Convenia Gets FDA Approval For Dog And Cat Skin Infections

Photo: Business Wire

FDA Approves First and Only Single-Dose Antibiotic for Dogs and Cats

Pfizer’s New Prescription-Only Convenia® Eliminates Difficulty Owners Have Giving Pills to Pets for Weeks

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Pfizer Animal Health has announced the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Convenia® (cefovecin sodium), the first and only antibiotic for dogs and cats available in a single veterinarian-administered injectable dose.

Convenia provides up to 14 days of antibiotic treatment in a single dose for the most common skin infections in dogs and cats – the No. 1 reason pets are prescribed antibiotics.1

By relieving pet owners of the often impractical responsibility of giving pills to their pets several times a day for weeks at a time, Convenia ensures the antibiotic course of treatment is completed on time, giving the pet the best chance for treatment success.

“We understand how difficult it can be for owners to give their pets the right pills at the right time. With career and family responsibilities, many people simply aren’t around at appropriate intervals once, twice or even more times a day despite their best intentions,” said George Fennell, vice president, Companion Animal Division, Pfizer Animal Health. “With Convenia, the pet gets the dose it needs right in the veterinarian’s office – so owners don’t have to worry about when and how to give pills to their pets.”

The third in a string of new companion animal products in 15 months – following the approvals of the first canine obesity medication and the first veterinary drug to control vomiting in dogs, both in early 2007 – Convenia represents yet another first from Pfizer Animal Health. Convenia is now available at veterinary practices nationwide.

‘Pilling’ is a Challenging Responsibility for Pet Owners
Antibiotics currently in use for dogs and cats, while generally effective, can be challenging for owners to give due to the need for daily or twice daily oral doses over several weeks. Besides busy lifestyles that often don’t allow owners to be physically present to give their pets oral medications at the right times, owners often forget to give pills and they prematurely end therapy when their pets start to look or act better.

Some pet owners report that pets resist “pilling” or other orally administered medications. Research shows that 30 percent of dog owners have trouble pilling their dogs, while cat owners rank pilling as one of the most stressful activities involved with caring for their cats.2

When doses are not given on time or when they are missed or stopped prematurely, pets do not receive optimal treatment and risk treatment failure, deterioration of health, and additional veterinary visits. Veterinarians report that non-compliance is the major cause of treatment failures and/or relapses in antibiotic therapy.3
“The approval of Convenia, the first in its class, marks a significant milestone in the effective administration of antibiotics for companion animals,” said Amy Trettien, DVM, Pfizer Animal Health. “For the first time, we may be able to see what 100 percent antibiotic compliance looks like.”
Full Course of Antibiotic Treatment
Skin infections, which are caused by a variety of bacterial pathogens, are the No. 1 reason dogs and cats receive antibiotic treatment.1 In dogs, skin infections are typically a response to an allergy or parasite infestations that result in scratching, licking and biting behavior that can weaken skin and make it susceptible to bacterial infections. In cats, skin infections are typically in response to wounds or bites that become infected.

In U.S. clinical trials with 26 veterinary clinics, Convenia was proven to be statistically equivalent to a 14-day course of antibiotics with a veterinary-labeled, multi-day oral cephalosporin antibiotic. Study results showed that, in most cases, a single dose of Convenia was effective against naturally occurring skin infections in dogs and cats. Treatment outcomes for both dogs and cats were as effective as the oral antibiotic used in the study. In most cases, only a single injection was necessary. Only 14 percent of treated canines required a second dose of Convenia to complete treatment.

Convenia is well tolerated, and its safety has been demonstrated in adult dogs and cats as well as in puppies and kittens. The most common side effects seen with Convenia are similar to those seen with other antibiotics, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite and lethargy. More than 4 million doses of Convenia have been administered to pets globally since 2006.

For full prescribing information about Convenia, visit www.convenia.com.

About Pfizer Animal Health

Pfizer Inc (NYSE: PFE), the world’s largest research-based pharmaceutical company, also is a world leader in discovering and developing innovative animal vaccines and prescription medicines. Pfizer Animal Health is dedicated to helping companion animals live longer and healthier lives and to the safety and productivity of the world’s food supply by enhancing the health of livestock and poultry. For additional information on Pfizer’s portfolio of animal health products, go to www.PfizerAH.com.

1 Confidential PAH Market Research/2003/*US Diary Study Wave 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 and MDI data

2 Convenia Pilling Study, Jan. 2008 by Forward Research

3 Pfizer Animal Health Market Research, 2005



SKIN INFECTIONS IN DOGS AND CATS FACT SHEET


How common are skin infections in dogs and cats?


Skin infections are the No. 1 reason pets are prescribed antibiotics.¹ Common skin infections include pyoderma (literally, “pus in the skin”), wounds and abscesses. For cats, abscesses and wounds are more common.


What are the causes of skin infections?


Skin infections are caused by a variety of bacterial pathogens, the most common being Staphylococcus intermedius. In dogs, skin infections typically occur in association with an allergy or parasite infestation that causes the animal to scratch, lick, and bite the affected area. This reaction can weaken the skin and disrupt the skin’s natural defense mechanisms, making it susceptible to bacterial infections. In cats, skin infections more commonly occur after the animal sustains a trauma or bite.


Pyodermas in dogs are classified by the depth of the infection. Superficial pyodermas affect the top layers of skin, while deep pyodermas involve the deeper layers of skin, and commonly extend beneath the hair follicle.


Less commonly, skin infections may be secondary to a hormonal disease, such as Cushing’s disease or hypothyroidism, or other diseases that suppress the immune system.


How can you spot skin infections?


Since skin infections are generally secondary to underlying skin problems including allergies and parasite infections, pet owners may first notice certain behaviors that indicate a problem. For dogs that might include biting or chewing areas like the top of the tail or legs; closer examination might reveal broken hairs, a rash-like appearance, red pustules and patches of thickened skin that may look darker than the surrounding skin. Cats will sometimes appear to be itchy, especially around their head and ears, and scratch these areas.


How are skin infections treated?


Skin infections in both dogs and cats are generally treated with systemic antibiotics. For superficial infections, antibiotics are generally administered for 14-21 days. For deeper, more severe infections, treatment can last eight weeks or even longer.


Along with oral antibiotics, veterinarians may also recommend an antiseptic shampoo and if the primary disease that led to skin infection can be determined (for example, allergies or a parasite infection like fleas), treatment of the underlying problem.


Are skin infections difficult to treat?


While antibiotics currently used to treat skin infections in dogs and cats are generally effective, treatment can prove difficult for some owners, generally because the treatment is administered at home over a long period of time. Some common challenges include:


• Scheduling: Antibiotic therapies usually require dosing at regular intervals over an extended period of time, generally twice a day at 12-hour intervals. Some owners, due to scheduling issues and other demands on time, occasionally have difficulty administering the correct dose in the proper timeframe, especially when the treatment period is of long duration.

• Stopping therapy too soon: Some owners, once their pet begins to heal, stop treatment early, or skip or forget to administer the antibiotic. This can lead to less than optimal treatment, and put the pet at risk of treatment failure. Skin infections, although sometimes appearing to be cured, can persist under the skin or in small pockets that might not be easily seen by the owner.

• Pilling: Most antibiotics in the market are administered orally, which can prove stressful and challenging with some pets. Research indicates that 30 percent of dog owners have trouble pilling their pets, while cat owners rank pilling as one of the most stressful activities involved with caring for their cats.2


What are the long-term implications for skin infections?


Untreated skin infections can adversely effect a pet’s quality of life and often, the relationship between owner and pet. Non-compliance with antibiotic treatment can contribute to a failure to cure the condition, a prolonged disease process, recurring infection, deteriorating health, and the need for additional visits to the veterinarian.



1Confidential PAH Market Research/2003/*US Diary Study Wave 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 and MDI data


2Pfizer Animal Health Market Research, 2005

Contacts

For Pfizer Animal Health
Sara Coulter, 201-447-5531
scoulter@tagteamglobal.com
or
Rick Goulart, 212-733-7457
rick.goulart@pfizer.com

Chain Off 2008 Has Started

Photo by http://www.nj-ara.org/

Judith Beall and her niece Vanessa Beall has taken part of the Chain Off awareness in Redlands, California for some twelve hours today to help out the cause.
Read the article by Michael Sorba here.

So what is Chain Off

This is what Dogs Deserve Better. Org posted on their site

Chain Off has been held annually around the 4th of July since 2003, highlighting the reality that while Americans are celebrating their own freedom, there are tens of thousands of Man's Best Friends in every state who are still not free: America's chained and penned dogs. These dogs are found in backyards stretching from Delaware to Alaska, from Maine to Hawaii, throughout the provinces of Canada, and in countries around the world.

I can hear a few different dogs by where I live that are chained up and even a few that are left outside to long during the day. I even notice how my dogs react to the cry of the dogs that are either chained or left outside. I know my dogs have feeling too and they will give a bark or two back to say hello.
I can only say that it’s upsetting to see any type of animal be neglected or mistreated.

No Vets Looking At Me

Did you ever bring your dog to the Vet. and watch the dog’s fear starting to get bad from being there.
I thought that this picture would some it all up. Dogs just don’t like going to Vets.

The look on the women’s face has even got her worried too.

So what’s behind that door that makes your dog freak?

Humane Society Saves 700 Dogs

Dogs Photo by Nancy Stephens

The Humane Society has rescued 700 dogs from a puppy mill in Centerville, Tennessee today from the Pine Bluff Kennels.
The owner Patricia Atkinson who has been charged with animal cruelty before and they were dropped will most likely be facing numerous animal cruelty charges and aggravated animal cruelty this time.
This is why there are so many people who are trying to stop the puppy mills. So Please stop buying your dogs online from an unknown and chose to buy from a AKC Breeder.

Read the article by Mitchell Kline & Nancy Stephens here.

Dumb Dog Award Or Just A Lucky Dog

Photo by the Va. Beach Fire Department

Ok this isn’t so funny, but to look at this dog with his head stuck in a car rim is amazing.

So who are you going to call.

The Virginia Beach Firemen had to sedate the poor dog and use a plasma torch to cut him out.

Way to go guys….

Read the article here.
View more photo’s here.

OK So I Was Missing For 17 Days, But I Didn’t Want To Miss The Wedding

Photo by John Huff

Paula and Rick Colman have been looking for their Rottweiler for the past seventeen days. When Beau showed up at a wedding unexpectedly to meet the bride and groom.
The dog was a hit at the wedding and even got to meet the bride and groom and guest and get something to eat.
What a great story and for the joy of the owners getting their dog back.

Read the article by John Quinn here.

It’s A Bird, It’s A Plane, No It’s The Dogman Caught Red Handed

Photo’s by Osaka Police

Well this dog was not a nice dog, the AKA Dogman got caught robbing a convenience store to help feed his 2 dogs,5 cats, 5 turtles, 2 snakes and his tropical fish.
I will say Takaharu Kawata was definitely an animal lover to go as far as dressing up like a dog to rob stores. Just looking at the pictures kind of makes you laugh at his costume.
The worst part is that Takaharu AKA Dogman has now lost all of his pets when he was arrested.

Read the article here.

Is Nutro’s Natural Choice Making Your Dog Sick

Over on Consumer Affairs there’s an article that talks about Nutro’s Natural Choice small bites Lamb and Rice dog food that might have made a few dogs so sick that they died.
The owner of Max and Sophia , Theresa said that her dogs died within days of eating the Nutro dog food.
Susi said that her dog named Blue had suddenly died from eating the Nutro dog food too.

So what’s up with this dog food?
Read the full article by Lisa Wade McCormick here.

The US Marshals seized a PETCO distribution plant for unsanitary conditions of Pet Food suppies.
The FDA inspection found widespread active rodent and bird infestation at the distribution plant.
Consumers are being advised to thoroughly wash products sold in cans and glass containers from PETCO stores in Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.

Read the article by Lisa Wade McCormick here.

I don’t know about you but I will only be feeding my dog’s a home cook meal after reading the past few months how bad dog food has been. It just a disgrace that the FDA doesn’t do their job to help protect our little buddies.

Here are a few links for your Dog’s Health

AVMA – Free Brochures to download

Dog Owner’s Guide – Health and Veterinary Info & More

Signs seen with Poisoning? - From About

What to do if your Pet is Poisoned – From ASPCA

If you want to read up on some dog info, Check out Vetinfo4dogs

Dog Lovers Are You Ready For The ''Greatest American Dog'' Show

The ''Greatest American Dog'' Show Premieres on Thursday July 10th @ 8PM with 12 teams competing for the 250,000 jackpot.
The three Judges names are Victoria Stilwell who is one of the worlds most recognized and respected dog trainers, Allan Reznik who is currently Editor at Large of Dog World and Dog Fancy, as well as Editor in Chief of Dogs in Review and Wendy Diamond who is the Chief Pet Officer, Editor In Chief and founder of the animal lifestyle magazine and website, Animal Fair.

What a line up of Judges that win pick the winner while zoologist Jarod Miller who hosts Animal Exploration with Jarod Miller, and is also the co-host of PetFinder on Animal Planet will be hosting the show.

Watch the video and meet the dogs with their owners.

World's Ugliest Dog / I Think Not

So the owner named Jeanenne Teed who owns the Chinese Crested Dog named Gus has won the world’s ugliest dog for 2008.
I don’t feel that the poor dog was the ugliest, he was just a sick dog who has been though a lot having one eye and only three legs. That doesn’t make him the ugliest dog, it make him a survivor who has been though hell.
One good thing out of winning the sixteen hundred dollars it will help pay for treatment of skin cancer that poor Gus has.

Read the article here.

A Little Dachshund Lost For Three Days In A Hole

Angela Surguine was unable to find her dachshund for three days when they came across a bark from the dog who was down in the hole for three days.
What a lucky dog Sophia was to survive and the help from the community that helped dig her out.

Read the article by Kate Santich here.

Who Needs An Alarm When You Have Pets

I had to share this video I received from a friend. I thought that it was a great video that shows that pets make great alarm systems too.

Iowa Pets Need Your Help

Photo By Jacquie Winiecki

With all the flooding in Iowa there has been a lot of abandoned and lost pets roaming around and a women named Jacquie Winiecki from Cambridge , Minnesota is looking for help with their pet drive to help support the animals.

Read the article here.

Paris Hilton Takes A Fit At A Dog Store

Photo by M J Kim / Getty Images

Sorry I just had to use this picture after reading that Paris Hilton was unable to by a dog.
A pet store in LA named the Puppy Store has told Paris that she was unable to buy a dog from there.
This Puppy store in no fly by night store, they take pride when they sell you a dog with a lot of care. They don’t support those puppy mills which is real nice to hear.
So the word out is that Paris took a fit and was screaming, it just shows you that even with money there are limits to what you can buy.

Read the article from Page Six here.

Did The FDA Put A Bad Drug for Dogs Back On The Market?

The article tells about a controversial drug that was for Dogs for heartworm that has been allowed to go back on the market. With hundreds of dogs dying and many more being affected by the drug a few years ago, the FDA has allowed the meds back on the market. You would think after all the dogs that just died from the dog food the FDA would have their act together by now….

Read the full article here.

Leona Helmsley's Dog Get’s Ripped Off

The poor little dog that was suppose to inherit twelve million dollars has been ripped off.
The courts agreed that he didn’t need the whole twelve million to live on.

What dog in this world would even be able to spend that much. The word is that the other ten mill will go to charity, I wonder if it will go to dog charities…Well it was a thought.

Oh by the way Helmsley's grandchildren that were previously excluded will now receive money.
Do you smell something fishy…sorry to use a cat term, but I had to keep it clean.

Read the article by Dareh Gregorian here.

The Hollywood Stars Come Out for The Dogs

Photo by: Cliff Smith

A Benefit to help support the Dogs in Danger has brought some Hollywood stars out to help the cause to help the shelter dogs in Beverly Hills.

There was Maria Menounos from Access Hollywood, Kristen Renton From Days of Our Lives, Jai Rodriguez of the Animal Planet show along with Ryan Seacrest.
It must have been a great day for the dogs with that kind of support to bring out the love for the cause.

Read the article by Julie Makinen here.

Dog Get’s Stem Cell Injections for Arthritic

An eleven year old Australian Shepherd named Maggie Mae has received stem cell injections for his arthritic by Dr. Jacek de Haan from the Affiliated Veterinary Specialists in Maitland, Florida.

Read the full article by
Robyn Shelton here.

The Dog’s Will Be At The Beach Today

Take Your Dog Back Say’s Oakland Raider Robert Thomas

That’s what Robert Wayne Thomas who is an Oakland Raider linebacker.

Thomas brought a Bulldog from Catherine Jenna Garber for twenty five hundred and Thomas said that the dog is deaf.
After owning the dog for three months Thomas wants his money back.

I can only say that if you went out and brought a dog you think it would be for life, no mater what has happened. After three months you would think that you would become attached to the dog and would care enough to love your pet.

Catherine Jenna Garber said: The dog came back to us and he was very thin, the dog was dirty and just did not come back to us in a real healthy condition. We didn't know if the dog was abused or kicked or something.

Read the article by Paul T Rosynsky here.

Look Out For Flying Dogs

Is Your Dog In The Pet Games Video Contest ?

Let the Games Begin!

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., June 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Does your pet play games,
do amazing tricks or have a talent that the world should see? Pet owners
nationwide have the chance to make their pets celebrities during BISSELL's
upcoming Pet Games Video Contest. This summer, BISSELL is searching for the
funniest and most unique pet videos, so grab a camera and capture your
playful pet on tape for a chance to win the grand prize.

Pet lovers can visit http://www.bissell.com/petvideocontest to upload videos
of their pets participating in a sports game, showing off a hidden talent
or performing a unique trick, as well as to vote for their favorite videos.
The contest will run from June 6 through the 2008 Animal Planet Puppy
Games, where BISSELL will sponsor the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.
Airing on both Friday, August 8 and Sunday, August 24, the 2008 Puppy Games
will feature puppies representing countries from around the world and
participating in swimming, soccer, weights, boxing, gymnastics and more.

During the BISSELL Pet Video Contest, pet owners have their own
opportunity to show off their pets participating in similar sports and
events. The grand prize winner will be featured on BISSELL's Lift-Off(R)
Revolution(R) Pet Vacuum packaging. The winning pet's video will also air
on Animal Planet's Web site, and BISSELL will make a $10,000 donation to
the pet charity of the winner's choice. Pets who receive the most votes
each week will receive a Pet Hair Eraser(R) Vacuum and runners-up will
receive a SpotBot(R) Pet Compact Deep Cleaner.

"At BISSELL, we are crazy about pets and committed to providing pet
owners with the best cleaning tools to tackle their pet's toughest messes,"
says Jim Krzeminski, BISSELL's executive vice president of product
development, sales and marketing. "In addition, BISSELL proudly supports
pet-related causes and helps pet owners show their 'pet pride' on our Web
site, packaging and more."

BISSELL recently concluded the Most Valuable Pet (MVP) Contest, an
online photo contest where pet owners uploaded pictures of their pets for
the grand prize of being featured on the Pet Hair Eraser Vacuum packaging.
Brewster, a Bernese mountain dog from Anchorage, Alaska, was selected as
the winner from more than 62,000 entries. In addition to being featured on
the Pet Hair Eraser Vacuum packaging, Brewster's "parents" received $10,000
from BISSELL to award to the pet charity of their choice. On May 20, 2008,
Brewster's parents presented a $10,000 check to the Peoria Park District in
Peoria, Ill., towards the construction of a new public dog park.

BISSELL received such a wonderful response from the MVP Contest -
nearly 7 million views of pet photos -- that the company is offering
another way for pet "parents" to show off their furry "kids." Visitors to
the Web site can upload their favorite pet photos, choose from different
border designs and add text to create custom stickers featuring their pets.
This is another way for pet owners to share treasured photos or to
personalize their own vacuums or deep cleaners. A set of four stickers will
cost $9.99.

For the official Pet Games Video Contest rules and regulations, visit
http://www.bissell.com/petvideocontest.

About BISSELL Homecare, Inc.

A 132-year-old company, Grand Rapids-based BISSELL Homecare, Inc., is a
floor-care innovator and international manufacturer of home-cleaning
products, including sweepers, vacuums, deep-cleaning machines and cleaning
formulas sold at retail locations worldwide. The company, in its fourth
generation of family leadership, is the seventh-oldest privately held
manufacturing company in the United States.

Stop Selling Dogs Until The Shelters Are Empty

That’s what the protesters from Last Chance for Animals and Best Friends Animals Society along with others who were protesting the Pets of Bel Air yesterday.
They are asking Pet stores to stop sells dogs that come from puppy mills and help to save the pets from shelters. The groups were able to get a pet store named Posh Puppy to end their sales of puppies.
Read the article here.

The Pet Food Banks Need Your Help

I just read an article by Daisy Sarma today that talked about ( Economic Crisis Hits American Pet Owners ). Daisy brought up about the need for pet food pantries on which I could only agree that there should be more of them though out the states. I also read an article by Jane McCarthy about a pet food bank at the Humane Society for Seattle/King County that is in need of supplies to help out the pets. If we all could do just a little to help our local pet shelters just maybe are buddies won’t have to suffer too.
We also need to spread the word out to homeowners that are losing their homes due to the bad times these days that they can just bring their pets to a local shelter instead of just leaving the animals to survive on their own.

Help Pass The Word

Was That Really A Dog That You Were Buying?

Have you ever wonder if that dog that you are willing to buy through a post on the web or an ad was even real. Well I came across a site that will help guide you to some sellers that are scam artist and when I read through some of these ads I would have thought that they were real.
Check out Terrific Pets Scams
I wonder just how many people were scammed from people like them.

That's Not The Dog I Wanted

OK... I know that they aren't real dogs but I couldn't resist so I had to post these pictures of Flower Dogs. I honestly think this woman has made some stunning flower arrangements of dogs.
So what do you think…Nice job or Not?

Paws Jam 2008 Are You Going

The Paws of NC will be holding their 7th Annual Paw Jam on Saturday, June 14 2008 @ Battleship Park from 10 am - 5 pm

2008 Participating
Rescue Groups
Adopt-an-Angel
Boston Terrier Rescue of NC
Cape Fear House Rabbit Society
Carolina Boxer Rescue
Carolina Canines for Service
Carolina Poodle Rescue
Columbus Humane Society
Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League
Mid-Atlantic Pug Rescue, Inc.
Noble Shepherd Rescue
Operation Top Cat
Pender County Humane Society
Siamese Cat Rescue
Schnauzer Rescue of the Carolinas
Southern States Dachshund Rescue
Tarheel Old English Sheepdog Rescue

Ok I Blaming My Dog Lena, Who Made Me Do It

Photo by Reuters

Do you believe what Tatum O’Neal has said. She is blaming her dog that made her buy crack cocaine, there is no way that your poor little dog had anything to do with it.
Dogs are loving pets, so when we loose a pet we feel hurt and at a loss but to say it was the dog is crazy. Maybe you just need help with your drug problem and stop blaming the dog.

Read the article here.

Animal Planet and Comcast Invite Burlington Residents and Their Pets to Join in Free Fun when ANIMAL PLANET EXPO Rolls Into Town Saturday June 21 at C

Animal Planet and Comcast Invite Burlington Residents and Their Pets to Join in Free Fun when ANIMAL PLANET EXPO Rolls Into Town Saturday June 21 at Champlain Valley Exposition

A Free Event with Interactive Exhibits and Games Offers Excitement for
the Whole Family, Including the Furry Companions! -

BURLINGTON, Vt., June 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Animal lovers of all ages have
been flocking to ANIMAL PLANET EXPO, now in its 11th year, to celebrate and
support the connection between people and animals. The award winning
traveling summer tour has entertained, educated and inspired over one
million people; stopping in cities all across the country and this year is
no different! Animal Planet and Comcast, plus national sponsors the makers
of Fresh Step(R) litter and Purina(R) and local sponsor Small Dog
Electronics invite everyone in the family, including the family pet, to
explore the wonder of wildlife, celebrate the important role animals play
on this planet and to enjoy the experience that is ANIMAL PLANET EXPO.
ANIMAL PLANET EXPO comes to the Burlington area on Saturday June 21, from
10 AM to 4 PM at Champlain Valley Exposition, 105 Pearl Street, Essex
Junction, VT 05453.

"Comcast is thrilled to bring the ANIMAL PLANET EXPO to the Champlain
Valley Exposition for area animal lovers to enjoy a fun-filled safari
experience in their own backyard," said Dan Blakeman, Vice President of
Comcast in Vermont. "Comcast is focused on delivering entertainment and
connecting people to what's important in their lives. We look forward to
welcoming thousands to this family-oriented event."

This year's EXPO will showcase exciting new attractions like the 30
foot long inflatable "King Croc" slide, all the while promoting animal
welfare.

ANIMAL PLANET EXPO enchants and entertains people nationwide, featuring
such spectacular attractions as fur-raising stunts from high-flying Frisbee
dogs, breathtaking exotic live animal presentations, and twists on classic
games such as Pin the Tail on the Puppy and Plink-o. Held in the center of
the venue, Frisbee dog show times are 11 AM, 12:30 PM, 2 PM and 3:30 PM,
but make sure to get there early to participate in the Planet Green Frisbee
toss! Also held in the center of the grounds are live exotic animal
presentations on the R.O.A.R. Stage, bringing some of the world's most
striking animals, including pythons, vultures, and kinkajous, will take
place at 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 1 PM and 2:30 PM.

Making its debut at this year's ANIMAL PLANET EXPO is Planet Green
Experience, an engaging eco-friendly exhibit designed to inspire better
living for people and animals. Planet Green Experience will bring to life
the mission of the first and only 24-hour eco-lifestyle network, Planet
Green, through an interactive trivia game and by showing Expo guests just
how fun going green can be by letting them take an eco-photo or hopping on
an eco-bike for a ride. Planet Green Experience seeks to educate and inform
people about the power of being part of a movement that will have a lasting
and powerful impact on the future of the planet. In the Planet Green
Experience are several eco-friendly elements including the geodesic dome,
solar-powered fans and aluminum fencing. Planet Green Experience is
sponsored by Saturn and SC Johnson.

New to this year's EXPO, are some pet-friendly features so Fido can
join in on the fun too! Take some time to play with your furry friends at
the Purina(R) Dog Park full of fun activities for dogs of all kinds.

ANIMAL PLANET EXPO is bringing back R.O.A.R. with a new twist. This
summer EXPO invites all guests to R.O.A.R. for Saving the Planet, a simple
yet effective way for event attendees to show their support and help be a
spokesperson for the well being of animals and our planet. R.O.A.R. is
Animal Planet's nonprofit animal advocacy partnership with leading animal
organizations that encourages people to Reach Out, Act, and Respond in
helping to make the world a better place for animals. Promises can be as
simple as putting aside time everyday to play with the family pet,
promoting conservation, or supporting a favorite wildlife foundation. Also
back by popular demand is the impressive R.O.A.R. Stage boasting a 16'x19'
LCD video screen giving all event attendees the chance to watch anything
and everything going on at EXPO no matter where they are on the grounds.

Also returning to this year's tour is the Pet Den, a wonderland of
information sponsored by the makers of Fresh Step(R) litter. The makers of
Fresh Step(R) litter and Animal Rescue League of Boston will provide pet
adoption opportunities and helpful information on how to find the perfect
pet for your family in addition to hosting "Ask the Vet" sessions, where
pet owners can meet one-on-one with local veterinarian to ask pet-related
questions.

Another not-to-be-missed attraction at this year's EXPO is the HD Dome
giving visitors the opportunity to experience firsthand the clarity of
high-definition programming from Discovery's family of HD networks
including Discovery Channel HD, TLC HD, Animal Planet HD, Science Channel
HD, Planet Green HD and HD Theater.

Other activity pavilions to go wild for at ANIMAL PLANET EXPO include
the following:

-- Animal House -- Get to know even more live animals, while animal
experts introduce exotic species from around the world.
-- Safari Snaps -- Download the ultimate digital photo of you with a
virtual version of Animal Planet's Jeff Corwin and Dave Salmoni.
-- Bug House -- Find out what all the buzz is about. Discover the world
of bugs and butterflies, and check out the incredible life-size ant
farm.
-- Kids' Zone -- Transform your kids into animals with wildlife face
painting, try the "Happy Gator" obstacle course, or brave a new
addition to this year's EXPO, "King Croc", an inflatable crocodile
slide that is over 30 feet long.
-- Heroes of Animal Planet -- Protect your pet just as the stars of ANIMAL
PRECINCT do by creating your own personalized pet tag.
-- Connection Zone -- Spin the wheel or toss a bean bag for prizes, as
well as experience the latest products and take advantage of special
offers from Comcast.
-- Spider Mountain -- Climb to new heights on one of EXPO's most popular
attractions, the 20 foot high eco-friendly attraction is one of a kind.
-- Pet Misters and Watering Holes -- Let your pets "chill out" and quench
their thirst on a hot day at the Pet Misters and Watering Holes
provided by Petfinder.com.

Comcast will also be on-site to provide valuable information about
their most innovative new products available to consumers.

Check your local listings for Animal Planet on Comcast. Go to
http://animal.discovery.com/features/expo/expo.html to find more
information on ANIMAL PLANET EXPO.

Dog Gets His Head Stuck

Photo by metro.co.uk

Ok I was laughing too when I seen this picture of a dog named Hector.
To make it even funnier the owner had to call the Fire Department to get Hectors head out of this ornament.
I have seen one of my dogs do some dumb things while chasing the chipmunks in the yard. But this one takes the cake. I’m still laughing…

Read the article here.

Man Punished For Starving TV Presenter Kate Humble’s RSPCA Rescue Dog

Punished For Starving TV Presenter Kate Humble’s RSPCA Rescue Dog