — regularly

-          Their coats are super-shiny

-          Their breath is fresher

-          Their teeth are cleaner

-          They have adapted so well to the food that they eat slower and enjoy it!

Considering they are seriously picky eaters and that Bassets are inherent with problems when not bred right (and that Frank is a former puppy mill stud), this is all fantastic news.

Are you planning to feed your dog Eukanuba moving forward?

Franklin the Former Puppy Mill Stud Dog

Yes, they absolutely love it!!! We can’t imagine going back at this point…

What was the best part of the Challenge?

The best part of the Challenge has been over the last two weeks… oh yeah – also the change in their breath and their coats! These two things are just so obvious that even neighbors (when on walks) and people/friends at dog parks have asked us what’s changed!

We said “Eukanuba” and have been answered in shock with SO MANY “NO WAYS!!” that it’s remarkable!! People just can’t believe a food (what I now call a SUPER FOOD for dogs) like Eukanuba’s Custom Care Joint Formula or Eukanuba Senior Maintenance Formula, which Franklin and Henry are getting respectively, can have so much of an effect! It’s like humans eating kale and almonds and avocado and mangoes or something!!! A little of this helps that part and a bit of that helps this part!! LOL! Do you know what I mean? They are getting EVERYTHING they need in one food – vitamins, minerals, supplements, and special ingredients that help their little bodies prepare for life better.

We also really love the Eukanuba 28-Day Challenge Facebook page the organization put up to document everyone else’s experiences! It’s fun to see pictures and read stories like ours!

 What did you learn about your dog from the Challenge?

We learned that they can actually eat slowly and enjoy their good; that they are smarter than they know; that they are bright-eyed and bushy-tailed no matter what time of day it is, and that they are the most extraordinary dogs and most well-loved animals in the ‘hood ♥ ♥

Would you recommend feeding Eukanuba to others?

♥ ♥ ABSO-FRIGGIN-LUTELY!!!!!!!!!!Any day of any week, any breed of any age. It’s our super power poodle food. (We call all dogs poodles in this family…)

And as the Hounds would say, “Baarrrrugala….!”

So here are two BIG Super Bowl ads you simply cannot miss this Sunday as they have our four-legged friends as the main attraction…

Funny Super Bowl ads from years passed featuring dogs and cats (or other animals as the main performers) have always been big hits! The past performers have always big big passed performers!!

So you must check out the just-released video link to the highly anticipated follow-up to the Darth Vader VW commercial:

“The Dog Strikes Back” (had tears of laughter from this one – first part is WAY funnier than second part)

“]

VW Super Bowl Dog Ad [Image Courtesy DesignYouTrust.com

According to Todd Wasserman’s post on Mashable Business, where I got it: “A chubby dog gets in shape to chase a Beetle in Volkswagen’s long-awaited sequel to its “The Force” Super Bowl ad from last year.

“And don’t worry, there’s a shout out to Star Wars as well.”

Is He a Bit Chubby? YES. Adorable? YES. Wanna Take Him Home? YES. Hilarious? YES!

Keep in mind, the #1 Most Shared Super Bowl Ad this year is “The Barkside:” VW’s 2011 Tribute: “The sequel to the most-shared ad of last year’s Super Bowl, and of all of 2011 for that matter, is leading the pack this year. Volkswagen released this video last week showing dogs barking to the tune of Star Wars’ “The Imperial March.” So does that mean there will be dogs in this year’s ad? More Star Wars? We’ll know soon enough,” Wasserman said on Mashable.

——- ***** ——-

♦ ♦ ◊ ◊ Now there is also THIS hilarious (and SUPER-CUTE!) one to watch out for – from the animal-loving ‘wilderness’ car company, Suzuki ◊ ◊ ♦ ♦

For the second year, Suzuki is throwing its ad/marketing hat into the ring during the Super Bowl with “Sled.”

The stars of Suzuki’s commercial (in addition to its Kizashi sports sedan, of course) this year, however, are of the four-legged variety Our favorite kind ∞

The sled dog team featured in “Sled” are actual snow dogs that Suzuki found at a touring company in Alberta, Canada, near where the ad was shot. The actor dogs were coordinated/handled by Flo Krisko, one of the most respected animal coordinators and trainers in the Motion Picture Association of America. All dogs were securely harnessed in while in the vehicle and a representative from the American Humane Association’s Film and Television Unit attended the “Sled” shoot.

“Sled“

2012 Super Bowl Spot Suzuki Dogs

American Suzuki Motor Corp. today premiered the final version of its 2012 Super Bowl commercial – entitled “Sled” – on its Facebook (www.Facebook.com/SuzukiAuto) and YouTube pages. After previewing its big game ad last week, Suzuki upgraded the music in its television spot with a music track by well-known rapper 50 Cent. The artist’s song “Movin On Up” is fitting for Suzuki’s “Sled” advertisement, which illustrates the exhilaration one can receive from upgrading their ordinary daily driver with a more entertaining mode of transportation. In the ad, an Eskimo trades in his dog-powered snow sled for an all-wheel-drive 2012 Kizashi sport sedan. 

Developed by El Segundo, Calif.-based advertising agency Siltanen & Partners Advertising, Suzuki’s “Sled” television spot is set in an isolated mountain location. “Sled” opens with an early morning scene where an Eskimo and his dogsled team ride off into the horizon. As the landscape changes from morning to evening, the quiet still of the frozen tundra gives way to vibrations and a hint of something new in the distance. A Kizashi – accompanied by 50 Cent’s “Movin On Up” – comes driving into view with one of the Huskies’ heads sticking out of the front passenger window enjoying its owner’s new mode of transport. The spot then cuts to the interior of the vehicle, revealing the other sled dogs buckled into the back seat and the Eskimo behind the wheel of the Kizashi – all of whom are digging the lavish accommodations and warm interior of the car, while bumping their heads and tapping their paws to the song’s beat. The Eskimo pulls up to his igloo and his wife comes out to greet him. With a puzzled look on her face, and in her native Inuit tongue, she asks, “Where’s the sled?” The man replies, “I traded it in,” (the conversation is subtitled in English).

A Suzuki Super Bowl Pup Enjoying a Pooch Pastime!

Suzuki’s 2012 Super Bowl spot will air both in 60-second and 30-second formats in the company’s top retail locations across the U.S. “Sled” will continue to run following the Super Bowl in conjunction with a new Suzuki advertising campaign scheduled to debut in March.

In addition, starting on Super Bowl Sunday, Suzuki will give away BARKCODE® tags to the first 1,000 consumers to register on www.KizashiKicks.com/sled.

Each personalized pet identification tag has a scannable 2D code, making it easy for pet owners to be reunited with their four-legged friends when they are lost or even misplaced during a natural disaster.

COOLEST PART????

— With each tag that is ordered through the Kizashi Kicks website, BARKCODE®, on behalf of Suzuki, will donate $3 to the American Red Cross for disaster relief and preparation to help people and pets!!!!

* For additional information on BARKCODE®, please visit www.barkcode.com/.

** A PUPDATE with more previously unseen commercials with pets on the way tomorrow **

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.

This is your weekly PUPDATE on the Eukanuba 28-Day Challenge for Henry and Franklin, the famous Lakewood Basset Hounds!

Sorry the pupdate is late but Mom was out of town!

Peanu "Undercover Brother" after a LONG dog park night!

See our previous Eukanuba 28-Day Challenge posts here!

We cannot believe the FOURTH WEEK changes we are seeing on our Basset Hounds, which are known for being inherently ornery, bossy, lazy and driven by their noses…

They have lost or gained weight where necessary; they actually enjoy their mealtimes now, and they have benefited in other ways individually in totally unexplainable ways.

So due to serious time restraints, here is the Q/A we were sent:

What physical changes are you noticing the most?

Activity level for sure – they are up and ready in the morning and evening after dinner to go to Lakewood Dog Park (which is having a Super Bowl Fundraiser Dog Pawty) and cause a ruckus! Franklin just will not be quiet or calm down until we go to the park or for a long walk; it’s so obvious that he feels younger. It’s difficult to explain when you aren’t seeing it first-hand, which is why I am going to tell anyone reading this to try the Eukanuba 28-Day Challenge next time it’s offered!

We’re also noticing that they aren’t shedding as much, but when they do, we notice it’s silky fur and easy to brush right off… Their coats are so shiny now that our friend at Lakewood Dog Park asked what kind of shampoo we use! We I shocked him when we said it’s not the shampoo, it’s the food!

Is your dog still enthusiastic about the food?

Oh yeah: they enjoy every bit of kibble.

Henry has actually slowed down so he tastes and enjoys the kibble – he doesn’t just inhale it! This is what we WANTED!

Have you seen any changes in your dog’s weight (maintained weight, shed a few pounds)?

♥ Henry has lost three pounds total — perfect! Franklin has gained four – PERFECT ♥

What has surprised you the most about your dog on Eukanuba?

We had never expected THAT ONE FOOD CAN DO SO SO MUCH for our dogs. What really has surprised us the most is their personalities — they are seriously – HAPPIER DOGS overall — due to this food.

And we think it’s because Henry and Franklin’s senior and joint issues, respectively, have changed.

So thank you Eukanuba and we will be back in a few days with the wrap-up!

  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!

So the Basset Hounds (aka, the “Bass-sais,” or “Bass – saze,” like they’re French or something, lol), have shown amazing improvement in so many areas

since they started Eukanuba’s 28-Day Challenge just a bit over 3 weeks ago…

(First post here, second post with updates here…)

*** Certain areas of progress are uncanny in a fantastic way, absolutely remarkable.***

So I put together answers to some Q’s that were asked for you all to peruse so you could read about what we’re seeing first-hand over here….

1. YES – we are noticing major physical changes to the dogs… AND improved muscle tone!

Oh my gosh – Henry lost two pounds and Franklin gained 1.8– which is EXACTLY what needed to happen (according to the vet’s weight the last time they went in for a check-up (early December))!! Hoorah!

Peanut after one of his newfound LONG walks on Eukanuba!

Franklin’s muscles are actually showing more now; before this he was a bit weak – mostly from the puppy mill background and from him spending 4.5 years crouching, sitting, stooping and not moving EVER inside an Amish Puppy Mill cage. Even though it’s been almost exactly three years since he’s been saved and we’ve worked with him regularly by walking, exercising and playing with him, it’s very difficult to develop muscle tissue in his damaged hind legs correctly because his joints have permanent damage and he suffered stunted growth.

This Eukanuba Healthy Joints Formula has so many healthy supplements in such great levels. We think the animal-based proteins are seriously contributing to the muscle build-up, particularly in Frank’s back legs, because in order to build muscle you need to have healthy joints first, right? (That’s what we read anyways….)

2. The dogs are both more active and have NOTICEABLE added energy on runs/walks…

They are both more active THEN EVER – I mean, Henry is back to being a lean Basset machine on a leash… He leads the brigade, pulling and yanking and squawking (he always has felt the need to announce his presence) while we walk down the street; Franklin is RIGHT on his tail… He was, for a while there, lollygagging quite a bit. Sometimes Frank-N-Beans would even sit and stop (literally) on the sidewalk… For a while he didn’t know what a walk was, and then, oftentimes, once he knew, he didn’t want to go… then we realized he needed a harness as he despises the control and discomfort (and probably painful memories of) neck-leashes…

Anyhow, when he held up the group (there were 2 foster Bassets and 2 permanent at that time, so we walked them in twos, sometimes threes depending on who had extra calories to burn or poops to take) Henry would shoot  Franklin dirty glares if he held up the brigade by stopping (SO funny…)!

Not anymore…. These two are rearing to go at least twice a day now, and they are wrestling around with each other in the house all the time!! It’s like they’re little balls of entropy like a couple of new kittens or something!

In general, too, though, they are both more active.

Frank resting up with Grace after an energetic long walk on Eukanuba!

They are playing with each other more and Henry has taken up playing with toys like a sassy-pants again instead of tiring out after 3 minutes.

3. They both have had significant changes in appearance: 

Coat, eyes, ears and teeth are much shinier and cleaner, respectively, since starting and always eating Eukanuba. (Check out the pix of Henry’s clean ears to the right…!)

We have really noticed their teeth being cleaner, too, and it also seems their breath isn’t as bad for some odd reason.

Perhaps the best part of all of this testing, no matter how odd this seems, is that Henry HAS SOLID POOP EVERY DAY consistently.

And Frank has a consistent timing/pattern or pooping now. IT’S AMAZING!

♥ ♥ So stay tuned for the final (fourth) week next week of the Eukanuba 28-Day Challenge! We can’t wait to see the final, final results and share them ♥ ♥

- 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!

So on we march toward the end of the 28-day Eukanuba Challenge... and Franklin the Puppy Mill Rescue and Henry the Horrible (aka “The Rebellious Basset“) are JUST LOVING it… (check out the first week’s post here please!)

Between:

- the delicious taste of this new-found food

- the delights of how it’s making them feel on the inside, and

- the wonderful effects it’s showing on their outsides

we can’t be happier with Eukanuba’s Senior Formula and Joint Formula, which Henry and Franklin are getting respectively!

We have noticed that both dogs’ appearance seems to be slightly changing in that their coats are definitely shinier. Another plus (although not appearance-related)? Their breath seems to be less stinky!!

Seriously—already!

WE ♥ EUKANUBA!

We noticed an increase in play drive and energy already as well. I mean, we’ve DEFINITELY seen a change in both of these guys, who generally reserved much of the day for napping (Hounds are lazy by nature).  They are usually very excited to go for walks but slow down towards the end.

** This week they have both stayed three steps ahead the whole time, and for Basset Hounds, that’s saying a lot!! 

We’re also encouraged that both boys have been reacting in a positive way towards the food; they’re excited to eat it and are finishing every single little lick, bite, piece and crumb.

Horrible Henry Sniffing Around, Trying to Bust Into the Food Bags!

I think the biggest thing, however, that we’ve noticed is the same as last week… Frank has INHERENTLY been sketchy about eating in the past, we believe and have been told that’s due to his up-bringing in a puppy mill.  Most of the time you have to sit with him while he eats or coax him with little treats in the food and a few pats while he’s chewing – you definitely can’t leave the floor – you have to sit next to him ’til he’s finished.

*** ♥♥ Since the switch to Eukanuba Franklin has started and finished every meal on his own. ♥♥ ***

THIS IS HUGE!!!

Stay tuned for Week Three of the Eukanuba Challenge next Wednesday!

And thanks, Eukanuba! Henry and Frank already feel better!

In mid-December, IAMS and the Home 4 the Holidays (IH4TH) team helped ring the opening bell at the NYSE with some unspeakably adorable four-legged friends from Bideawee, a rescue organization participating in the program that has several locations in New York…!

IAMS, HWAC and Fur-Babies Open NYSE in December

According to the website, Bideawee is “a community of compassionate caregivers, volunteers, and friends dedicated to helping people and animals build safe, loving, long-term relationships.”

Anyhow, take a look at the cute pix from the NYSE day – and also, check out the latest information below about the IAMS Home for the Holidays program — its almost done! Our progress is AWESOME and totally noteworthy…

** 1,074,532 pets adopted since Oct. 1, 2011 – Our goal is to help 1.5 million pets get into loving forever homes…

** 4,998,792 meals donated through Bags 4 Bowls since Oct. 1, 2011 – Our goal is to give 5 million

You, as readers, can continue to help spread the word about the importance of pet adoption, and encourage friends to get involved and make a difference for the homeless animals in our country.

Trader Christopher Carella and Mabel, a dog up for adoption through IH4TH

Here are some easy (and fun) ways to help:

Adoption Announcement & Holiday Cards: 

Visit Facebook.com/Iams and share your creation with your friends… meals will be donated to pets in need.

Badges:

♥ Go to the Iams Facebook page to download and share “Paw It Forward” badges touting whether you’ve donated, volunteered or adopted! ♥

♥♥ In case you forgot, IAMS Home for the Holidays is the world-famous adoption program started by Helen Woodward Animal Center (HWAC) and their President, Mike Arms (my personal hero). Since it’s inception, the program has homed over 5.7 million homeless animals. ♥♥

♥♥ For more information, check out HWAC and IAMS. ♥♥