Seems that there is no getting away from SPAM.  I have several idiots that seem to think I will publish their garbage, wrong.  I have disabled track backs, comments and other interaction on this blog.  Anyone that wishes to make a comment should do so via the contact form, I will sort those and reply to all that are trying to make REAL comments.
Sorry.

Dan Hunter says: "You need to smack them around once in a while"<< MORE >>

"Happy Birthday!” came screaming out of the phone.  CERTAIN that the individual had made an error in dialing I hung up.  Several moments later the phone rang again, the person at the other end of the line was persistent enough to convince me that it WAS my birthday and that both my wife and I had simply forgotten about it.  I apologized to the person on the other end.  My daughter accepted the apology.

This is the reaction that people are accustomed to; my birthday is just a day that means that my drivers’ license will expire sooner; we just do not celebrate it, never have, never planed to.  This year may be different.

Most of you do not know me.  I am a co-worker, a person that trained you dog or fixed your computer.  The truth is that I enjoy many different activities, fishing (salt and fresh), S.C.U.B.A. diving (did you know that I actually TAUGHT S.C.U.B.A. diving?), astronomy, photography (yes, including underwater), anyone want to go for a ride in an airplane?  (I do fly, and I do have a license (somewhere)).  I could post pages of things that I enjoy and/ or have done, but that would take up a lot of server space, a lot of your precious time and that is not what this is about.  This post relates specifically to one of my interests, astronomy.

I KNOW that this blog is about dogs, I remember (just cannot seem to get the birthday part down pat), but this kind of opportunity comes once in a lifetime, if at all.  You can delete this message if you do not want to read about anything but DOGS (that would be my choice), you can call my number and yell “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” (and receive the obligatory hang up) or you can read on, your choice…

A couple of headlines…

LOS ANGELES TIMES: Asteroid on track for possible Mars hit.
    Researchers say the object, about 160 feet across, has an unusually good chance of plowing into the planet Jan. 30.
Researchers attached to NASA's Near-Earth Objects Program
    Jet Propulsion Laboratory put the chances that it will hit the Red Planet on Jan. 30 / 31 at about 1 in 75.

1 in 75 odds, much better odds than the lottery that most of us play.

Steve Chesley, an astronomer with the Near Earth Object Program at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory said, “If the asteroid does smash into Mars, it will probably hit near the equator close to where the rover Opportunity has been exploring the Martian plains since 2004.  The robot is not in danger because it lies outside the impact zone.  Speeding at 8 miles a second, a collision would carve a hole the size of the famed Meteor Crater in Arizona.”

You can bet that telescopes worldwide will be focusing on the event.  NASA has the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter over Mars right now and, if the impact is in the right place, we could get a view of the event from space.  The still functioning rover Opportunity is also nearby and may be able to provide us with a first hand look at the damage from the ground.

The asteroid, known as 2007 WD5, was discovered in late November and is similar in size to an object that hit remote central Siberia in 1908, unleashing energy equivalent to a 15-megaton nuclear bomb and wiping out 60 million trees.

This could give us an unprecedented view of what really happens when an object this size hits a planet, this is very exciting.  Make an effort to follow this event; this is more exciting than the Jupiter impacts of a few years ago.  Do not miss this (1 in 75 chance) BIRTHDAY BASH!  (This event does not endanger the earth in any way, just sit back, and enjoy the show)

-=Wayne

Kroger Foods announced a recall of some of their pet foods, they can KILL your pet.
PET PRIDE CAT FOOD, 18 LB , PET PRIDE TASTY BLEND POULTRY &SEAFOOD CAT FOOD, 3.5 LB , PET PRIDE CAT FOOD, 3.5 LB , PET PRIDE KITTEN FORMULA FOOD, 3.5 LB , KROGER VALUE CAT FOOD, 3 LB  , KROGER VALUE CHUNK DOG FOOD, 50 LB , OLD YELLER CHUNK DOG FOOD, 50 LB , PET PRIDE TASTY BLEND POULTRY &SEAFOOD, 18 LB , KROGER VALUE CHUNK DOG FOOD, 15 LB , OLD YELLER CHUNK DOG FOOD, 22 LB 

Affected in Kroger stores located in Indiana (except SW IN, -Evansville-), Illinois, Eastern Missouri, Greater Cincinnati, including Northern Kentucky, Dayton, OH and South Eastern Indiana, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Knoxville, Tennessee, Greater Memphis, TN, Arkansas, Mississippi and Western Kentucky, Michigan, Central and Northwest Ohio and N. West Virginia panhandle, Greater Louisville (including Indiana), Lexington, and Nashville, TN, North Carolina, Virginia, Eastern WV, Eastern Kentucky, SE Ohio, Texas and Louisiana; Dillons, Jay C, Food 4 Less, FoodsCo, Baker's, Gerbes, and Food4Less Fremont stores.

Reason: The products may be contaminated with aflatoxin which can cause serious illness and even death to pets if consumed. Press Release

http://www.kroger.com/services/Pages/recall_information.aspx

Please look at what you are feeding your animals, they do not deserve to be poisoned.

Another day, another dollar wasted.

Another round of recalls, this one has dangerous repercussions for people.  On August 5th the Rhode Island  Department of Health issued an advisory stating that IAMS and EUKANUBA pet foods may be contaminated with Salmonella.  DUH!

My records indicate that the issue was discovered on June 18 when (

 

NaturalBalance Pet Foods, Inc. announces a voluntary recall of Natural BalanceSweet Potato & Chicken Dry Dog Food Due to a Possible Health Risk) Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Chicken Dry Dog Food was recalled for the same reason.  It was followed by a long string of recalls including:

• August 03, 2010
   
  Merrick Pet Care Recalls Texas Hold'ems 10 oz Bag (Item # 60016 Lot 10127 Best by May 6 2012) because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk 
• July 30, 2010
   
  P&G Expands Voluntary Limited Recall of Specialized Dry Pet Foods Due to Possible Health Risk 
• July 27, 2010
   
  Biggers & Callaham, LLC DBA Mice Direct Recalls Frozen Reptile Feed Because of Possible Health Risk 
• July 25, 2010
   
  P&G Recalls Two Lots of Prescription Renal Diet Cat Food due to a Possible Health Risk 
• July 15, 2010
   
  Feline’s Pride Expands Nationwide Recall of its Natural Chicken Formula Cat Food Due to Salmonella Contamination 
• July 02, 2010
   
  Merrick Pet Care Recalls Beef Filet Squares 10oz Bag (Item #60016 Lot # 10084TL7 Best By March 24, 2012) Because Of Possible Salmonella Health Risk 
• July 02, 2010
   
  United Pet Group Voluntarily Expands Recall of Nutritional Supplements For Dogs to Include Additional Tablet and Powdered-Form Products for Dogs and Cats Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk 
• July 01, 2010
   
  Feline’s Pride Issues Nationwide Recall of its Natural Chicken Formula Cat Food Due to Salmonella Contamination 
• June 22, 2010
   
  United Pet Group Voluntarily Recalls Pro-Pet Adult Daily Vitamin Supplement for Dogs Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk 

Why does it take so long to address the health hazards of the foods we feed our pets?

I don’t know why it went by so fast.  Seems like a few months at the most. It couldn’t possibly be six years. Coco is getting some grey around her snout, Bailey has some too, but it doesn’t show on her.  I just don’t believe that it is really GREY, must be an illusion.

I don’t know how to make it better for them; I have mixed feelings.  I know that they are having good lives, they are happy, healthy (within reason), and well adjusted.  They have jobs, Bailey goes to work with me on Monday, Wednesday and Friday where she shows everyone just who’s boss and Coco goes on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, where she shows everyone how obedience is done.  But they never get a break.

I don’t know how they put up with their grueling schedule.  Their day starts at 6:00 AM and doesn’t end until late in the evening.  Naps are interrupted by games and play times, play times are interrupted with attention, attention is interrupted by another nap.  Seven days a week, too many hours each day to count they work, play and have fun. It just doesn’t seem to end, no rest for the wicked, or for my dogs.

The only thing that I do know; time flies, especially when your having fun.

FDA NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Nov. 5, 2009

Media Inquiries: Rita Chappelle, 301-796-4672, rita.chappelle@fda.hhs.gov
Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA

FDA  Health Alert for Certain Pet Treats Made by Pet Carousel 
Products may be contaminated with Salmonella

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is issuing this health alert to warn consumers not to use Pig Ears and Beef Hooves pet treats manufactured by Pet Carousel because the products may be contaminated with Salmonella. The products were distributed nationwide in both bulk and retail packaging for sale in pet food and retail chain stores. Pet Carousel is based in Sanger, Calif.

The products were manufactured under conditions that facilitate cross-contamination within batches or lots. Although no illnesses associated with these products have been reported, the FDA is advising consumers in possession of these products to not handle or feed them to their pets.

The affected pig ear products were packaged under the brand names Doggie Delight and Pet Carousel. The affected beef hooves were packaged under the brand names Choo Hooves, Dentley’s, Doggie Delight, and Pet Carousel. All sizes and all lots of these products made by Pet Carousel are included in this alert.

During September 2009, the FDA conducted routine testing of pig ears made by Pet Carousel. The test results detected a positive reading for Salmonella. This prompted an FDA inspection of Pet Carousel’s manufacturing facilities. During the inspection, the agency collected additional pet treat samples. Further analysis found Salmonella present in beef hooves, pig ears and in the manufacturing environment.

Salmonella can affect both humans and animals. People handling dry pet food and/or pet treats can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the treats 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 may experience some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Although rare, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart), arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their health care provider immediately.

Pets with Salmonella infections may become lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets may only experience a 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 any of the affected products or is experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

The FDA will continue to investigate this matter to determine the source of the Salmonella contamination and offer updates as appropriate.

Consumers can report complaints about FDA-regulated pet food and pet treat products by calling the consumer complaint coordinator in their area. You can locate the nearest consumer complaint coordinator at:
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/ReportaProblem/ConsumerComplaintCoordinators/default.htm

A few days ago I was working at a Spay/ Neuter clinic.  One of the things that we do in the morningis answer the phone, you never know when an appointment is going to becancelled (dang it) or someone that really needs to get there on time gets lostand desperately needs directions

One call involved a man that had recently adopted apuppy.  He went to a local store (startswith a W ends with something like mart (think I have mentioned them before)) toget his new friend a toy.  Shortlythereafter the puppy was crying in agony. Seems that this toy contained a fishhook.  Upon inspection the man found out that the toy was made in China(I have a memory of mentioning that place before too).  Long story short he has paid the Veterinarybill and made an oath to NEVER buy toys at the place that starts with a W andto read all labels to make sure they do not mention China.  BTW: the puppy is fine.

-=Wayne