HumaneWatch.org Calls Out The Humane Society For Not Giving The Money To Animal Shelters

Report: National Humane Society Snubs New Jersey Pets

 Today HumaneWatch.org, a project of the nonprofit Center for Consumer Freedom, released a new report showing the Humane Society of the United States shockingly shortchanges pet shelters in New Jersey.

In 2014, HSUS raised over $100 million from Americans and yet only gave 1% of this money to local pet shelters—and didn’t operate a single pet shelter itself—despite having fundraising appeals full of cats and dogs.

In New Jersey, HSUS only donated $3,670.00 to help pet shelters care for animals. Instead, donor money meant to save animals went to disappointing ends. HSUS placed over $50 million into Caribbean funds last year, rather than using that money to help animals. The group settled a racketeering lawsuit for nearly $6 million. HSUS also put $4 million into its own pension plan. The organization is currently under investigation by the Oklahoma attorney general.

Unfortunately, this isn’t an anomaly; HSUS has doggedly refused to give more to shelters.

The full 50-state report of HSUS misuse of donor money in recent years, “Not Your Local Humane Society,” is available below or online here: http://goo.gl/zVCBvp

“Well-meaning Americans are duped by manipulative HSUS ads into thinking that donations will primarily help pets, but that’s not the case at all,” commented CCF research director Will Coggin. “By giving to HSUS, their money is going to the dogs—but only figuratively.”

New Jerseyans who want to make a difference for pets should do one thing: Give local

Despite its name, the Humane Society of the United States is not affiliated with the scores of humane societies in town and counties across America that provide hands-on care to needy animals. Giving to HSUS means their money may be parked in offshore tax shelters, used to pay bloated overhead costs, or spent on a PETA-esque lobbying agenda.

HSUS – Not Your Local Shelter 2015

 

  HSUS - Not Your Local Shelter 2015

 

 For more information, visit www.HumaneWatch.org. The Center for Consumer Freedom is a nonprofit coalition supported by restaurants, food companies, and consumers, working together to promote personal responsibility and protect consumer choices.

 So why are you still donating to companies like this and not to your local non kill shelters. The Humane Society is not the only one that keeps the money for them selfs. 

Think about the dogs and cats next time you donate.

North Pole Veterinarian Clears Reindeer For Christmas Flight

 Following a health checkup at the North Pole, Santa's veterinarian has given the green light to Rudolph's red nose and the rest of the reindeer that will be traveling the world this Christmas Eve.

Dr. Joe Kinnarney, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), visited the North Pole today to ensure that Santa's team of nine were up-to-date on their vaccinations and healthy enough to make their annual trek around the globe.

"After a thorough examination I can tell you that Santa's reindeer are perfectly healthy and in great shape, and ready for their flight," Dr. Kinnarney said.

The reindeer's annual exam includes a health check about 10 days prior to their Christmas Eve flight to make sure they're healthy and not showing any signs of disease—such as brucellosis, tuberculosis or chronic wasting disease—that can be transmitted to other animals.

"Santa's reindeer need to be in tip-top shape to complete their Christmas Eve flight on time, so it's vital that they receive a pre-trip veterinary exam to make sure they are free of any injuries that might slow them down," Dr, Kinnarney said. "Because the reindeer will be visiting all corners of the globe, we need to make sure they are up to date on their vaccinations and free of disease so they don't pick up or spread any infections to other animals around the world."
 

In addition to presents for children around the world, Santa is required to bring with him an official "North Pole Certificate of Animal Export" that allows him to freely cross borders and ensure health officials that his reindeer are no threat to animal or public health.

Dr. Kinnarney will make a follow-up trip to the North Pole on Christmas Eve to provide a pre-flight checkup and to inspect the reindeer upon their return on Christmas morning.

For kids who want to help the reindeer on their journey, Dr. Kinnarney recommended leaving a plate of graham cracker reindeer cookies, their favorite snack, for Santa to feed them between stops.

Dr. Kinnarney's work is consistent with the role veterinarians play every day to ensure the health of animals, people and the environment across the globe. Far from just being "dog and cat doctors," veterinarians work with all kinds of species, in all types of environments, to make the world a healthier place for all forms of life.

While unavailable for comment due to his busy work schedule, Santa issued a statement, saying, "Without my reindeer there simply would be no Christmas. Proper veterinary care ensures that, year in and year out, my team and I are able to deliver presents to boys and girls around the world. Dr. Kinnarney is definitely on the 'nice list' again this year."

For more information on Dr. Kinnarney's role as North Pole Veterinarian, including answers to kids' questions about reindeer, visit avma.org/holiday.

For more information about the role veterinarians play in global health, or to schedule an interview with Dr. Kinnarney about his role as North Pole Veterinarian, contact Michael San Filippo, AVMA senior media relations specialist, at 847-285-6687 (office), 847-732-6194 (cell), or msanfilippo@avma.org.

The AVMA, founded in 1863, is one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world. More than 86,500 member veterinarians worldwide are engaged in a wide variety of professional activities. Visit www.avma.org for more information.

Stella & Chewy's Voluntarily Recalling Frozen Dinners Due To Possible Listeria

Stella & Chewy's Voluntarily Recalls Frozen Dinner Morsel Products Due to Possible Health Risk

 Stella & Chewy's is voluntarily recalling four of its products sold in the U.S. and Canada due to concerns of a possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes. The recall affects a total of 990 cases (964 cases in the U.S and 26 cases in Canada). The recall was prompted by a positive test confirming Listeria monocytogenes in Stella's Super Beef Dinner Morsels for Dogs 8.5 oz. frozen bags, lot #165-15, "Use by 6-25-2016", during routine surveillance testing by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Listeria is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

As a precautionary measure, Stella & Chewy's is voluntarily recalling all products from Lot # 165-15, which includes:

Product Description	Size	UPC	Lot #	Use By
Frozen Stella's Super Beef Dinner Morsels for Dogs	8.5 oz.	186011 001554	165-15	6/25/2016
Frozen Stella's Super Beef Dinner Morsels for Dogs	4 lb.	186011 001370	165-15	6/25/2016 & 6/26/2016
Frozen Duck Duck Goose Dinner Morsels for Cats	1.25 lb.	186011 001455	165-15	6/25/2016

Moreover, while the below listed product has not tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, in an abundance of caution, we are also recalling the following products which may have come into contact with the affected lot:

Product Description	Size	UPC	Lot #	Use By
Frozen Chick Chick Chicken Dinner Morsels for Cats	1.25 lb.	186011 001448	160-15	7/2/2016
Frozen Chick Chick Chicken Dinner Morsels for Cats	1.25 lb.	186011 001448	152-15	7/2/2016

Retailers and consumers can find the full product recall list and additional information at: http://www.stellaandchewys.com/stella-chewys-recall-notice/.

Consumers should look at the product descriptions, UPCs, lot numbers, and "Use By" dates on each bag for an exact match to determine if it is subject to the recall. Anyone who has purchased these products are instructed to dispose of the food or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Bravo Chicken Blend Diet For Dogs & Cats Recall Due To Possible Salmonella

Bravo Recalls Select Chicken and Turkey Pet Foods Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk.

 Bravo Pet Foods of Manchester, CT is recalling a select lot of Bravo Chicken Blend diet for dogs & cats with a best used by date of 11/13/16 due to concerns of the possible presence of Salmonella . Out of an abundance of caution, Bravo is also recalling three additional items that did not test positive for Salmonella , but were manufactured on the same day. Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers. Always use proper caution when handling raw foods.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

These products were sold to distributors, retail stores, internet retailers, and directly to consumers in the U.S.

The following product is being voluntarily recalled because of the possible presence of Salmonella .

Product	Item #	Size	Best Used by Date	UPC
Bravo Blend Chicken diet for dogs & cats - chub	21-102	2 lb.(32oz.) chub	11-13-16	829546211028

The recall was initiated after routine testing of a 2 lb. chub of Bravo Chicken Blend diet for dogs and cats (Item #21-102) by the Colorado State Department of Agriculture, collected at a single retailer, revealed the presence of Salmonella . Two hundred and one cases of this product were sold to distributors, retail stores, and directly to consumers in the U.S. between 11/21/14 and 1/15/15.

Out of an abundance of caution, Bravo is also recalling three additional items that did not test positive for Salmonella , but were manufactured on the same day: 250 cases of Bravo Blend Chicken diet for dogs & cats – 5 lb. chubs only, 8 cases of Bravo Blend Turkey diet for dogs & cats – 8 oz. patties only and 60 cases of Bravo Balance Turkey diet for dogs – 4 oz. patties only.

These products DID NOT test positive for Salmonella , but are also being voluntarily recalled out of an abundance of caution.

Product	Item #	Size	Best Used by Date	UPC
Bravo Blend Chicken diet for dogs & cats - chub	21-105	5 lb. (90 oz.) chub	11-13-16	829546211059
Bravo Blend Turkey diet for dogs & cats - patties	31-508	5 lb. bag of 8 oz. patties	11-13-16	8829546315085
Bravo Balance Turkey diet for dogs - patties	31-401	3 lb. bag of 4 oz. patties	11-13-16	829546314019

No additional products are affected by this recall. The company has received no reports to date of illness in either people or animals associated with these products.

All products tested negative by a third party independent laboratory prior to release for distribution and sale to consumers.

The recalled product should not be sold or fed to pets. Pet owners who have the affected product at home should dispose of this product in a safe manner (example: a securely covered trash receptacle).

To submit a claim, pet owners should return to the store where they bought the product.

• To get a refund at the store where you bought the product: Customers should return to the store where they purchased the product and submit the Bravo Recall Claim Form available on the Bravo website, 
  http://www.bravopetfoods.com/consumerrecall.html, for a full refund or store credit. See Bravo Product Claim Form for details.

More information on the Bravo recall can also be found at www.bravopetfoods.com, or call toll free (866) 922-9222 Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm 

NEW RESEARCH REVEALS BACTERIA ASSOCIATED WITH FELINE GUM DISEASE FOR THE FIRST TIME

 Studies reveal the differences in species of bacteria found in cat and human plaque and pave the way for more effective treatment for one of the most commonly diagnosed health problems in cats 


 Gum disease is one of the most commonly diagnosed health problems in cats, yet relatively little was understood about the bacteria associated with it – until now. Two collaborative studies have been conducted by researchers from the WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition together with expert veterinary dentists and the Harvard affiliated Forsyth Institute. The work, published in Veterinary Microbiology in February 2015 and PLOS ONE today, sheds new light on feline gum disease, identifying the most common bacterial species associated with health and disease in cats for the first time.

Using the latest DNA sequencing technologies, researchers identified 267 bacterial species present in feline dental plaque and built a database detailing the differences between bacterial populations in healthy cats and those in cats with gum disease.

“This knowledge is a first step in understanding the potential for improving oral health of cats through dietary interventions that target disease-associated bacteria.” said Dr. Ian Davis, Oral Health Researcher at WALTHAM, part of Mars Petcare.

The studies also revealed that the bacterial species in feline plaque were more similar to those observed in canine plaque than to those found in humans.  This suggests that interventions targeted at bacteria which cause oral disease in humans are unlikely to be effective in cats, and there is more potential to learn from interventions that work well in dogs.

Dr. Davis added “It’s important for pet owners to know that cats are just as susceptible to gum disease as dogs and understand the importance of maintaining a good oral hygiene routine; ideally including tooth brushing and dental treats or a specific dental diet”.  

The latest study, published today in PLOS ONE, can be downloaded by clicking on this link http://dx.plos.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0136986.

Blue Buffalo Voluntarily Recalls Wilderness Wild Chews Bones

Blue Buffalo Voluntarily Recalls One Lot of Cub Size Wilderness Wild Chews Bones Due to Potential Salmonella Health Risk
 
 Product Distributed Since November 19 Through PetSmart Stores in 9 States; No Illnesses Reported

Blue Buffalo Company is voluntarily recalling one production lot of Cub Size Wilderness Wild Chews Bones. This is being done in an abundance of caution, as the product has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

Salmonella can affect animals eating the product and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare provider.

Pets with Salmonella infections may have decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Other clinical signs may include lethargy, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, and vomiting. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

The product was distributed starting November 19, 2015 in PetSmart stores located in the following 9 states: California, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. The recalled product comes individually shrink-wrapped in plastic with the UPC number 840243110087 printed on a sticker affixed to the product, and an expiration date of November 4, 2017, printed as “exp 110417” on the shrink-wrap. Consumers should look at the UPC Code and expiration date on the product package to determine if it is subject to the voluntary recall.

The voluntary recall is limited to the following product and production lot:

Product Name    Cub Size Wilderness Wild Chews Bone

UPC Code          840243110087 

Expiration Date November 4, 2017 

 

 Routine testing at the manufacturing site revealed the presence of Salmonella in the product. No illnesses have been reported to date and no other Blue Buffalo products are affected.

Consumers who have purchased the product subject to this recall are urged to dispose of the product or return it to the place of purchase for full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact Blue Buffalo at: 888-641-9736 from 8 AM to 5 PM Eastern Time Monday through Friday and the weekend of November 28, 2015, or by email at Bluebuffalo4260@stericycle.com for more information.

Blue Buffalo Recalling A Limited Production Of Blue Kitty Yums Chicken Recipe Cat Treats

Blue Buffalo Company, Ltd. Voluntarily Recalls Limited Production of Kitty Yums Chicken Recipe Cat Treats Due to the Presence of Propylene Glycol

 Blue Buffalo Company, Ltd. is voluntarily recalling a limited production of Blue Kitty Yums Chicken Recipe Cat Treats that may contain low levels of propylene glycol, which is not permitted by the FDA for use in cat food.

Cats reacting to high doses of propylene glycol may exhibit signs of depression and may have a loss of coordination, muscle twitching, and excessive urination and thirst. If your cat has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

The affected product was distributed nationwide in the US and Canada through pet specialty stores and e-commerce.

The product is packaged in a 2 oz., plastic stand up pouch. Only these specific code dates of this product are involved:

• Blue Kitty Yums Tasty Chicken Recipe, UPC: 859610007820 - Best If Used By: April 24, 2016.
• Blue Kitty Yums Tasty Chicken Recipe, UPC: 859610007820 - Best If Used By: July 24, 2016.
  
   
  
  
  
   No other BLUE pet foods or treats are involved in this recall.
  The FDA tested product in response to a single consumer complaint and found propylene glycol in one bag of our cat treats in the impacted lot. To date we have had no other reports of incidents related to our cat treats. Out of an abundance of caution, we are voluntarily recalling all product manufactured in the same lot as the subject bag.
  Consumers who have purchased the product being recalled may return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Blue Buffalo at: 888-667-1508 from 8 AM to 5 PM Eastern Time Monday through Friday and the weekend of November 7, 2015 or by email at BlueBuffalo5883@stericycle.com for more information.
  About Blue Buffalo
  Blue Buffalo, based in Wilton, CT, is a pet products company that makes natural foods and treats for pets.
  
  
  
  
  
  

Best Day Ever With Merrick Pet Care Campaign

Merrick Pet Care Gives Dogs Nationwide Chance for Their Best Day Ever

Leader in All-Natural Pet Food Kicks Off National Campaign with Best Game of Fetch Ever Contest Featuring Star Quarterback Drew Brees

 Every dog deserves the Best Day Ever. From the ultimate game of fetch to an unending belly rub, dogs should be rewarded for their undeniable loyalty and unconditional love. That's why Merrick Pet Care, a leader in all-natural pet food, wants to reward the Best Dog Ever with the Best Day Ever.

The company launched their Best Day Ever campaign in August with an end-of-summer splash day where they treated shelter dogs to the Best Pool Party Ever at Colorado's Water World – plus the chance to be adopted – for their Best Day Ever.
 

"We believe not only that the best dog ever deserves the best food ever, but also that dogs should be able to enjoy the best day ever – everyday," said Mark Sapir, vice president of marketing for Merrick Pet Care. "We're continuously inspired by the stories we hear from our pet parents about the love they have for their dogs, and one of the most exciting things about our Best Day Ever campaign is that it celebrates the true stories of our best friends – our dogs. They make every day great for us and deserve nothing less than the ultimate reward for being the Best Dog Ever."

With the Best Day Ever, Merrick Pet Care will continue to surprise pet parents nationwide with the campaign into 2016. In fact, now through December 3, 2015, Merrick is inviting pet parents across the country to share why their dog is the Best Dog Ever for a chance to win the Best Game of Fetch Ever with star football quarterback Drew Brees. Entrants can submit their photo and a brief narrative about why their dog deserves to win on Merrick's Facebook page.  

 

For more information about the Best Day Ever, visit www.merrickpetcare.com and follow the brand on Facebook or@MerrickPetCare on Twitter using the hashtag #MerrickBestDayEver. Find complete contest rules here.

About Merrick Pet CareFounded in 1988, Amarillo-based Merrick Pet Care, Inc. is a leader in natural and organic pet food. With a mission to create the most nutritious and wholesome food, Merrick families take better care of their pets by cooking up nutritious real whole foods for pets. All foods are made in the USA using only the freshest ingredients grown by local farmers and no ingredients from China. The company offers a wide variety of dry and wet foods, as well as treats, that are available nationally at independent pet specialty stores, Petco, and online via select retailers. In April 2012, Merrick Pet Care Inc. acquired Castor & Pollux and its ORGANIX, Natural Ultramix and Good Buddy food and treats for pets. These brands are available at PetSmart, natural grocery, and online via select retailers. For more information, visit www.merrickpetcare.com 

Plague, Known As The Black Death Strikes A Cat In Laramie County, Wyoming

There has been a confirmed report that a house cat has been diagnosed with the pneumonic plaque which is know as the black death in Laramie County, Wyoming.  

This pneumonic form of plague can be easily transmitted from a coughing cat or other animal to a human. 

 Did I just read that? ? (easily transmitted) 

The Wyoming Department of Health & the Cheyenne-Laramie County Health Department are asking the locals to take precautions  and watch for symptoms.

Read the article by Jeremy Downing here. 

Halo's Issues A Voluntary Recall For Spot’s Stew Sensitive Cat Turkey Due To Mold

Halo, Purely for Pets® Issues Voluntary Recall of Sensitive Cat Turkey Dry Food Due to Mold

 Halo, Purely for Pets has initiated a limited, voluntary recall of its Spot’s Stew Sensitive Cat Turkey kibble with a Best By date of 09/04/2016 due to reports of mold. No other Halo products are affected.

Consumers who have Spot’s Stew Sensitive Cat Turkey stamped “Best By 09/04/2016” should discontinue feeding, and return the remaining portion to any Halo retailer for a full refund or replacement.

While some pets can ingest mold without incident, others may experience digestive issues. Consumers should consult their veterinarian if their cat experiences digestive issues. Halo is also instructing its retailers to remove Sensitive Cat Turkey products stamped “Best By 09/04/2016” from their shelves.

The affected product is:
 

Product name:

Spot’s Stew Wholesome Turkey Recipe Sensitive Formula for Cats

UPCs:

745158350231 and 745158340232

Sizes:

6 lb. and 3 lb. bags

Best By date:

09/04/2016

 For more information, contact Halo Customer Care at 800-426-4256 Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST, or email customers@halopets.com or visit www.halopets.com.

Voluntary Recall of Good N Fun Beefhide Chicken Sticks Dog Treats

Salix Animal Health, LLC, Expands Voluntary Recall of Good N Fun Beefhide Chicken Sticks Dog Treats Due To Possible Salmonella Contamination

 Salix Animal Health, LLC of Deerfield, FL is voluntarily expanding its recall of "Good 'n' Fun - Beefhide Chicken Sticks" because this product may be contaminated withSalmonella.

Sampling conducted by the Georgia Department of Agriculture confirmed the presence of Salmonella in an additional lot of this product. In an abundance of caution, Salix Animal Health is expanding its original recall to include the tested lot and others made around the same timeframe. This affects Good 'n' Fun - Beefhide Chicken Sticks only; no other product is affected by this announcement.

Salmonella can affect animals that eat contaminated products and there is a potential risk to humans if they come in contact with Salmonella from handling contaminated products.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some, or all, of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected, but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers ofSalmonella and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

The recalled Good 'n' Fun - Beefhide Chicken Sticks were distributed nationwide to Dollar General, Dollar Tree and Family Dollar retail stores. The recalled product is packaged in a 2.8 ounce bag stamped on the back side with an item code number of 82247 and with an expiration date ranging from 02/2018- 07/2018.

The UPC code is 0 91093 82247 1.

Good ‘n’ Fun  2.8 oz  Beefhide Chicken Sticks  091093822471

No other product is affected at this time. Customers should look at the item number, and expiration date on the product package to determine if it is subject to the voluntary recall. Customers who have purchased the product subject to this recall are urged to dispose of the product or return it for full refund.

We take our responsibility to pets and their owners seriously and are taking steps to prevent it from occurring in the future. Salix Animal Health is also working with retailers to ensure that the affected product is removed from inventory and is no longer sold.

If you have these products, please contact Salix Animal Health’s consumer affairs team at 1-800-338-4896, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time for a refund. Customers with questions may call the consumer affairs team at the number listed above.

Camp Bow Wow And The Bow Wow Buddies Foundation Is Offering A Second Chance To Sick And Injured Dogs In Need

Camp Bow Wow's "Bow Wow Buddies Foundation" Offers A Second Chance to Sick and Injured Pets in Need

Nonprofit Alleviates Urgent Vet Care Expenses for Struggling Pet Owners & Rescue Groups

 Camp Bow Wow®, the Premier Doggy Day and Overnight Camp® franchise and anEntrepreneur Franchise 500 company, is offering a second chance to sick and injured dogs in need through the Bow Wow Buddies Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to providing urgent medical care funds to dogs who are either homeless or whose parents cannot afford to pay their veterinary bills.

"Each year, countless pets are denied urgent medical care simply because their parents cannot afford the treatment costs," said Erin Askeland, Training & Communication Manager for Camp Bow Wow and the Bow Wow Buddies Foundation. "For struggling pet parents faced with this impossible choice, the Bow Wow Buddies Foundation is a lifeline that can ease the financial burdens of treating their sick or injured dog—and potentially prevent the heartbreaking loss of their furry loved one, as a result."

In addition to helping struggling pet parents, the Bow Wow Buddies Foundation also provides grants to animal shelters and rescue groups that need assistance to provide necessary medical treatments for sick or injured dogs awaiting adoption.

"We are often contacted by owners who've fallen on hard times and are forced to surrender their dogs because they cannot afford their advanced medical treatments," says Lindsay Condon, President and CEO of the Denver-based nonprofit rescue group, Big Dogs Huge Paws. "It can be quite devastating to both the pets and the families who love them. By helping pet parents get their dogs the care they need, the Bow Wow Buddies Foundation is helping to not only heal them but to keep them in their loving forever homes and prevent the need for rehoming."

The Bow Wow Buddies Foundation will award grants up to $2,500 for necessary medical treatments for dogs in need across North America including, but not limited to, broken bones, abdominal obstruction, heartworm, enucleation, parvovirus, cancer, and emergency services. The Bow Wow Buddies Foundation is seeking donations, of any amount, to support this cause and to help more animals in need. Every donation helps a dog stay healthy and happy in their home. To make a donation, please visitwww.bowwowbuddies.com.

About The Bow Wow Buddies Foundation  When the going gets ruff, the Bow Wow Buddies Foundation helps support the health and happiness of our four-legged friends to keep them in their forever homes. The Bow Wow Buddies Foundation provides grants of up to $2,500 for individuals, shelters, and rescue groups across North America who cannot afford necessary medical care for a particular dog. Individuals may apply for a grant when they are struggling to cover the cost of their dog's veterinary care, and a shelter or rescue group may apply for a grant for a dog who is awaiting adoption pending veterinary care. The Bow Wow Buddies Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.  To learn more, make a donation, or apply for a Bow Wow Buddies Foundation grant, please visit www.bowwowbuddies.com.

About Camp Bow Wow®  In 15 years, Camp Bow Wow, the premier pet care franchise, has grown to include over 152 locations across North America, becoming an $86 million brand. In 2015, the company was ranked 410 out of 500 in Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 list. The Camp concept provides the highest levels of fun, safety and service for its Campers, and peace of mind for their parents. Dogs romp together in an open-play environment and pricing is all-inclusive. Since the Broomfield, Colorado-based company started franchising in 2003, Camp Bow Wow has sold more than 152 franchises in 38 states, plus one in Canada, over 41% being women-owned. In August 2014, Camp Bow Wow was acquired by VCA, Inc. (NASDAQ: WOOF), a leading animal healthcare company in the United States and Canada.

The Camp Bow Wow brand family also includes:

• Home Buddies by Camp Bow Wow® – premier in-home pet care
• Behavior Buddies® – premier dog training
• The Bow Wow Buddies Foundation – a non-profit organization dedicated to providing urgent medical care funds to dogs who are either homeless or whose parents cannot afford to pay their veterinary bills.

Company Website:    www.campbowwow.com