YOUR WHOLE PET

There are three good ethical sources for family pets. One of them is a humane society or shelter. Another is an animal rescue group, which is an organization dedicated to helping homeless pets. The third is a responsible breeder.

After I wrote my last column on a group of dogs rescued from a Midwestern puppy mill, I heard from a lot of people wanting to know how to make sure the dog or cat they were planning to bring into their family did, in fact, come from a responsible breeder and not from a mill.

These concerns are well founded. Pet stores routinely assure shoppers that their pets don't come from puppy or kitten mills, and Internet pet store sites certainly won't announce that theirs do. Instead, they use the phrases people find reassuring: "Family raised." "Private breeders." "Raised with love."

Despite those marketing slogans, the reality is that nearly all puppies and kittens sold in pet stores and on the Internet are mass-produced in circumstances that range from truly hellish to sterile, lonely and boring. The mothers and fathers of those puppies and kittens spend their entire lives in cages, bored beyond belief, sometimes kept in filth and misery, having litter after litter until they can't produce any more.

So how can you know whether a breeder or other seller's claims are true? And even if you could hook the breeder up to a lie detector, how do you know what questions to ask or what the answers should be?

The reality is that figuring that out and finding a good breeder can be a frustrating (albeit rewarding) treasure hunt. It can require a lot of homework and an investment of your time. These articles and Web sites are good places to start:

* Finding a Responsible [Dog] Breeder
www.canismajor.com/dog/responbr.html

* Questions to Ask a [Dog] Breeder
www.phouka.com/puppy/bdr_questions.html

* How to Find a Good Dog Breeder from the Humane Society of the United States
www.hsus.org/pets/pet_adoption_information/how_to_find_a_good_dog_breeder/index.html

* Tips on Choosing a Cat Breeder
http://cathobbyist.com/breederregistry/ChoosingABreeder.php

Some people, when reading the undeniably useful and important suggestions on those sites, might feel overwhelmed, and that's understandable. While I still believe they're the best place to start, there are three pieces of advice I can give that can make it much simpler:

1. The Questions

What's most important are not the questions you ask the breeder but the ones breeder asks you.

Being grilled about your suitability as a pet owner is the single best indicator that you're dealing with a reputable breeder. Why? Ask yourself this: Would you really want to bring a living, breathing creature into your home, to become a part of your family, who was born and raised in the hands of someone who didn't give a damn what happened to that animal?

Ethical, caring breeders want to know about your living situation, your past experience with pets, how other family members feel about a new dog or cat and if they can contact your veterinarian. Breeders are likely to want to know how extensive your knowledge of the breed is, and some of them have multipage questionnaires.

Those frustrating restrictions and contracts, and those intrusive questions, are your guarantee that the breeder of your pet is an ethical one. Or to put it more bluntly, the easier it is for you to get that puppy or kitten, the less careful the breeder of that puppy and kitten is.

Which is also why reputable breeders, those who are committed to improving and preserving their chosen breeds and bringing the healthiest possible puppies and kittens into the world, would never consider letting a third party, such as a pet store, place them in new homes. They care far too much about what happens to those puppies and kittens to let anyone else, let alone a stranger, take that decision out of their hands.

2. The Acid Test

If the first test of good breeders is that they be as picky about you as you are about them, the second is the one I call the acid test: If you, for any reason, cannot keep this puppy or kitten down the road, will the breeder take him or her back?

There is only one right answer to this question, and that's an unequivocal yes. In fact, good breeders won't just agree to that, they'll require it in their contract. Since animals are living creatures and not household appliances, no breeder, no matter how ethical, can guarantee they'll never have health or behavior problems. But I can guarantee that a breeder who answers no to that question is not someone you'd want to give your money to, or someone you should trust to bring your future pet into the world.

3. The Guarantee

Let me be blunt: Any guarantee that requires you to return a sick or defective puppy or kitten in order to get your money back is no guarantee at all. It is actually a way to get out of guaranteeing the pet, because very few people will ever return an animal once they have brought it into their home. Breeders or pet stores that put the bottom line before the human-animal bond use that fact to get out of standing behind the health and fitness of the puppy or kitten they sold. Don't ever buy from breeders with this clause in their contract, because it's not only worthless, it's sadistic.

When I bought a puppy who turned out to have severe allergies, her breeder returned my money, contributed toward her vet bills and offered me a replacement puppy. And also, of course, let me keep her -- because who on earth would want to see their lovingly bred puppy or kitten in the hands of someone who'd return it as if it were a defective washing machine?

What about rescue groups and shelters? Some people are surprised to find out that they, too, have a few hoops people looking for a pet have to jump through -- things like veterinary references and answering questions about your expectations for the pet's behavior and health needs. Many rescue groups even have questionnaires similar to those used by the best breeders.

It's important to realize that all these requirements, even those that may seem intrusive, arose from real situations where animals were placed in inappropriate homes. In an attempt to protect the lives and happiness of the animals in their care, these breeders and rescuers have devised tools to make sure the home is a good one -- and a permanent one. Although many of the requirements will seem excessive to you, it should be of some comfort to realize that you are getting your future pet from someone who really cares about that animal. Especially in the case of breeders, it is reassuring to know that they are so attentive to details. This will probably mean they were also very careful in how they bred the puppies or kittens and how they raised them. It is you who will benefit from this conscientiousness.

Even if you recognize the good intentions behind these requirements, it can be tempting to walk away and get a pet somewhere with fewer restrictions. You won't be asked anything more than to flash your credit card at the pet store at the mall or before popping a puppy into your online shopping cart.

Which brings us back to where we began, the dogs and cats who are spending their lives in loneliness, boredom and suffering in commercial breeding facilities. Ask yourself if having a clear conscience about where your dog or cat came from isn't worth jumping through a few hoops along the way.

Christie Keith is a contributing editor for Universal Press Syndicate's Pet Connection and past director of the Pet Care Forum on America Online. She lives in San Francisco.

source: www.sfgate.com

Animal Shelter Offers Special Price To Adopt

WINTER HAVEN -- Heartbreaking eyes, shiny black-and-white coat, playful personality and wet nose were more than enough to persuade Vicky Joiner of Tampa to take home her new best friend Wednesday morning, a 5-month-old unnamed border collie.

The former owner had turned the puppy over to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Shelter where Joiner adopted her.

But Teddy, the 7-month-old Yorkshire terrier mix, was not that lucky Wednesday morning.

Surrendered by his owner June 25, Teddy looks up hopefully each time someone passes his cage — in danger of becoming one of the thousands of dogs and cats that are euthanized each year at the Animal Shelter.

Teddy and other animals will have their chance to find new homes from 10 to 4 p.m. Saturday when the Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Section is hosting a Pet Adoption Day.

Members of the community can adopt dogs like Teddy or one of the cats at the shelter, 7115 De Castro Road.

The animals at the shelter may be adopted for a reduced price of $25 Saturday. Usually, prices are $40 for cats and puppies age 5 months and younger, and $70 for dogs age 6 months and older.

The lowered price will include the animal being spayed or neutered, receiving rabies shots and tags, heartworm testing and prevention, and a micro-chip that places the animal in a nationwide database. The micro-chip will identify the animal’s owner should it become lost.

Donna J. Seiler, the Animal Control section supervisor, said the animals at the shelter are usually surrendered by their owners or are strays.
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She hopes the Pet Adoption Day will help reduce the number of animals euthanized each year.

In 2006, about 6,917 dogs and 10,218 cats were euthanized at the shelter, Seiler said. That compares to 1,850 dogs and 327 cats that were adopted.

“We love (the animals), we care for them, they’re apart of our family when they’re here, and we cry for them when they get euthanized,” said Seiler, who writes up the paperwork for animals that are to be euthanized and walks them to the two officers who carry out the euthanization process.

“I apologize to every animal,” she said, teary-eyed. “It’s not their fault that they’re strays.”

Typically, animals are held for four days before they are euthanized or, if they are adoptable, neutered or spayed.

Euthanization is a two-shot process, said Seiler. The first shot sedates the animal and the second inter-cardiac injection is fatal.

Seiler said she goes home crying for the euthanized animals every day even though she has worked at the shelter for 19 years.

Seiler has two pets she has adopted from the shelter — one cat and one Chihuahua rescued from a pit bull in an abuse case.

The Animal Control Center holds an annual Pet Fest each December when prices for adoption are reduced, said Seiler.

During the last of these Pet Fests, 82 animals were adopted.
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PAUL JOHNSON/THE LEDGER
Donna Seiler, kennel supervisor at the Polk County Animal Shelter, holds one of the cats that will be available during Pet Adoption Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.


Rescue teams of volunteers from around the state also save purebreds and animals with medical conditions from the Animal Shelter. They do what they can to fix the animal’s medical problems and then put them in animal foster homes, said Seiler.

In 2006, rescue teams adopted 331 animals.

For more information about the Pet Adoption Day, contact the Polk County Sheriff’s
Office Animal Control Section at 863-499-2600.

ADOPT A PET
The Polk County Animal Shelter will allow people to adopt pets from $25 each during Saturdays event.

That price will include the spaying or neutering, rabies shots and tags, heartworm testing and prevention, and inserting a micro-chip that places the animal in a nationwide database.

The shelter’s usual fees are $40 for all cats and puppies age 5 months and younger, and $70 for dogs age 6 months and older.

The shelter is at 7115 De Castro Road. De Castro Road is at the intersection of State Road 540, which is also known as WinterLake Road, at the Polk Parkway.

The Animal Shelter is under the Polk Parkway underpass on the road to the Polk County landfill.

source: www.theledger.com

Correction: Kroger Earnings Preview

Supermarket operator Kroger Co. (nyse: KR - news - people ) reports earnings for the fiscal first quarter on Tuesday. The following is a summary of key developments and analyst opinion related to the period.

OVERVIEW: Kroger, which operates 2,468 supermarkets and supercenters in 31 states, began the fiscal year knowing it would soon face a new competitor in California, Arizona and Nevada. London-based Tesco, one of the world's largest retailers, plans to open its first U.S. stores there this year.

Kroger also began work on new labor contracts with unions in seven states, including locals representing 18,000 Kroger employees in southern California. A labor dispute three years ago led to a strike that disrupted business for about five months at Kroger's Ralphs stores.

Also during the quarter, the food retailer suspended sales of all pet food manufactured by Menu Foods sold in pouches and cans after melamine found in the manufacturer's pet food caused the deaths of at least 16 cats and dogs.

BY THE NUMBERS: Kroger has not offered any guidance for the first quarter ended in April. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial expect earnings of 48 cents per share on revenue of $20.33 billion.

ANALYST TAKE: Bear Stearns (nyse: BSC - news - people ) analyst Robert Summers said in a note to investors Friday that Kroger has experienced "sustained operating momentum".

The company's performance - including rising sales and prices - led him to raise his earning-per-share estimate for the quarter to 49 cents from 46 cents.

STOCK PERFORMANCE: Kroger shares rose 22 percent during the quarter and grew 42 percent during the past year.

source: www.forbes.com

Hilton’s Garbage Is Gold For Organic Dog Food Producer

Yes, Paris Hilton is everywhere — and yes, we’re sick of it too. It’s gotten so bad that some networks are refusing to talk about her release from jail altogether. BUT, I thought this story had a unique spin, so read on if you’re willing.

Okay, so first off we have some incredible nonsense taking place online that is in fact leading to some green good. There is a site that exists called HollywoodStarTrash that — you guessed it — sells items on Ebay from the trash of today’s celebrities. There’s a buck to made everywhere. Anyways, an empty can of organic dog food from Paris Hilton’s trash has reached the astronomical number of $1.5 million on Ebay. Supposedly, this bid is from a verified buyer. Wow.

The good news is — the company that makes the organic dog food, Party Animal Pet Food — is experiencing a massive surge in sales thanks to the free publicity. From their site,

“Party Animal “Organic” Gourmet Dog Food offers two flavors, Organic Chicken and Organic Turkey. Both flavors consist of the finest organic meat, veggies, and fruit, and are complete and balanced for all breeds and life stages!”

So while trash may be the center of attention (And when isn’t it?), at least there’s some awareness spreading to a company striving to provide organic options to pet owners. Meanwhile, someone is about to pay $1.5 million for an empty dog food can. Oh, the world we live in.

source: www.ecorazzi.com

Cat food to be donated to homebound, low-income owners

By Alicia Barrón, Fox 11 News

Some cat food that has been donated to a local no-kill cat shelter will be given to needy pet owners instead.

The Hermitage Cat Shelter, Tucson’s only no-kill cat adoption center, plans to donate food their cats do not eat to several food pantries who will in turn give it to elderly or low-income cat owners as part of the Food for People’s Pets program.

A news release indicates the cat shelter receives community donations on an ongoing basis. Nevertheless, the cats at the shelter only eat specific brands so the shelter has no use for the remaining brands.

According to the news release, Food for People’s Pets will provide the unwanted cat (and some dog) meals free of charge for low-income pet owners.

Congressman Raul Grijalva is scheduled to help kick-off this program as the master of ceremonies at a conference on July 2 at 10 a.m.

A spokesperson for Hermitage Cat Shelter revealed there is a real need for this program because each food pantry serves hundreds of needy people.

Food pantry recipients include the Salvation Army, Tucson Area Christian Fellowship, Interfaith Community Services and the El Rio Neighborhood Center.

You can donate pet food at the following Bashas’ supermarket drop-off centers: Oracle and Golder Ranch in Oro Valley, Sunrise and Kolb, Thornydale and Cortaro, Broadway and Houghton, Camp Lowell and Swan, River and La Cholla and Dove Mountain and Marana.

source: www.fox11az.com

Latest Pet Industry News

570 Varieties Of Pet Food Ingredients
The non-profit making Consumer Wellness Centre (US), today published a detailed nutritional review of 570 pet food ingredients commonly found in pet food products (both canned and dry).

The list has been created through a joint effort between pet food formulator Dr. Lisa Newman, N.D., Ph.D. (www.Azmira.com), consumer health advocate Mike Adams (www.HealthRanger.org) and the Consumer Wellness Centre. The complete list has been posted at natural health news site NewsTarget.com.

To create the report, the ingredients of 448 popular pet food products sold in the United States were analysed and organised the ingredients by frequency of appearance. A nutritional analysis and comment for each ingredient was then provided.

Four lists were created:

# Pet food ingredients by rating (from 5 stars down to 1 star, with 5 stars indicating the best quality ingredients).


# Pet food ingredients by frequency (sorted by how frequently they appear in pet food products, from 96% down to 1%).


# Pet food ingredients listed alphabetically (to make it easier for consumers to reference ingredients they're curious about).


# Worst pet food ingredients (which lists all the 1-star ingredients, indicating low- quality or hazardous ingredients).


The outspoken consumer health advocate Mike Adams, Executive Director, Consumer Wellness Center, said:

"Given the atrocious track record of pet food safety in the United States, we felt an urgent need to publish a tell-all reference guide that had the courage to reveal the truth about commonly used pet food ingredients. Consumers desperately need to know what's really in their pet food, and there is an urgent need for the pet food industry to clean up its act and stop poisoning dogs, cats and other pets with toxic ingredients that cause cancer, diabetes and other diseases."

source: www.ukpets.co.uk

Buddies builds strong bones and strong bonds

The recent pet food scare left millions of animal owners crying foul and fearing for pet safety. Locally, many didn’t have to endure those fears, since they’re loyal customers of Buddies Natural Pet Food Ltd.

For three years Mindy MacAulay and Debbie Wood have filled the need for fresh, unprocessed raw pet food alternatives. Their extensive menu includes more than 90 meal deals.

“We were both out of work and we decided to provide the service of raw diet for dogs,” MacAulay said. Both came from a food background and started the self-teaching process, picking up information from veterinarians and customers already embarked on the raw diet process through home feeding.

What they found out was “dogs do not do well on some kibble,” Wood said. So their goal became to provide a natural foods made from human-grade products.

A diet of 80 per cent meaty bones with a balance of fish, eggs, fruit and veggies alongside a few supplements will keep a dog slim, shiny and smelling great inside and out, Wood says. She ought to know since she’s the “head chef” at Buddies.

Some clientele have come from the home-feeding category. Where a pet owner used to have to chop, dice and serve each day, now he or she can pull the pre-made meal (which often looks like a lump of meat loaf) from the freezer and be ready to feed Fido. It didn’t take long to grow customer support, which multiplied when the pet food scare occurred.

“We were in a perfect place when the recall happened,” Wood said. Earlier this year Menu Foods of Canada initiated a recall that wound up pulling nearly 100 brands of wet canned and pouched cat, dog and ferret food. The food was linked to pets dying from kidney failure. Nearly 20 other companies added to the pet food product recall.

Now, Tuesday through Thursday loyal customers fill orders at the Keating X Road store.

Buddies owners believe that choosing natural food is a healthy lifestyle choice and a safe one. Buddies food blends fresh poultry, beef, fruit and vegetables. The philosophy is to maintain the natural integrity of the product by not over-processing in order to preserve nutrients and vitamins for a healthy body. People want to know what is in the food, so Buddies promises zero additives or “undetermined” ingredients. The final product can be fresh or frozen, ground or whole. They can go through 2,000 to 3,000 pounds of meat a week.

“And that’s just the stuff we have to process,” MacAuley said. They do bring in brand-name dry food and bones that cater to the same philosophy.

The “Buddies Blend” is cooked and vacuum-packed for easy handling. They package for individual needs for small breeds, larger dogs or big families.

They also prepare the food in a safe way. While there aren’t any current regulations for the kind of work they do, each staff member is updated in FoodSafe.

“There aren’t (regulations) but there will be eventually and we might as well be ready for it,” Wood said.

source: www.peninsulanewsreview.com