Humans aren’t the only beings to form close relationships with dogs. Check out this neat profile on Tara the elephant and Bella the dog at The Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tennessee. (thanks Nancy)
Happy New Year! Recall, Rapper, First Cat, Second Dog
PetProject is back from the holidays. It was a pretty quiet here with an unusual amount of snow for us in the Pacific NW. We hope you had a safe and happy holiday and we wish you all the very best in 2009.
Here’s some of the recent news:
- Solid Gold recalls variety of their canned dog food due to complaints of mold found in one batch. Recall covers 13.2 oz. Pull-top cans of Turkey, Ocean Fish, Sweet Potato, & Carrot Formula Dog Food with 01/02/2010 on bottom of can.
- Rapper DMX pleads guilty to animal cruelty charges stemming from a raid in 2007 when 3 dog carcasses and 12 starving dogs were found at his home.
- The Bush Family’s cat, India, died at age 18yrs.
- Vice President-elect Joe Biden will be getting a second dog—this time adopting from a shelter.
Michael Vick’s Dogs Today
Sports Illustrated has a good article on several of the dogs rescued from Michael Vick’s dog fighting operation, Bad Newz Kennels. Many of these dogs have really blossomed in foster homes, while others still have a lot to overcome. Jasmine, in particular, is a dog absolutely gripped by fear, but she is making progress thanks to a dedicated foster mom.
Our dog, Saffron, had big fear issues when we adopted her. I know how much work it takes to build a dog’s confidence and I know how wonderful it is when that dog reaches each new milestone.
Maybe Michael Vick’s dogs will help change the image of the pit bull and society will stop blaming the breed. Check out the great gallery of these dogs living the happy lives they deserve.
Michael Vick could be released to a halfway house as early as January 2009 and is also filing for bankruptcy. You can read more about the history of the Vick case.
FDA Issues Warning For Chicken Jerky
The FDA has issued a warning about the possible danger of feeding pets chicken jerky from China. This follows Australia recalling Chinese chicken jerky. Australia recalled KraMar Supa Naturals Chicken Breast Strips after it was link to dogs falling ill. If this issue with chicken jerky sounds familiar, it’s because this is a repeat of the same problem a year ago.
The FDA warns that feeding your dog chicken jerky from China may result in illness and sometimes death. Signs of illness include:
- decreased appetite
- decreased activity
- vomiting
- diarrhea (sometimes with blood)
- increased water consumption
- increased urination
If your dog shows any of these signs, stop feeding them chicken jerky. If any of the symptoms above are severe or last more than 24 hours, get your dog to a vet immediately to check for kidney failure and Fanconi syndrome. Scientists don’t yet know what is causing transient Fanconi syndrome in affected dogs.
Fanconi syndrome is more commonly seen as a genetic disease found in Basenjis affecting the kidneys. The cases of Fanconi syndrome linked to jerky treats are acquired not inherited.
DIY: Holiday Round-Up Of Gift Ideas
Here’s the collection of DIY projects I’ve written about recently that would make good, inexpensive presents this year when money is tight for so many.
PetProject hopes all of you are enjoying the season, that you & yours are healthy & happy, and that the coming year is filled with joy.
On with the projects!
Cat Toys:
Dog Toys:
Pet Beds:
- Nest Bed
- Bed From A Sweater (including my version)
- Bed From A Suitcase
- Knitted & Felted Bed
- Hooded Pet Bed
Dog Sweater: