Dog Goodie Basket - donated by Hillside

Fun Goodie Basket for your pooch. Includes dog bed, dog toy, treats and other fun dog stuff.

for more info on Hillside, visit their website: www.heliahealthcare.com/hillside/index.html

Kitty Goodie Basket - donated by Paws & Purrs Humane Society

This great gift basket includes: A litter box, Blue plush blanket, Clever Cat cat trick toy, purple kitty brush with detangling tool, a box of catnip, a box of seeds to grow kitty grass. There are 2 red kitty food bowls a groovy groomer that mounts to a wall, a Bamboo care shampoo holder and brushing tool and a pole and feather chase toy and some kitty treats.

This would make a great gift for someone with a love for cats.
For more info on Paws and Purrs visit their website: www.pawsandpurrs.org

Petco brand Catsitter 8 day feeder

Here is a great way to portion out 8 days worth of food for your pet.

donated by Paws & Purrs Humane Society

Le Bistro Portion Control Feeder

This is a fun gadget - you program it to dispense food at specific times so that your pet gets her meal even if your asleep, at work or not around. Its a win-win for both you and your pet.

Donated by Paws & Purrs Humane Society

Tired of Scooping the Cat Box???

Did you know that you can teach your kitty to use the toilet? No its not an internet rumor, you really can get rid of that smelly box. This Teach Your Kitty How to Use the Toilet kit is donated by Paws & Purrs Humane Society.

Here is a link about how it works (since I don't have a photo) www.citikitty.com

For more info on Paws & Purrs Humane Society check out their website.
www.pawsandpurrs.org

Zoom In-Office tooth whitening donated by Total Dentistry

Have you ever wanted to whiten your smile? Total Dentistry in Yorkville has donated a in-office Zoom Whitening (which is valued at $600). Dr. Anna Pelak is a great dentist and trusted by many, many community members to not only whiten their smiles but maintain them.

For more info on Total Dentistry visit their website www.totaldentistry.org

Individual Tax Return & Kitty Gift Basket - Donated by Colanne's Accounting & Tax Service

The dreaded tax season is upon us - Don't worry! Colanne Schwemlein with Colanne's Accounting & Tax Service is here to help. Her basket includes: A Lang "Hanging Out" coffee mug (with a cat on it) and a certificate for that entitles you to the preparation of your Individual income Tax Return, including your Illinois return and the tax return processing fee. (It does not include time spent on businesses or rental properties).

Home Sweet Home personally uses Colanne and she does a great job. She is very thorough and knowledgeable.

To more info: 815-786-6050 or cpscpa@comcast.net

Pet Evaluation & Chiropractic treatment - donated by Worron Family Chiropractic

The intent of chiropractic is to achieve and maintain optimal movement of all joints.
Supporting the health and integrity of the spine through chiropractic is an excellent way to affect and improve the performance of the nervous system, as well as overall health.

For more info on Dr. Tara Worron visit her website @ www.worronchiropractic.com

GoLite P1 light therapy device -

A client of Home Sweet Home wants to clean out some of his barely used items her would like to donate to the silent auction.

Winter blues got you down? Boost your mood, energy, and sleep with a blue-spectrum light therapy device from Apollo Health. For years the world's leading light therapy researchers and doctors have known that full-spectrum, 10,000 lux light boxes can be very effective at treating seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and other circadian rhythm related mood disorders. But there is something new in store for light therapy: blue spectrum. If you or a loved one is affected by these type of disorders, the Apollo Health GoLite P1 Blue Spectrum Light Therapy Device may help easy your suffering and improve your life.

IROBOT SCOOBA® 330

A client of Home Sweet Home wants to clean out some of his barely used items her would like to donate to the silent auction. This item is used but in great condition.

iRobot's award-winning floor washing robot removes up to 98%* of common household bacteria with the touch of a button. Ideal for washing smaller floor areas, the Scooba 330 cleans up to 250 square feet or 1-2 rooms on a single battery charge. Scooba navigates throughout the room using a powerful 4-stage cleaning system to prep, wash, scrub and squeegee sealed hardwood, tile and linoleum floors. Scooba uses only clean solution (tap water, water and vinegar or new Scooba Hard Floor Cleaner, Natural Enzyme Formula) to wash floors. It even cleans beneath cabinet edges, tables, chairs and other hard-to-reach places. Includes 1 Virtual Wall to mark off-limit areas.

STANDARD FEATURES
4-stage cleaning process:
1. Preps - sweeps and picks up dirt, sand and crumbs
2. Washes - uses only clean solution to wash floors (mops just spread around dirty water)
3. Scrubs - rotating brushes remove dirt, grime and stuck-on messes
4. Squeegees - squeegee lifts dirty water from floors

Training Certificate and treats donated by Nuture Your Pets

Pet Training should be fun and rewarding for both you and your pets. Chose a great trainer, like Nurture your Pets. Both your pet and you will be happy with the new things you learn.

Auction included some homemade dog treats and a $95 certificate for a 6 week training class or a 75 min private training session.
For more info: www.NurtureYourPets.com

6 Hours of DJ services by A Little Night Music

Party Time!!!!
Steve Beck with A Little Night Music has donated 6 hours of DJ service. You can use this certificate for your block party, special occasion or even just because. A Little Night Music has all the music you need to have a great time.

For more info visit www.ALittleNightMusic.net

Cancun or Riviera Maya Getaway - Donated by Rovia World Ventures

Need to get away??? How about a 5 day/4 night trip to either Cancun or Riviera Maya Mexico. Christine Davis from Rovia World Venture has graciously donated this great trip. (airfare not included).

Trip is for 2 adults to an resort in either Cancun or Riviera Maya.

Experience the timeless magic and beauty of the Mexican Caribbean.  Frolic on some of the world's most beautiful beaches or discover the ancient ruins of the Mayan culture.  Your Cancun vacation entitles you and your family to 5 days and 4 nights at one of our properties located in fabulous Cancun, Mexico.  You have the choice of two hotels for your amazing vacation.  Laguna Suites Golf and Spa (www.lagunasuites.com.mx) or the Ocean Spa Hotel (www.oceanspahotel.com), or upgrade your stay to our one of a kind luxury resort in the Riviera Maya, Hacienda Tres Rios (www.haciendatresrios.com).  Go ahead, escape the everyday and join us in paradise!  Our helpful Reservation Specialists are standing by to answer any questions you may have.  USA 866.760.1843.  MEX.  01-800-800-1410.  UK 0800-883-0761.  We look forward to seeing you soon, relaxing pool side in Cancun!  Buenos Dias!
 
I talked with a reservation speciaist and this includes:
2 adults
2 children, 12 & under
pick up from the airport
 
The guest may also upgrade for $539.00 to make it an all inclusive (2 bars. 2 resturants).
The transfer from the hotel to the airport is NOT included.

For more info on the great travel deals Rovia has, visit www.ChristineD.Rovia.com
Rovia is a travel company and that offers wholesale vacations.

I Love my Dog package with Free Wellness Exam donated by The Welcome Waggin Mobile Vet Service

Did you know that there is a mobile vet that comes right to your house????
Dr. Lisa McIntyre with the Welcome Waggin' is a wonderful service. No more loading you big dog, scared cat or car full of pets to the vet anyone.

This "I love my dog package" includes free wellness examination from The Welcome Waggin, Steve Dale's dog gone Chicago book, pet bowls, doggie poop bags, pens, magnet, leash, tick identifier, magnets water bottle and notepad.

For more info on The Welcome Waggin & Dr. Lisa McIntyre visit her website @ www.TheWelcomeWaggin.com or 630-699-3113

Wine Basket donated by Sue Hills with Stifel Nicolaus

Stifel Nicholaus, a full service brokerage and investment banking firm has donated this beautiful wine basket. Inside this basket you will find a 2009 Chardonnay by Cupcake Vineyards and a 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon by Cupcake Vineyards and some personalized wine charms.

Sue Hills is the a great financial planner, Home Sweet Home trusts her with all our financial decisions. She really listens to when we have concerns or just don't understand something. If you want personalized service, Stifel Nicholaus is a grat place to do business.

Sping Cleaning Basket donated by Sunrise Supply

Spring is just a bit more than a month away, get your cleaning supplies ready to tackle your home or office with this great gift "bucket". Inside this bucket are 2 rolls of paper towels, laundry detergent, toilet paper, bio solutions window cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner, sponges, Spray Nice cleaner & disinfectant and bucket.
This packed full bucket is donated by Sunrise Supple "the solution to your janitorial needs".

For more info on Sunrise Supple call Marybeth @ 815-993-7800 or marybeth@cheerful.com

Bakers Gift Basket - donated by St. Josephs Cabinetry and Design

This gift basket includes a beautiful Corian Cutting board, mixing bowl, measuring cups & spoons, silicon muffin cups, spatula & whisk, & chocolate chips. St. Josephs Cabinetry and Design in Yorkville put together this great basket. It would be a great gift. Any cook would love his heavy duty cutting board!

Furry {or not!} Family Portraits donated by Fontanez PHOTOGRAPHY

Whether you’re getting a new love in your life or supporting this great cause, you’ll enjoy a lifetime of memories with this certificate from Fontanez PHOTOGRAPHY!
For additional information, please visit www.FontanezPHOTOGRAPHY.com

Pet Health Examination donated Countryside Vet Clinic

Make sure your furry friend is in great health this year. This gift certificate that is donated from Countryside Vet Clinic is good for one health examination by one of there Veterinarians.

Health Exam - donated by Countryside Vet Clinic

Make sure your furry friend is in great health this year. This gift certificate that is donated from Countryside Vet Clinic is good for one health examination by one of there Veterinarians.

Smirnoff Ready to drink premium cocktains - (2) Mojito & 1 Tuscan Lemonade - Donated by Diageo - Plainfield Plant

Want some great tasting mixed drinks, but without the effort to make them? Smirnoff makes some great premium mixed cocktail. This auction is for 2, 750 ml Mojito's and 1, 750 ml Tuscan Lemonade.

Drinks donated by Diageo - Plainfield Plant.

MUST BE 21 OR OLDER TO TO BID
"Please Drink Responsibly"

I.W. Harper 12 yr old Bourbon - Donated by Diageo - Plainfield Plant

This Bourbon is a smooth 12 year old, perfect for sipping. I.W. Harper is a premium Bourbon that retails over $100 per bottle. The bottle alone would be a great display piece for your bar collection.

This product is donated by Diageo - Plainfield Plant
MUST BE 21 OR OVER TO BID
"Please Drink Responsibly"

Dog Park Pass donated by the Sugar Grove Park District

The Sugar Grove Park District has a dog park located at 901 Wheeler Road in Sugar Grove, just behind the airport. It is open 365 days a year. It is totally fenced in one acre park. The outside gate has a combination lock on it that only current members have the code to. There is an inner gate as well, so no dogs can escape.

Hand-made Swarovski crystal necklace, earings & bracelet

This handmade Swarovski crystal necklace, earring & bracelet matching set contain two different color beads, Jet & Silver Shade. The photo does not do it justice at all. Would make a great gift.
Donated anonymously by a client of Home Sweet Home pet services.

Hand-painted Window Art donated by Sandy Schilingo & Carolyn Snowwhite

This one of a kind piece of art is hand painted by Carolyn Snowwhite. The canvas is window measuring 21" X 28" and comes with the hardware for hanging.
Thank you to Sandy Schilingo for the donation.

Paradise Car Wash donated a "WORKS' car wash

"

Wash away all that winter salt and get your car clean again. Paradise Car Wash in Yorkville is donating a "works" car wash. "Where you always get a clean car!"

Paradise Car Wash
1010 N. Bridge St - Yorkville
630-553-WASH

Handmade Necklace donated by DesignsbyAJ

This beautiful, handmade necklace was custom made by Angie from Designs by AJ. She used a silver colored copper wire, with greenish/blue glass beads & charms. This photo does not do this necklace justice.
To see other pieces Angie makes or to have her make you a custom piece visit her Facebook page or email her @ designsbyaj@ymail.com

A case of Rev3 Energy Drinks donated by Keri Gaul with Usana

Do you drink energy drinks? Did you know that there is an all SMARTER, CLEANER, STRONGER drink called Rev3 from Usana? It also tastes great. Keri Gaul from Usana is donating a case of this new revolution in energy drinks.

Deep Cleaning Mask donated by Janie Frances with Arbonne International

Arbonne is a great company dedicated to developing skin care products, based on botanical principles so that they are GREAT for you. This deep cleaning mask is a great product to renew your skin and get out all the impurities.
For more info on all the great Arbonne products contact: Janie Frances @ janiearbonne@gmail.com

$25 gift card to Wags to Whiskers & Tuffie dog toy

My own pup has has to be reminding several times to "leave it". Sherman the Sheep Tuffie toy is the "worlds tuffest soft dog toy". Its washable, it floats and extremely durable. My own dogs have Lizzy the Lizard (by the same company) and its been in the middle of several tug-o-war games and still no worse for wear.
Wags to Whiskers is also donating a $25.00 gift card to their store.
For more info check their site www.wagwhisker.com

ATTN: CANDY LOVERS: a case (24 packs) of Trolli Sour Brite Crawlers

Who doesn't love those sweet and sour Trolli Crawlers???? Get you years supply donated by the Trolli company. For more info on their product visit http://www.trolli.com/#/products/sour-brite-crawlers
PS- thanks Diane for the donation :-)

A Case of BallPark Beef Franks donated by Sara Lee

What a great way to plan your summer BBQ & cookout. Sara Lee has generously donated a case (96 total) BallPark Beef Franks. They can be frozen or used immediately for your next party. What a great deal!

Goodie Basket donate by Go Dog Go

Inside you will find a $25.00 gift certificate, a kong toy, bully stick, Evangers dog food, Merrick French Country Cafe canned food, orijen dry food, taste of the wild dry food and Pure Vita Holistic dry food. There are also peppermint dog treats. For more info on Go Dog Go visit thier website @ www.go-dog-store.com

Gift Certificare to Energetic Health

With this gift certificate you have two options. You can chose with a private acupuncture treatment or a Shiatsu Massage. This is valued at $75.00. Appointment needed to redeem.

Gift Cetificate for free Grooming ar River Heights Vet Hospital

Does your pet need a spa day? This gift certificate will treat them to a grooming at River Heights Vet Hospital. Appointment is required.

Gift Certificate for a Spring Clean Up from K9 Clean

K9 Clean Up is a new pet waste removal service to our area. They are donating a Gift Certificate that is available in their service area (Sandwich, Big Rock, Hinkely, Sugar Grove, Montgomery, Oswego, Bristol & Yorkville). Good for up to one hour of service.

a 60 minute Massage donated by Massag Envy

A Gift of Massage a $78.00 value. Redeemable at either Massage Envy Oswego or Wheaton. To schedule your massage call 640-554-5055
www.MassageEnvy.com

60 minute massage donated by Massage Envy

A Gift of Massage a $78.00 value. Redeemable at either Massage Envy Oswego or Wheaton. To schedule your massage call 640-554-5055
www.MassageEnvy.com

Is you dog getting enough exercise?

Today I was filling in for one of my team members and had the pleasure of walking some of the dogs she normally walks. As I walked I got to thinking about the actual walk and if the dog is allowed to stop many (many, many times) is the exercise really there??? First stop of the day was to 2 older Shih Tzu's. These two walk nicely and don't pull, but they consistently try to stop and mark things and sniff around. I'm a bit torn, should I be allowing them to stop, sniff around and have their fun or an I doing them a disservice by not keeping them at a good pace? Next stop was a beagle and a rat terrier. This owner only has retractable leashes and harnesses. These dogs have no leash manners and pull, stop and try to drag me to whatever smell they want to check out. Instead of giving in I decided that since its a quiet neighborhood, I would walk them in the middle of the street. You should have seen the beagles face. She seemed quite upset that I had taken away the circus of smells. I really think these two dogs will be happier in the house the rest of the day if they are tired from a good long walk. Then it was on to 2 French bull dogs that NEVER get to go for a walk. This just brings up a multitude of questions. Are they ever walked? Why doesn't the owner want them out of the yard? Are they good on a leash? okay, so you get my point. Here I am "walking" dogs but no one seems to want to walk. They all want to take a leisurely stroll and not exert themselves. Does your dog do this to you? Do you want it to stop and actually exercise with your best friend? I know that a tired dog is a happy dog and I think we need to do something about this, so I did some research. Here is an article I found from the Today show. Great advice. Let me know if you try the advice and how it worked out Make walking by your side a positive experience. Screaming “heel” or “no pull” at your dog does not work and is certainly not fun. Instead, randomly reward your dog with a yummie treat when he’s by your side as you reinforce his behavior with the word “close.” Don’t use the phrase “good dog” — because your dog has no idea what he did that was good, so how can he repeat it? Instead, acknowledge the behavior by naming and rewarding it. Once your dog is consistently walking close to you, you can begin to give him “jackpots” — where you randomly reward him with a quick series of 5-6-7 treats, one after the other. He can always have “dinner on the go,” with you feeding him his treats along the way for walking correctly. You can also bring his favorite toy along and walk to the dog park: His reward for walking correctly, once you arrive, is that he gets to play with it and you! Keep the same length of leash at all times. To keep your dog from pulling on his leash, you must teach him that he only has a certain length of leash available and that you’re in control of it. It’s a mistake to use a retractable leash in the teaching phase, giving him a longer leash anytime he wants it. Save the retractable leash for the everyday phase of walking, once he has learned how to walk correctly by your side and not pull you down the street. When you hold the leash with your hand, it’s easy for your dog to pull away by forcing you to extend your arm. It’s also important that both your hands are free, assisting you in planting your body when he’s pulling. So wear a sturdy belt, slip the loop end of the leash around it, and fasten it snugly around your waist. As your dog walks correctly down the street with you, remember to repeat the word “walk,” reinforcing his behavior. Hold your ground when your dog pulls on the leash. When your dog begins to pull on her leash, stop, plant your feet, lower your center of gravity and hold your ground like a sumo wrestler. She must learn that the walk (what she wants) will only continue (her reward) if she is not pulling on her leash and on you. If your dog is a serious puller, start walking by a railing or fence that you can grab onto as you stop. Resume walking only after your dog stops pulling on the leash. As soon as she backs up — even a little bit — creating some slack on the leash, resume the walk with the phrase “let’s walk.” The minute she starts to pull on the leash again, you must hold your ground as before, continuing only once she backs up and creates slack on the leash. Constantly talk to and praise your dog along the way. This is a great way to keep him in tune with you and your pace. Just like a child, if you don’t pay attention to your dog, the message you give him is that he’s on his own and can do whatever he pleases. And when you ignore your dog as he’s walking correctly, and only give him attention when he’s walking incorrectly, he’ll be more prone to continue the unwanted behavior just so you’ll notice him! So stay focused on your dog during the walk and make calls on your cell phone at another time. Most dogs respond very quickly to this method, and you will find that if you and everyone that walks your dog (don’t forget about the other family members and the dog walker) are consistent, you’ll soon look forward to the fun you’ll have on your walks together.

Great commercial from the AKC

Check out this commercial from the AKC. http://www.akc.org/press_center/Promise60.html Over the weekend, I caught this Public Service Announcement from the AKC. As a company that does a lot of dog walking, this commercial really hits home. One of the main scared we have when walking a dog is when a child, we do not know runs up and try to pet the dog we are walking. Since we are not owners of this dog, we can't be 100% sure this dog will tolerate a child petting it. As a company policy, we do not let anyone interact with the dog while we are out walking it. Parents, its really important to teaching your kids to never approach a strange dog and always ask if its okay to pet the dog before the try touching it. In the past couple months I have heard of several kids bit by dogs. As a victim of a dog bite, I want to do everything I can to prevent another kid from being bit. Teach your kids to never "hug" a dog. Instead have the child hold out his hand, let the dog sniff it and if the dog doesn't back away, then the child should pet under the chin first. If the dog doesn't back away from that then gently petting on the back or head should be okay. But, its important that you ALWAYS get permission from the owner before petting a dog.

Crazy cat toy

Attention all cat owners. Is your cat a couch potato? Is he not as active as he used to be? Looking for a toy that you cat will actually play with? After I saw this video, I was laughing and wondering if it really is as fun as it looks. Anyone out there have one of there fling-ama-string??? If so I want to hear if your at likes it. Even better, I would love to see a video of how the cat plays with. I don't have any affiliation with this company and I don't get any kicks back. If you are interested in a pretty fun toy for your cat check out their website @ www.moodypet.com

What happens at a cat sitting visit?

After we get the mail, paper, any deliveries, we clean the litter box. The we refresh their water dish, feed them, and do any special requests the owner has asked for. Those special requests range from watering the plants to giving medication to the cat to filling the outside bird feeders. Once the "chores" of the visit is done we spend some time with the cat(s). In the attached video, if you listen closely you can hear Joey purr and me laugh as rubs on my phone. I don't think you will see a more content cat, and sweet Joey. Enjoy!

Can a cat & a horse be best friends?

Does your Pet's Food Make the Grade?

Start with a grade of 100: •For every listing of “by-product”, subtract 10 points •For every non-specific animal source (”meat” or “poultry”, meat, meal or fat reference, subtract 10 points •If the food contains BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin, subtract 10 points •For every grain “mill run” or non-specific grain source, subtract 5 points •If the same grain ingredient is used 2 or more times in the first five ingredients (I.e. “ground brown rice”, “brewers rice”, “rice flour” are all the same grain), subtract 5 points •If the protein sources are not meat meal and there are less than 2 meats in the top 3 ingredients, subtract 3 points •If it contains any artificial colorants, subtract 3 points •If it contains ground corn or whole grain corn, subtract 3points •If corn is listed in the top 5 ingredients, subtract 2 more points •If the food contains any animal fat other than fish oil, subtract 2 points •If lamb is the only animal protein source (unless your dog is allergic to other protein sources), subtract 2 points •If it contains soy or soybeans, subtract 2 points •If it contains wheat (unless you know that your dog is not allergic to wheat), subtract 2 points •If it contains beef (unless you know that your dog is not allergic to beef), subtract 1 point •If it contains salt, subtract 1 point Extra Credit: •If any of the meat sources are organic, add 5 points •If the food is endorsed by any major breed group or nutritionist, add 5 points •If the food is baked not extruded, add 5 points •If the food contains probiotics, add 3 points •If the food contains fruit, add 3 points •If the food contains vegetables (NOT corn or other grains), add 3 points •If the animal sources are hormone-free and antibiotic-free, add 2 points •If the food contains barley, add 2 points •If the food contains flax seed oil (not just the seeds), add 2 points •If the food contains oats or oatmeal, add 1 point •If the food contains sunflower oil, add 1 point •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 “beef meal” as 2 different sources), add 1 point •If it contains glucosamine and chondroitin, add 1 point •If the vegetables have been tested for pesticides and are pesticide-free, add 1 point Score: 94-100+ = A 86-93 = B 78-85 = C 70-77 = D 69 and below = FAIL A sample of "popular" store brands scored: Iams Lamb Meal & Rice Formula Premium / Score 73 F Pet Gold Adult with Lamb & Rice / Score 23 F Purina Beneful / Score 17 F Purina Dog / Score 62 F Purina Come-n-Get It / Score 16 F Science Diet Advanced Protein Senior 7+ / Score 63 F Science Diet for Large Breed Puppies / Score 69 F The sickening truth about pet food is that most pet food companies spend more money on advertising than creating a healthy food with quality ingredients. More than 95% of pets derive their nutritional needs from a single source, processed pet foods. When people think of pet food many envision whole chicken meat, choice cuts of beef, fresh grains and all the nutrition that their dog or cat would ever need, images that pet food manufacturers promote in their advertisements and print on their food bags. What these companies do not reveal is that instead of wholesome chicken meat, they have substituted chicken heads, feet, feathers and intestines. Those choice cuts of beef are really cow brains, tongues, esophagi, fetal tissue dangerously high in hormones and even diseased and cancerous meat. Those whole grains have had the starch removed for corn starch powder and the oil extracted for corn oil or they are just hulls and other remnants from the milling process. Grains used that are truly whole have usually been deemed unfit for human consumption because of mold, contaminants, poor quality or poor handling practices, which is obvious by the fact that most pet food recalls are the result of toxic grain products such as Corn or Wheat. Pet food is one of worlds most synthetic edible products, containing virtually no whole ingredients. The pet food industry is an 11 billion dollar a year, unregulated operation that feeds on the garbage that otherwise would and should end up in a landfill. Pet food manufacturers have become masters at getting pets to eat things they would normally turn their nose up at. Think about all those commercials showing happy, healthy pets eating pet food from brightly colored bags while their "owners" gloat over only feeding the best. Pet food companies have found in very profitable to use cheap fillers in their pet food. The amount of grain products, especially corn, used in pet food has risen sharply over the last decade to where it is usually one or two of the top three ingredients. For instance one Purina brand lists ground yellow corn, poultry by-products and corn gluten meal as its top three ingredients. Notice that two of the three ingredients are corn based products from the same source. This is an industry practice know as splitting. When components of the same ingredient are listed separately (ground yellow corn and corn gluten meal) it appears that there is less corn then poultry-by products, when it truth the corn ingredients when added together may weigh more then the chicken by-products. This is all very overwhelming, and you are probably thinking "Where do I start?" If yuo truly want to give your pet better nutrition, send us an email and we can recommend some great pet food manufactorers and even let you know where you can buy them locally. They are much better options out there than the grocery store brands. If your pet food is one that advertses on prime time TV, its time to make the switch. We are more than happy to help you and your pets.

If your dog had heat stroke, would you know what to do?

Avoiding Heat Related Injuries in Dogs (written by Nate Baxter DVM) The first thing that needs to be understood is that dogs and people are different enough that most of the info cannot cross lines. I do not profess to know what the appropriate procedures for people other than what I learned in first aid. Dogs do not lose enough electrolytes thru exercise to make a difference, but if the dog gets truly into heat stroke the physiology changes will make them necessary. BUT oral replacement at that point is futile, they need intravenous fluids and electrolytes and lots of it. Cooling: Evaporative cooling is the most efficient mean of cooling. However, in a muggy environment, the moisture will not evaporate so cooling does not happen well. I cool with the coldest water I can find and will use ice depending on the situation. The best way is to run water over the dog, so there is always fresh water in contact with the skin. When you immerse a dog in a tub, the water trapped in the hair coat will get warm next to the dog, and act as an insulator against the cool water and cooling stops. If you can run water over the dog and place it in front of a fan that is the best. Misting the dog with water will only help if you are in a dry environment or in front of a fan. Just getting the dog wet is not the point, you want the water to be cool itself, or to evaporate. For MOST situations all you will need to do is get the dog in a cooler environment, ie shade, or in the cab of the truck with the air conditioning on (driving around so the truck does not overheat and the AC is more efficient). Up to a couple of years ago, I was very concerned about my dogs getting too hot in the back of my black pickup with a black cap. New white truck fixed a lot of that problem. When I had one dog I just pulled the wire crate out of the car and put it in some shade and hopefully a breeze. But having 2 dogs and running from one stake to another, that was not feasible. So I built a platform to put the wire crates on, this raises the dog up in the truck box where the air flow is better. Then I placed a 3 speed box fan in front blowing on the dogs with a foot of space to allow better airflow. I purchased a power inverter that connects to the battery and allows the 3 speed fan to run from the truck power. It has an automatic feature that prevents it from draining the battery. When I turned that fan on medium I would find that the dogs where asleep, breathing slowly and appeared very relaxed and comfortable in a matter of 20 minutes or less, even on very hot muggy days. Alcohol: I do carry it for emergiencies. It is very effective at cooling due to the rapid evaporation. It should be used when other methods are not working. You should be on your way to the veterinarian before you get to this point. We recommend using rubbing alcohol, which is propylene alcohol, not ethyl, for those of you not aware. So do not try to drink it. Alcohol should be used on the pads and lower feet area where there is little more than skin and blood vessels over the bones. Use a little bit and let it evaporate, you can use too much as some is absorbed through the skin. There are concerns about toxicity, but you have to get the temperature down. I purchased those cooling pads that you soak in cold water, but found that the dogs would not lay on them. I would hold them on the back of a dog that just worked to get a quick cool, but have not use them for years. I also bought a pair of battery operated fans but found them pretty useless. Spend your money on the power inverter and get a real fan. Watching temperature: If you feel your dog is in danger of heat injury, check its temp and write it down. Keep checking the temp every 3 minutes. I recommend to get a "rectal glass thermometer. The digital ones for the drug store I have found to be very unreliable, Don't forget to shake it down completely each time, sounds silly, but when are worried about your companion, things tend to get mixed up. This is VERY IMPORTANT**once the temp STARTS to drop, STOP ALL COOLING EFFORTS. The cooling process will continue even though you have stopped. If the temp starts at 106.5, and then next time it drops to 105.5, stop cooling the dog, dry it off, and continue monitoring. You will be amazed how it continues to go down. If you do not stop until the temp is 102, the temp will drop way too low. I cannot emphasis this point enough. When the dog is so heated that it is panting severely, only let it have a few laps of water. Water in the stomach does not cool the dog, you just need to keep the mouth wet so the panting is more effective. Do not worry about hydration until the temp has started down. A dog panting heavily taking in large amounts of water is a risk of bloat. Due to the heavy panting they will swallow air, mixed with a large amount of water they can bloat. Once the temp is going down and panting has slowed to more normal panting then allow water. The dog will rehydrate it self after temp is normal. If the dog has a serious problem and even though you have gotten the temp normal, get the dog to a vet, as it can still need IV fluids and some medication. Also, a case of heat stroke can induce a case of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (not parvo), with a ton of very bloody diarrhea and a lot of fluid and electrolyte loss. These cases need aggressive treatment. The best method of treatment is prevention. Learn to watch your dog, and see the changes in the size of the tongue, and how quickly it goes down. Learn your dogs response to the different environments, and be careful when you head south for an early season hunt test or trial. I have been to Nashville at the end of May, only 5 hours away, but the difference in temp and humidity did effect the dogs as they were used to more spring weather in Ohio. Try different things in training to help the dog cool and learn what works better. Another very important point=> Do not swim your hot dog to cool it then put in put in a box/ tight crate. Remember, evaporation can not take place in a tight space, and the box will turn into a sauna and you will cook your dog. Carry a stake out chain, and let the dog cool and dry before putting it up. I demonstrated this lesson this spring with my 10 monthold pup. After doing a 15 minute session in yard drill on a warm 70+ degree day, she was panting pretty hard and was pretty hot. She was OK but it was time to stop. Just for the heck of it I took her temp. She was 103.6, above normal but too bad for a dog that had just finished working. In my back yard I have a 300 gallon Rubbermaid tub filled with water. I took her to it and she jumped in and out 3-4 times. She appeared totally improved, tongue was much smaller, and eyes brighter and her full spring was back into her step. So I re-took her temp and it was 104.2, so even though she looked better she was hotter. This is a perfect lesson to show not get a hot dog wet and then put them in a box. The water on her skin caused the blood vessels to constrict, decreasing blood flow to the skin. Therefore the hot blood was shunted back to the dog's core and retianed the heat. You may have felt the same thing, after exercising but still being very warm, take a shower and get cooled off but as soon as you turn the shower off you start sweating again. I know this is s bit long, but hopefully this is easy to understand and helps provide some useful information. Remember: Prevention, learn your dog. It is worth the time and effort.

Evangers Pet Food

FDA Suspends Temporary Emergency Permit of Pet Food Maker June 12, 2009 (www.FDA.gov) The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced today it was suspending the temporary Emergency Permit issued to Evanger's Dog & Cat Food Co., Inc. Evanger's, operating in Wheeling, Illinois, deviated from the prescribed process, equipment, product shipment, and recordkeeping requirements in the production of the company's thermally processed low acid canned food (LACF) products. The deviations in their processes and documentation could result in under-processed pet foods, which can allow the survival and growth of Clostridium botulinum (C. botulinum), a bacterium that causes botulism in some animals as well as in humans. In April 2008, Evanger’s was issued an “Order of Need for Emergency Permit” after the agency determined that the company had failed to meet the regulatory requirements to process a product that does not present a health risk. In June, 2008, FDA issued Evanger’s a temporary Emergency Permit. During inspections conducted between March 2009 and April 2009, FDA determined Evanger’s was not operating in compliance with the mandatory requirements and conditions of the Temporary Emergency Permit. “The FDA is stopping Evanger's ability to ship pet food in interstate commerce,” said Dr. Bernadette Dunham. “Today’s enforcement action sends a strong message to manufacturers of pet food that we will take whatever action necessary to keep unsafe products from reaching consumers.” In order for Evanger's to resume shipping in interstate commerce, the company must document that corrective actions and processing procedures have been implemented to ensure that the finished product will not present a health hazard. Botulism is a powerful toxin that affects the nervous system and can be fatal. The disease has been documented in dogs and cats. Signs of botulism in animals are progressive muscle paralysis, disturbed vision, difficulty in chewing and swallowing, and progressive weakness to the body. Death is usually due to paralysis of the heart or the muscles used in breathing. While FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition is responsible for regulating all human and animal LACF processing, FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine has authority over animal feed and foods. The two centers are collaborating on this enforcement action.

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