03.24.07 Pet Food Recall – Labels

The Pet Food Recall – a tragic situation
A lot of us were very surprised that one manufacturer was producing so many different brands, labels, price points all including one very inexpensive ingredient – wheat gluten.
Things we can begin to do:
Research companies who make the products you are buying.
Read pet food labels; learn about the listed ingredients.
The AAFCO (American Association of Feed Control Officials) definition of gluten is: “the tough, viscid nitrogenous substance remaining when the flour or wheat or other grain is washed to remove the starch”.
Let’s learn as much as we can from this widespread tragedy to protect our pets and try to evoke change in an industry that has become full of using off-cast foods.
Remember to tell your elderly neighbors or family members who may not be aware of the gravity of this situation. Help them be sure they are not feeding a recalled product since the list of brand names is extensive.
Most of the grains or grain-parts (wheat, corn and soy) that are included as a protein source instead of meat are hard to digest and sometimes even trigger allergies. Watch for alternative protein sources such as meats and rice which are easier to digest and sometimes cause less allergic reactions.
Things to consider as you research pet food:
How do they respond to a basic customer service question?
How do they respond to a question about nutritional value of an ingredient?
Do they use whole food or organic ingredients?
What are there features that set them apart from other pet foods?
What are the company’s values?
Is the company privately owned? Are they willing to disclose who they are owned by?
Will they disclose if they make their own products or contract out the manufacturing to another vendor?
Pet owners must sort through the great marketing and pretty packages and take the time to understand the best option available for their budget. Unfortunately, there are products on the shelves that are sub-standard.
As more pet parents begin to learn about the quality of their pet food, maybe the industry will be forced to use better quality ingredients in pet food products.
Please consider taking your pet to the veterinarian if you pet has consumed any of the products on the recall list. Please do not wait for the symptoms to begin to show. Since this is a type of poisoning, if treatment can be received before kidney failure begins, it may be possible to keep your pet from going into kidney failure. With an exam, bloodwork and a urinalysis, the veterinarian may possibly be able to detect a problem and treat it before it is too late.

03.21.07 Pet Food Recall Info

The pet food recall this week has really had tragic results for many families with pets.
Here’s some information if you’re pet has consumed canned or pouch food from any of the recalled brands.
Please consult your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet has symptoms associated with kidney disease. Symptoms may include increase in urination, increased water consumption, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and loss of appetite.

Your veterinarian will most likely recommend the following list of initial treatment items:
. Physical Exam
. Blood sample to test internal organ function, blood cell count and electrolytes
. Urine sample collection for complete analysis
. Additional testing may be necessary depending on what the veterinarian discovers through the exam and initial testing.

The manufacturer, Menu Foods may be contacted at: 1.866.463.6738 or online at www.MenuFoods.com.

The companies listed below have labels from Menu Foods:

Authority – 1-866-738-7375
Award – 1-866-738-7375
Eukanuba – 1-800-882-1591 (www.eukanbua.com)
Grreat Choice – 1-866-738-7375
Hills/Science Diet – 1-800-445-5777 (www.hillspet.com)
Iams – 1-800-882-1591 (www.iams.com)
Mighty Dog – 1-800-778-7462 (www.purina.com)
Mixables – 1-303-768-8400 (www.varietypet.com)
Nutro – 1-800-833-5330 (www.nutroproducts.com)
Sophisticat – 1-866-738-7375

For a complete list of brands and labels:
http://media.corporate-ir.net/media_files/irol/19/196265/Customer_Handout.pdf

my geriatric gal

Has anyone read a book called: MAYA?
I can’t remember the author and I’m not 100% that is the entire title. The book is a great story about a guy and his love and devotion to his dog. It takes the reader through his last days with Maya. I would love to get my hands on it again…to re-read it during this time.

As I am care-taking Manda, my 17 year old Pom who has had our hearts since she entered this world, I am reminded of this book. We have been through so much together over the last 17 years! As you’ve read in previous blogs about my dogs, they are a huge part of our lives and bring me much joy.

Manda shows so much love and dedication to me, how could I even consider turning my back on her now? While she is so ill, she is still bright and alert. She still runs to greet me with a wagging tail and kisses. She still spins in circles with excitement.

Is it a lot of work? Is it inconvenient? Is it worth it? Is it keeping her from suffering? Yes to all of the above. She will begin at home “sub-q” treatments next week.

Is she going to get better? Is it an investment that is going to offer financial returns? No to both. We have no idea how many days, weeks or even months she may be with us. We want each and everyday that she has left to be as good as possible.

Manda had bloodwork done this week. She has been receiving treatment for over 1 year for her heart and trachea. Now, she is in full blown kidney failure and she is anemic along with being in heart failure. The meds to treat either the heart or the kidneys work against each other and the other organ involved. We are simply doing the best we can for our dog who has given so much to us over the years.

It’s not that I have tons of money and it is easy to just spend money on her. It is a sacrifice that we are willing to make because it needs done.

I feel God gave me this little creature and it is my responsibility to take care of her in the best way possible. That doesn’t mean I ignore signs and symptoms allowing her to suffer, wishing the problem would go away and wait on her to die. That doesn’t mean I go to all possible life saving and trial measures such as transplants.

The veterinarian cried with me at the clinic and over the phone with results. I’m a major animal lover. I’m one of those who doesn’t even kill a fly or spider that gets in the house. I catch them and put them back outside. I cried when a opossum ran out in front of the car and my hubby couldn’t miss it. I really wonder where I came from sometimes. I have no idea where or how I developed such a love for animals. I didn’t grow up with animals lovers but at a young age I began rescuing animals! For some reason, God made me this way!

I hope I can have the courage necessary to continue taking care of her in the best way possible. I find myself trying to touch her more, look at her more and enjoy our last times together even more.

Nedd and Manda

The Joy MY Dogs Bring to Me…

Nedd waking up happy everyday
Nedd digging through his toy box looking for whatever toy he’s ready to use
Nedd’s love and enjoyment of life
Nedd’s devotion to Marty

Nedd and Manda being cuddly
Nedd and Manda’s unconditional love and admiration
Nedd and Manda’s desire to please
Nedd and Manda’s appreciation of a simple touch
Nedd and Manda’s love of just hanging out together with us

Manda being demanding
Manda’s undeniable confidence in me
Manda’s courage when she use to be able to hear a noise
Manda’s fearless attitude

You can see a lot of pictures of them on my shoutlife page under “OUR DOGS”.

Visit Manda’s Dogster Page at:
http://www.dogster.com/dogs/243824

Visit Nedd’s Dogster Page at:
http://www.dogster.com/dogs/243859

I’m ALMOST one of “those” pet people! I’m so thankful God created these special creatures which add so much joy and companionship to my life.