To Ward Off Vampires

Hey Everyone!

You may notice in the coming days that a few old posts from our blog are missing.  There is a simple explanation for why.  I'm trying to prevent lawsuits and resulting settlements.  You see, this morning I read an article about a lawyer who is now making money for newspapers by trolling blogs and suing for copyright infringement. (Thanks to Matt for bringing this to the attention of the Twitterverse!)  According to this article, our local media group is among his clients.  So, in a preemptive strike, I thought I would take down any old news articles that might be seen as copyright infringement.  Of course, the goal was always to share news about dog events, dogs and anything related to them.  And we always gave credit to the author and linked to the source of the article.  However, it seems that none of this matters to this particular lawyer, who is aiming not to keep the purity of copyrighted work, but rather to make money for dying newspapers.  So, I would rather take the articles down than try to come up with hundreds of thousands of dollars to pay off this man.  I apologize to those of you who might have been looking for a particular article as a resource.

How a Tiny Tick Killed Four Tigers

Hey Everyone!

I received an e-mail from Jen Cole the other day that contained some sad and important information from Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge.  I thought I would re-post the email here so you can learn about a disease that is not only life threatening to the beautiful large cats at Turpentine Creek, but could also affect your domestic cats.

The four tigers above have all passed away from bobcat disease. Read below for more information on this terrible tick-transferred killer.  Your house cats are at risk too. Take proper precautions. From left to right: Sally (DOD 6/3/2002), Tasha (DOD 7/4/2009), TJ (DOD 7/6/2010), Tom (DOD 7/10/2010). As you can see from the date of death dates the problem is growing. Contact your local vet for more information on protecting your domestic cat. Please Help.

We Need Your Help

Ivy Cooper/Staff Biologist 

At Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, we are being faced with Cytauxzoonosis or Bobcat’s Disease.  Cytauxzoonosis is a disease that is most commonly found in Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, but unfortunately seems to be slowly spreading beyond these three states.  Cytauxzoonosis is caused by a blood parasite that attacks the red blood cells of the feline, originally thought only the domestic cat, but now we know it can affect Big Cats as well.  The disease is transmitted via a tick from the bobcat to a domestic cat and even Big Cats and, unfortunately, is almost always fatal.  

When the disease occurs in a bobcat, a species native to much of the United States, it's a minor illness.  The majority of bobcats recover in a short time and become hosts, or carriers, of the disease.  

Last year we contacted Dr. Leah Cohn, a professor and associate department chair of veterinary medicine and surgery at Missouri University and a leader of clinical research studying Cytauxzoonisis.  We wanted to know what we could do to help her research this disease.  In October Dr. Cohn and two of her colleagues, along with our vet, Dr. Ron Eby, came to the refuge to take blood samples from some of our cats.  One really important aspect of Dr. Cohn's research is being able to grow and study the organism, learn its biology and structure, and one day be able to develop a vaccine and better treatment for this horrible disease.  

The treatment for domestic cats is mostly supportive therapies which include crystalliod fluids, prophylactic heparin, nutritional and nursing care, analgesia, and transfusions.  These treatment options are very difficult and almost impossible  to administer to a Big Cat; which makes treating this disease in Big Cats even more of a challenge.  

We are always looking for ways to improve the refuge and the lives of our cats; one way to help us better care for our cats is to renovate our current perimeter fence.  We must have a perimeter fence that no small animals such as feral cats, opossums or raccoons can get through.  We keep the grass cut and we also tick dust to keep the ticks and other bugs down, but we need to prevent other animals from bringing ticks into the habitat field and possibly infecting our cats.  

Like all projects at the refuge, we need our supporters to make this possible. We have received three bids to build the perimeter fence and the best bid so far is $50,000.  We know that this is a huge chunk of money during these difficult economic times but this project must be completed quickly.  While we raise the money to build the new, impenetrable fence we cannot allow the cats to enjoy the freedom of their habitats and be subjected to a deadly disease.  All of you have worked with us for the past  10 years to build habitats which provide a high quality of life for our furry friends.  They deserve it! 

Those of you who are able, please, help us, help them. Call, email, or stop by with your contribution.  There are many cats waiting in the “wings” who need saving.  The future of all the cats living in people’s backyards, basements, and garages, along with those suffering in filth and disgusting conditions, need all of us to continue with the Turpentine Creek mission... “To provide lifetime refuge for abandoned, abused, and neglected Big Cats.”  A tenth of a gram tick killed these beautiful creatures. Help us put an end to this desperate situation.

To donate to this desperately needed project:

Call: 479-253-5841

Email: tigers@turpentinecreek.org

Donate Online: Click Here

Send Via USPS: 239 Turpentine Creek Lane

                           Eureka Springs, AR. 72632

Stop by The Refuge With Cash, Check or Money Order...

Secret Sale

Hello Everyone!

I have been having a secret sale going on all week since Cary and Erin are on vacation! The sale ends soon, THIS SATURDAY! We want to give you the chance to save on everything in the store!!! Everyone will be receiving our employee discount!! Hurry in before Cary and Erin return.

Birthday Party ends with a Wag

Brandi getting the cupcakes ready

On Saturday, July 24th at 9 AM Bigwag Dog Bakery celebrated it's 4th year in business. We've done this every year as a "customer appreciation day", a "hey we are still here day", and a "here are our friends" day. The day starts off with 100 goody bags for the first 100 people who show up starting at 9 AM. The goody bags are generally gone in about 30 minutes.

Outside in our side parkinglot we have donuts (provided by Daylight Donuts of Lowell), coffee (provided by Mountain Bird Coffee), and juice, along with 18 vendors, rescues, shelters, groomers, pet sitters, boarders, photographers and dog parks. These are area pet businesses or groups that have come to talk about their business or rescue, give out more freebies, get your face painted, pet some dogs, or get your dog microchipped.

Starting at about 10:30 AM, we break out the burgers and hot dogs, and start the grilling. All food is free, and the grilling was provided this year by Arkansas Fireplace and Grill.

Maddie - our phto contest winner of a year of free treats

Throughout the day we hold giveaways - in "Lets Make A Deal" style, where we ask participants to sing a song, call the hogs, find items in their purse, or answer trivia to win a wide array of prizes. We gave away over 100 lbs of dog food, gift baskets, collars and leads from Lupine and Planet Dog, toys, gift certificates, and salsa from Shaggy's Salsa.

The event is capped off with the "Biggest Wag Contest", a tradition started in our second year of business, where dogs and their owners are encouraged to exhibit as much enthusiasm as possible, and where truly size does not matter..

To see all of our photos visit our Facebook page or our Facebook Photo Album.

Thank you to everyone who came out and partied with us, and to all of the pet businesses and groups that came out and set up a tent with us or donated prizes for the give aways and the goody bags. We feel truly blessed to be part of such a wonderful pet community in NWA.

Splish, Splash!

Photo Credit: Wayan Vota

Hey Everyone!

I just got some very exciting news from Linda over at Camp Bow Wow.  The City of Rogers has officially given permission for Northwest Arkansas' first ever "Pooch Plunge"  Next Wednesday, August 18th from 6:00pm to 8:30pm, the Lake Atalanta pool will be turned over to the dogs! For the price of a donation to the Humane Society, your dog can take a dunk in the pool.  Food will also be available for donations. 

I would usually send this out in our newsletter, but since time is short, I thought I'd post it here instead.  So, if you know of anyone who would like to attend the event, please pass the word along. 

(And count us there in spirit.  Cary and I will be on vacation, so we won't be able to attend, which bums me out, but we will definitely look forward to future events.  Splash around for us!)

Faces of the Humane Society - August 2010

Hey Everyone!

Last Friday I took treats out to the Humane Society and Cary's cousin Erin came with me, which gave me a unique opportunity to get pictures of the dog actually eating some of the treats you guys so generously donate every day. So, I wanted to post those pictures here for you to enjoy! There are lots of dogs and it seems like an abnormally high number of cats at the Humane Society right now, so as always, if you have room in your heart and your home, please consider adopting from the Humane Society.

On a side note, there will be a yard sale at Murphy Dog Park on Saturday, August 21st from 8am-12pm that will benefit several animal rescues in the area, so if you get a minute drop by and check it out. And that evening, beginning about 7:30pm there will be a Vigil for the Homeless Animals at Murphy Dog Park to remember all the homeless animals that were euthanized over the past year. It's a beautiful and moving ceremony and I recommend attending.

Treats Make Me Happy!

We'd love some treats too!

Look into my eyes - You want to give me treats...

 

 

YUM!

Thanks to Everyone who Donated Treats!

Eyeshadow for Dogs

Hey Everyone!

Okay, before you dismiss this blog post completely, let me reassure you that we are not selling eyeshadow for your dog at Bigwag!  Actually, my mom called me and asked if I would host a Mary Kay E-Party for her and I agreed because she's donating 10% of her proceeds to the Humane Society for Animals of Benton County.  As I've mentioned countless times, the Humane Society runs on donations.  So, every little bit helps.  And if you can buy something you were already going to buy and help support the homeless animals, well, then it's pretty much win-win.

Here is the e-mail my mom sent me with the details:

Hi,

Erin Hague is holding a Mary Kay E-party for me.  Besides the benefits mentioned below, I will also donate 10% of my profits from all sales to the Humane Society for Animals of Benton County.  After looking at the e-catalog, go to my website to  place your order. www.marykay.com/debrawhinnie   In the comment section please add "Erin's party".  If you have any questions, you can e-mail me at debrawhinnie(at)marykay(dot)com.

Thank you so much,
Debra Whinnie

---

Check out the Mary Kay® eCatalog! You can mark your favorites with sticky notes, create a wish list and share with your friends on your favorite social networks.

Please, click here, to check it out:

All orders will be shipped free. Orders over $40.00 receive a gift with purchase. I will pay your tax for you if you order in August.

Expanded Merrick Recall

Hey Everyone!

I know it seems like there are an awful lot of recalls lately and I don't want our blog to be just gloom and doom, but I do feel like it's important to pass along these recalls for the safety of your pets and those of your friends and neighbors. I do want to note that we don't carry any of the recently recalled products, we just feel that as part of the pet community, it's our duty to help disseminate this information. This article was originally posted by Pet Sit USA, you can view it here


Merrick Pet Foods is extending a recent recall, due to salmonella, announced last month.

Merrick Pet Care, Inc. of Amarillo, Texas is extending its July 2, 2010 recall of 10oz “Beef Filet Squares for Dogs (Texas Hold’Ems)” pet treat (ITEM # 60016 LOT # 10084TL7 BEST BY MARCH 24, 2012) to also include 83 cases of “Texas Hold’ems” (ITEM # 60016 LOT # 10127 BEST BY MAY 6, 2012) because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products. People handling the treats can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the chews or any surfaces exposed to these products. Consumers should dispose of these products in a safe manner by securing them in a covered trash receptacle.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers immediately.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian immediately.

The Beef Filet Squares (Texas Hold ‘Ems) were shipped to distributors and retailers throughout the US. These individuals have been notified and have activated their recall procedures.

The treats are sold in 10oz plastic bags marked with “Lot # 10127 Best By May 6, 2012” on the top of the bag and on a sticker applied to the bottom.

No illnesses have been reported to date for either lot of product. A sample tested positive for Salmonella.

Consumers who have purchased 10 ounce packages of “Texas Hold’ems” are urged to return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-664-7387 M-F 8:00 – 5:00 CDT.

Merrick does have the announcement on their website: Merrick Pet Care Recalls Texas Hold’ems 10 oz. Bag (Item# 60016 Lot 10127 Best By May 6, 2010) Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk.

Grazing on Green: Is grass eating normal?

I hear customers, family, and friends talk about their dogs eating grass and it just doesn't seem right to me, so I've done some investigating. I've heard everything from it being a natural remedy for gassy stomachs/force vomiting to cure constipation.

I found no evidence that grass eating is detrimental to your pooches health. Although, there are many dangers and concerns as a pet owner, you should worry about.

So When you find Fido munching away in the backyard, you may want make want to take the initiative to find the underlying problem.

Here are some health hazards that experts say you need to take in consideration:

• Fiber Deficiency. Don't mistake this habit as a behavioral problem, let it be a sign that Fido is lacking the efficient amount of fiber in his or her diet! Nutrition studies support high protein, high fiber diets for their ability to improve weight loss and satiety in overweight dogs. More fiber in the diet can mean better blood sugar control in overweight dogs with diabetes. And of course, we offer many different varieties of high fiber and high protein foods!
• Houseplant Hazards. If they cannot satisfy their need for fiber from nontoxic sources, they may turn to houseplants, like a Dieffenbachia, which can be fatal. And lilies are fatal to cats ( For a complete listing of poisonous plants click HERE).
• Fertilizer, herbicides, pesticides, and other contaminants such as parasites on the lawn could pose dangers.

So, when you think about it, grass munching isn’t that bad at all. However, watch out for a sudden increase in grass eating; it could be a sign of a more serious underlying illness that your dog is trying to self treat, and that requires immediate veterinary assistance.

Check Us Out in At Home In Arkansas!

Hey Everyone!

Maybe it's silly, but we still get excited when we're mentioned in the news and in magazines, so we were thrilled when At Home In Arkansas called and asked if they could feature some of our products in their magazine.  And after a few months of waiting, the August edition is finally here and we're in it!  Check out both our treats and the ever fabulous Molly Mutt duvets in this month's issue.  And you can even view it online!

Now Introducing...

Hey Everyone!

I am very excited to introduce to you the newest food line available at Bigwag!  As of yesterday, we officially carry Premium Edge Healthy Weight I, Healthy Weight II and Skin & Coat Formulas.  Now, I know, we already carry several varieties of food that you know and love, but I want to tell you a little about these foods and why I felt like they were worthy of being sold in our store.  (After all, I am infamously picky about the ingredients of dog foods)

 Our newest foods are currently available in 6lbs and 35lbs sizes

As with all of our other foods, these foods contain NO corn, wheat, soy or by-products.  Because of course, I don't believe that any dog should be eating those items as a part of their regular foods.  Now, these foods are NOT grain free, but the grains they do contain are high quality, nutrient dense grains like oatmeal or whole grain brown rice.  The fact that they do contain grains makes them a little less expensive than the Taste of the Wild formulas.

But here's what I find really impressive about these foods and why I decided to make room on my shelves for them.  The healthy weight formulas are made specifically for overweight, adult dogs.  I have long been frustrated with the foods available for overweight dogs, because the solution is always the same - lump the overweight dog in with the senior dogs and simply feed them a food that is high in carbohydrates and therefore lower in calories.  But the thing is many times this leaves those overweight dogs hungry again in a few hours and whining for more food, which inevitably makes us feel guilty and then we feed them more or give them treats or scraps and viola! the whole diet is blown.  This food is actually a different solution - the Healthy Weight I formula is really high in protein (44% Crude Protein vs. 18-20% in your typical senior formula) and low in carbohydrates - think of it like an Atkins or a South Beach diet for your dog.  Which actually, makes even more sense for dogs than it does for people, seeing as how dogs are carnivores. 

Then, once your dog has lost the weight that it's supposed to lose, you switch them to the Healthy Weight II formula, which is a maintenance formula.  Because anyone who has ever struggled with weight knows that keeping it off is half the battle.  This formula still has moderate protein levels (25% Crude Protein, which is the same as the salmon Taste of the Wild) but it also has lower fat (8-10% Crude Fat versus 15-18% crude Fat in Taste of the Wild)  That combination keeps your dog from going hungry while maintaining a healthy weight.  Pretty amazing that it took this long for someone to redesign weight loss for dogs, considering that obesity is a rampant problem among our pets.  But I am really impressed that Premium Edge thought outside the box on this one and I believe came up with a solution that makes much more sense than the traditional remedies.

As to the Skin & Coat Formula - I have to say that I know many people who are concerned about the quality of their dog's skin and coat.  Usually, poor skin leads to poor coat which then causes shedding, which no one likes!  There are several remedies to this problem.  You can supplement your dog's food with something like Grizzly Salmon Oil, which is a great product, but I always wonder how economical it really is to supplement a poorer quality food rather than just switching your dog to a higher quality food.  And for a long time, I have just recommended switching to a grain free food, like Taste of the Wild to improve skin and coat quality.  Which does work - but for many people, it is too expensive.  So, the Skin & Coat formula provides a less expensive option for decreasing shedding and improving your dog's skin and coat quality.  And because it's a salmon and ocean fish based food, it has lots of the healthy omega-3 fatty acids which work wonders internally as well (like lowering cholesterol.)

Oh, and if those things weren't enough, all of the Premium Edge Foods have glucosamine and chondroitin!  Which means they are great for older dogs with joint problems or larger breeds with risk of joint problems or even dogs who have been injured and now suffer from arthritis.  Not such a bad idea in my book!

P&G Recall Expanded

Hey Everyone!

P&G has expanded their earlier recall and even though we don't carry these foods, I wanted to pass along the information.  This article was originally posted by the examiner.com.

Five days after an initial pet food recall, P&G announced that they are expanding the recall to include other product lines. Iams and Eukanuba dog and cat foods are on the recall list due to possible exposure to Salmonella. These foods were sold at veterinary clinics and and specialty pet retailers throughout the US and Canada. 

The newly added products include:
Iams Veterinary Dry Formulas (All dry sizes and varieties) with "Best by" dates of 01Jul10 – 01Dec11-- All upc codes of all Iams dry foods within those dates are included.
Eukanuba Naturally Wild (All dry sizes and varieties) with "Best by" dates of 01Jul10 – 01Dec11-- All upc codes of Eukanuba Naturally Wild products within those dates are included.
Eukanuba Pure (All dry sizes and varieties) with "Best by" dates of 01Jul10 – 01Dec11-- all upc codes of Eukanuba Pure products are included if they are within those dates.
Eukanuba Custom Care Sensitive Skin (All dry sizes) with "Best by" dates of 01Jul10 – 01Dec11-- all upc codes of Eukanuba Custom Care Sensitive Skin upc codes within those dates are included.

The company has expressed that because all of these foods are made in the same facility and the previous foods did test positive for Salmonella, the rest of these products are also at risk of contamination.

Consumers need to understand that pet owners who touch pet food may become sick with Salmonella. Symptoms of Salmonella in humans include abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and fever. Children, the elderly and those with a compromised immune system can develop serious complications from Salmonella. If you handled any recalled food and are experiencing symptoms of Salmonella you are advised to talk to a health care provider.

Sometimes pets can be carriers of Salmonella and not show obvious symptoms, but they have the potential to then infect other pets within the same household. Symptoms of Salmonella in pets include lethargy, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever and diarrhea. If you have concerns over the health of your pet you should consult a veterinarian.

Consumers are asked to properly dispose of any recalled food taking care to ensure that no other animals may get into it. You may also call P&G to discuss any concerns including replacements or refunds at 877-340-8823. That number is staffed from 9 am to 6 pm (EST) Monday through Friday.