Adopt through your local shelter your next pet :)

The HSUS Says Key Lawmakers are Absolutely Right in Pressing to Repeal Puppy
Tax on Shelters and Rescues

Full Missouri Legislature Should Take Action to Undo Damage of Unfair Taxes

(March 28, 2012) -The Humane Society of the United States expresses its
thanks to Missouri State Rep. Noel Torpey, R-52, and seven co-sponsors for
introducing House Bill 1934, which would repeal a new state tax forced on
local animal shelters and rescue groups.

This legislation, which follows a bill introduced earlier this year by Rep.
Jeanne Kirkton, D-91, shows bipartisan support among key leaders in the
General Assembly to respect the will of the voters and repeal this unfair
and punitive shelter tax. The HSUS began pressing for repeal of this tax as
soon as it came to light after last year's effort to undo portions of the
voter-approved ballot measure setting standards for the care of dogs in
large-scale puppy mills. H.B. 1934 has a hearing in the House Ways and Means
Committee on Thursday, March 29, and The HSUS urges the committee and the
full legislature to swiftly pass the bill.

"We applaud the introduction of this bill and are optimistic that it will
pass quickly," said Anne Sterling, Midwest regional director for The Humane
Society of the United States. "The repeal of this unfair and punitive tax
will greatly enhance the ability of local animal shelters and rescue groups
in Missouri to provide for the welfare and safety of abused and abandoned
animals throughout the state."

H.B. 1934 will phase out the "puppy tax" over two years, and give the
Missouri Department of Agriculture the authority to grant hardship waivers
to non-profit organizations that have difficulty paying the tax before it is
completely repealed.

This legislation represents a strong signal from leaders of the General
Assembly that state lawmakers recognize the importance of respecting the
will of the voters and passing common-sense animal welfare measures
supported by the citizens of Missouri.

The legislation will help the state crack down on puppy mills that
masquerade as phony animal rescue groups. The Department of Agriculture has
already made great strides to crack down on these operators, but this
legislation will give the Department the ability to promptly deal with this
continuing problem.

The HSUS, along with Stray Rescue of St. Louis, Mo., and Dogwood Animal
Shelter in Osage Beach, also filed a constitutional challenge in Cole County
in 2011 to overturn the removal of the tax exemption.

-30-

Media Contact: Jordan Crump, 301-548-7793,
jcrump@humanesociety.org

Follow The HSUS on Twitter. See our work
for animals on your Apple or Android device by searching for our "HumaneTV"
app.

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal
protection organization - backed by 11 million Americans, or one of every
28. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the
protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs.
Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty - On the Web at
humanesociety.org.

The Humane Society of the United States
2100 L Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20037
humanesociety.org
Celebrating Animals, Confronting Cruelty

Models Against Pet Shops and Puppy Mills.

What do you get when you combine glamorous professional models with cute rescue dogs, including a puppy mill survivor? The feel-good grass-roots (socially conscious) cause campaign of 2012!

Based on a collaboration between The Companion Animal Protection Society (CAPS) and professional model Kiley Wirtz Jennings, the campaign is titled “Models Against Pet Shops and Puppy Mills.” The integrated media campaign seeks to inform and educate the public about the atrocities in puppy mills and the risks to consumers associated with buying dogs at pet shops supplied by these commercial breeding facilities. It also encourages the public to save a life by adopting rescue and shelter animals. Campaign elements include a Public Service Announcement (PSA), print advertisements, public relations, and a huge social media push spearheaded by CAPS Spokesmodel Beatrice, a sassy Basset Hound puppy mill survivor rescued by CAPS, who is also an enthusiastic vegan advocate.

Kiley first learned about CAPS after seeing a shocking video documentary, “CAPS vs. Bauck, How a Small Nonprofit Brought Down a Large Nonprofit,” on Vimeo (from a link on Facebook). The documentary follows the undercover employment of a CAPS investigator, who compiled the evidence necessary for Kathy Bauck, one of the largest and most notorious USDA-licensed dog brokers, to be convicted of animal cruelty, the prosecution and conviction, and the termination of Bauck’s USDA license.

Kiley, who has two rescue dogs, was so moved by the Bauck documentary that she reached out to CAPS Founder and President Deborah Howard, offering to donate her time and those of professional models, photographers, videographer, make-up artists and clothes stylists. The project was shot in Fort Worth, Texas.

We believe this campaign has the power to sensitize consumers to the cruel connection between pet shop puppies and puppy mills while moving them to affect change and encourage pet stores to adopt a new model… a more humane model that offers only shelter and rescue animals for adoption.

But we need your help in reaching a larger audience of dog lovers.

Be a social media champion!
Help us go viral by sharing this page on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn by clicking the Orange share button above. Or, after watching the Models PSA video below, roll your mouse over the right side of the screen and click on the blue share button.

Help us target the media.
If you know of any media contacts, please contact us. To extend the campaign, we are currently pitching TV talk shows like The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Today, The Rachael Ray Show, Good Morning America, and Anderson, among others. In addition, we are sending press kits to Lifestyle and Fashion magazines including Cosmopolitan, Martha Stewart Living, ELLE, Allure, InStyle and many more.

Subscribe to our eNewsletter.
You’ll receive thoughtful and meaningful content through The CAPS Communicator and CAPS Action Alerts. And, we NEVER share your email.

Donate online.
Click on the Red DONATE NOW button. With options starting as low as $20, your online donations, for 2012, will go directly to help us buy media space for our Public Service Announcements and print advertisements.

Regardless of how you help, we hope you enjoy this multi-media campaign and thank you for visiting our website and supporting the CAPS mission. We'd also like to thank everybody who made this exciting project happen including our Hopes Angels models and everyone listed below:

Photo and Video credits: Hopes Angels Models: Hasmik Shaw, Nina Shaw, Maggie Parks, Kiley Wirtz Jennings, Brooke Tobolka, Anna Theunissen, Emily Williams, Natalie Quintanilla. Simon Lopez, Photographer and Retouch Artist; Zack McDowell, Videographer; Kimber Yanks, Head Clothing Stylist; Leah Peev, Clothing Stylist; Candace Henry, Clothing Stylist; Yvonne Coan, Makeup Artist; Nicole Webber, Makeup Artist; Lana Adams, Makeup Artist; Aaron Reeves, Dog Handler; Bryn Durham, Dog Handler; Ann Lopez, Set Crew Member; Levi Jennings, Kiley's Husband and Chief Caterer.

Rescue dogs courtesy of CAPS, Moka's Dog Rescue, and City Pet Rescue.

This is the Face of a Puppy Mill Dog from CAPS on Vimeo.

Does It Get Any Cuter?????

This is a dear friend of ours darling Son and precious rescue dog.......

Facebook Rejects Puppy Mill Ads for Good!
March 23, 2012

In response to concerns raised by the ASPCA and its national “No Pet Store Puppies” campaign, measures will be put in place to ensure that puppy mill dogs will no longer be sold via Marketplace on Facebook. The ASPCA is working with Facebook and Oodle, the online classifieds service that powers Marketplace on Facebook, to restrict listings of puppy mill dogs on the popular social media site. Through an ongoing removal process, ads placed by puppy mills have already started coming down. The process was designed to ensure that individuals may continue to post dogs available for a nominal adoption or rehoming fee.

The ASPCA believes that reducing Internet venues through which puppy mills can offer their dogs will help combat the inhumane puppy mill industry. Many puppies sold online come from puppy mills—these are large-scale, commercial facilities that commonly keep dogs in unsanitary, overcrowded and often cruel conditions without sufficient veterinary care, food, water or socialization.

"Removing an online platform for the cruel puppy mill industry sets a positive example of corporate citizenship and will help improve the lives of countless dogs," says ASPCA President and CEO Ed Sayres. "Most consumers are unaware they are perpetuating animal cruelty by purchasing a puppy online, and given the visibility of Marketplace on Facebook, this move has the potential to raise critical awareness about unscrupulous online breeders.”

Puppy mills that sell directly to consumers over the Internet are exempt from any federal oversight, allowing unregulated breeders to sell tens of thousands of puppies a year via online transactions. The Internet Crime Complaint Center notes that hundreds of complaints are filed every year from victims who are scammed when buying a dog online.

“Consumers who purchase a puppy from a website run the risk of acquiring an unhealthy animal and often end up with expensive vet bills and broken hearts,” said Cori Menkin, Senior Director of the ASPCA Puppy Mills Campaign. “We hope additional online retailers and classifieds listings will follow this example and stop providing a platform for puppy mill sales.”

To learn more about the ASPCA’s campaign to eradicate puppy mills and sign our pledge not to buy any items—including food, supplies or toys—from stores or websites that sell puppies, please visit www.NoPetStorePuppies.com .

Dogwood Animal Shelter in Osage Beach, MIssouri

This awesome shelter was established in 1976. They do not receive tax funding and are a 501 (c) charitable organization. They are supported entirely by donations, Dogwood Thrift Shop revenue, memberships and special fundraisers. They are a No-Kill shelter and low-cost spay and neuter clinic. They provide care and shelter for 250-300 dogs and cats consistently. They average 650-700 adoptions yearly which is a fabulous number here folks !!! They provide roughly 2000 low cost spay and neuters for the public each year. They are a large, visitor friendly shelter located at 1075 Runabout Drive in Osage Beach between Mexicala Blues restaurant and Evergreen business. They are open Monday through Saturday and can be reached at (573) 348-4411. There Dogwood Thrift Shop is located at 311 S. Bus. Hwy 5, Camdenton is a large thrift store that is always looking appreciative of good quality donation items to sell in their thrift store. If you are interested in adopting a pet or volunteering at the shelter or thrift store give them a call or visit their website at www.daslakeoftheozarks.com

If the plight of homeless pets saddens you, then you already have the most important and powerful tool - Compassion !!! By volunteering at Dogwood, you can make a difference and help change lives.

Spring Brings Out Allergies In Pets

As the weather get warmer, allergy season starts for people, but were not the only one’s that suffer from allergies. Your pets can also suffer too from allergies. PETCO General Manager Steve Smolinski was on the 11 am show to talk about allergies and pets.

Here are some tips to help your pets:

1. Grooming is the most essential method in helping to control pet dander and allergies. Dander is the cause of most pet-related allergies for people, and depending on breed and coat type, some dogs will have more than others.

2. Nutrition is another key component to fighting pet dander and ultimately reducing allergies.

3. Refresh old products because hair and dander can live on pet throws and beds no matter how clean the pet is.

4. It`s very important to clean up any excess hair or dander left by furry friends.

Top 10 Pet Toxins of 2011
Both known and unknown toxins can be found hiding in our houses and yards. In 2011, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) in Urbana, IL, fielded more than 165,900 phone calls about pets exposed to poisonous substances. Visit our poison app on Facebook.


1. Prescription Human Medications

Almost 25,000 calls last year were about human prescription medications. Pets, especially dogs, are notorious for ingesting any dropped pill. Cardiac and ADHD medications make up a large percentage of these calls. Always make sure to take these medications in a safe place away from your pets.

2. Insecticides

Insecticides were the subject of 11% of calls to the ASPCA in 2011. These include products used on the lawn, in the house and on the pet. The most important thing to do is read the label before you use any insecticide, and never use a product labeled for dogs on cats.

3. Over-the-Counter Human Medications

Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can kill your pet. Never give any medication to your pet without consulting with your veterinarian first.

4. People Food

Chocolate is still the number one people food that pets ingest (we received over 7,600 calls last year). Too much chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, high heart rate and seizures. The second most common food is xylitol (the sugar substitute). Xylitol can cause seizures and liver failure in dogs.

5. Household Products

It is amazing what animals can find to chew up around the house from fire logs to paint. Some household items may just cause stomach upset, while others can be deadly.

6. Veterinary Medications

Chewable medications make it easy to give your dog or cat a pill. However, this tasty pill can also mean that the pet, if given access, will ingest all the pills in the bottle. Always make sure to keep pet medications out of reach. Contact your veterinarian if your pet ingests more than its proper dose of medication or ingests another pet’s medication.

7. Rodenticides

When putting out baits to kill mice and rats, never underestimate the resourcefulness of your pet. Most bait is grain based and is attractive to dogs. Depending on the type of rodenticide, ingestion can cause internal bleeding, kidney failure or seizures.

8. Plants

About 4% of our phone calls are pet parents calling about their animals eating plants. This is one category that cats lead dogs in the number of exposures. Lilies can cause kidney failure and death in cats. Please see our list of toxic/non-toxic plants for more information.

9. Lawn and Garden Products

Fertilizers, which can be made of dried blood, poultry manure and bone meal, are very attractive to pets, so it is not surprising that we get many calls (almost 3,900 in 2011) on lawn and garden items.

10. Automotive Products

With more people keeping their animals inside (especially cats), the number of animals exposed to automotive products (antifreeze, brake fluid, etc.) has dropped. This is great news since many of these products, if ingested, can be life-threatening to pets.

If you have any reason to suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please contact your veterinarian or the Animal Poison Control Center’s 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435.

Animal control officer faces off against Joliet Township
By Janet Lundquist
Joliet resident Bryan Jones, an animal control officer with Joliet Township Animal Control, was suspended for trying to adopt a 3-year-old long-haired chihuahua that was going to be put to sleep.
JOLIET — Controversy over an animal control officer’s actions — and complaints about the care of the animals in Joliet Township’s charge — led to what may be known in Joliet Township lore forever as the “dead kitten” meeting.

The issues came to light after an animal control officer took and refused to return a Chihuahua that was deemed “aggressive” by center staff.

Township officials call it insubordination.

Township Animal Control Officer Bryan Jones believes he’s saving an animal’s life.

Jones used a dead kitten to make his point during Tuesday night’s township board meeting.

Raising concerns

A full audience attended the meeting, calling for the firing of the animal control director and demanding changes in the center’s operation.

A public comment session was punctuated with shouting, arguing and ultimatums.

At one point, Jones pulled a dead kitten out of a black garbage bag and held it up for the board to see.

“This is what’s considered care,” Jones said, wrapping a dirty blanket around the stiffened kitten. The animal, he said, was brought to the center sick and was left to die overnight without food or water.

Animal Control Director Sarah Gimbel said the kitten was too sick to save and would not have made it to a veterinarian.

Others came forward with concerns about the treatment of animals at the center — concerns Township Supervisor Dan Vera says are unfounded.

Tug of war

It all started when Jones decided he wanted to adopt a Chihuahua he calls “Chew” and took it from the animal control center without notifying his supervisor.

Township officials demanded he return the dog, and he refused.

That tug of war led to Jones’ suspension and the eventual request that he either resign or be fired. Both options laid out by Vera involve returning the dog.

Jones was given until 4 p.m. Thursday to make a decision.

“They want this dog no matter what,” Jones said, adding that officials told him they would evaluate it for a week, and if deemed adoptable, he would have first dibs.

“I don’t trust them,” he said, adding that he does not plan to give up the dog. “I’m going to lose my job no matter what. They can get me for theft or something.”

On Feb. 27, Jones said he saw the dog with a “caution: I may bite” sign on its cage. A vet technician said it was aggressive and had snapped at a customer.

Jones said he played with the dog that week without incident. Fearing the dog would be put to sleep, Jones took it home with him on March 2 after his co-workers had left for the day.

He did not notify anyone he took the dog, but wanted to see how it interacted with his own pets. The dog was not acting aggressively, he said.

On March 5, Gimbel sent Jones a text asking if he had the Chihuahua. Jones wrote that he did.

Jones kept the dog that week while he was off work. On March 9, Gimbel called Jones and told him to bring the dog back to the center.

Jones said he told Gimbel he wanted to adopt the dog. Gimbel told him how much it would cost and called a veterinarian clinic to make an appointment for the dog.

Then Gimbel told Vera what was going on.

Vera said he asked Gimbel if the Chihuahua was available for adoption, and she said that it was not, but was still being processed.

“I said, ‘Sarah, I’m giving you a direct order right now as the township supervisor ... that (dog) is the property of Joliet Township,’ ” Vera said. “‘You need to call (Jones) and tell him that dog needs to be back in our facility by 5 o’clock.’ ”

She called Jones and conveyed the message, but he did not return the dog.

Because Jones took the dog without notifying anyone, and refused to bring it back when told to do so, Vera instructed Gimbel to suspend Jones after he came to work on Monday without the dog, Vera said.

Kennel conditions

The Chihuahua was afraid of a vet technician at the center, and Jones believed the technician would put it down.

“I wouldn’t take the chance that the dog would be safe. I’m not going to find out the dog was put to sleep because of someone’s inexperience,” Jones said. “If you’ve seen the stuff that’s gone on with dogs in the past there, it would make you sick.”

Others have said they believe animals are being misread as aggressive by inexperienced technicians, resulting in euthanization of adoptable animals.

“This (Chihuahua) is a perfectly adoptable dog,” said former volunteer Yvonne Polenc. “They wanted to kill this dog just to prove a point. They say (Jones) stole it. He did not steal that dog.”

Polenc volunteered at the center for more than two years, from 2009 to 2011. She stopped volunteering when she could no longer take the “injustice” there, she said.

“These dogs are laying in their filth. It’s slippery from all the urine on the floor. There aren’t enough people to clean,” she said.

Cindy Alberico, a kennel worker whose job will be eliminated from the township as of April 1, said several dogs — pit bulls and a Rottweiler — were euthanized Monday for aggression.

“I’m back there with these dogs day in and day out. I feed them, I water them, I walk them. Not one of those dogs was aggressive,” she said.

Cleaning the kennel, feeding and watering the animals often does not happen after she leaves for the day at 3 p.m., Alberico said.

Animal Control Officer Steve Fix said animals often are left in dirty cages without food or fresh water.

“Animals are being left to suffer,” he said.

Township officials insist the abuses are not happening.

The center is clean, Vera said, adding he makes frequent unannounced visits. Gimbel also denied the claim that animals are being kept in filthy conditions.

Vera said he has faith in the staff to make the right decisions on animal temperament and medical treatment.

Gimbel said a dog brought in with complications from surgery had its leg amputated and that the center is working with a foster home for that dog.

She also mentioned a Shih Tzu at the center with severe trauma to its eye and a Facebook campaign that raised enough money to help pay for its recovery from surgery.

The recent outcry, Vera said, is likely coming from friends of Jones who are upset that he got in trouble.

“We’re really trying to make that a first-class facility with trained people, and some can’t make that transition,” township attorney Franklin Burkey said.

A cancer patient in the final stages of life has his last request fulfilled after animal lovers from Pennsylvania to Florida join together to make the reunion possible.

Roger Calvert with Bailey

Roger Calvert told friends and family that more than anything, he just wanted his best friend Bailey by his side to see him through the final days of his journey. The former Pittsburgh resident, now living in Florida, was visiting Pennsylvania recently and scheduled a checkup with his doctor. At the appointment, Calvert was told that he had cancer, and would only live for a matter of days.

Shocked and understandably saddened by the news, Calvert let it be known that his final wish was to have Bailey visit with him before he was gone. When Nick Petti of Family Hospice and Palliative Care heard about Calvert’s plight, he made an urgent call to ‘Pilots N Paws’, a volunteer group known for saving countless lives each year by transporting dogs to shelters and adoptive homes across the country. That call set the wheels in motion for a scramble to make arrangements to fly Bailey to PA, and in no time, Bailey took off for Pittsburgh.

“The project coordinator had emailed me saying things just lined up — that she had a pilot in Florida, and he saw the email and immediately responded to it,” Petti said.

Literally within hours, Bailey was at Calvert’s side, nuzzling with her best friend in his darkest hours, granting a dying man’s final wish before it was too late. It was a moment hospital employees say they won’t soon forget, a moment made possible by the kindness of strangers united in a common cause.

“(Calvert) was visibly relieved when Bailey was there with him,” said Petti. “This huge burden seemed to be off his shoulders, and he was more calm and comfortable that she had arrived and was there with him.”

Fanconi Disease Is One of the Consequences of Eating These Treats

3 big brands may be tied to chicken jerky illness in dogs, FDA records show

waggintrainbrand.com


Waggin' Train Wholesome Chicken Jerky Tenders were among 13 Nestle Purina brand treats listed among 22 complaints being investigated by the Food and Drug Administration. The treats, made in China, have been tied to reports of illnesses and deaths in dogs.

By JoNel Aleccia

Stumped by mysterious illnesses in at least 600 dogs in the U.S., federal health officials have turned to consumers for help investigating problems possibly tied to chicken jerky pet treats made in China.

A log of complaints collected from pet owners and veterinarians contains references to at least three popular brands of jerky treats that may be associated with kidney failure and other serious ailments, according to internal Food and Drug Administration documents obtained by msnbc.com.

Of 22 “Priority 1” cases listed by the FDA late last year, 13 cited Waggin’ Train or Canyon Creek Ranch jerky treats or tenders, both produced by Nestle Purina PetCare Co., the records show.
Another three listed Milo’s Kitchen Home-style Dog Treats, produced by the Del Monte Corp. The rest listed single brands or no brand.

Priority 1 cases are those in which the animal is aged 11 or younger and medical records that document illness are available, an FDA spokeswoman said. In many cases, samples of the suspect treats also are collected.

The report, obtained through a public records request, is the first agency indication of any brands linked to illnesses that have climbed since the FDA warned pet owners about jerky treats in November. That was the FDA's third caution about the pet products since 2007.

Nestle Purina and Del Monte officials said their treats are safe and FDA regulators said repeated tests have shown no absolute tie to any brand or manufacturer.

“No specific products have been recalled because a definitive cause has not been determined,” FDA officials said in a statement.
The internal report, overseen by the FDA’s Coordinated Outbreak and Response Evaluation, or CORE, group, is one of several ongoing assignments in which FDA regulators are seeking jerky treat samples and medical records of dogs that may have developed kidney failure, liver disease or Fanconi syndrome, which can lead to serious illness and death.

The recent complaints were filed from October through December by people in cities from California to New York, but the agency will continue to accept them.

“We still invite owners and veterinarians to submit complaints and samples,” said Siobhan DeLancey, an FDA spokeswoman. “The more information we have, the more likely we can find a link.”

The move comes as the FDA is under growing pressure from consumers and lawmakers to address rising numbers of illnesses blamed on the China-made treats. Before the warning was issued in November, the agency had logged 70 reports of illnesses tied to the treats last year. Since then, more than 530 additional complaints of illnesses and some deaths have been filed, officials said.
Bella, a 2-year-old pug, died last fall after her owner, Robin Pierre, said she ate Waggin' Train chicken jerky treats.

Consumers who say their dogs were sickened or killed have launched at least three petitions demanding recalls of jerky pet treats made in China, including one begun in December that has more than 3,400 signatures from the U.S. and around the world.

“At the slightest doubt, these products should have been recalled, especially knowing there was a link or at the very least a caution/warning label put on the packaging warning the consumers,” said Robin Pierre, a co-founder of “Animal Parents Against Pet Treats Made in China.”

Pierre, 49, of Pine Bush, N.Y., believes Waggin’ Train chicken jerky treats were responsible for the sudden death last fall of her previously health 2-year-old pug, Bella, who developed kidney failure.

“The last week of her life was nothing but misery and pain, separated from her family, she died all alone, in a cage, despite the fact that she had a family who loved her,” Pierre wrote in an email to msnbc.com. “She meant the world to me and my family.”


Courtesy Susan Rhodes

Ginger, a 14-year-old family dog, sparked one of three petitions after she developed kidney failure possibly tied to chicken jerky pet treats. Her owner, Susan Rhodes, 51, of Port St. Lucie, Fla., wants the treats pulled from the market.

More than 375 people have signed a petition launched last week by Susan Rhodes, 51, of Port St. Lucie, Fla. She believes her 14-year-old dog, Ginger, may have developed life-threatening kidney failure after eating chicken jerky treats. She was stunned to hear that consumer complaints alone can’t force the FDA -- or a company -- to recall potentially tainted products.

“That is just unreal. I am not happy with that,” Rhodes said.

For their part, FDA officials said the companies are free to enact a voluntary recall at any time.

Lawmakers call for action
Lawmakers, however, are demanding stronger FDA action. Ohio Democrats Sen. Sherrod Brown and Rep. Dennis Kucinich in February called on the FDA to step up investigation of tainted pet treats.
In a response sent late last week, an FDA official told Brown the agency “continues to actively investigate” the reports and to pursue testing for chemical and microbiological contaminants.

On Monday, Brown called the agency’s response “inadequate” and urged prompt release of results of 153 pending tests on the Chinese-made treats.

“I will continue to press the FDA on this issue because Ohio consumers shouldn’t have to worry about the safety of their pet’s food,” he said in a statement.

Since 2007, FDA scientists have analyzed jerky treats for evidence of dangerous toxins, including heavy metals, melamine, melamine analogs and diethylene glycol, chemicals used in plastics and resins.

So far, they’ve found nothing convincing, a point emphasized by Keith Schopp, director of communications for Nestle Purina. He noted that FDA officials also suggest that illnesses may be a result of causes other than eating jerky treats.

“Our chicken jerky treats are safe to feed as directed,” said Schopp. “The safety of our products -- and the pets who consume them -- are our top priorities.”

The company has a comprehensive food safety program in place, he said, including at manufacturing plants in China.

Pierre, who lost her dog, has little faith in pet food manufacturers -- or in the FDA.

“Actions speak louder than words and there has been no action from them up until now,” Pierre said. “Waggin’ Train has hid behind the technicality that the FDA cannot find the link and the FDA has let them.”

Consumers can report illnesses to the FDA's pet food complaint site.

3 big brands may be tied to chicken jerky illness in dogs, FDA records show

3 big brands may be tied to chicken jerky illness in dogs, FDA records show

Do Your Part To Help Breeding Dogs In Puppy Mills Who Suffer So Much ....

I encourage everyone who has ever bought a dog from a Pet Store where 90% of the dogs are coming from puppy millers to attend just one of these auctions to see how broken the parent dogs are. These breeding dogs have given up the will to live and are so deathly afraid of humans it makes you sick. The auction I attended they would bring 4 at a time out and the minute they put their feet on the table they would sink their entire body as far down as they could go and the handlers would lift them up but as soon as they let go of the dogs they would sink back down in total fear. Dogs that have been breed in cages that only have to be 6 inches taller, wider and longer than the dog where the dog lives their ENTIRE life are sold very commonly for anywhere from a dollar to twelve dollars. The people in the crowd that I witnessed could of come right off the set of Hee Haw. This is an industry so full of unintelligent, greedy people who couldn't care less for the welfare of these animals other than they are their paycheck. This industry is far from cleaned up and our agricultural department turns a blind eye to them as 35% of the Department of Ags budget comes from tax payers and 65% comes from the breeders annual fees. So therefore the question becomes how do you expect the Ag department to close down a breeder when the majority of their budget is coming from the breeders ? Our governor has the ability to clean up this industry but apparently too much money gets thrown his way and his pockets are stuffed too deeply. It is time we DEMAND BETTER & finally get rid of Missouri's title as the #1 Worst Puppy Mill State in the country !!! Let's demand better for our state and the poor animals who suffer their entire lifes.

Dog & Animal Auctions
and Seminars
March - April 2012
MAR
01 NE Oklahoma Pet Producers Chapter Meeting Locust Grove OK
02&3 Horse Sale Macon MO Lolli Brothers
9-10 Mo Pet Breeders Association Educational Conference Springfield MO
10 Consignment Wheaton MO SW Auction
16-17 Iowa Pet Breeders Association Spring Seminar Ottumwa IA
17 Consignment Cabool MO Heartland Sales
24 MPBA Quality Dog Breeders Chapter/ACA Dog Show Harrisonville MO
27 New York Pet Breeders Association Annual Meeting Pennyan NY
29-31 Kansas Pet Professionals Educational Seminar Salina KS
APR13-14 Minnesota Pet Breeders Association Spring Seminar Morton MN
21 Consignment Cabool MO Heartland Sales
21 Dispersal Vail IA SW Auction
27-29 Oklahoma Pet Professionals/NE OKPP Dog Show Miami OK
www.swkennelauction.com
www.heartlandsale.com
www.acaevents.com
www.lollibros.com
www.crssalebarn.com Exotics, Highlandville MO (south of Springfield)
www.kennelspotlight.com
No flea market or roadside sales included

You've Got To Love California

Laguna Beach Council Votes to Ban Sale of 'Puppy Mill' Dogs and Cats

The ordinance is a way to head off any pet stores that use so-called "puppy mills" from opening in town.
By Rich Kane
March 10, 2012
In what may have been one of their easiest decisions of the year, the Laguna Beach City Council voted Tuesday night to put in motion an ordinance that would ban the retail sale of dogs and cats in the city.

Sponsored by Councilmember Elizabeth Pearson, the 5-0 vote was a way to head off the possibility of any pet stores opening up in town, since there currently are none. Such pet stores reportedly get their dog and cat supplies from so-called "puppy mills," where the animals are bred for purchase in often inhumane conditions.

These pet shops are also a magnet for protests, which is what happened last summer in Corona del Mar at the now-shuttered I Heart Puppies.

The council's vote would not affect legitimate pet adoption agencies or rescue groups that are based in the city.

The chamber was packed with pet lovers who voiced support for the ordinance. No one was opposed.

Laguna Beach resident Judie Mancuso, president of the non-profit org Social Compassion in Legislation, addressed the council:

"The way these animals are treated is despicable. The fact that we have no businesses currently selling mill-bred animals is a good thing, and needs to be codified into law. The council taking a proactive stance on this issue is the right thing to do, and shows that Laguna Beach is compassionate and thoughtful towards its pets."

"Most of the public is blissfully unaware of the origins of their cute pet store puppy," said veterinarian Dr. Matthew Wheaton, also a Laguna Beach resident and the founder of the Pet Rescue Center in Mission Viejo. "They are shocked to find out that the puppy's parents have lived in a cage their entire life, and will most likely be euthanized when they can no longer breed."

The council didn't need further convincing. Next, staffers will develop the ordinance, which will need to go through a second reading—most likely at the next council meeting—and votedon again before it becomes official.

Mother bred over 300 dogs and owned 3 Pet Stores in St. Louis and after second pet store closes daughter and son in law open a pet store called Ear Scratchers which stayed in business for one month. Currently son runs a "supposed rescue" from same location mother had bred until she was required to forfeit her breeding license by the state of Missouri Ag department for 5 years.Why does the department of Ag feel this is okay ? Anybody with me on this one ? And breeders wondered why the people of Missouri wanted to pass legislation to help dogs suffering in bad breeding facilities across our state !!!Missouri unfortunately is the #1 Worst Puppy Mill State in the country !!!

Tune into Fox 2 News STL tonight, Monday, March 12 at 9 pm to see Chris Hayes' story on Seeking Furever Homes Rescue in Silex, MO, run by Ryan Rumfelt. Rumfelt is the son of Ovella Lange, the breeder who had to forfeit her breeding license for 5 years by Missouri Department of Agriculture who owned the 3 Pampered Pets stores in Chesterfield, Mid Rivers and St Clair Square that was protested from 2008 through 2010 until they all closed.
As more people become educated about the breeding industry as well as puppy mills, more and more breeders are claiming to be 'rescues' to deceive the public which ultimately hurts the legitimate rescues who truly care about the animals.

Remember To Spay Or Neuter Your Dog Today !!!

Copper and Bailey's story
Written by Melanie Elmore (Mississippi, U.S.A.)
Published on: February 28th, 2012

Our whole pack!

It was a particulary hot day on April 30, 2009. My mother and I were running errands when we made a quick stop at a small shopping center. I sat in the car as my mom went inside the store. As I was looking out the car window, I spotted something moving on the side walk about 20 feet from my car. Then I saw something else. After about thirty seconds, I realized what I was looking at. I got out of my car and rushed over to find two tiny little puppies and a tipped over laundry basket, along with an empty water bowl. I immediately scooped them up and checked to make sure that they were ok. My mom came out of the store and I called her over. Of course, she was as enthralled with them as I was. She went into the nail salon which I found them in front of and spoke with the lady inside. The lady came out and informed us that her son gave the puppies to her, but she didn't know what to do with them so we could do what we wanted with them.

It was about 85 degrees outside and these puppies were left in a parking lot about 30 feet from an extremely busy street. I never put them down, and I don't think that anyone could have pried them from my arms at that point. My mom and I looked at each other and made an unspoken decision that those puppies were coming with us.

We got in the car and told each other that we would take them home and find good homes for them when they got a little older. They weighed about 3 lbs. One was a little brindle girl and the other a copper colored little boy. We took them immediately to the vet, who gave them there first shots and estimated them to be about 10 weeks old. They were malnourished, but the vet said that vitamins and good food should do the trick.

We brought them home and introduced them to our four (yes four) Basset Hounds. It took the Bassets about 2 days to completely adopt them into their pack.

We posted an ads at the vet clinic, on petfinder, and at the local humane society. About a week later, the phone rang. Someone was interested in one of the puppies. My heart absolutely sank... and, almost instinctively I said, "They've already found a home! Thanks for calling!!" A couple of days later, after we decided that there was no possible way that we could let these babies go, my mom admitted to me that she received a similar call. I named the little girl Bailey and the little boy Copper.

Today, they are almost three years old and happy, healthy 25 lb dogs. We're not sure on their breeds, we just know that they fit into our pack perfectly. We rescued a little beagle mix named Lizzie in September '11 so now we have seven pups in our pack and we wouldn't have it any other way!

Won't You Consider Fostering For A Local Shelter or Rescue ?

Won't you consider adopting your next family pet from your local shelter or rescue !!!???!!!

New Council To Crack Down on Puppy Mills

http://www.tailsinc.com/2012/02/hsus-forms-new-council-of-responsible-breeders-to-put-a-stop-to-puppy-mills/

HSUS Forms New Council of Responsible Breeders to Put a Stop to Puppy Mills
February 11, 2012 in Featured, Home by Jillian at Tails

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has recently formed a new council called the Breeders Advisory and Resource Council (BARC) to help consumers make informed decisions when choosing a breeder. The council draws a distinction between reputable breeders and puppy mills.

The members of the council will track and report on canine health and welfare issues as well as speaking to the public about proper breeding practices and concentrating on supporting the health of the parents as well as their puppies.

BARC is composed of responsible breeders from around the country who have a particular interest in improving the lives of dogs bred in the inhumane, commercial breeding facilities known as puppy mills. BARC members work with the HSUS to help the public to identify responsible breeders and to avoid supporting puppy mills. Additionally, members provide input and advice on public policy decisions.

The Council is also putting together helpful resources, such as the How to Identify a Responsible Breeder Checklist, to help consumers discern what they should look for when searching for a responsible breeder.

President and CEO of the HSUS, Wayne Pacelle says, "For too long, large-scale commercial puppy mills have given all dog breeders a bad name. We commend the responsible breeders who are showing leadership in their community and speaking out against the abusive operations that treat dogs not like loving family members, but like a cash crop. Everyone who cares about the health and welfare of dogs must be part of the solution, and we are excited about this new partnership."

We want to protect our right to be responsible breeders and to enjoy and bond with our dogs in show and performance events, but if we think for one minute that ignoring the problem of cruelty to animals makes us responsible breeders and protects our rights, I believe we're wrong. We can no longer sweep puppy mills under the rug," said Kathryn McGriff, responsible breeder and AKC Breeder of Merit.

The HSUS is hopeful this Council will help consumers understand choosing adoption or researching responsible breeders will make a significant stride in ending the cruelty inflicted on animals by operators of puppy mills. This is the first step of many in making a lasting change.
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The news on Puppy Mills is even hitting the much known magazine such as Bloomberg and Forbes. Many of those persons are also unaware of what goes on behind the $3,000 sales of pups especially over the Internet. Please click on the puppy mill issue notice below and read what they have to say. I made a comment!.

Much more on the puppy mill issue is showing up in the hoity toity media, like Bloomberg and Forbes.

Over 95% of puppies from pet stores are from puppy mills. Do Not buy puppies/kittens in pet stores unless rescue only or you will be supporting mills. Education is a huge key to change. Please educate everyone you know about the truth behind that cute kitten/puppy in the window. Thank You

Dog survives 53 days in wild, reunited with owner
By MARTIN GRIFFITH Associated Press The Associated Press
Sunday, March 4, 2012
RENO, Nev. (AP) — Barbara Bagley says she never gave up hope that her dog would be found alive in the Nevada desert after the animal bolted from the scene of a crash that critically injured her and killed her husband.

But the Salt Lake City woman endured plenty of frustration until her beloved 4-year-old Shetland sheepdog, Dooley, was tracked down Feb. 18 after surviving 53 days in the wild on roadkill and scattered ranch water sources.

"I would think about Dooley constantly," she said. "There were TV commercials with dogs that made me think about him and cry. He's just the sweetest dog."

The Dec. 27 single-vehicle accident on Interstate 80 near Battle Mountain, about 225 miles east of Reno, sent Bagley and her 55-year-old husband, Brad Vom Baur, to the hospital in critical condition. Their other sheltie, Delaney, was killed in the wreck. Dooley ran away and vanished.

Bagley, 48, suffered a concussion, broken ribs, a shattered wrist and two punctured lungs. As soon as she mustered up enough strength, she turned her attention to a search for her dog in the sprawling sage-covered plains and hills of northeastern Nevada.

Realizing what Dooley could mean for her recovery, dozens of Nevada volunteers responded to a Facebook plea for help in looking for him. But the search was canceled before it began after the Jan. 6 discovery of what appeared to be the dog's remains along the interstate. The same day, her husband died.

"It was a horrible day for me," Bagley recalled. "But something inside me told me Dooley was still alive out there. I wasn't 100 percent sure, but I didn't grieve for Dooley like I did for my husband and our other dog."

More than three weeks later, Bagley's spirits were buoyed after a woman reported spotting "a Lassie-type" dog near the accident scene. A subsequent search joined by Bagley turned up nothing, but a railroad crew spotted a dog matching the same description in mid-February in the same area about 15 miles east of Battle Mountain.

Further searches netted a positive identification of Dooley but frustration as well because the skittish dog kept fleeing from Bagley and other searchers. Finally, Shannon Sustacha of Lamoille, who was on horseback, and a Bagley friend driving a Jeep cornered Dooley only five miles from the crash scene. The friend managed to nab the sheltie and put him in the Jeep.
An ecstatic, tearful Bagley arrived at the scene a short time later.

"Barbara got next to us and said three times, `You think he'll remember me?'" Sustacha said. "When Barbara opened the door and looked at him, she said, `My beautiful boy, my beautiful boy, you're home.' Oh, boy, all of us cried. I knew his adventure in Nevada was over. I also knew he and Barbara could start healing together."

A short time later, an exhausted Dooley sat on his owner's lap in the Jeep and fell asleep. He later began following Bagley around.

"I was overjoyed that I was going to have him back in my life. I think he felt the same about me," she said.

During his ordeal, Dooley's weight dropped from 44 pounds to 20 pounds. He was once spotted devouring a dead coyote along the roadway. A long bird bone was pulled from his throat by a veterinarian.

Since then, the dog has gradually put on weight and resumed regular walks with his owner. While Bagley is still going through the grieving process over her husband's death and recovering from her injuries, Dooley's presence has picked up her spirits immensely.

"He's the physical and mental affection that I need to recover," she said. "I owe him so much for the hope I have now and the renewed faith I have in prayer. Dogs are so great because of their unconditional love."

Bagley, a phlebotomy supervisor at LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City, also thinks her husband had something to do with Dooley's safe return home.

"It's a message from my husband who was looking out for him," Bagley said. "It was a miracle that we got Dooley. He couldn't have survived much longer out there."

Man Reunited With Dog After Deadly Tornado Outbreak
Alabama resident Greg Cook thought he lost everything when a deadly tornado touched down in Alabama, tearing homes from their foundations and leaving entire neighborhoods devastated. Cook’s home was leveled by a twister that ripped through the Athens area earlier today, and the East Limestone man assumed his dog had died when the house collapsed.

Greg Cook hugs his friend David Derrick at East Limestone community on Friday, March 2, 2012. A reported tornado destroyed several houses in northern Alabama as storms threatened more twisters across the region Friday.

Fortunately, that assumption was proven incorrect when Cook and friends who were helping him sift through the rubble made a remarkable discovery: Coco had somehow managed to survive.

Greg Cook hands his dog Coco to Donnie Watts inside the destroyed home in Limestone County.

Nobody knows how the dog lived through the storm, but all were content to accept it as a hopeful miracle in the midst of tragedy.
An emotionally exhausted Cook sobbed when he was finally reunited with Coco.

The HALO Group
Killing is not the answer.
"Fix" the problem.
Spay, neuter and adopt.


OUR MISSION STATEMENT

The HALO Group's mission is to make a positive impact in the struggle to end the euthanizing of homeless animals. Our goal is to provide better options to agencies that are dealing with the problems of pet overpopulation and homelessness. We will do this through funding programs that encourage spaying and neutering, adoption of homeless pets, long-term fostering of pets with poor adoption possibilities, and other programs that aid in eliminating the need to euthanize animals simply because they are homeless.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT
The HALO Group of St. Clair County reaches out to individuals regardless of race, religion, color, or national origin who demonstrate an interest in volunteerism.

Roni Aguirre, President
Margaret S. Rice, Treasurer
haloorganization@gmail.com
(618)830-2930

Chew Away little DOGGIE !!!

I can give an answer to this bus in one word....MONEY !!!