The Four Paws Pimple Ball with Bell ALERT!!

Please stop using this and ALL Pimple toys and pass on this information. This is serious.

> Subject
> Don't buy this toy for your dog.. Please read
>
>
> http://tinyurl.com/6hxbz2
>
> Wednesday, August 20, 2008
> Dangerous Toy Alert
>
> Please post this link to everyone you know that may be affected by
> this dangerous toy alert!
>
> Please look through all of your dog toys and make sure that your dogs
> do NOT have access to a toy called the Pimple Ball with Bell (Item
> #20227-001, UPC Code 0 4566320227 9) manufactured by Four Paws Inc.
> (see
> picture)
>
> This toy has been responsible for seriously injuring at least two
> dogs, one dog had to have its tongue amputated. Click here to read
> about Chai's ordeal after his tongue became stuck inside the ball, and
> the subsequent amputation of his tongue (please note, there are
> graphic pictures of the damage caused by this ball)
>
> The design of the ball creates a vacuum while the dog is chewing on
> the ball and the tongue becomes stuck inside the ball causing
> constriction and swelling. Chai is not the only dog that has been
> injured while playing with this ball.
>
> Concerned dog owners have contacted the manufacturer of this toy. The
> company stands by the toy, but has claimed that they are voluntarily
> recalling the toy to retool it so that it is safe. They claim to have
> contacted their distributors and told them to return their stock of
> this toy until the retooled toy can replace it.
>
> We are unsure as to when this voluntary recall was enacted, but we've
> done a google search (as of 20 August 2008 at 7 p.m.) and have found
> up to 22 stores that are still carrying this product.
>
> Please crosspost to every dog owner that you know and warn them of
> this toy. If you see this toy in a pet store, please notify the
> manager that this toy is considered dangerous and that the
> manufacturer claims to have voluntarily recalled the toy. Have the
> manager contact the manufacturer directly and encourage them to remove it from the shelves.
>
> If you see someone on the Internet that is still selling this toy,
> please feel free to e-mail them with the following:
>
> The Four Paws Pimple Ball with Bell (Item #20227-001, UPC Code 0
> 4566320227 9) listed on your site has severely injured several dogs.
> Allen Simon, the President and CEO of Four Paws Inc. has responded to
> e-mail inquiries and has assured his customers that it is voluntarily
> recalling this toy and says it has notified its vendors of this
> recall. We would not like to hear of other dogs being injured by this
> toy, so please remove this toy from your inventory, and if possible,
> notify your customers that this toy can be dangerous to their pet. If
> you have any questions, please feel free to contact Haley Birk or Mr. Simon directly from their Web site:
> http://www.fourpaws.com/ or calling their number at: (631) 434-1100.
>
> Sincerely,
>
>
> Posted by Shmoo at 6:59 PM

Does your dog have a dry dull coat?

I'm no doctor and can only talk from experience. We have been giving a Vitamin E and a Omega 3 (Fish Oil) you know the gel capsules daily to Lucy and Wrigley in their food. Most of the time I just drop them in their kibble, but they really like crunching down on the fish one and getting that fishy oil taste right in their mouth. Wrigley is finicky and if its in his food, sometimes he'll play with it and not eat it till I bust it open for him. So, I'm learning to do it this way now and not fight him on it. The other one is so small I don't think they notice it.

Recently, they were both kinda sick, well, Lucy was very sick with diareaha and I stopped all hard food for 24hrs and then started her on cottage cheese and yogurt and then rice and hamburger. Cottage cheese works for her all the time when she's a little loose. The experts say pumpkin and I have a ton of that around but that didn't really do anything I didn't think. I gave her some and that is what she took her pills with but I don't think it did anything one way or the other. Anyway, I also stopped her vitamins and since she wasn't getting them, I didn't give them to Wrigley either.

The following week, Wrigley starting feeling ill. He wasn't eating, had bad gas, which is very abnormal for him, so we were still not giving vitamins. After another week after everyone was back to normal, I notice their coats not quite as shiney or soft. I started putting them back on it and what a major difference. Wrigley is so black he shines like black silk.

The only problem with this is they become so soft, I can't keep my hands off them if they are laying by me. And usually, they are trying to sleep so, I keep waking them. LOL But, I guess that's a good problem for them when so many out their don't get touched at all.

Need Pet Care Help?

So many times pet owners get hit with a vet bill they just can not afford. Here are some links that you may find helpful:

Organizations that can help owners who cannot afford vet care

Here is a list of organizations that can help owners who cannot afford vet care. A couple are for rescue organizations and homeless pets. Please forward this list to anyone you think it might help.

American Animal Hospital Association
http://www.aahahelpingpets.org/home/
"The heartbreak happens all too often ? a pet owner is unable to
afford treatment and their sick or injured companion animal pays the
price. If the owner is elderly, disabled or on a fixed income, the
cost of care may be too much of a stretch for their pocketbook.
Perhaps they have been victimized by crime, property loss or a job
layoff and are experiencing a temporary financial hardship ? making it
too difficult to afford pet care. And some animals, brought to clinics
by Good Samaritans, don't have an owner to pay for treatment. Whatever
the situation, the fact remains the same: When sick or injured animals
are unable to receive veterinary care, they suffer. Through the AAHA
Helping Pets Fund, veterinary care is possible for sick or injured
pets even if they have been abandoned or if their owner is
experiencing financial hardship."

Angels 4 Animals
www.Angels4Animals.org
"Angels4Animals, a non-profit organization and a program of Inner
Voice Community Services, has a mission to serve as the guardian
angel of animals whose caretakers find themselves in difficult
financial situations. At Angels4Animals we believe that animal owners
should not have to say goodbye to the animals that they love. Our
work is accomplished in conjunction with veterinary clinics across
the country, eager to assist as many animals, and their owners, as
possible. Our services range from financial aid to complete treatment
to those pets and pet owners in need."

Care Credit
www.carecredit.com
A credit card company for health care, including veterinary care.
"CareCredit, the leader in patient/client financing, has helped more
than 3 million patients/clients get the treatment or procedures they
needed and wanted. With a comprehensive range of plan options, for
treatment or procedure fees from $1 to over $25,000, we offer a plan
and a low monthly payment to fit comfortably into almost every
budget."

Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance (FVEAP)
http://www.fveap.org/sys-tmpl/door/
"The NEED & The HELP: Seniors, People with disabilities, People who
have lost their job, Good Samaritans who rescue a cat or kitten - any
of these folks may need financial assistance to save a beloved
companion."

The Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Program is a nonprofit 501
(c)(3) organization that provides financial assistance to cat and
kitten guardians who are unable to afford veterinary services to save
their companions when life-threatening illness or injury strikes.

Help-A-Pet
http://www.help-a-pet.org/home.html
"Our efforts focus on serving the elderly, the disabled, and the
working poor. For lonely seniors, physically/mentally challenged
individuals and children of working parents, pets represent much more
than a diversion."

IMOM
http://www.imom.org
"Mission Statement:
Helping people help pets. To better the lives of sick, injured and
abused companion animals. We are dedicated to insure that no
companion animal has to be euthanized simply because their caretaker
is financially challenged."

The Pet Fund
http://thepetfund.com/
"The Pet Fund is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit association that
provides financial assistance to owners of domestic animals who need
urgent veterinary care. Often animals are put down or suffer
needlessly because their owners cannot afford expensive surgery or
emergency vet visits. Companion animal owners must often make the
difficult decision to put an animal down or neglect urgent medical
needs because of the costs involved. The purpose of the Pet Fund is
to work towards a future where decisions about companion animal
medical care need never be made on the basis of cost."

United Animal Nations UAN VET SUPPORT $$$
http://www.uan.org/lifeline/index.html
http://www.uan.org/index..cfm?navid=28


"The mission of LifeLine is to help homeless or recently rescued
animals suffering from life-threatening conditions that require
specific and immediate emergency veterinary care. We strive to serve
Good Samaritans and rescue groups who take in sick or injured
animals. In certain cases, LifeLine can also assist senior citizens
and low-income families pay for immediate emergency veterinary care."

UK Assistance with Veterinary Bills (this is in England)
http://www.petloversonline.co.uk/financial.htm
"Most of us can cope with the financial commitment involved in the
day to day care of our pets. However, how many of us come out in a
cold sweat when our pet is ill or injured and we know we have to take
it to the vet? Most of us are fortunate enough to be able to afford
it but, some of us who love our animals dearly cannot. Unfortunately
we do not have a PDSA or a RSPCA Centre within our area, but there
are a few charities who may be able to help."

Other Groups Who are Breed or Injury Specific:

Corgi Aid
http://www.corgiaid.org/

Dachshunds Needing IVDD surgery
http://members.rushmore.com/~dds/applyforhelphtm


HandicappedPets.com
http://www.handicappedpets.com/Articles/help/
"From time to time, HandicappedPets.com recognizes a caretaker of
handicapped pets that need some special attention, and a little extra
help. There are those who are so selflessly dedicated to their animal
families that they give up a little more than they can afford."

Labrador Lifeline
http://www.labradorlifeline.org/success/2005-abbey.htm

LabMed: Rx For Rescued Labs
http://www.labmed.org/aid_main.html

Organizations that offer financial assistance

GENERAL



In Memory of Magic (IMOM) is dedicated to insuring that no companion animal has to be euthanized simply because their caretaker is financially challenged.
http://www.imom.org;

In Memory of Magic
http://www.imom.org/pin/cases.htm
IMOM, Inc
PO Box 282
Cheltenham, MD 20623
Phone (866)-230-2164 Fax (301)-599-1852

United Animal Nations established the LifeLine fund in 1997 to aid companion animals in times of life-threatening emergencies when their caregivers, with low or no incomes, are unable to afford the entire cost of treatment.
http://uan.org/lifeline/index.html
United Animal Nations

P.O. Box 188890
Sacramento, California 95818
Telephone: (916) 429 2457 fax: (916) 429 2456



Help-A-Pet is a nonprofit organization which provides financial assistance for the medical care of pets whose owners are unable to afford the expense
http://www.help-a-pet.org/home.html
Help-A-Pet
P. O. Box 244
Hinsdale, Illinois 60521
telephone: (630) 986-9504 fax: (630) 986-9141



Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Programs provides financial assistance for emergency medical care for cats.
http://www.fveap.org/sys-tmpl/door/


FVEAP
1641 Elizabeth Lane
Yuba City, CA 95993
Fax: 888-301-4264



AREA-SPECIFIC

California

Los Angeles area
Actors and Others for Animals is a Southern California community-based organization serving the greater Los Angeles area. Among other services, the organization provides financial assistance for emergency medical procedures for those of limited income.
http://www.actorsandothers.com/emergencyhelp.html



Sue Freeman’s Guide to Rescue Cats website contains a list of pet financial-assistance resources in Los Angeles and the surrounding area.
http://rescueguide.com/aid.html



Redwood City area

Pets In Need provides assistance to low-income individuals for veterinary care, including spaying and neutering for their dogs and cats, on a funds available basis. Also assists senior citizens with veterinary care. Regular clinics are held at Senior Centers throughout the area. Senior citizens can bring their companion pets for an examination by a veterinarian and vaccinations for only ten dollars. Low-income seniors can also obtain assistance for other more comprehensive veterinary care through the Crockett Memorial Fund.
http://www.petsinneed.org/Services.html





Colorado

Dreampower Animal Rescue's Forever Home program provides assistance to pet owners in need of assistance.
http://www.dreampower-arf.com/ffriends.cfm



Harrison Memorial Animal Hospital offers veterinary services to individuals, over 60 rescue and shelter groups, and to non-profit organizations that are in need of veterinary care for service animals or therapy animals. Our team of seven staff veterinarians and our pool of referral surgeons allow us to care for critically injured animals as well as routine procedures. http://www.hmah.org/pageinpage/whatwedo.cfm



Massachusetts
The Nantucket MSPCA offers a number of subsidy programs that provide financial assistance to pet owners.
http://www.mspca.org/site/pp.asp?c=gtIUK4OSG&b=127232

New York
NY SAVE, Inc., serves the pets of New York City residents living in Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island by providing funds to low-income pet owners whose pets need emergency veterinary care.
http://www.nysave.org

North Carolina
http://www.ashleyfund.org/



Oregon
http://www.bearenfoundation.org/

Rhode Island
Volunteer Services For Animals (VSA) is an organization of volunteers dedicated to animal well-being and the promotion of the human-animal bond through programs of education, advocacy, and assistance. VSA provides financial assistance to pet owners for veterinary care.
http://www.volunteerservicesforanimals.org/

The website of the Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association has a list of agencies that offer financial assistance to pet owners in need.
http://www.rivma.org/financialaid.html



Washington
The Good Samaritan Fund at Washington State University's College of Veterinary Medicine is used exclusively to treat ownerless or special needs animals that, ideally but not exclusively, also present a teaching opportunity for the veterinary students.
http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/depts-prd/gsf.asp

Utah
Pet Samaritan Fund provides financial assistance to individuals unable to afford medical care for their pet(s).
http://www.petsamaritan.org/Medical/index.htm

BREED-SPECIFIC
If you have a specific breed of dog, contact the national club for that breed. In some cases, these clubs offer a veterinary financial assistance fund. Here are a few websites for groups that provide financial assistance for specific breeds:

Bernese Mountain Dog http://behaf.com/index.html
Corgi http://www.corgiaid.org/
Doberman (special needs) http://www.doberman911.org/

Great Pyrenees http://www.angelfire.com/bc2/pyramedic/summary.html

Labrador Retriever http://www.labmed.org
Labrador Retriever http://www.labradorlifeline.org/
Pit Bull/Staffordshire Terrier http://www.pbrc.net/fund/financial.html

Westies http://www.westiemed.com/

DISEASE-SPECIFIC



Diabetes

IMOM Diabetic Pet Fund

http://www.imom.org

Diabetic Pet Fund:

http://www.petdiabetes.net/fund/



Special Needs cats

Cats in Crisis:

http://www.catsincrisis.org/crisisFund.html



Blind Dogs

IMOM Blind Dogs Fund:

http://www.imom.org



Chronic Renal Failure (CRF)

IMOM Chronic Renal Failure (CRF) Kitties Fund

http://www.imom.org/funds/crf.htm



Cats in Crisis Mesa Fund

http://www.catsincrisis.org/mesaFund.html



Cats - Heart and Thyroid

Cats in Crisis Stripes Fund

http://www.catsincrisis.org/stripesFund.html



Cats – Neurological conditions and mobility impairments

Cats in Crisis Gillie Fund

http://www.catsincrisis.org/gillieFund.html



ASSISTANCE DOGS

Assistance Dog Partners

http://www.iaadp.org/VCP.html



FUNDING FOR ORGANIZATIONS (Specific animals needing veterinary care):

http://www.catsincrisis.org/

http://www.imom.org



The Mosby Foundation
info@themosbyfoundation.org

For anyone who would like to know more about Mosby please read his story on www.themosbyfoundation.org If anyone would like to contact me, please feel free. Our e-mail is listed above, our phone number is 540-939-4035.
Our Mission Statement:
The Mosby Foundation is organized exclusively for charitable purposes, to assist in the care of sick, injured, abused, neglected and /or homeless dogs in order to ready them for placement in loving and permanent homes.

It's really very simple. A rescue group, foster person, shelter or vet has a dog that requires medical care and there aren't sufficient funds for that treatment. The Mosby Foundation is contacted by a licensed veterinarian with case details. Our Board decides whether we can help, and if so, how.

Many rescued dogs need medical or rehabilitative care prior to adoption. Often dogs lack current vaccinations, need spay/neuter, or have other medical needs.

For example, if there is a dog at a shelter who a vet certifies is healthy, yet has tested positive for heartworm, The Mosby Foundation could decide to provide a portion or all of the funds required for heartworm treatment. The dog would then be healthy and adoptable to a permanent home.

The Mosby Foundation is totally funded by donations and run by a committed group of volunteers.

Carole Adams
President, The Mosby Foundation



Animal Wish List

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AnimalWishList/

The "Animal Wish List" yahoo group is a Charitable group where pet owners, animal rescuers and sanctuary owners, and animal lovers come to post messages about the items, supplies, volunteer work, and/or funds they need in caring for animals. Items needed can range from pet food coupons, pet housing and bedding, bathing and grooming materials, building materials needed for barns and fencing, etc.., to funds needed to help pay vet bills or kennel bills etc...and
even volunteer work to care for pets.





Fundraising4pets

Getting some ideas that could prove useful in bringing in much needed funds to pull and vet the animals. Be sure- that if you do join, you sign up for the 'daily digest' so you do not get swamped all day with mail daily digest allows you to get the days worth of info in one email newsletter. Its worth a look-see.......we can all use some inspiration and new ideas.

Fundraising4pets@yahoogroups.com



http://www.handicappedpets.com/



http://www.themosbyfoundation.org/what.html





Ahimsa Foundation
B6 Devonshire Street

Boston, MA 02109

Fax: 617- 227 -3794

.............................................................................................................

More...from another list; some may be repeats.


website where owners of pets can go to apply for financial assistance for these situations.
http://thepetfund.com/default.htm



As the benevolent arm of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Foundation, the AAHA Helping Pets Fund helps those in need access quality veterinary care for their sick or injured pets. We raise funds and award grants supporting veterinary care for pets that have been abandoned or whose owners are experiencing financial hardship. =
http://www.aahahelpingpets.org/root/
AAHA Helping Pets Fund
P. O. Box 150899
Denver, Colorado 80215-0899
Tel. 866/4HELPETS / Fax 720/963-4404
Email: info@aahahelpingpets.org
Companion Animals, Assistance Animals, & Special-Needs Animals:

http://www.catanddo ghelp.com/


Actors and Others for Animals

818-755-6045



Animal Health Foundation (financial - seniors 65 and over only)

562-948-4979



Mercy Crusade

818-597-2926



Pet Assistance

877-772-9738



Maxie Animal Fund

323-726-3444



Animal Wish List

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AnimalWishList/

The "Animal Wish List" yahoo group is a Charitable group where pet owners, animal rescuers and sanctuary owners, and animal lovers come to post messages about the items, supplies, volunteer work, and/or funds they need in caring for animals. Items needed can range from pet food coupons, pet housing and bedding, bathing and grooming materials, building materials needed for barns and fencing, etc.., to funds needed to help pay vet bills or kennel bills etc...and
even volunteer work to care for pets.





Fundraising4pets

Getting some ideas that could prove useful in bringing in much needed funds to pull and vet the animals. Be sure- that if you do join, you sign up for the 'daily digest' so you do not get swamped all day with mail daily digest allows you to get the days worth of info in one email newsletter. Its worth a look-see.......we can all use some inspiration and new ideas.

Fundraising4pets@yahoogroups.com



http://www.handicappedpets.com/



http://www.themosbyfoundation.org/what.html





I found a website where owners of pets can go to apply for financial assistance for these situations.
http://thepetfund.com/default.htm



Organizations that offer financial assistance

GENERAL


United Animal Nations established the LifeLine fund in 1997 to aid companion animals in times of life-threatening emergencies when their caregivers, with low or no incomes, are unable to afford the entire cost of treatment.
http://uan.org/lifeline/index.html
United Animal Nations

http://www.uan.org/lifeline/index.html

P.O. Box 188890
Sacramento, California 95818
Telephone: (916) 429 2457 fax: (916) 429 2456



Help-A-Pet is a nonprofit organization which provides financial assistance for the medical care of pets whose owners are unable to afford the expense
http://www.help-a-pet.org/home.html
Help-A-Pet
P. O. Box 244
Hinsdale, Illinois 60521
telephone: (630) 986-9504 fax: (630) 986-9141



Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Programs provides financial assistance for emergency medical care for cats.
http://www.fveap.org/sys-tmpl/door/
FVEAP
1641 Elizabeth Lane
Yuba City, CA 95993
Fax: 888-301-4264



AREA-SPECIFIC

California

Los Angeles area
Actors and Others for Animals is a Southern California community-based organization serving the greater Los Angeles area. Among other services, the organization provides financial assistance for emergency medical procedures for those of limited income.
http://www.actorsandothers.com/emergencyhelp.html

Sue Freeman’s Guide to Rescue Cats website contains a list of pet financial-assistance resources in Los Angeles and the surrounding area.
http://rescueguide.com/aid.html

Redwood City area

Pets In Need provides assistance to low-income individuals for veterinary care, including spaying and neutering for their dogs and cats, on a funds available basis. Also assists senior citizens with veterinary care. Regular clinics are held at Senior Centers throughout the area. Senior citizens can bring their companion pets for an examination by a veterinarian and vaccinations for only ten dollars. Low-income seniors can also obtain assistance for other more comprehensive veterinary care through the Crockett Memorial Fund.
http://www.petsinneed.org/Services.html



Bay Cities area
Nike Animal Rescue Foundation (NARF) is fortunate to have many hospitals and clinics who offer reduced rates and/or the ability for you to pay your veterinary bills on a monthly basis.
http://www.narfrescue.org/services/veterinary_support.htm

Colorado

Dreampower Animal Rescue's Forever Home program provides assistance to pet owners in need of assistance.
http://www.dreampower-arf.com/ffriends.cfm



Harrison Memorial Animal Hospital offers veterinary services to individuals, over 60 rescue and shelter groups, and to non-profit organizations that are in need of veterinary care for service animals or therapy animals. Our team of seven staff veterinarians and our pool of referral surgeons allow us to care for critically injured animals as well as routine procedures. http://www.hmah.org/pageinpage/whatwedo.cfm

Massachusetts
The Nantucket MSPCA offers a number of subsidy programs that provide financial assistance to pet owners.
http://www.mspca.org/site/pp.asp?c=gtIUK4OSG&b=127232

New York
NY SAVE, Inc., serves the pets of New York City residents living in Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island by providing funds to low-income pet owners whose pets need emergency veterinary care.
http://www.nysave.org

Help Parvo Puppies

Please help these babies. There are 18 that need treated. Jill at http://www.homelessanimalrescueteam.com/ received them from Harlan, KY. One has Parvo. Now she has to treat them all. Her one vet bill is over $700. Her vet is sending home meds so she can treat them at home, but the costs will be through the roof. Please donate as much as you can. Any amount will be helpful and appreciated.

As I've done in the past, I will donate 10% of all cookie sales to Homeless Animal Rescue Team. Please if you want to donate AND buy cookies that works too. :)

I'll post pictures as I get them.

Thank you for your generousity.
Doreen and Jill

How to grade your dog’s food

Please, let me start by saying, I snatched this test from someone else. I didn't make it myself. Someone did a lot of research to come up with this extensive list. I have done the test on several foods I was feeding to my two and have changed because of this list. I want only the best for my furkids as I'm sure you do too.

Since kibble is their main source of nutrition, please take a good look at what you are feeding your dog and please make adjustments as needed. It's only a few dollars more. Personally, I feed my two Canidae. I can get it right at the local feed store, Agard's. It's about $30 for a 40# bag and it last about a month for two dogs at about a cup each twice a day. (Of course they get cookies too J )

Don't you agree that your dogs deserve good food? Now take the test and see what they've been eating and how it rates.

If you've been giving good food, I'm proud of you, now give good snacks and round out their nutrition. Of course, you can get them right here from me.

If you've not been giving good food, there is no time like the present to change, however you must do it gradually. Mix the new food with the old food about half and half for about a week. Then go about three quarters new to one quarter old and then finally get rid of the old. But don't toss it! The local animal shelter will be glad to take your left over.


How to grade your dog’s food:
Start with a grade of 100: 1)
For every listing of "by-product", subtract 10 points 2)
For every non-specific animal source ("meat" or "poultry", meat, meal or fat) reference, subtract 10 points 3)
If the food contains BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin, subtract 10 points 4)
For every grain "mill run" or non-specific grain source, subtract 5 points 5)
If the same grain ingredient is used 2 or more times in the first five ingredients (i.e. "ground brown rice", "brewer’s rice", "rice flour" are all the same grain), subtract 5 points 6)
If the protein sources are not meat meal and there are less than 2 meats in the top 3 ingredients, subtract 3 points 7)
If it contains any artificial colorants, subtract 3 points 8 )
If it contains ground corn or whole grain corn, subtract 3 points 9)
If corn is listed in the top 5 ingredients, subtract 2 more points 10)
If the food contains any animal fat other than fish oil, subtract 2 points 11)
If lamb is the only animal protein source (unless your dog is allergic to other protein sources), subtract 2 points 12)
If it contains soy or soybeans, subtract 2 points 13)
If it contains wheat (unless you know that your dog is not allergic to wheat), subtract 2 points 14)
If it contains beef (unless you know that your dog is not allergic to beef), subtract 1 point 15)
If it contains salt, subtract 1 point Extra Credit: 1)
If any of the meat sources are organic, add 5 points 2)
If the food is endorsed by any major breed group or nutritionist, add 5 points 3) If the food is baked not extruded, add 5 points 4)
If the food contains probiotics, add 3 points 5)
If the food contains fruit, add 3 points 6)
If the food contains vegetables (NOT corn or other grains), add 3 points 7)
If the animal sources are hormone-free and antibiotic-free, add 2 points 8 )
If the food contains barley, add 2 points 9)
If the food contains flax seed oil (not just the seeds), add 2 points 10)
If the food contains oats or oatmeal, add 1 point 11)
If the food contains sunflower oil, add 1 point 12)
For every different specific animal protein source (other than the first one; count "chicken" and "chicken meal" as only one protein source, but "chicken" and "" as 2 different sources), add 1 point 13)
If it contains glucosamine and chondroitin, add 1 point 14)
If the vegetables have been tested for pesticides and are pesticide-free, add 1 point

94-100+ = A 86-93 = B 78-85 = C 70-77 = D <70>

Are you surprised? I was...now...as an FYI, there has been a lot of "stuff" about Nutro in the dog world. Not good news there, dogs getting sick on their food, some dying. This is one food I would for sure stay clear of.

Now, don't forget their snacks! www.doreensdoggiedelights.com

A PET'S TEN COMMANDMENTS

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.
3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.
5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.
8 . Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if
something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.
9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.
10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch.
Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

~Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them.
Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without God's critters

Are You My Mother?

Do you remember that story? It used to be one of my favorites as a little girl. The poor little bird searching high and low looking all over the place for his mother. He asked everyone, even heavy equipment, cows if they were his mother. He just wanted a mother.

I think of this story every time I think about Dolly. This poor dog really had a rough beginning to her life and now is in a wonderful foster home, but still is looking for her mother. It grieves my heart that she has to make one more move but I know that one more move will be to her forever home. Right now, she thinks she is already in her forever home. She's happy and content and in a routine. She's adjusted to her new life. Little does she know she is just in a holding pattern. It's sad really. She deserves better. They all do.

Coming from an abused home, being run over from her own parents at age 12 weeks and left to heal broken bones with no medical attention must have been horrendous for her to endure but she did it. Dolly is a real trooper. About 6 months later, Lillian rescued out of a feces filled pen, filthy, cold and hungry. Her water bucket was frozen solid and the lean to she had for shelter turned on her and fell, scalping her leaving a gash on her head. Covered in fleas, Lillian took her home and rescued her from that hell hole.

Dolly's front leg had a crook in it. We raised money to get her to the vet. After x-rays, we found out that her hip socket was out of joint and needed repair quickly, cuz Dolly was in pain. Her leg was crooked because that was where it was broken and how it grew back. She also had broken her pelvis in 5 places but that seemed to have healed ok.

We put out pleas across the internet and collected funds, did fundraisers, people bought my cookies and I was able to donate too and we got enough money to get her hip surgery. Then we went after her leg. Some folks wanted to just amputate it, but Lillian and I wouldn't have any part of that! We collected more money and finally, she's had her surgery. her leg is about 2 inches shorter than the rest of her legs, but at least it's straight! YAY!!

Now, she is in need of her forever home. DOLLY'S MOMMY...PLEASE COME AND TAKE HER HOME. She needs you. She's a healthy girl, happy, submissive, dog, cat, kid friendly. She's had all her shots.

Adoption fee is $150. Please email me your number or go to my website for the application then email it to me.

Where's Your Bone?

When we first rescued Lucy from the shelter at three months old, we had an elderly dog, Blackie. An old gramma dog, she wanted things quiet around the house, but if you've ever had a puppy around, quiet is NOT what Blackie got. Lucy wanted to play, not alone either but with Blackie! But, Blackie wanted nothing to do with this little growing bundle of energy.

Eventually, Lucy almost doubled Blackies weight, but she knew her place was to submit to the elder dog, except of course in the middle of a zoomie around the living room. Mid-zoomie was not a time to stop for anything or anyone...except Mom of course.

As I would come in from work, greeted by hundreds of kisses, lots of tail wags and way too much excitement from an untrained one year old lab, revelation finally came. It was time for training. So, off to PetSmart we went me and Lucy. She was the star pupil. Aced every test! She's so smart and Blackie helped train her from the beginning. However, we still had issues when I came home from work.

She loved to chew on her bone and we got her to start looking for her bone as I came in the house. When I walk in the door, I stopped greeting her and started asking her, Where's your bone?" Immediately, she went looking for it. No more jumping, no more knocking me down the stairs. Problem solved. Sometimes, she had her bone waiting for me at the back door, but it was in her mouth, tail wagging as she waited for praise. So, we started making sure she had to actually go look for it to give me a chance to get up the stairs and in the house. LOL

After a while, she got the hang of leaving me alone till I got up and in the house and we didn't have to play that game any longer.

Then, we got Wrigley. At 6-8 months old we rescued him from the woods in mid-January...Michigan winter. Not fit for man nor beast in that weather but here is this beautiful boy, thrown away. Anyway, we brought him home and the back door problems started all over again. It took me a while to remember what we did to correct the problem with Lucy but when I did, Wrigley took to it like fish to water. He LOVED the game! Lucy didn't need to go find the bone, she just needed to get her bit of attention, but Wrigley, oh my goodness, his bone is always kept in his crate, so he always knows where it is. He barges inside, and snatches it hurriedly and runs over to where we are to show us he has it. Then, if that wasn't enough, he prances the length of the house as if to say, "Look at me...I have my bone! Look at me everybody...Look at meeeeee!" It's the cutest, funniest thing you ever saw. When we acknowledge his bone and what a good job he did at finding it, he will plop done and start chewing. No jumping, no...glad your home, nothing, it's all about the bone. If it wasn't for the bone, he'd be all over us.

So, my question to you is...Where is your bone?

Stu Biscuits

Today, I'm making Stu Biscuits. Shaped like dog bones, large and small sized, mixed with bacon. If my husband doesn't wake up pretty soon he will wake disappointed. Why? Because when the bacon begins to bake, it smells like breakfast cooking. The whole house smells good! It's kind of a dirty trick and I don't really mean to play it but I do have to work. LOL

The dogs go crazy for them since I added the bacon to the mix. I liked them just fine before. The reminded me of salad croutons. Crunchy and perfect with soup. Yes, I know sounds kinda funny but as I've said on my website, I'm not going to let my dogs eat anything anymore that I'm not going to eat (except their chew bones...they can have them! LOL) So, we share everything. They eat human grade food. that is good for them and it's easy to deal with. So, between my homemade cookies and their human grade dog food. everyone is happy.

OH...you will be happy too. The cost of my cookies I don't think can be beat. $4.99 per half pound, comes in large and small sizes, same price for either size.

Check out my website: http://www.doreensdoggiedelights.com/

Okay, I've got my bakers hat on, better get off this thing.

Animal Rescue Site Click Once A Day

For every daily click, Animal get 1/2 a bowl of food free. Please feed the animals. Go to their site and buy stuff. Like me they help dogs and cats in need. Too many hurting animals out there with no one to love them or even feed them. Please have a heart...all it takes is a click from you.

Welcome

Welcome to my blog. Yes, I make dog cookies. Healthy ones. Lucy's Cherry Chewies, made with Marichino Cherries and Cinnamon Applesauce, April May's Carrot Cookies, made with fresh grated carrots and crushed pineapple, Stu Biscuits made with Bacon bits, mixed veggies and rice and Wrigley's Pumpkin Surprise made with Peanut Butter and Banana, all homemade, all delicious. Yes, I snack on them myself. Of course, the dogs look at me funny as I'm eating their snacks, but at least I can share with them and not feel guilty. LOL

One of my customers told me she tasted the Lucy's Cherry Chewies and thought they'd be good covered in chocolate. Well, this weekend, we had a chocolate party and I just happened to have leftover chocolate and some Lucy's Cherry Chewies fresh baked. I couldn't resist dipping one in the chocolate and I must admit...it DID taste pretty good! She might be on to something. Of course, the cherry cookies are my favorites, but then again, they are all good. (Chocolate is TOXIC for dogs...never give it to dogs!) This however did make a good treat for mom!

I also have a training treat that we like to snack on, called Zipper Doodles. Seems kinda funny people eating dog cookies or dog snacks but they are healthy and it's something else you can share with your best pal. If you want to see more of what we offer, please go to: http://www.doreensdoggiedelights.com/

Thank you for looking and I'll be back with lots of stories.

Doreen