A Short Video Called (The Rescue) Makes You Wonder Are The Dogs In Charge

Rescue Film by Halo, Purely for Pets Featuring Olate Dogs To Open Sonoma Film Festival

 "Who rescued who?" is a question often pondered by those who know the joy of rescuing a pet. This question was the impetus of a powerful short film that is opening the Sonoma International Film Festival inSonoma, Calif. next week.

"Le Sauvetage" (The Rescue) is a six-minute film produced by Peter McEvilley, award-winning filmmaker and composer whose credits include The House Bunny, Last Vegas and Alias, and starring the Olate Dogs, winners of America's Got Talent. The film is a magical tale about life, love, and finding our true destiny....with a little help from a furry friend.

Sponsored and produced by Halo, Purely for Pets, Ellen DeGeneres' natural pet food company, Le Sauvetage will open theSonoma festival on April 2, an honor and exciting opportunity to showcase pet rescue and adoption.  The film has also been selected to appear at the Court Metrage, Festival de Cannes in France this May.

In 2012 the Olate Dogs shot to stardom when they won the America's Got Talent grand prize. These sweet, funny, talented dogs and their entertaining owners and handlers captured hearts across America.  But there's more to their story.

 
 

Many of the Olate Dogs are rescue dogs themselves. Family patriarch, Richard Olate, developed his act on the streets of his native Chile when he was a poor boy of just 12. He rescued stray dogs and trained them to be part of his amateur show.  He worked hard for years to realize his dream of becoming a professional dog act. Today, Richard and his son, Nicolas, and wife, Rebecca, continue to save dogs from shelters and train them to become part of their professional troupe.

Halo, known for its philanthropic efforts to promote rescue and adoption, admired the Olate Dogs and their dedication to rescue. Steve Marton, Halo's CEO and Executive Producer of Le Sauvetage, wanted to find a unique way to draw attention to the special bond we share with animals. "We see this film as an entertaining yet meaningful way to show how companion animals add value to our lives," he said. "Producer Peter McEvilley did a phenomenal job conveying this extremely important message by combining his creative story telling and film making capabilities." 

Because the Olate Dogs love Halo natural pet food, it seemed the stars aligned to bring the two groups together to do great things for homeless pets.

Halo has a track record of promoting rescue and adoption through film. The company sponsors all three episodes of Shelter Me, a PBS special dedicated to showcasing shelter dogs and the incredible lives they lead. Halo also sponsored the Humane Society of the United States' video campaign, "Meet My Shelter Pet," a series of videos featuring celebrities and their adopted pets.

The Olate Dogs will also perform at the Sonoma festival. And, in keeping with the film's mission, Halo and Freekibble.com will donate 10,000 meals of Halo Spot's Stew to local Sonoma animal shelter, Pets Lifeline.

To view the film and for more information: http://www.halopets.com/film

ABOUT HALO, PURELY FOR PETS
For over 25 years, Halo, Purely for Pets® has created holistic pet products of uncompromising quality. Halo believes nutrition is the single most important factor in the quality of a pet's life. Ellen DeGeneres – a long time Halo customer – became part-owner in 2008. In 2010, Halo donated 1 million meals to shelter pets for the U.S. Postal Service Adopt a Shelter Pet Stamp Program. Halo now donates over 1.5 million meals to shelter pets annually in partnership with Freekibble.com, and sponsors the acclaimed PBS series "Shelter Me." Halo's natural dog food, natural cat food, treats, supplements and grooming products are available at Petco, Whole Foods Market, and other fine pet specialty and natural food stores. Learn more atwww.halopets.com.

Caroline Golon
Halo, Purely for Pets
614-580-2445
caroline@highpaw.com

Women’s Choice Award Picks Milk-Bone Brand As Their Winner

Women Voted Milk-Bone® Brand As America’s Best Dog Treat

 

Women’s Choice Award Designates Milk-Bone® Brand as the Dog Treat Brand Most Trusted and Highly-Rated by Women in America

 As the leading advocacy for female consumers, WomenCertified is delighted to honor Milk-Bone® brand dog snacks with the 2014 Women’s Choice Award® for America’s Best in Pet Care, Dog Treat. This award designation is based on a national survey sent to tens of thousands of women who were asked to select the brands they most highly recommend.

“Milk-Bone is proud to be designated America’s Best Dog Treat,” said Geoff Tanner, VP Pet Snacks Marketing for Big Heart Pet Brands. “For over 100 years, Milk-Bone has celebrated the loving connection pet parents share with their dogs. Having the Women’s Choice Award seal is a true testament to Milk-Bone’s continued efforts to honor the relationship women in America have with her four-legged family members.”

The original Milk-Bone® dog biscuit was created over a century ago in 1908 by F.H. Bennett Biscuit Company at a bakery on the Lower East Side of New York City. It was the first dog biscuit treat made in the United States, and it was love at first bite.

The bone-shaped treat and box featuring a dog quickly became American icons. Over the next few decades, Milk-Bone® expanded to offer a variety of flavors, sizes and treats, offering a number of options for pet parents to celebrate the unconditional love and special bond they share with their dog.

Now, there are over 20 different varieties of Milk-Bone® treats. All proudly produced at its facility in Buffalo, New York. All made with love.

Today’s U.S. female consumer values the opinion of others and over half of all women consider their role as a that of a broadcaster, responsible for helping others make smart choices (2012 Fleishman Hillard Study), so it’s not surprising that today’s brands are focusing on delivering a customer experience women will love. The Women’s Choice Award has set the standard for helping women make smarter choices by collectively identifying the brands most recommended and trusted by women and those that deliver a customer experience worthy of her recommendation. 

•     92% of Americans will seek out the recommendation of others before making a major decision (Neilson Research 2012)
•     9 out of 10 women would ‘definitely’ trust a brand more if it carried the Women’s Choice Award (MedeliaMonitor 2013)

According to Delia Passi, WomenCertified, Inc., founder and author of Winning the Toughest Customer: The Essential Guide to Selling to Women, the Women’s Choice Award honors brands that have demonstrated exceptional service in meeting the needs of women.

“Recognizing Milk-Bone as the most recommended dog treat in America helps ‘women guide other women’ to make smart choices when determining the best in pet care products for her dog,” said Delia Passi. “On behalf of women in America, congratulations Milk-Bone!”

For more information about Milk-Bone® dog biscuits, please visit http://www.milkbone.com.

ABOUT BIG HEART PET BRANDS
Big Heart Pet Brands is one of the largest producers, distributors and marketers of premium quality, branded pet food and pet snacks for the U.S. retail market. The company’s brands include Meow Mix®, Kibbles 'n Bits®, Milk-Bone®, 9Lives®, Natural Balance®, Pup-Peroni®, Gravy Train®, Nature’s Recipe®, Canine Carry Outs®, Milo’s Kitchen® and other brand names.

Big Heart Pet Brands doesn’t believe in just owning pets. It believes in loving them. The company is committed to the well-being of pets and the people who love them. With a focus on nourishing the bodies and spirits of cats and dogs, Big Heart Pet Brands makes quality products that meet pets’ needs and exceed pet parents’ expectations. Its portfolio of brands, with a foundation in food and treats, caters to every pet’s life stage and every family’s budget through the availability and accessibility of its products.

For more information, visit the Big Heart Pet Brands website at http://www.bigheartpet.com.

ABOUT WOMEN’S CHOICE AWARD
The Women’s Choice Award sets the standard for helping women make smarter choices by collectively identifying the brands, products and services most recommended and trusted by women and those that deliver a customer experience worthy of her recommendation. Awards are based on surveys of thousands of women, as well as research conducted in partnership with the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania on what drives the consumer experience for women vs. men. As the leading advocate for female consumers, WomenCertified, home of the Women’s Choice Award, created the first national award based on the ratings and preferences of women to provide them with a collective voice. Women can make their preferences heard and be part of the mission toward a million voices strong by visiting the Women’s Choice Award official website athttp://www.womenschoiceaward.com and joining the network.

Calling All Pit Bull Terrier Lovers For May 3, 2014

One Million PIBBLE March Raises Awareness of Discrimination and Abuse

 

Thousands from all over the world spotlight Pit Bull Terrier discrimination and abuse during peaceful demonstration on Capital Lawn in Washington, D.C.

 Millions of pit bull terriers – commonly referred to as Pibbles – now have a voice during the first ever One Million PIBBLE March organized by comedian Rebecca Corry (Comedy Central, King of Queens, Last Comic Standing). Founder of the Stand Up for Pits Foundation, Corry will lead this historic event on the West Lawn of U.S. Capital in Washington D.C. on May 3, 2014 from 12:30 – 2:00 pm.
 

 

With the goal of raising awareness, inspiring federal funding and creating new programs, the March will discuss ways to eradicate the discrimination and abuse. Recently, President Obama spoke out about the ineffectiveness of the breed specific legislation (BSL) laws and ways to see it abolished. The reality is the dog fighting epidemic is worse than ever before, with the majority of abuse being committed by youth ages 13 to 21.

“My goal is to create safe and humane communities for humans and pets alike through raising awareness and identifying solutions,” said One Million PIBBLE March organizer Rebecca Corry. “I believe through laughter, positive images and education, we can make a difference. Quite frankly, this is a societal problem that affects us all as abuse that begins with pets can quickly extend to children. The targeting of pit bull terriers is unfortunately a direct reflection of broken society, but one that can be fixed and starts with constructive, awareness-building events like our One Million PIBBLE March.”

This historic international event – inspired by Corry’s own pit bull terrier, Angel -- is attracting attendees from all over the United States as well as Canada, England and Germany to name a few. With more than 5,000 registered attendees to date and growing, Corry is spearheading a PIBBLE movement. She will also be performing during the Stand Up for Pits comedy tour at Gotham Comedy Club in New York on April 23rd and the Arlington Drafthouse in Virginia on May 4th to continue efforts for this cause.

To date, confirmed guest speakers for the One Million Pibble March include: 

•     Key-note speaker Jamie Buehrle, wife of Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Mark Buehrle, whose family has been personally affected by discrimination and forced to live apart due to BSL laws
•     Leah Brewer, owner of the first-ever hero Pibble, Elle the Hero Dog of 2013
•     Roo Yori, the proud owner of Hector, one of Michael Vick’s rehabilitated dogs and the late, great Wallace, subject of the New York Times bestseller Wallace
•     Officer Kelly Steinhorn of the Baltimore Police Department, who famously saved the abused Pretzel the Pit Bull
•     Several owners of other rescued pit bulls terriers who endured unspeakable abuse

Additionally, many recognizable celebrities are supporters of The Stand Up For Pits Foundation, including: 

•     Kaley Cuoco (Actress, The Big Bang Theory)
•     Whitney Cummings (Actress, Whitney)
•     Courtney Cox (Actress, Friends)
•     David Arquette (Actor, Scream)
•     Bill Burr (Actor, Breaking Bad)
•     Cheri OTeri (Actress, Saturday Night Live)
•     Moby (Singer-Songwriter, Innocents)
•     Janeane Garafolo (Comedian, Saturday Night Live)
•     Torrey Smith (Baltimore Ravens Superbowl Champion)
•     Gerrard Shepperd (Baltimore Ravens Player)
•     John Rallo (MMA Fighter)

"For 20 years I believed entertaining people was what I was meant to do until Angel came into my life and showed me that standing up for pits through entertainment is my true calling,” continued Corry. “She has given my life a greater sense of purpose. Angel is the inspiration for this March, Stand Up For Pits and living proof that Pit Bull Terriers are in fact, inherently good."

About The One Million PIBBLE March
The One Million PIBBLE March, produced by C3 Presents, is sponsored by The Honest Kitchen, KAE-O, The Pit Bull Princess, Pit Bulls of Instagram, Urban Suburban Apparel, Pit Bulletin Legal News Network & Radio, Pit Bulls are for Lovers, Show Your Softer Side and Stand Up for Pits Foundation. To attend the One Million Pibble March, learn more about how to create change, or donate to the Stand Up for Pits Foundation, visit standupforpits.us. The “Be Their Voice” video promoting the One Million PIBBLE March with Angel can be viewed at:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KO6KgvaQHpo.

About Stand Up For Pits Foundation
Stand Up For Pits Foundation was created in honor of Rebecca Corry’s pit bull terrier, Angel, who was found roaming the streets of Los Angeles as a victim of horrific abuse. Through a live, nationwide comedy show with performers such as Bill Burr, Kaley Cuoco and Whitney Cummings, the Foundation raises money to positively advocate and educate about the true nature of Pibbles. The Foundation is also organizing the first ever One Million PIBBLE March in Washington D.C. to further their educational and awareness-based platform. All funds raised up until May 3 go to the One Million PIBBLE March. Learn more at standupforpits.us.  

Vet-Stem Keeps On Going With Stem Cell Therapy For Pets

Stem Cell Therapy for Pets in Summit County Colorado Proves to Be a Success for Local Dog Suffering from Pain  
 

Ruby, a 10 year old Border Collie mix from Breckenridge, Colorado, has found relief from the pain of arthritis with stem cell therapy by Vet-Stem, Inc. Ruby’s owners came to Jamie Gaynor, DVM at Frisco Animal Hospital for a second opinion after being told Ruby would need a total hip replacement to relieve her constant pain and discomfort.

 Ruby, a 10 year old Border Collie mix from Breckenridge, Colorado, has found relief from the pain of arthritis with stem cell therapy by Vet-Stem, Inc. Ruby’s owners came to Jamie Gaynor, DVM at Frisco Animal Hospital for a second opinion after being told Ruby would need a total hip replacement to relieve her constant pain and discomfort. Her quality of life had diminished so rapidly they feared losing her.

Dr. Gaynor began performing stem cell therapy by Vet-Stem for pets in 2006, in Colorado Springs. Paralleling his specialties in pain management, he has now helped well over one hundred pets in the state of Colorado, and ones that traveled just to have his expertise. His credentials and experience made Dr. Gaynor the perfect fit for helping Ruby’s worsening bilateral hip arthritis despite aggressive drug therapy. Ruby would become Dr. Gaynor’s first stem cell therapy case at Frisco Animal Hospital; Summit County’s first and oldest animal hospital.

“Ruby was in constant pain and discomfort. She had to be carried up stairs and could not go on car rides; her second favorite thing to do. Her quality of life was diminishing rapidly, and we thought we were losing her,” explained Ruby’s owners.

Ruby’s stem cell procedure consisted of a small fatty tissue collection, which was sent overnight to Vet-Stem’s lab in California for processing. Once Ruby’s fat was processed, and stem cells were extracted, fresh doses of her stem cells were sent overnight back to Dr. Gaynor in injectable doses. Within 48hrs of collecting a fat sample from Ruby, Dr. Gaynor was able to inject stem cells into each of her arthritic, painful hips, making Ruby his first stem cell therapy case in Summit County.

Dr. Gaynor and Ruby’s owners were both pleased with the successful outcome of the procedure, and had the opportunity to share during her 30 day recheck. “Ruby is back! She has regained her playfulness, sassy, bossy, collie attitude. She has resumed going for car rides and can stand up and stabilize herself. She jumps out of the car without hesitation. She ascends and descends the stairs like she used to,” her owners remarked about Ruby’s physical performance.

“Her entire disposition and expressions are so animated and relaxed. I forgot how she used to smile, hold her ears up, and have endless energy. She is definitely out of pain, and her mobility is at 80%! The best part is, that she continues to heal and get stronger each week. This procedure is hands down the most effective, least traumatic therapy available, especially for the older dog,” Ruby’s owners expressed.        

About Vet-Stem, Inc.
Vet-Stem, Inc. was formed in 2002 to bring regenerative medicine to the veterinary profession. The privately held company is working to develop therapies in veterinary medicine that apply regenerative technologies while utilizing the natural healing properties inherent in all animals. As the first company in the United States to provide an adipose-derived stem cell service to veterinarians for their patients, Vet-Stem, Inc. pioneered the use of regenerative stem cells in veterinary medicine. The company holds exclusive licenses to over 50 patents including world-wide veterinary rights for use of adipose derived stem cells. In the last decade over 10,000 animals have been treated using Vet-Stem, Inc.’s services, and Vet-Stem is actively investigating stem cell therapy for immune-mediated and inflammatory disease, as well as organ disease and failure. For more on Vet-Stem, Inc. and Veterinary Regenerative Medicine visit http://www.vet-stem.com or call 858-748-2004.

Is The Puppy You Are Going To Buy From A Unethical Or Reputable Puppy Breeder

Looking to Find a Puppy? Veterinarian Announces 'PupQuest,' A Website Designed to Empower Consumers to Distinguish Between Reputable and Unethical Puppy Breeders

Lorna Grande, a Massachusetts veterinarian, has taken her passion for pups and created an educational website aimed at informing future dog owners about reputable versus unethical puppy breeders.

 http://www.PupQuest.org addresses simple but often-overlooked steps to find a healthy pet from a reputable source.

 No law in the country prevents puppy-mill operators from selling sick and unsocialized dogs via the Internet to unsuspecting families. One veterinarian however, has launched a website to help dog lovers distinguish between reputable breeders and unethical ones.

Lorna Grande, DVM has unleashed PupQuest.org, an online resource that helps visitors identify reputable dog breeders and reveals those who engage in careless breeding. Not sure where that cute dog you saw online came from? PupQuest.org breaks down the difference.

"The worst place to purchase a puppy isn't a place at all. It's cyberspace," says Lorna Grande. "The Internet has created a new avenue for unsavory breeders to directly reach unsuspecting consumers. Hundreds of thousands of puppies are purchased sight-unseen online every year. This creates suffering and hardship for dogs and families."

For years, animal advocates have worked to dissuade people from dealing with pet shops and disreputable breeders.

PupQuest provides consumers with unapologetic information on popular puppy sources: the Internet, "breeders," pet shops, shelters, and rescues. Those looking to buy or adopt a puppy will find honest tips on what to look for in a puppy source.

Puppy farms and other disreputable "breeders" often maintain fancy websites designed to appear trustworthy and knowledgeable. PupQuest also warns of buying dogs from a pet shop.

"What's the best thing to look for in a pet shop? The EXIT," Grande advises. "What's the number one step when purchasing a puppy? Visit the location where the puppy was born and raised. NEVER buy a puppy sight unseen.” What about adoption? “Meeting the dog in person before committing to adopting is critical," warns Grande.

http://www.PupQuest.org addresses simple but often-overlooked steps to find a healthy pet from a reputable source. Even shelters and rescues can deceive, and signs of reputable and less-savory organizations are listed on the website for potential adopters. PupQuest also features resources to help veterinarians and shelter professionals educate clients on getting their next puppy.

Lorna Grande encourages anyone interesting in purchasing a puppy to visit http://www.PupQuest.org to learn about how to find a healthy pet from a reputable location.

For more information, visit the PupQuest website at http://www.PupQuest.org.