Category: Turtles

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Petco Settles Another Lawsuit

Petco settled another lawsuit—this one for overcharging and animal welfare issues.  Petco also settled a similar lawsuit in 2004.

Capt. Cindy Machado of the Marin Humane Society said sick animals, that included guinea pigs, mice, rats, birds and reptiles, and unclean habitats were found in the Novato and San Rafael Petco stores. Some animals died after they were purchased, Machado said. “We are pleased there will be additional safeguards in Petco stores throughout the state,” Machado said.

Petco does not sell dogs and cats but does provide grooming services for dogs, Machado said. An employee of the Novato store was seen shaking a dog in the air by the front legs during a grooming session, Machado said. (via The Daily Journal)

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How To Report Pet Food Complaint to FDA

If you suspect your pet has gotten sick from it’s food or you think there’s something wrong with the food, be sure to file a report with the FDA. The FDA has instructions on the information to include and where to file the report. It’s okay if you don’t have all the info. listed, just include as much as you can.

If you transfer your pet food to bins or other containers, it’s important that you keep the packaging until all the food is eaten so you can provide information on the variety, point of manufacture, lot numbers, best-by dates, etc.  I haven’t been good about this at all.

When you file a report, you’ll deal with your state’s Complaint Coordinator.  Check the FDA list for each State’s contact information.

I think it’s also a good idea:

  • to file a report with the manufacturer and let them know you’ve filed one with the FDA
  • to get your veterinarian to file a report
  • to be diligent about reporting concerns given how long it can take the FDA to respond
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Thrift Store Finds

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You can save some real money on pet supplies using thrift stores and garage sales.  Remember, don’t getting anything that’s broken or questionable.  Don’t save money at the expense of your pets.    Here are some of things I’ve spotted:

  1. pet crates (This is probably the best bargain you’ll find.  Crates can be pretty pricey ($20-150), but I see them in all sizes pretty regularly at my favorite thrift store.)
  2. bird cages
  3. glass aquariums
  4. ceramic or stainless steel pet bowls
  5. Habitrail components
  6. towels (for baths or bedding)
  7. kitty condos
  8. storage bins with lids (for storing toys or to make your own awesome litterbox)
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DIY: 2 Tutorials To Knit & Felt A Pet Bed

Here are two different tutorials for knitting a pet bed for a cat or small dog.  I suppose if you know how to alter patterns, you could knit a big bed for a large dog too. I just love that people take the time to make these tutorials and are happy to share their patterns.  Very generous!

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The KittyPi bed is knitted and then felted. This makes a great, durable bed that’s shaped like a flat-bottomed bowl.  The felting gives it some structure, but it’s still soft and comfy.  Love it!  Don’t miss the two page gallery of beds people have made—lots of inspiration.  The pattern is from Wendy at WendyKnits and since she’s generously shared this pattern, I want to let you know she has written two books—Wendy Knits: My Never-Ending Adventures In Yarn and Socks From The Toe Up.

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The Dotty Cat Bed pattern is another lovely knitted and felted pet bed. (via craftzine) It has a wonderful polka dot pattern and it too makes a flat-bottomed bowl when it’s felted.  Those dots are a nice touch.  You can see what the bed looks like before felting. This great pattern is from Kelly over at Kelp!Knits. You can see some of her gorgeous sock patterns too—Interlocking Leaves, Oak Leaf, & Hanging Vines.

You’ll need to use a natural fiber yarn to get it to felt.  Here are a few  tutorials on felting, in case you need them:  this one covers both hand & machine felting, here is a printable one on machine felting, and another on hand felting.

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