Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Beware Of These MPAA Dogs

So who they going to call, my buddies the dogs.

So beware of these two dogs Lucky and Flo that the MPAA have, they will track down your bootleg videos.

Read the press release below



MOVIE INDUSTRY’S CRIME-FIGHTING CANINES
PROVE THAT PIRACY HAS GONE TO THE DOGS

Lucky and Flo show off DVD-sniffing skills to elementary students in VA
Washington –Lucky and Flo, the world’s first-ever DVD-sniffing dogs, today made a special visit to Douglas MacArthur Elementary School in Northern Virginia to close out their threecity North American tour which included visits to Mexico City and Los Angeles in honor of World Intellectual Property Day.The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) teamed up with renowned Internet safety expert Dr. Parry Aftab to talk with Douglas MacArthur’s fourth and fifth graders about the importance of copyright protection with the assistance of the MPAA’s very own Lucky and Flo.

“Lucky and Flo are the MPAA’s two most unique employees,” said Dan Glickman,Chairman and CEO of the MPAA. “These two dogs have sniffed their way around the world assisting law enforcement officials in tracking down pirate operations. On top of that they have helped raise global awareness about the problem of motion picture piracy,particularly among young children. These special dogs help us educate children about the importance of respecting copyrights while presenting it in a fun and exciting way.”

Earlier this year, the MPAA teamed up with Weekly Reader to develop a new curriculum featuring Lucky and Flo to educate children about copyright theft and various forms of piracy, how to identify counterfeit DVDs, the consequences of film piracy, and most importantly, why protecting copyrights is important to them. The curriculum includes: a teacher’s guide, workbook for students, and posters for classrooms and libraries. It has been distributed to 20,000 schools and will be part of the curriculum in nearly 60,000 classrooms.

The school assembly was facilitated by Dr. Parry Aftab, founder of WiredSafety – the largest and oldest online safety, education, and help group in the world – and her award winning Teenangels and Tweenangels who shared information with the students about responsible technology use. Lucky and Flo demonstrated how they sniff out DVDs hidden in storage containers and luggage, highlighting how they assist law enforcement authorities at raids, border crossings, and customs environments around the world.

In 2004, the MPAA undertook a limited feasibility study to determine whether dogs could be trained to detect polycarbonate and other chemicals used in optical discs (DVDs,CDs, etc.). Neil Powell, a trainer in Northern Ireland known for training dogs to sniff bombs and other kinds of devices trained Lucky and Flo to find optical discs in large and small containers, the types usually found in shipments in ports and airports around the world.

After eight months of training, Lucky and Flo were put to work for their first major live test working with HM Revenue and Customs and FedEx at Stansted Airport in the UK. They were immediately successful in identifying packages containing DVDs and detecting even the smallest amount of product in very large containers. The live test was the first time dogs have been used anywhere in the world to search for counterfeit DVDs and proved that they could work in a busy airport Customs environment.

Lucky and Flo are able to detect but unable to distinguish between CDs and DVDs,burned and replicated discs, or legitimate and pirate discs. Because legitimate shipments of optical discs are generally registered on a shipping manifest, the dogs are able to find discs in unlikely or unregistered containers, which usually means they are being smuggled for illegal use or sale.

Last year Lucky and Flo went to work for the Malaysian and Philippine governments in an effort dubbed “Operation Double-Trouble.” During their six-month assignment,Lucky and Flo accompanied Malaysian and Filipino enforcement officers on thirty-five raids in which twenty-six people were arrested and an excess of 1.88 million pirated discs were seized with an estimated street value of over USD$3.5 million. The dogs were so successful that a Malaysian pirate syndicate put a bounty on the dogs’ heads of $30,000.

Due to Lucky and Flo’s enormous success, in March 2008, the Malaysian government launched their own canine unit to fight piracy. The unit has been set up within the Enforcement Division at the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs(MDTCA), and comprises two Labrador sniffer dogs courtesy of the Motion Picture Association(MPA). The pair of dogs, named Paddy and Manny, hail from Northern Ireland.They have undergone two months of training to identify optical discs by scent and assist in the detection of hidden counterfeit optical discs, like Lucky and Flo before them.

The worldwide motion picture industry, including foreign and domestic producers,distributors, theaters, video stores and pay-per-view operators lost $18.2 billion in 2005 as a result of piracy – over $7 billion of which is attributed to Internet piracy and more than $11 billion attributed to hard goods piracy including bootlegging and illegal copying.

About the MPAA The Motion Picture Association of America, Inc. (MPAA) serves as the voice and advocate of the American motion picture, home video and television industries from its offices in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. Its members include: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures; Paramount Pictures; Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.; Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation; Universal City Studios LLLP; and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Buried 8 Days And Dog Survives

Photo by Mark Fox/Summit Daily News


When a building exploded from a gas leak some eight days ago a little pup named Lulu was lost in the rumble.
Lulu who is a Brittany Spaniel was rescued by a group of caring friends that didn’t give up hope.

You got to read this story by Bill Scanlon here.

Monday, April 28, 2008

Ex Dog Beating Cop Wants His Job Back…No Way…


Well the dog beater Sgt. Charles L. Jones goes on trial today for what he did to his poor police dog.

Jones is crying that he was fired without due process, do you think the dog had due process ….No He Didn’t.

So why should you.

You stood there kicking the dog while he was suspended in the air. I thought that a Police dog has the same right as a Police officer. He was supposed to be your partner; he was on your side though thick and thin. So this is how you treat a partner, let alone a poor dog.

You have to view the video click here and see for yourself.
This will make you sick.

Read the full article by Dan Kane here.

Here is an older story by Dan Kane here about the case.

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Pets Aren’t Meant To Be Thrown Away

The RSPCA said that pet owners who have abandoned their pets have been on the rise by some 23% in the past year.



I would say that this is properly happening all over the world.

So next time you think about owning a pet you might think real hard and say am I really going to love and take care of this pet for life. If so you might want to help a pet that is stuck in a pound first.

My buddies need your help to see freedom again and they will forever love you back.

Read the RSPCA article here.

Saturday, April 26, 2008

The Top Ten Dumbest And Smarts Dogs ?

Ok I know that you wont agree, as I don’t …Woof…Woof


This is a list that was taken from the CBS Early Show.




#1 Smartest: The Border Collie
#2 Smartest: The Poodle
#3 Smartest: The German Shepherd
#4 Smartest: The Golden Retriever
#5 Smartest: The Doberman Pinscher
#6 Smartest: The Shetland Sheepdog
#7 Smartest: The Labrador Retriever
#8 Smartest: The Papillon
#9 Smartest: The Rottweiler
#10 Smartest: The Australian Cattle Dog

#1 Dumbest: The Afghan Hound
#2 Dumbest: The Basenji
#3 Dumbest: The Bulldog
#4 Dumbest: The Chow Chow
#5 Dumbest: The Borzois
#6 Dumbest: The Bloodhound
#7 Dumbest: The Pekingese
#8 Dumbest: The Mastiff
#9 Dumbest: The Beagle
#10 Dumbest: The Basset Hound
>
You got to read it here, what they said about my buddies if they only knew what we thought of them…Woof…Woof..
I don’t know if I should feel good or bad for not making the list…Woof…Woof.
So what do you think about their list.

Pamela Anderson Helps Out PETA

Photo by celebrity-gossip


Good old Pamela Anderson was out lobbying at the protest in Washington about the way animals are tested.
Read the story Pamela Anderson Fights For Animals

Pamela even walked off a set because she wouldn’t work with a dog, saying that it was cruel.
If you read the story you would have walked of too.

Friday, April 25, 2008

Have You Ever Heard Of Being Married To A Dog?

Yes that’s right over in a town named Jagatsinghpur in India a family married off their one year old son to a dog.
I not kidding on this one, they say they wanted their son to be diseases free for life. Now this custom is their belief that they would ensure the dog would ward off the evil.
This world is getting real crazy.
Read the article here.

On a better note about dogs, there was a few stray dogs that help save a baby girl that was thrown away by the mother because the baby was a girl.
I don’t really know what kind of laws they have over there but there is something really wrong.
Read the article here.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Do You Really Know Your Dog’s Breed


Well there is a test out now called the Wisdom Panel™ MX Mixed Breed Analysis that will tell you though the DNA your dog’s bloodline and ancestry.
The American Kennel Club has about one hundred and thirty different breeds that are recognized. So who knows the mutt that you own just might come from a fine bloodline.
Check out Wisdom Panel to find out.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Will You Be At The North America’s Largest Outdoor Dog Festival Called Woofstock

Starting on June 1st at the Toronto’s King Edward Hotel will be the start of Woofsock 2008.
This will be the North America’s largest outdoor dog festival. Opening day they will be honoring Canine Cancer Survivors.
Saturday June 7th there will be Extreme Doggie Make Over, Woofstock Fashion Show, Stupid Dog Trick Contest, Ms. & Mr. Canine Pageant along with a Best Costume Contest.
On Sunday the 8th There will be a K9 Recue Me Walk A Thon , Extreme Doggie Make over . A Woofstock Fashion Show, another Stupid Dog Trick Contest along with another Ms. & Mr. Canine Canada Pageant Show.
There will also be a Dock Dogs event on Saturday and Sunday where you can watch dogs flying of the dock fetching, that will become an extreme sporting event for dogs.
Now this will be a great day to enjoy with the family and dogs…. So woof…woof …Let’s get going and make the Woofstock

If you have any questions or need more information about Woofstock, please contact us. You can reach us in several ways:
PHONE: 416.234.WOOF (9663)
mailto:info@woofstock.ca
http://www.woofstock.ca

Monday, April 21, 2008

Is Your Dog Getting Sick From Eating NUTRO- Pet Food

As the title said, is your dog getting sick from eating NUTRO- pet food?

There has been a lot of reports by dogs & cats owners that their pets have been getting sick in the past few months. Some owners talked about their pet losing weight and some talked about digestive problems from eating the pet food.

NUTRO has even defended their product and asked those owner’s to contact their company with any complaints. @ 800-833-5330 or visit their site www.nutroproducts.com .

Dr. Robert Backus, an assistant teaching professor and director of the Nestle-Purina Endowed Small Animal Nutrition Program at the University of Missouri's College of Veterinary Medicine said: Food can cause GI upset if sudden changes are made in the type of food you're feeding.

As far as pet food manufacturing goes, I'm not an authority. There are many ingredients that go into these products and there could be problems with an ingredient source. There also could be problems with the formulation. And there are occasional processing problems -- maybe the food was over-processed or under processed -- which could affect GI health and pets could end up with diarrhea.

I don’t know but there seems to be a lot of dogs getting sick so just in case, you might what to keep an eye out and watch your dog’s behavior.

Read the full article by Lisa Wade McCormick from Consumer Affairs

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Chihuahua Girl Paris Hilton to Star in New Show


Well the Chihuahua girl is at it again, Paris Hilton will be staring in a TV show in the UK about pet grooming.
We all know that Paris has so many dogs (17) and that we are suppose to know that Paris really knows how to manage an LA style dog salon over in London’s Bond St.
I wonder how you could have so many dogs and to be traveling all over the world and really care for these little guys.
So lets see how this new show turns out and hopefully see has all her dogs with her. Or will Paris leave the little dogs back at their own doggie mansion in her backyard all alone.

Read the story here.

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Now We Know What Poisoned My Dog

Did you know that your dog can be poisoned from just being in the house that causes cancer and hyperthyroidism?
Their were test where they found that some of the animals were contaminated with 48 of 70 industrial chemicals tested, including 43 chemicals at levels higher than those typically found in people, according to our study of plastics and food packaging chemicals, heavy metals, fire retardants, and stain-proofing chemicals in pooled samples of blood and urine from 20 dogs and 37 cats collected at a Virginia veterinary clinic.

Here is just part 1 of the report


Amounts of Toxics in Blood and Urine Many Times Higher in Pets Than Humans

WASHINGTON – In the first study of its kind, Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that companion cats and dogs are polluted with even higher levels of many of the same synthetic industrial chemicals that researchers have recently found in people, including newborns.
In addition to being guardians, playmates and even beloved family members, dogs and cats may also be serving as sentinels for human health problems that can arise from exposures to industrial chemicals.
In recognition of the unique roles that pets play in our lives, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) undertook a study to investigate the extent of exposures dogs and cats face to contaminants in our homes and outdoor environments. What we found was startling.
Dogs and cats were contaminated with 48 of 70 industrial chemicals tested, including 43 chemicals at levels higher than those typically found in people, according to our study of blood and urine from 20 dogs and 40 cats. Average levels of many chemicals were substantially higher in pets than is typical for people, with 2.4 times higher levels of stain-and grease-proof coatings (perfluorochemicals) in dogs, 23 times more fire retardants (PBDEs) in cats, and more than 5 times the amounts of mercury, compared to average levels in people found in national studies conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and EWG.
“Like humans, pets are also exposed to toxic chemicals on a daily basis, and as this investigation found, are contaminated at higher levels,” said Jane Houlihan, VP for Research at EWG. “The presence of chemicals in dogs and cats sounds a cautionary warning for the present and future health of children as well. This study demonstrating the chemical body burden of dogs and cats is a wake-up call for stronger safety standards from industrial chemical exposures that will protect all members of our families, including our pets.”
“This study is valuable in that it used pet animals that live in nearly fifty percent of all US households as environmental sentinels to measure the level of contamination with a wide variety of industrial chemicals that have also been shown to be present in human tissue. Because pet animals tend to have similar or higher concentrations of these chemicals in their body than humans, epidemiological studies of pets can be used to identify potential adverse health effects at a lower cost and in a much shorter period of time than it would take to perform similar studies in humans,” said Dr. Larry Glickman – a leading veterinarian and distinguished scientist who for the past three decades conducted research in veterinary epidemiology.
"This study shows that our pets are susceptible to the absorption of potentially harmful chemicals from our environment just as we are. Perhaps even more troubling is that these chemicals have been found in higher levels in pets than in humans implying potential harmful consequences for their health and well being and the need for further study," said Dr. John Billeter, DVM, the veterinarian who conducted the blood and urine tests.
Just as children ingest pollutants in tap water, play on lawns with pesticide residues, or breathe in an array of indoor air contaminants, so do their pets. But with there compressed lifespans, developing and aging seven or more times faster than children, pets also develop health problems much more rapidly. Pets, like infants and toddlers, have limited diets and play close to the floor, often licking the ground as well as their paws, greatly increasing both their exposures to chemicals and the resulting health risks.
In America there are 8 times more companion dogs and cats than there are children under five. Seventy percent more households have dogs or cats than children of any age. These pets are often beloved family members, and yet they can be subjected to chronic, constant exposures to chemical contaminants in homes, yards, and parks that pet owners cannot always prevent.
Scientists Link Chemical Exposure to Increased Rates of Cancer, Other Diseases in Pets:
Under current federal law, chemical companies do not have to prove chemicals are safe before they are used in products, including pet toys and other products for our companion animals. For pets as for people, the result is a body burden of complex mixtures of industrial chemicals never tested for safety. Health problems in pets span high rates of cancer in dogs and skyrocketing incidence of hyperthyroidism in cats. Genetic changes can't explain the increases in certain health problems among pets, leaving scientists to believe that chemical exposures play a significant role.

EWG is a nonprofit research organization based in Washington, DC that uses the power of information to protect human health and the environment.

Read the full report by EWG here.

Friday, April 18, 2008

Dogs Are For Friendship Not Fighting


Sidney Prosser of Kensington, PA has finally pleaded guilty to having twenty two dogs that he used for fighting. Sidney will be receiving a three year term of probation and will be on a work release for up to twenty three months.
I guess we can Thank Judge Linda Carpenter for helping to stop the cruelty to my buddies.
Sidney Prosser will also be paying the PSPCA five grand for restitution.
I wish people would learn a lesson from this and think twice before you hurt my fellow friends.
PSPCA chief executive Howard Nelson said Dog fighting is a heinous crime, and we are extremely pleased that Mr. Prosser is being held accountable for the cruelty he inflicted upon those dogs.

Read the story by Dana DiFilippo here.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

You Better Not Be A Dog In South Korea

Did you know that they eat about 2 million of my buddies over there, Yuk… Well hopefully Taiwan can help to put a stop to South Korea by showing how their country put a stop, with legislation outlawing the killing of dogs for meat.

My poor buddies I just hope they can save them.

Read the story here.

"When God made the earth and sky
The flowers and the trees.
He then made all the animals
And all the birds and bees.
And when his work was finished.
Not one was quite the same,
He said, "I'll walk this earth of mine and give each one a name"
And so, He traveled land and sea
And every where He went
A little creature followed Him
Until its strength was spent.
When all were named upon the earth
And in the sky and sea,
The little creature said,
"Dear Lord, how about me?"
The father smiled and softly said,
"I've left you to the end,
I've turned my own name back to front
And called you Dog, my friend."

Anonymous

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Marooned 8-month-old Cocker Spaniel Rescued by Cruse Ship

I guess the owner of this dog didn’t really care for his dog when he crashed his boat and was recued. He left his poor little dog there. The little guy was finally recued by the Pride of Aloha and will receive a new owner.
Hopefully the new owner will give the little dog all the love he needs.
Read the full story here.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

They Are My Son’s Dogs! You Can’t Have Them!


Just think about being ship out to war and you leave your two dogs with your dad. Well the town that his dad lives in wants his dad to remove the dogs because there are now five dogs living at his dad’s house. The town said that you can only have three dogs.
Can you really believe this town, the Government sends your kid to Iraq and some meat-head who has no heart doesn’t care. I wonder if they have any of those badly run puppy mills down there, maybe they should be looking into them instead.
Read the article by Nancy McCleary here.

Monday, April 14, 2008

Do You Really Know What’s In Dog Food - Part 1


Here is an article from the FDA on just what in your Pet’s food and how to understand the label.I think we should know what we are really feeding are buddies.
INFORMATION FOR CONSUMERS
FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION
CENTER FOR VETERINARY MEDICINE

INTERPRETING PET FOOD LABELS

The following consumer information is provided by David A. Dzanis, DVM, Ph.D., DACVN.

Pet food labeling is regulated at two levels. The Federal regulations, enforced by the FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM), establish standards applicable for all animal feeds: proper identification of product, net quantity statement, manufacturer's address, and proper listing of ingredients. Some States also enforce their own labeling regulations. Many of these have adopted the model pet food regulations established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). These regulations are more specific in nature, covering aspects of labeling such as the product name, the guaranteed analysis, the nutritional adequacy statement, feeding directions, and calorie statements.

Product Name

The product name is the first part of the label noticed by the consumer, and can be a key factor in the consumer's decision to buy the product. For that reason, manufacturers often use fanciful names or other techniques to emphasize a particular aspect. Since many consumers purchase a product based on the presence of a specific ingredient, many product names incorporate the name of an ingredient to highlight its inclusion in the product. The percentages of named ingredients in the total product are dictated by four AAFCO rules.

The "95%" rule applies to products consisting primarily of meat, poultry or fish, such as some of the canned products. They have simple names, such as "Beef for Dogs" or "Tuna Cat Food." In these examples, at least 95% of the product must be the named ingredient (beef or tuna, respectively), not counting the water added for processing and "condiments." Counting the added water, the named ingredient still must comprise 70% of the product. Since ingredient lists must be declared in the proper order of predominance by weight, "beef" or "tuna" should be the first ingredient listed, followed often by water, and then other components such as vitamins and minerals. If the name includes a combination of ingredients, such as "Chicken 'n Liver Dog Food," the two together must comprise 95% of the total weight. The first ingredient named in the product name must be the one of higher predominance in the product. For example, the product could not be named "Lobster and Salmon for Cats" if there is more salmon than lobster in the product. Because this rule only applies to ingredients of animal origin, ingredients that are not from a meat, poultry or fish source, such as grains and vegetables, cannot be used as a component of the 95% total. For example, a "Lamb and Rice Dog Food" would be misnamed unless the product was comprised of at least 95% lamb.

The "25%" or "dinner" rule applies to many canned and dry products. If the named ingredients comprise at least 25% of the product (not counting the water for processing), but less than 95%, the name must include a qualifying descriptive term, such as "Beef Dinner for Dogs." Many descriptors other than "dinner" are used, however. "Platter," "entree," "nuggets" and "formula" are just a few examples. Because, in this example, only one-quarter of the product must be beef, it would most likely be found third or fourth on the ingredient list. Since the primary ingredient is not always the named ingredient, and may in fact be an ingredient that is not desired, the ingredient list should always be checked before purchase. For example, a cat owner may have learned from his or her finicky feline to avoid buying products with fish in it, since the cat doesn't like fish. However, a "Chicken Formula Cat Food" may not always be the best choice, since some "chicken formulas" may indeed contain fish, and sometimes may contain even more fish than chicken. A quick check of the ingredient list would avert this mistake.

If more than one ingredient is included in a "dinner" name, they must total 25% and be listed in the same order as found on the ingredient list. Each named ingredient must be at least 3% of the total, too. Therefore, "Chicken n' Fish Dinner Cat Food" must have 25% chicken and fish combined, and at least 3% fish. Also, unlike the "95%" rule, this rule applies to all ingredients, whether of animal origin or not. For example, a "Lamb and Rice Formula for Cats" would be an acceptable name as long as the amounts of lamb and rice combined totaled 25%.

The "3%" or "with" rule was originally intended to apply only to ingredients highlighted on the principal display panel, but outside the product name, in order to allow manufacturers to point out the presence of minor ingredients that were not added in sufficient quantity to merit a "dinner" claim. For example, a "Cheese Dinner," with 25% cheese, would not be feasible or economical to produce, but either a "Beef Dinner for Dogs" or "Chicken Formula Cat Food" could include a side burst "with cheese" if at least 3% cheese is added. Recent amendments to the AAFCO model regulations now allow use of the term "with" as part of the product name, too, such as "Dog Food With Beef" or "Cat Food With Chicken." Now, even a minor change in the wording of the name has a dramatic impact on the minimum amount of the named ingredient required, e.g., a can of "Cat Food With Tuna" could be confused with a can of "Tuna Cat Food," but, whereas the latter example must contain at least 95% tuna, the first needs only 3%. Therefore, the consumer must read labels carefully before purchase to ensure that the desired product is obtained.

Under the "flavor" rule, a specific percentage is not required, but a product must contain an amount sufficient to be able to be detected. There are specific test methods, using animals trained to prefer specific flavors, that can be used to confirm this claim. In the example of "Beef Flavor Dog Food," the word "flavor" must appear on the label in the same size, style and color as the word "beef." The corresponding ingredient may be beef, but more often it is another substance that will give the characterizing flavor, such as beef meal or beef by-products.

With respect to flavors, pet foods often contain "digests," which are materials treated with heat, enzymes and/or acids to form concentrated natural flavors. Only a small amount of a "chicken digest" is needed to produce a "Chicken Flavored Cat Food," even though no actual chicken is added to the food. Stocks or broths are also occasionally added. Whey is often used to add a milk flavor. Often labels will bear a claim of "no artificial flavors." Actually, artificial flavors are rarely used in pet foods. The major exception to that would be artificial smoke or bacon flavors, which are added to some treats.

Net Quantity Statement

The net quantity statement tells you how much product is in the container. There are many FDA regulations dictating the format, size and placement of the net quantity statement. None of these do any good if the consumer does not check the quantity statements, especially when comparing the cost of products. For example, a 14-ounce can of food may look identical to the one-pound can of food right next to it. Also, dry products may differ greatly in density, especially some of the "lite" products. Thus, a bag that may typically hold 40 pounds of food may only hold 35 pounds of a food that is "puffed up." A cost-per-ounce or per-pound comparison between products is always prudent. Manufacturer's Name and Address The "manufactured by..." statement identifies the party responsible for the quality and safety of the product and its location. If the label says "manufactured for..." or "distributed by...," the food was manufactured by an outside manufacturer, but the name on the label still designates the responsible party. Not all labels include a street address along with the city, State, and zip code, but by law, it should be listed in either a city directory or a telephone directory. Many manufacturers also include a toll-free number on the label for consumer inquiries. If a consumer has a question or complaint about the product, he or she should not hesitate to use this information to contact the responsible party. Ingredient List All ingredients are required to be listed in order of predominance by weight. The weights of ingredients are determined as they are added in the formulation, including their inherent water content. This latter fact is important when evaluating relative quantity claims, especially when ingredients of different moisture contents are compared.

For example, one pet food may list "meat" as its first ingredient, and "corn" as its second. The manufacturer doesn't hesitate to point out that its competitor lists "corn" first ("meat meal" is second), suggesting the competitor's product has less animal-source protein than its own. However, meat is very high in moisture (approximately 75% water). On the other hand, water and fat are removed from meat meal, so it is only 10% moisture (what's left is mostly protein and minerals). If we could compare both products on a dry matter basis (mathematically "remove" the water from both ingredients), one could see that the second product had more animal-source protein from meat meal than the first product had from meat, even though the ingredient list suggests otherwise.

That is not to say that the second product has more "meat" than the first, or in fact, any meat at all. Meat meal is not meat per se, since most of the fat and water have been removed by rendering. Ingredients must be listed by their "common or usual" name. Most ingredients on pet food labels have a corresponding definition in the AAFCO Official Publication. For example, "meat" is defined as the "clean flesh of slaughtered mammals and is limited to...the striate muscle...with or without the accompanying and overlying fat and the portions of the skin, sinew, nerve and blood vessels which normally accompany the flesh." On the other hand, "meat meal" is "the rendered product from mammal tissues, exclusive of any added blood, hair, horn, hide trimmings, manure, stomach and rumen contents." Thus, in addition to the processing, it could also contain parts of animals one would not think of as "meat." Meat meal may not be very pleasing to think about eating yourself, even though it's probably more nutritious. Animals do not share in people's aesthetic concerns about the source and composition of their food. Regardless, the distinction must be made in the ingredient list (and in the product name). For this reason, a product containing "lamb meal" cannot be named a "Lamb Dinner."

Further down the ingredient list, the "common or usual" names become less common or usual to most consumers. The majority of ingredients with chemical-sounding names are, in fact, vitamins, minerals, or other nutrients. Other possible ingredients may include artificial colors, stabilizers, and preservatives. All should be either "Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS)" or approved food additives for their intended uses.

If scientific data are presented that show a health risk to animals of an ingredient or additive, CVM can act to prohibit or modify its use in pet food. For example, propylene glycol was used as a humectant in soft-moist pet foods, which helps retain water and gives these products their unique texture and taste. It was affirmed Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for use in human and animal food before the advent of soft-moist foods. It was known for some time that propylene glycol caused Heinz Body formation in the red blood cells of cats (small clumps of proteins seen in the cells when viewed under the microscope), but it could not be shown to cause overt anemia or other clinical effects. However, recent reports in the veterinary literature of scientifically sound studies have shown that propylene glycol reduces the red blood cell survival time, renders red blood cells more susceptible to oxidative damage, and has other adverse effects in cats consuming the substance at levels found in soft-moist food. In light of this new data, CVM amended the regulations to expressly prohibit the use of propylene glycol in cat foods.

Another pet food additive of some controversy is ethoxyquin, which was approved as a food additive over thirty-five years ago for use as an antioxidant chemical preservative in animal feeds. Approximately ten years ago, CVM began receiving reports from dog owners attributing the presence of ethoxyquin in the dog food with a myriad of adverse effects, such as allergic reactions, skin problems, major organ failure, behavior problems, and cancer. However, there was a paucity of available scientific data to support these contentions, or to show other adverse effects in dogs at levels approved for use in dog foods. More recent studies by the manufacturer of ethoxyquin showed a dose-dependent accumulation of a hemoglobin-related pigment in the liver, as well as increases in the levels of liver-related enzymes in the blood. Although these changes are due to ethoxyquin in the diet, the pigment is not made from ethoxyquin itself, and the health significance of these findings is unknown. More information on the utility of ethoxyquin is still needed in order for CVM to amend the maximum allowable level to below that which would cause these effects, but which still would be useful in preserving the food. While studies are being conducted to ascertain a more accurate minimum effective level of ethoxyquin in dog foods, CVM has asked the pet food industry to voluntarily lower the maximum level of use of ethoxyquin in dog foods from 150 ppm (0.015%) to 75 ppm. Regardless, most pet foods that contained ethoxyquin never exceeded the lower amount, even before this recommended change.

Guaranteed Analysis

At minimum, a pet food label must state guarantees for the minimum percentages of crude protein and crude fat, and the maximum percentages of crude fiber and moisture. The "crude" term refers to the specific method of testing the product, not to the quality of the nutrient itself.

Some manufacturers include guarantees for other nutrients as well. The maximum percentage of ash (the mineral component) is often guaranteed, especially on cat foods. Cat foods commonly bear guarantees for taurine and magnesium as well. For dog foods, minimum percentage levels of calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and linoleic acid are found on some products.

Guarantees are declared on an "as fed" or "as is" basis, that is, the amounts present in the product as it is found in the can or bag. This doesn't have much bearing when the guarantees of two products of similar moisture content are compared (for example, a dry dog food versus another dry dog food). However, when comparing the guaranteed analyses between dry and canned products, one will note that the levels of crude protein and most other nutrients are much lower for the canned product. This can be explained by looking at the relative moisture contents. Canned foods typically contain 75-78% moisture, whereas dry foods contain only 10-12% water. To make meaningful comparisons of nutrient levels between a canned and dry product, they should be expressed on the same moisture basis.

The most accurate means of doing this is to convert the guarantees for both products to a dry matter basis. The percentage of dry matter of the product is equal to 100% minus the percentage of moisture guaranteed on the label. A dry food is approximately 88-90% dry matter, while a canned food is only about 22-25% dry matter. To convert a nutrient guarantee to a dry matter basis, the percent guarantee should be divided by the percentage of the dry matter, then multiplied by 100. For example, a canned food guarantees 8% crude protein and 75% moisture (or 25% dry matter), while a dry food contains 27% crude protein and 10% moisture (or 90% dry matter). Which has more protein, the dry or canned? Calculating the dry matter protein of both, the canned contains 32% crude protein on a dry matter basis (8/25 X 100 = 32), while the dry has only 30% on a dry matter basis (27/90 X 100 = 30). Thus, although it looks like the dry has a lot more protein, when the water is counted out, the canned actually has a little more. An easier way is to remember that the amount of dry matter in the dry food is about four times the amount in a canned product. To compare guarantees between a dry and canned food, multiply the guarantees for the canned food times four first.

It is especially important to look at the moisture guarantee for canned foods, even when comparing a canned food with another canned. Under AAFCO regulations, the maximum percentage moisture content for a pet food is 78%, except for products labeled as a "stew," "in sauce," "in gravy," or similar terms. The extra water gives the product the qualities needed to have the appropriate texture and fluidity. Some of these exempted products have been found to contain as much as 87.5% moisture. This doesn't sound like much difference until the dry matter contents are compared. For example, a product with a guarantee of 87.5% moisture contains 12.5% dry matter, only half as much as a product with a 75% moisture guarantee (25% dry matter).

Nutritional Adequacy Statement

Any claim that a product is "complete," "balanced," "100% nutritious," or similarly suggests that a product is suitable for sole nourishment that is not, in fact, nutritionally adequate is a potentially unsafe product. For this reason, an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement is one of the most important aspects of a dog or cat food label. A "complete and balanced" pet food must be substantiated for nutritional adequacy by one of two means.

The first method is for the pet food to contain ingredients formulated to provide levels of nutrients that meet an established profile. Presently, the AAFCO Dog or Cat Food Nutrient Profiles are used. Products substantiated by this method should include the words, "(Name of product) is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO (Dog/Cat) Food Nutrient Profiles." This means the product contains the proper amount of protein, calcium, and other recognized essential nutrients needed to meet the needs of the healthy animal. The recommendations of the National Research Council (NRC) were once used as the basis for nutritional adequacy, but they are no longer considered valid for this purpose.

The alternative means of substantiating nutritional adequacy is for the product to be tested following the AAFCO Feeding Trial Protocols. This means that the product, or "lead" member of a "family" of products, has been fed to dogs or cats under strict guidelines and found to provide proper nutrition. These products should bear the nutritional adequacy statement "Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that (name of product) provides complete and balanced nutrition."

Regardless of the method used, the nutritional adequacy statement will also state for which life stage(s) the product is suitable, such as "for maintenance," or "for growth." A product intended "for all life stages" meets the more stringent nutritional needs for growth and reproduction. A maintenance ration will meet the needs of an adult, non-reproducing dog or cat of normal activity, but may not be sufficient for a growing, reproducing, or hard-working animal. On the other hand, an all life stages ration can be fed for maintenance. Although the higher levels of nutrients would not be harmful to the healthy adult animal, they are not really necessary. Occasionally a product may be labeled for a more specific use or life stage, such as "senior" or for a specific size or breed. However, there is little information as to the true dietary needs of these more specific uses, and no rules governing these types of statements have been established. Thus, a "senior" diet must meet the requirements for adult maintenance, but no more. A product that does not meet either of these methods must state that "this product is intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding," except if it is conspicuously identified as a snack or treat.

Feeding Directions

Feeding directions instruct the consumer on how much product should be offered to the animal. At minimum, they should include verbiage such as "feed ___ cups per ___ pounds of body weight daily." On some small cans, this may be all the information that can fit. The feeding directions should be taken as rough guidelines, a place to start. Breed, temperament, environment, and many other factors can influence food intake. Manufacturers attempt to cover almost all contingencies by setting the directions for the most demanding. The best suggestion is to offer the prescribed amount at first, and then to increase or cut back as needed to maintain body weight in adults or to achieve proper rate of gain in puppies and kittens. A nursing mother should be offered all the food she wants to eat. Calorie Statement Pet foods can vary greatly in calorie content, even among foods of the same type (dry, canned) and formulated for the same life stage. Feeding directions vary among manufacturers, too, so the number of calories delivered in a daily meal of one food may be quite different from another. The number of calories in a product roughly relates to the amount of fat, although varying levels of non-calorie-containing components, such as water and fiber, can throw this correlation off. The best way for consumers to compare products and determine how much to be fed is to know the calorie content. However, until recently, calorie statements were not allowed on pet food labels. New AAFCO regulations were developed to allow manufacturers to substantiate calorie content and include a voluntary statement.

If a calorie statement is made on the label, it must be expressed on a "kilocalories per kilogram" basis. Kilocalories are the same as the "Calories" consumers are used to seeing on food labels. A "kilogram" is a unit of metric measurement equal to 2.2 pounds. Manufacturers are also allowed to express the calories in familiar household units along with the required statement (for example, "per cup" or "per can"). Even without this additional information, however, consumers can make meaningful comparisons between products and pick the product best suited for their animals' needs. As with the guaranteed analysis, the calorie statement is made on an "as fed" basis, so corrections for moisture content must be made as described above. To roughly compare the caloric content values between a canned and a dry food, multiply the value for the canned food by four.

Other Label Claims

Many pet foods are labeled as "premium," and some now are "super premium" and even "ultra premium." Other products are touted as "gourmet" items. Products labeled as premium or gourmet are not required to contain any different or higher quality ingredients, nor are they held up to any higher nutritional standards than are any other complete and balanced products.

The term "natural" is often used on pet food labels, although that term does not have an official definition either. For the most part, "natural" can be construed as equivalent to a lack of artificial flavors, artificial colors, or artificial preservatives in the product. As mentioned above, artificial flavors are rarely employed anyway. Artificial colors are not really necessary, except to please the pet owner's eye. If used, they must be from approved sources, the same as for human foods. Especially for high-fat dry products, some form of preservative must be used to prevent rancidity. Natural-source preservatives, such as mixed tocopherols (a source of vitamin E), can be used in place of artificial preservatives. However, they may not be as effective.

"Natural" is not the same as "organic." The latter term refers to the conditions under which the plants were grown or animals were raised. There are no official rules governing the labeling of organic foods (for humans or pets) at this time, but the United States Department of Agriculture is developing regulations dictating what types of pesticides, fertilizers and other substances can be used in organic farming.

Summary

Pet owners and veterinary professionals have a right to know what they are feeding their animals. The pet food label contains a wealth of information, if one knows how to read it. Do not be swayed by the many marketing gimmicks or eye-catching claims. If there is a question about the product, contact the manufacturer or ask an appropriate regulatory agency.

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Summer Time Tips For Dog Owners


Summer is the time to enjoy the great outdoors with your best friend. If one of your best friends happens to be a dog, there are a few things you should keep in mind before you go out to make sure Fido has a good time too.
-- Never leave your pet in a parked car for any period of time. On a warm day, the temperature in a car can reach 120 degrees in just a few minutes. Dogs do not sweat like humans and can only dispel heat through the pads of their feet or panting. Leaving a dog in a car like this causes brain damage and heat stroke. If you see an animal in a parked car this summer, call your local animal control or police.
-- Beware of insecticides, fertilizer and plant food you use around your yard! They may be fatal or make them very sick if ingested.
-- Take time to see what plants in your yard may be poisonous to pets. Over 700 plants are fatal to animals if eaten.
-- Never drive with your dog in the back of a pick-up truck outside of a crate. Sudden stops, turns or accidents can cause them to be severely hurt. Flying debris thrown from cars and in the air can seriously harm your pet. In some states it is also illegal.
-- Make sure your pets are always wearing identification in case you are separated. It is also good to have your pets microchiped in case their tags are removed. This may be the only way to get your pets home if lost. If your pet is lost, check all local humane associations and animal control quickly to make sure your pets have not been turned in.
-- Just like you, your pets can become dehydrated very quickly. Always be sure to have plenty of water on hand.
-- Pets can also become sunburned. When out in the sun for long periods, apply sunscreen to their nose and ear tips.
-- Exercise only in the morning and evening hours. Your pet may not be able to handle the heat during the day. Remember, they have a thicker coats on. Also remember that pavement gets very hot and may burn your dog's paws.
-- Summer is the time for fleas and ticks. See your vet for the best treatment.
-- Avoid crowds and large concerts. Combined with the heat, these events may be stressful and dangerous to your dog.
-- When traveling, don't leave your friend out in the back yard. Make sure you find a dog boarding facility or dog sitter to watch and play with them or find pet friendly travel locations that may allow you to take them with you. If you take them with you, make sure you take their crate, pillow and toys that remind them of home. Plan in advance if you want to fly to make sure you have everything needed to comply with their rules.
-- If your pet becomes over heated, lower their body temperature immediately by applying ice packs or cold towels to their neck, head or chest. Give them small amounts of cool water or let them lick ice cubes and get them to a vet immediately!
-- Let your dog interact with others at the dog park.
Have fun with your best friend this summer, but be safe.
Article by Doggeek.com

Saturday, April 12, 2008

High School Kids Helping To Send Tiger Back To The USA


Not only are they rescuing my buddies from these puppy mills, there is a group of High School kids from Fairlawn NJ that are trying to raise $4000 to help bring home a little dog named Tiger that was a buddy to a female Navy officer that was stationed in Afghanistan.
Thanks for helping out my buddies kids, I wish there were more kids like that that really care for my buddies…Thanks…Woof…Woof…

Read the story by Stephanie Akin here.

Operation Baghdad Pups

Friday, April 11, 2008

Dogs In Space? Where …


Soaring high in the eastern sky and almost overhead at around midnight are the two stars marking the Hunting Dogs, known as Canes Venatici.

Wow now they got dogs in space, I hope they find their way home….Woof…Woof

Read the full story by Joe Rao here.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Who’s Killing My Friends?




MYSTERY OF MUTILATED DOGS STILL UNSOLVED
Spay Neuter Kansas City, United Animal Nations & The Humane Society of the United States announced it is offering an $8,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for dogs discovered in a cemetery by the Jackson County Sheriff’s department last week.

These recent findings come just after a decapitated dog’s remains were found on March 25th, 2008 in the driveway of an apartment complex on Locust Street near East 42nd Street. It appeared to have been a 4-year-old male shepherd or border collie mix. Police weren't able to locate its head, and they had no way of knowing if it was someone's pet or a stray. Kansas City witnessed more senseless acts of brutality when 2 dogs were found alive in August of 2007 with their leg intentionally cut off.

According to reports by such organization as the Humane Society of the United States and American Humane Association …. abuse of both children and animals is connected in a self-perpetuating cycle of violence. When animals in a home are abused or neglected, it is a warning sign that others in the household may not be safe.
“These cases may very well be all linked to the same person. These acts of brutality are horrific and needs to be taken very serious. These are not typical cruelty cases and the person(s) responsible should be considered dangerous. We strongly encourage anyone with information in any of these cases to please call the Tips Hotline 816-474-TIPS. Someone must know something and our community should be outraged. These animals don’t have a voice and need the community to stand up for them and be their voice.” States Michelle Dormady, President of Spay Neuter Kansas City.

Ms. Dormady adds, "All local veterinary clinics, citizens, animal shelters and animal welfare groups are encouraged to report suspicious activities or pet injuries to their local authorities."
Spay Neuter Kansas City is a 501C3 organization formed to promote spay and neutering as a primary means of decreasing pet overpopulation. Their Pet Outreach Program focuses on improving the quality of lives of animals in the community by promoting responsible pet ownership, providing necessary pet supplies to needy pets as well as spay and neutering. The program provides care for many locally abused and neglect animals found in the community.

Spay Neuter Kansas City works closely with Kansas City Missouri Public Health & Safety. Both organizations wish to thank all those individuals and businesses that donated towards the reward fund as well as cooperation from United Animal Nations and The Humane Society of the United States.

Read the story @ http://www.snkc.net/

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

What We Now Have To Buy Bottle Water For Dogs?



Yes they are going to start selling bottle water for us dogs. Are they crazy we like drinking water from the tap or even from a lake. Even sometimes from the toilet, don't tell anyone about that.
So why would I want to try and drink out of a bottle?
Read the story here.

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

What Throw Away Dogs?


A puppy mill in Kansas had 80 dogs taken from their mill and sent to an animal rescue group in Salt Lake City, Utah so that they can help these poor little dogs can get first aid to their wounds and emotional injuries.
Poor buddies the cruel & heartless people that run these mills just for the money.
Read the full story here.

If you’re interested in adopting one of these dogs, or you are willing to donate supplies, time caring for the dogs or money to help with future adoptions, log onto http://theyuppiepuppie.com/WARescue/ for information.

Monday, April 7, 2008

New Dog House’s for The Guys Thanks to Fifth-Graders

A bunch of Fifth-graders at Riverview Elementary School in Colorado helped build a few dog house’s for some wolf hybrids for the WolfWood Refuge.
Nice job kids, Thanks for helping my buddies out….Woof …Woof…

Saturday, April 5, 2008

Bad Puppy Mills Hurt My Friends

I heard that over in Ohio they are still deciding on a Puppy Mill Bill.
Come on guys how many puppy’s can one dog make , just so you can make so money.
What about all my buddies (dogs) that windup in those shelters? I would like to bite the legs of these state representatives and let them know that we have feeling too.



Photo by 10TV.com

Friday, April 4, 2008

A Note From A Friend


Photo by pmac_in_seattle

I’m unable to show you me friends face. He is a little scared that they will know that he contacted me about how he and his friends are being treated. He asked me to spread the word that they need to be adopted by humans in order to get out of these cages.
The note said that it’s really lonely in there with no kids to play with and the nights are really bad when you have to sleep on a cold floor and not in a bed with your little friend who cares for you.
So if you know anybody that would like to adopt one my friends you can check out a link over at about.com that has a list of every shelter there is.

So Please help my friends out, will you. They will be your best friend.

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Sometimes We Dogs Need Friends


This is one of my friends Rover that sent me a picture of his new friend. Rover told me that the monkey was so lonely due to not having friends like we do. He just allowed him to hold him all day. So what are friends for?

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

The Top Names For Dogs… Woof, Woof


So these are the top dog names, how come they called me Peanut?

Top male dog names:

1. Max
2. Buddy
3. Rocky
4. Bailey
5. Jake
6. Charlie
7. Jack
8. Toby
9. Cody
10. Buster

Top Female dog names:

1. Bella
2. Molly
3. Lucy
4. Maggie
5. Daisy
6. Sophie
7. Sadie
8. Chloe
9. Bailey
10. Lola

Source: Veterinary Pet Insurance

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Who's Trying to Kill My Dog


When the FDA learned that certain pet foods from China were sickening and killing cats and dogs. The Federal Grand jury in Kansas City, Mo. sent an indictment against a few companies that used Melamine as an ingredient. I sure hope they don't try and feed me this stuff again.....