Rolling Into Fall - Event Season

Well, as the air turns crisper it seems fall is upon us. Still feels a little early to be having such cool weather, but it reminds me that it is once again Pet Event Season.

Pet events are a lot of fun. They allow local businesses to "Keep Arkansas Funky", so that our neighbors can shop locally and stimulate our own economy. They also are a great tool to socialize your dog, getting them over fear anxiety, playing and sniffing other dogs, seeing other people, and it gives them someplace to go in the car other than the vet, which can develop car ride anxiety. These events can also be a good source of knowledge, since often experts in their fields will be on hand to answer questions on nutrition, behavior, grooming, boarding, and medications.

Here's a recap of some of the big events that are lined up:

Responsible Dog Owner Day

When: Sat, September 12, 11:30am – 1:30pm

Where: Murphy Dog Park (map)

Description: The annual RDOD sponsored by the NWA Kennel Club. Events include Lure Coursing, NWA K-9 Disc Club demonstration, Biggest Wag Contest, vendor booths and more! Burgers will be available from Backyard Burger for only $3 with proceeds benefiting Murphy Dog Park and The Humane Society. I'm glad the NWAKC is continuing this event with James at the helm. This was our first ever dog event we ever attended in 2006, despite the wind and grit in our teeth, it holds a special place in our hearts. I'll never forget all of the weird looks we got that day. I still think not that many people know what a dog bakery does, but we broke onto the seen in our first RDOD. Last years event was cancelled due to inclement weather, but these have been huge events in the past, and are lookign forward to another great one this year.

National Pet Memorial Day

When: Sun, September 13, 4pm – 6pm

Where: Bark Park, Bentonville, AR (map)

Description: Sponsored by Save Our Strays
This is the first year for this event, and it may be the first event at the Bentonville Bark Park since it's completion. Recognizing the importance of remembering our cherished pets, the International Association of Pet Cemeteries (IAPC) has designated the second Sunday in September as National Pet Memorial Day.

Weiner Dog Races

When: Sat, October 3, 9am – 12pm

Where: Glasgow Road Softball Field, Bella Vista, AR (map)

Description: The 3rd annual Weiner Dog races benefit the Bella Vista Animal Shelter. More details will be available at a later date. We attended this event for the first time last year, and it was a blast. I didn't even know that many weiner dogs lived in NWA. So moch fun to see them all running, lose interest and then run off the field, ears flopping. Another great event in Benton County. Should be a great photo op. This is the third year for this event at the softball field in Bella Vista.

Pugfest 2009

When: Sat, October 3, 11am – 2pm

Where: JB Hunt Softball Park, Springdale, AR (map)

Description: We will have games, a fashion show, and other happenings at the event. Ryan Greig with 98.3 KKEG will keep things moving during the day as Pugs, small canine friends and human friends enjoy the day and compare Pug Experiences. If a dog clothes designer would like to participate in the fashion show - please contact me as soon as possible. We already have one designer set up to show their clothes on the RUNWAY (ok sidewalk). Get your costumes ready now and participate in the costume contest and of course - as we do each year - we will crown Mr & Miss Northwest Arkansas Pug - Includes a crown and trophy! If interested in becoming a vendor, contact Reta Parton at rpsodapop@aol.com or call 479.... We had over 120 pugs in attendance last year. This year we expect more! Come enjoy the day and meet our pugs up for adoption. A Pug is a comedian with a fur coat and generously gives love to everyone - come join our celebration.We've got a great pug rescue in NWA, and these little guys are so cute! Come out and support this great group.

Howl-O-Ween Carnival

When: Sat, October 31, 1pm – 4pm

Where: Murphy Dog Park (map)

Description: Costume Contest with 4 categories: cutest, scariest, most creative and owner/dog costumes. Carnival Games Bigwag Biggest Wag Contest Trick or Treat Vendor prize for best decorated Howl-O-Ween Booth prize will be a free 4x3 sign at Murphy Dog Park Silent Auction Food Goodie Bags T-Shirts. Ever since we started attending dog events in NWA, we've heard of the mythical "Howl-o-ween" event, but it has been on hiatus since 2005. This is purportedly going to be huge - silimiar to the Dogwood Walk in Fayetteville, and a ton of fun. We are looking forward to seeing the reemergence of this spooktacular event in NWA.

We should be offering (almost) live coverage via Facebook and Twitter. Be sure you don't miss out!

New Airline for Pets

There's a new airline for pets to travel as "pawsengers".

Pet Airways, is a pet-only airline dedicated to pet-friendly travel. With Pet Airways, your pet will be safe and comfortable flying in the main cabin --- not in cargo! Give your pet a first-class travel experience today!

I personally have seen more and more pets traveling at airports, usually in carriers "Paris Hilton style" or as lap dogs, usually smaller dogs. I haven't seen any big dogs in the airports yet, but in all of my business travels, I've seen 800% more dogs in airports this year than in the previous 10 years.

There is some inherent danger of packing up your pooch as cargo, not the least of which is that the cargo hold is not pressurized. I'm sure there have been lots of pets that have traveled as cargo seemingly just fine, but if your pet stresses easily, is up there in years, or has health problems, this might warrant extra consideration.

I think this is definitely an improvement over cargo hold transportation, but what I would like to see is an airline that lets both you and your pets travel together, side by side in a seat. I have big dogs, so I can't transport them in a small carrier or bag, and I DEFINITELY don't want them in my lap for several hours straight, but sitting next to me harnessed in a seat would be the most appealing.

Mars Petcare expands their recall

Mars Petcare expands their recall

Franklin, Tennessee (November 25, 2008) —Today, Mars Petcare US announced an
extension of a previously announced voluntary recall of dry cat and dog food
products manufactured at its Allentown, Pennsylvania facility with “Best By”
dates between August 11, 2009 – October 3, 2009. The pet food is being
voluntarily recalled because of potential contamination with Salmonella. This
voluntary recall affects product sold at BJ’s Wholesale Club, ShopRite
Supermarkets, and Wal-mart locations in Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts,
Maryland, Maine, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio,
Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont, and West Virginia.
Salmonella
can cause serious infections in dogs and cats, and, if there is cross
contamination caused by handling of the pet food, in people as well, especially
children, the aged, and people with compromised immune systems. Healthy people
potentially infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all
of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea,
abdominal cramping and fever. On rare occasions, 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.
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. Animals can be carriers with no visible
symptoms and potentially infect other animals or humans. If your pet has
consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your
veterinarian.
This action is an extension of the voluntary recall issued on
October 27, 2008 of all sizes of SPECIAL KITTY® Gourmet Blend dry cat food
produced at the Allentown facility on August 11, 2008. We recently learned that
an additional sample of SPECIAL KITTY® made on September 25, 2008 at the
Allentown facility tested positive for Salmonella. There have been no reported
cases of human or pet illness caused by Salmonella associated with products
produced at this facility. Mars Petcare US is taking an additional precautionary
action to protect pets and their owners by extending the October 27, 2008
voluntary recall to include all dry pet food product produced at the facility
with “Best By” dates between August 11, 2009 and October 3, 2009.
Salmonella
can cause serious infections in dogs and cats, and, if there is cross
contamination caused by handling of the pet food, in people as well, especially
children, the aged, and people with compromised immune systems. Healthy people
potentially infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all
of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea,
abdominal cramping and fever. On rare occasions, 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.
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. Animals can be carriers with no visible
symptoms and potentially infect other animals or humans. If your pet has
consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your
veterinarian.
This action is an extension of the voluntary recall issued on
October 27, 2008 of all sizes of SPECIAL KITTY® Gourmet Blend dry cat food
produced at the Allentown facility on August 11, 2008. We recently learned that
an additional sample of SPECIAL KITTY® made on September 25, 2008 at the
Allentown facility tested positive for Salmonella. There have been no reported
cases of human or pet illness caused by Salmonella associated with products
produced at this facility. Mars Petcare US is taking an additional precautionary
action to protect pets and their owners by extending the October 27, 2008
voluntary recall to include all dry pet food product produced at the facility
with “Best By” dates between August 11, 2009 and October 3, 2009.
The
following products are being recalled. (The UPC code is listed below the
item.)
Berkley & Jensen Bistro Blend Premium Cat Food 21.6#00000
20052
Berkley & Jensen Small Bites & Bones Dog Food 52#00000
14958
Ol’ Roy Puppy Complete Premium Dog Food 4#81131 79078
Ol’ Roy Puppy
Complete Premium Dog Food 20#81131 79080
Ol’ Roy Complete Nutrition Premium
Dog Food 4#81131 17550
Ol’ Roy Complete Nutrition Premium Dog Food 4.4#81131
69377
Ol’ Roy Complete Nutrition Premium Dog Food 8#05388 67144
Ol’ Roy
Complete Nutrition Premium Dog Food 20#81131 17549
Ol’ Roy Complete Nutrition
Premium Dog Food 22#05388 60342
Ol’ Roy Complete Nutrition Premium Dog Food
44.1#81131 17551
Ol’ Roy Complete Nutrition Premium Dog Food 50#78742
01022
Ol’ Roy High Performance Premium Dog Food 20#05388 60345
Ol’ Roy
High Performance Premium Dog Food 50#78742 05815
Ol’ Roy Meaty Chunks &
Gravy Premium Dog Food 22#81131 69630
Ol’ Roy Meaty Chunks & Gravy
Premium Dog Food 50#81131 69631
ShopRite Crunchy Bites, Bones and Healthy
Squares Dog Food 20#41190 04521
Special Kitty Original Premium Cat Food
3.5#81131 17557
Special Kitty Original Premium Cat Food 7#81131
17562
Special Kitty Original Premium Cat Food 18#81131 17559
Special Kitty
Gourmet Blend Premium Cat Food 3.5#81131 17546
Special Kitty Gourmet Blend
Premium Cat Food 7#81131 17547
Special Kitty Gourmet Blend Premium Cat Food
18#81131 17548
Special Kitty Kitten Premium Cat Food 3.5#81131
17553
Special Kitty Kitten Premium Cat Food 7#81131 17554

Read Mars' article here

Bentonville Strong-Arms Homeless Animals

After doing a little digging, some more information has surfaced about the Bentonville pet ordinances, and the code enforcement officers. Allegedly, several rescue groups who have attempted to have adoption events in Bentonville have been thwarted by code enforcement officers, even though they are supposed to be exempt:

"according to the ordinance Sec. 601.5(c)F Exemptions that states "Temporary sales to benefit non-profit organizations and conducted on private property. Such sales shall be conducted no longer than five consecutive days." The gentleman in charge of the code enforcement officers (Marvin Saunders) was directed to let the code enforcement officers be aware of this exemption. The regulation states "Any person claiming to be legally exempt from the regulations set forth herein, or from the payment of a permit fee, shall cite to the community Development Director the statute or other legal authority under which exemption is claimed and shall present proof of qualification of such exemption."

Despite city officials going on record with this, they seem to continue to target rescue and shelter adoption events. This doesn't make much sense to me. I will also concede that that I have only heard one side of the story, but even if I slide it towards the city some to account for their side, it doesn't paint a very pretty picture for the city of Bentonville Code Enforcement.

Why would the city need or want to attempt to prevent adoption events? It's not like these folks are making any money off of this - most volunteer at the rescue or shelter for free.

It's not like the shelters are making any money off of these either - every one that I know operates in the red as it is, and without donations of food, supplies, money, and time, they wouldn't even be here. Without these adoption events, building community awareness is difficult, and whats the alternative?

OK, so maybe the headline was a little exaggerated, but it's not too far of a leap to think that preventing sucessful adoption events is only hurting the homeless pets that need to be found - and whats the sense in that? Pets that don't get adopted - get euthanized. By preventing pet adoptions, they are indirectly contributing to the homeless pet epidemic. Bentonville outsources its animal shelter to Rogers, and it would seem they don't really want adoption events happening within their city limits - do they think that if they just ignore it, the problem will go away?

As far as what rescues can do to help with this at future events, take with you your 501c3 paperwork to the event, so that you can prove you are a non-profit, and you are supposed to also alert the code enforcement office, so that they can alert the on-duty officer that your event is taking place. Questions may be sent to srushing@bentonvillear.com. I'm only interested in the truth, so if you have some, comment or email me. I would love to hear from the other side.

Bentonville Pet Ordinances

It would appear there is some confusion about what is permissible in the city of Bentonville with regards to pet shelters, rescues, and adoption organizations, and whether or not they can have adoption events within the city.

I know a bunch of cities in Northwest Arkansas recently passed ordinances banning the sale or give aways of pets on random street corners, and some cities require permits to do this. I also know that Rogers passed exceptions to this for businesses that are in the pet industry (petco) and shelters, rescues, and adoption organizations.

The Bentonville Code Enforcement officers were recently called on a lady doing an adoption event, of which I do not know all of the details, and was ordered to cease. I do know that I have been trying to work with the city to put on an adoption event on or just off the Bentonville Square (They are still doing construction I think) during the Farmer's Market on some Saturday, and all of my efforts have been thwarted by the city attorney, citing that it is illegal to sell pets on public grounds. Who is selling pets?

Does anyone know how the ordinances read for the city of Bentonville, or who the city attorney is? I would love to pick this back up again, but they are making it difficult. If anyone knows anything about this topic, please email me.

One Year Anniversary of the Pet Food Recall

Hey Folks!

As we near the one year anniversary of the horrible pet food recalls from last year, I would like to take this opportunity to let people comment on any experiences they may have had, as well as give any opinions on what could be done different. Currently, absolutely nothing has changed legislatively, and all FDA recalls are voluntary with self regulation. Why has nothing changed in the last year to help protect our pets from future outbreaks like what happened?

I have read in other blogs that what happened in the US in 2007 happened before in China in 2004. Obviously these companies do not care about anything other than short term profits. The Chinese governement protects their companies from lawsuites. What safety protocols should be in place, and how do we enforce them? Are we prepared to sit by and do nothing, opening the door to similiar events in the near future?

As a consumer, you have a vote. I don't buy any food or treat made outside the United States. Apparently, these companies are not only still selling products, but are raising the prices to offset lawsuits from last year. YOU are paying for their mistakes. YOU are paying for the lawsuites against these companies. How does that make you feel?

These companies want you to sit by, idely buying their products because they spend millions of dollars to help you forget. Chime in, I want to hear from you! How has the recall affected you, and are you satisfied with what was done about it?

Februrary is National Pet Dental Health Month

Most people don’t realize it, but February is National Pet Dental Health Month. Yep, animals have a month to increase their awareness too. Actually, it’s really to help owners realize how important dental health can be for your cat or dog. Here are a few facts most owners don’t know:

*Good oral health alone can increase your pet’s lifespan by 2-5 years

*80% of dogs and 70% of cats have dental disease by the time they are 3 years old

*Dry food alone may not be enough to prevent tartar build-up

*Rawhides and other “hard” chew toys are the #1 reason for broken teeth in dogs.

*Dental disease isn’t just a mouth problem—it can affect the heart, liver, and kidneys.

*Severe dental disease leads to bad breath, painful mouths, inability to eat, and tooth loss.

Sounds bad, right? There are actually a lot of ways to combat dental disease, if you only know about them. The first and most important thing you can do for your pet is brush their teeth. Starting when they are puppies and kittens is best (you have those “practice teeth”), but even adults can learn to tolerate or even enjoy a good brushing. There several flavors of toothpaste specifically for animals. My personal preference is vanilla mint, since they have that lovely minty fresh breath after brushing, but you can also find poultry, beef, liver, and malt flavors. They even have tuna for the picky feline. As long as you are brushing at least 3 times a week, you are doing a great job at reducing bacteria and early plaque that forms the tartar.

So—not a chance of brushing teeth, huh? Well, you can try one of the many products developed for those problems animals that are either too painful or fearful to have their teeth brushed. There are the obvious dental treats, from Booda’s Talk to Me Bones to NutraDent chews, Nylabones, Greenies, etc… CET chews, available through your veterinarian, come in several varieties designed to be given daily. These are coated in an enzymatic formula to help kill bacteria that form plaque. The most important thing to remember with ANY of these products, whether digestible or not, is to supervise your pet! Just like a toddler, any of these chewable treats can be swallowed in a large piece and cause problems.

Another popular way to control bad breath and mouth bacteria is to add products to your animal’s water bowl. Think about it…every time they get a drink they are also rinsing their mouth with an antiseptic wash. It doesn’t have a flavor, and even cats will drink water with these additives. The most popular at the moment is CET Aquadent Solution, which contains chlorhexidine.

So—your pet’s teeth are already bad, now what? All hope is not lost! Make an appointment with your veterinarian and have your pet’s teeth evaluated. If there is significant infection your vet will probably prescribe some antibiotics to take for several days before the cleaning procedure. This helps to reduce the risk of a secondary infection. They will also evaluate your pet for any other health concerns that need to be addressed when anesthesia is used. Unfortunately, most pets feel about the dentist like we do---SCARED! This just means that light anesthesia is used to make sure that everything goes smoothly. The use of an endotracheal tube, which goes in their trachea, also minimizes the risk of putting any of that nasty tartar or bacteria in the lungs. Most pets go home the same day their teeth are cleaned with much better breath and more comfortable mouths.

An important consideration when cleaning the teeth is whether or not to add sealant, such as Oravet, to the teeth. Most of the time the enamel is already damaged, so you may notice the teeth looking dirty again within 6 to 8 months of cleaning. A sealant allows all of the small imperfections of the enamel to be protected, and you can go much longer between cleanings. This is especially important in older pets and in pets with another health condition, such as heart disease. Talk to your veterinarian about this new product.

And for root canals, braces, crowns---see your local veterinary dentist. That’s right—there are veterinarians who specialize in dentistry. Dr Bill Scott is a veterinary dentist located in Clarksville, AR, who can do cosmetic and surgical dentistry.

For more information about veterinary dentistry and how to help your pets keep their teeth in top shape, visit www.petdental.com. You can learn about diets, products and see demonstrations on how to brush teeth.

-- Courtesy of Dr. Vava Hooper from Rose Animal Clinic, Bentonville, AR. Rose Animal Clinic is offering $20 off all cleaning during the month of February.