Cheryl T Campbell

Tarra and Bella A Story of Friendship

 Natural Dog Food  No Responses »
Nov 152011
 

Bella the Dog and Tara the Elephant

For those of you who don’t know the story it bares repeating.  It is a story of friendship, commitment, love, and loss. Anyone who has ever doubted an animal’s ability to feel and express emotion need to look no further than this odd couple in Tennessee.


Tarra is a female elephant from Myanmar (Burma). A member of the endangered Asian elephant family, Tarra was one of the last elephants to be imported to the U.S. legally.

Tarra retired to The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee after 21 years in show business. There she was to live out the remaining decades of her life exploring the expansive refuge.

Then one day Bella showed up and the two became constant companions. They ate together, slept together, played and explored the grounds of the sanctuary often going for swims and basking in the sun.

Their inspiring, “odd couple” story was featured on CBS News and in “Bark” magazine when Bella suffered a spinal injury and Tarra waited patiently outside the sanctuary office while she recuperated.

Sadly Bella was attacked by coyotes this past October and passed away. Today, Tarra continues to heal and grieve with the help of her elephant and human friends bur their story will always be remembered.

For more information about the Elephant Sanctuary, please visit http://www.elephants.com

 Posted by Cheryl T Campbell at 7:28 pm  Tagged with:

Andy is at it again!

 Natural Dog Food  No Responses »
Oct 272011
 

Natural Dog Food’s Andy Campbell

Cheryl T Campbell and Andy

 

 

 

 

 

 

Canine Chatter. That is what I call the constant noise that surrounds me during the day. I shouldn’t expect anything less than lots of noise since we chose to have four rescues than run, play and are very active every minute of the day. Andy loves his own antics and today he is up to them again! I was trying to record a video this afternoon for a new webinar I’m holding next week and Andy constantly jumped in front of the camera, on the camera and on me!

Andy is all puppy and he plays all day. Finally calming down around his dinner time I thought I would finally be able to sit back and relax without having the ever present tennis ball in hand.

Then I started wondering why he was so quiet. Nothing, not a sound. Very unusual indeed. So off I go looking for the quite and this is what I found!

 Posted by Cheryl T Campbell at 12:45 am

Dog Adoption Event

 Natural Dog Food  No Responses »
Jun 092011
 

Labs4Rescue Participating in Adoption Event

Just got this notice from Labs4Rescue and thought I would pass it along. They have an Adoption Event this weekend at PETCO in Clinton, CT.  If you happen to be a local reader stop by and show your support! All events held at PETCO in Clinton coincide with their National Adoption Weekends so hopefully they will get a great turnout. Go on down and meet some wonderful labs, talk with volunteers, and learn more about Labs4Rescue.

This is also a fun family event as well.  The dogs pick up on everybody’s energy and they know something special is going on! There is excitement in the air – and let’s face it -there is something contagious about the giggles of small children when they are being “loved with kisses” by a labbie!

Go on, head on down. Fun is guaranteed and who knows you may meet meet your next best friend!

Here are the details of this Dog Adoption Day:

  • Date: Sunday, June 12, 2011
  • Location: PETCO, 7 Glenwood Road, Clinton, CT
  • DrivingDirections: The Clinton PETCO is located off of I-95 exit 63 (across from the Clinton Crossing Outlet Center and Ethan Allen)
  • Time: 11:00 am to 3:00 pm

For more info you can contact the Event Coordinator: Wendi Parson, wap0828@gmail.com or visit the store website for more information PETCO ADOPTION EVENT DETAILS

For those of you that don’t know Blu, Milly and Pach found their way to us through this wonderful group. You can read there story here The Dogs of Canine Chatter

 

 Posted by Cheryl T Campbell at 12:13 pm

Dog Health Alert: Pig Ears Recalled

 Natural Dog Health  No Responses »
Jun 042011
 

Natural Dog Chew Recalled

Three Companies Issue Recall on their Pig Ear Dog Treats

Your Dog’s Health is important to us here at Natural Dog Food’s Canine Chatter and we routinely check for Recall notices that may affect the wellbeing of your dog. Three such notices recently came to our attention. The threat of salmonella contamination also affects the humans in your family because it can be transferred to us when we handle the product.  First lets start with the symptoms:

Salmonella Symptoms in Dogs include fever and vomiting, bloody diarrhea as well as decreased appetite and energy. If your dog has eaten the recalled product and is showing any of these symptoms please contact your veterinarian.

Salmonella Symptoms in Humans include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. If you suspect exposure contact your healthcare provider immediately.

The Companies That Recently Issued Pig Ear Chews Recalls Due to Salmonella Risk Are:

  • May 31, 2011 – Bravo! of Vernon CT

Vernon-based Bravo! issued a press release announcing the recall May 31, 2011 and involves their 50 – count Oven-Roasted Pig Ears. Only those with Product Code: 75-121 Lot # 12-06-10 have been potentially contaminated. This lot was shipped to distributors and retailers between Jan. 1 and Feb. 28 on the East and West coasts. Bravo! initiated the voluntary recall after a routine sampling by the Washington State Department of Agriculture discovered the bacteria.

Bravo! is urging anyone who has purchased the ed to return the affected products for a refund. More details are available on its website www.bravorawdiet.com or at its toll-free number 1-866-922-9222.

  • May 17, 2011 – Blackman Industries, Inc. of Kansas City, KS

Blackman Industries recalled all of their PrimeTime brand Premium Pig Ears (2 ct. and 5 ct.) and all of their KC Beefhide brand Premium Pig Ears (20 ct.)

Distributed between Jan. 4, 2011 and April 29, 2011. The KC Beefhide product is packaged in a red mesh nylon bag with a green and white header that says KC Beefhide and has the following UPC code 7-48976-09065-5.  PrimeTime products are in translucent plastic packages with yellow printed headers and are marked with the following UPC codes 7-48976-18316-6 on a 2 ct. package with a $3.49 retail price, 7-48976-09040-2, on a 5 ct. package with a $5.99 retail price and 7-48976-19040-9 on a 5 ct. package with a $6.99 retail price.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-913-342-5010 Monday through Thursday between the hours of 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM. and are encouraged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

  • May 17, 2011 – Boss Pet Products, Inc.

Diggers Natural Treat Pig Ear pet treats are recalled in an announcement by Boss Pet Products because the products have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

The recalled Diggers Natural Chews Pig Ears were sold in the following package sizes:

    • Bulk Pig Ears in boxes of 100 (UPC #0-72929-00038-6)
    • Bulk Pig Ears Shrink Wrapped in boxes of 50 (UPC #0-72929-99120-2)
    • 2-Pack Bags shipped in cases of 12 bags (UPC #0-72929-99504-0)
    • 4-Pack Bags shipped in cases of 12 bags (UPC #0-72929-00227-4)
    • 8-Pack Bags shipped in cases of 12 bags (UPC #0-72929-99584-2)

These products have been distributed via truck to distributors in the following states:  OK, KS, OH, MT, CA, WA, TN, NY, MO, IL, IN, TX, MS, AL, MN, UT, IA, OR and LA.

Consumers with questions may contact Boss Pet at 1-800-445-6347 during normal business hours (9:00 AM – 5:00PM ET) or on our website at www.bosspet.com. and are encouraged to return the product to their place of purchase for a full refund.

 

Your Dog’s Health is important to us here at Natural Dog Food’s Canine Chatter and we will continue to review recall notices and inform you about them!


 Posted by Cheryl T Campbell at 12:37 pm

Rescued: Eddie Needs a Home

 Natural Dog Food  No Responses »
Apr 262011
 

Are You Eddies Forever Home?

Eddie is a 6 month male Vizla mix puppy who was rescued as a stray in Memphis by Kerry, my roommate of many years. Eddie is friendly and well-socialized with a medium activity level. Loves to run and play outside, but then settles down quickly in the house. Likes to go for walks, loves to be with people, enjoys being pet and brushed.

Eddie loves other dogs and would benefit from having a canine buddy in his new home. Fine with cats. Great with kids and recommended for children 6 years and older. Good on a leash, rides great in the car. Knows basic commands. Would love to Housebroken and crate-trained. No issues such as separation anxiety, chewing or barking. He weighs about 40 pounds, is healthy, altered and up to date  with his shots.

Eddie is currently living with foster parents in Enfield, CT. Until Eddie is adopted you can also Virtually foster Eddie for free through Save a Dog and earn points that translate into real donations to rescue groups! Visit here to Virtually Foster
If you would like to Adopt Eddie Click on his picture!
 Posted by Cheryl T Campbell at 7:14 pm

Dog Health Alert – Jones Natural Chews

 Natural Dog Health  No Responses »
Apr 242011
 

Jones Pig Ear Dog Chews Recalled

This is an important recall for anyone who has one or more dogs in the household.  The risk of handling the pig ears and allowing them to be in the house is not only to the pet dog(s) but also to the people in the family, because these pig ears will inevitably be handled by adults and children who may handle them without protective gloves or with inadequate hand washing.  Alert friends and family about this risk. and take appropriate precaution.

Jones Natural Chews Recall Due to  Possible Salmonella Health Risk

—–Original Message—–
From: U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) <fda@service.govdelivery.com>
Subject: Jones Natural Chews Co Recalls Pig Ear Dog Chews Because Of Possible Salmonella Health Risk

Jones Natural Chews Co of Rockford, IL is recalling 2705 boxes of Pig Ears because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products.

 Posted by Cheryl T Campbell at 2:26 pm  Tagged with:

Help a Lab Find a New Family

 Dog Rescue  No Responses »
Apr 152011
 

Plant the seeds of hope this spring at these Dog Rescue Events

Please consider volunteering at our events and fundraisers. We always need help with transporting/escorting dogs and giving the public information about the adoption process. Contact the event coordinator to sign up. For more details visit: www.labs4rescue.com/events Hope to see you there!

ADOPTION EVENTS:
SUNDAY, May 1
Pooch Palooza – Peekskill Armory, 955 Washington St., Peekskill, NY, 1-4 p

FUNDRAISERS:
SATURDAY, April 23
Paws Pet Resort/Spa, 312 E. Johnson Ave., Cheshire, CT, 10a-2p
Pet photo portraits, portion of fee will go to Labs4rescue

SATURDAY, April 30
Your Healthy Pet, 224 S. Main Street, Newton, CT, 11a-3p

INFO TABLE: SATURDAY, May 14
Barnegat’s 6th Annual Pet Day, 550 East Bay Ave., Barnegat NJ, 10a-2p

 Posted by Cheryl T Campbell at 10:08 am

A Dog Goes to Heaven

 Natural Dog Food  No Responses »
Apr 082011
 

 

This US Postal Service Has a Beautiful Soul Working For Them

A friend of mine from the Madison Lions Club sent me this and I had to post it.

This is one of the kindest things you may ever see. A letter was posted without an address and it landed in the dead letter office of the US Postal Service. No one knows who took the time to answer the letter written by a little girl who was heart broken over the loss of her best friend Abbey. The words below are those actually spoken by Meredith and transcribed by her mom. If only we knew the name of the kind spirit who responded to her.

 

Our 14 year old dog, Abbey, died last month. The day after she died, 4 year old daughter Meredith was crying and talking about how much she missed Abbey. She asked if we could write a letter to God so that when Abbey got to heaven, God would recognize her. I told her that I thought we could so she dictated these words:

“Dear God,
Will you please take care of my dog? She died yesterday and is with you in heaven. I miss her very much. I am happy that you let me have her as my dog even though she got sick.

I hope you will play with her. She likes to play with balls and to swim. I am sending a picture of her so when you see her You will know that she is my dog. I really miss her.

Love, Meredith”

We put the letter in an envelope with a picture of Abbey and Meredith and addressed it to God/Heaven. We put our return address on it. Then Meredith pasted several stamps on the front of the envelope because she said it would take lots of stamps to get the letter all the way to heaven. That afternoon she dropped it into the letter box at the post office. A few days later, she asked if God had gotten the letter yet. I told her that I thought He had.

Yesterday, there was a package wrapped in gold paper on our front porch addressed, ‘To Meredith’ in an unfamiliar hand. Meredith opened it. Inside was a book by Mr. Rogers called, ‘When a Pet Dies.’ Taped to the inside front cover was the letter we had written to God in its opened envelope. On the opposite page was the picture of Abbey & Meredith and this note:

Dear Meredith,

Abbey arrived safely in heaven. Having the picture was a big help. I recognized Abbey right away. Abbey isn’t sick anymore. Her spirit is here with me just like it stays in your heart. Abbey loved being your dog. Since we don’t need our bodies in heaven, I don’t have any pockets to keep your picture in, so I am sending it back to you in this little book for you to keep and have something to remember Abbey by.

Thank you for the beautiful letter and thank your mother for helping you write it and sending it to me. What a wonderful mother you have. I picked her especially for you.  I send my blessings every day and remember that I love you very much. By the way, I’m easy to find, I am wherever there is love.

Love, God”

 Posted by Cheryl T Campbell at 2:21 am

Natural Dog Food’s New Photo

 Natural Dog Food  No Responses »
Oct 302010
 

Natural Dog Food CT Has New Official Photo!

Check out cheryl campbell-dogs

Presented By http://www.josephs.com

We had a really fun photo shoot the other day when we tried to get the perfect shot to use for our website and holiday cards. We were rained out 3 separate times before and didn’t know what to expect since  the sky was dark and gloomy.

Have you ever tried to get four dogs and two humans to sit still long enough to get a good photo? For the first half of the session we concentrated on getting Blu, Milly, Peach and Andy to sit still and by our side long enough to take a decent shot. Of course they did not want to sit still and when they finally did they refused to look toward the camera and stared at us instead. Believe me when I say it was comical how Joseph, our photographer made gestures and sounds I have never seen or heard before just to grab their attention!

We finally had some descent shots to work with for the official website picture but we weren’t done yet.  Ian our 19 year old wanted nothing to do with the web shot but did agree to be in the Christmas Card picture. We figured the pups had about enough of the posing thing so Joe was going to get a decent shot of the three of us and then “Copy and Past” the dogs into it. Of course now that we didn’t want the dogs in the shot they were all over us and refused to leave our side!

The hour was filled with a lot of laughter and luck was definitely on our side. Joe got some great shots and the first drops of rain didn’t begin to fall until he was waiving goodbye. Hope you enjoy the photos as much as we enjoyed taking them!

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 Posted by Cheryl T Campbell at 9:02 pm  Tagged with:

Dog Rescue at its Best

 Dog Rescue  No Responses »
Oct 012010
 

Get behind Dog Rescue During October!

October 1, 2010. Not just another Day.  It is the beginning of Adopt-A-Dog month. For those not familiar this is a nationally recognized event sponsored by the American Humane Association and it encourages people to get behind dog rescue and adopt their next dog from a breed rescue group or animal shelter.

There are so many misconceptions about rescue groups and shelter animals. Untrained, unhealthy, and “less than” are common misconceptions about animals in shelters and rescues. This is unfortunate and untrue for the vast majority of worthy dogs, cats and other types of animals awaiting a forever home.

Read how things are changing and how you can help at Janet’s Veterinary Medicine Blog.

NaruralDogFoodCT.com introduces Guest Blogger

Most of you know that I first adopted, then volunteered and fostered for our local group Labs4Rescue. Almost everyone I know that goes the adoption route becomes passionate about it.  I have met some really great people because of it too. Some I have met in person others on line. This weekend I am going to introduce you to Joan.

I love to hear stories about how our canine friends find their way home to us and Joan will share with you how her first recue Charli changed her life.  Both of us had our first rescue dog come to us from another’s tragedy so it is definitely bitter sweet.

We suspect our guy came to us from Hurricane Katrina and Charli needed a new home because of the devastation of nine eleven.  So many lives are intertwined and I think this is another example of how every event has a ripple effect that we simply can’t predict.

Please take the time to find out more about your local animal shelter and how rescue dogs can bring such joy to your life! And don’t forget to check back this weekend and meet NaruralDogFoodCT.com’s first guest blogger.

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 Posted by Cheryl T Campbell at 10:46 pm  Tagged with:

Is Your Dog Overweight?

 Healthy Dog, Natural Dog Health  No Responses »
Sep 172010
 
natural Dog Food Ct.com's Blu

Blu

I haven’t been able to post much lately – it’s a time thing. And I’m not talking about all the time I spend on my internet businesses either. It’s the major fundraiser for Madison Community Services I’m in the middle of, the smaller fund raiser for the Madison Lions Club, the upholstery job for my mom’s friend I promised and my Leo Club meetings that have started up again.

Did I mention I am also driving my stepson to college every day because he didn’t get his license in time for his commute, AND I am being published in January and my book is due!!!!

Needless to say I am stressed and can’t seem to catch up, so the bottom line is that this post is going to be extremely brief. Why bother at all to post? Because our Blu seems to have a weight problem. He is no longer a healthy dog!  LOL

Blu walks 3 miles everyday, is on a special diet and runs our fields with Peach, Milly and Andy several times a day and yet he is still about 10 pounds over his ideal weight.

WHY? I have no idea but I am going to try to figure it out. I’ll let you know when I do. How do I know he is overweight? I performed the following ‘test’ described below and he failed terribly. Not to mention he weighs in at 105 lbs!

Try these two quick tests to determine whether your dog is carrying more weight than he should:

When you run your hands along your dog’s ribcage, can you feel his ribs? You should be able to count the number of ribs as you move your hands along your dog’s body – if you can’t then he’s carrying too much weight.

Running your hands along your dog’s side, does he have a ‘waist’ – by that I mean does his body tuck in in front of his hips? If there’s a straight line from his hips to his shoulders, then he’s overweight.

That’s it for now and I’ll post more on this topic when I learn about it!

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 Posted by Cheryl T Campbell at 12:52 am

Natural Dog Food CT’s Joke of the Day

 Natural Dog Food  1 Response »
Sep 142010
 

Love me or hate for this one! My mom sent it to me and I did get a laugh out of it So here it is cute wet dogs and all!

This morning I went to sign my dogs up for welfare.

Natural Dog Food LOL Story

At first the lady said, “Dogs are not eligible to draw welfare.” So I explained to her that my dogs are mixed in color, unemployed, lazy, can’t speak English and have no frigging clue who their Daddy’s are.  They expect me to feed them, provide them with housing and medical care. So she looked in her policy book to see what it takes to qualify. My dogs get their first checks Friday.

Damn, this is a great country!

 Posted by Cheryl T Campbell at 6:55 pm

Adopt Me! I Want to Love a Human!

 Natural Dog Food  No Responses »
Sep 112010
 

NaturalDogFoodCt.com's Rescue Dog Sunny

Sunny

Meet Sunny NaturalDogFoodCt’s Rescue Dog of the Day

Oh My God! How cute is she?  Sunny is a 6 Year Old Purebred Yellow Female Lab. My Peach was six when she found her way home to us. I can’t take all that beautiful white around her muzzle and those eyes – just one hug please!

Her foster mom says she is one of the calmest and sweetest labs that they have met in a long time. This golden girl is an absolute gem. She knows all of her commands such as sit and stay and walks nicely on a leash.

Sunny loves everyone and is great with other dogs. Sunny is of moderate activity level–she loves to go on walks and to play but she also loves to be with her family and be cuddled and petted. This girl is just the best kisser – she just loves everybody! Like many labs Sunny loves food and needs to lose some weight.

For additional information about Sunny #23 please email Ann Hilchey at ann@labs4rescue.com.

 Posted by Cheryl T Campbell at 9:47 pm  Tagged with:

“Adopt Me Please” NaturalDogFoodCt.com’s Pet of the Day

 Dog Rescue  No Responses »
Sep 102010
 

Natural Dog Food Ct.com's Adopt a Dog_Boomer

Boomer

Natural Dog Food Ct.com Presents Boomer

I had so much fun presenting some of the wonderful dogs that are looking for their forever homes last week that I decided to make it an on going thing.

Every week Natural dog Food Ct.com will introduce three wonderful dogs that are looking for a family to love. There are so many pups of all ages that simply want to do nothing else but to adore you and keep you company!

Feel Great About Yourself  - Become Part of a Dog Rescue!

Al and I had three of our pups find us through Labs4rescue who work in conjunction with Petfinder to help dogs find their way to the families they were meant to be with. If you are not familiar with Petfinder they do wonderful things for Dog Rescue Groups throughout the country.

Discover More About Boomer: NaturalDogFoodCt.com’s Rescue Dog of the Day

Boomer is the sweetheart of all sweethearts! This chocolate Labrador male is a happy dog – he loves to be hugged, gives kisses and loves to have a good time and is unfazed by all the down and outs he’s had through life.

He aims to please and just wants to be by your side living the good life and making memories that last. He knows his commands, is house trained and crate trained as well as gets along with faces he meets whether children, adults or other dogs. He loves being active whether its walking, jogging, playing a good game of fetch in the backyard or going on car rides with his humans. He’s really a phenomenal dog, who is looking for a long and happy life filled with love.

For additional information about Boomer #12 please email April Reeves at apr0227@msn.com. To see other pictures of Boomer go to PetFinder.com Please join NaturalDogFoodCt.com by looking into dog rescue as an option for finding your pet.

 Posted by Cheryl T Campbell at 2:23 pm  Tagged with:

Natural Dog Food CT’s Top Rescue Dog of the Day

 Natural Dog Food  No Responses »
Sep 052010
 

Piper: Natural Dog Food Ct's Pet of the DayNatural Dog Food CT’s Pet of the Day “Adopt Me Please”

Let us introduce to a new series that Natural Dog Food Ct.com is doing.  We are spending our weekends showcasing one or two of the wonderful dogs that are up for adoption through PetFinder and Labs4Rescue here in Connecticut. They are both wonderful groups but since Blu, Milly and Peach came to us from Labs4Rescue we are especially fond of them!

Al and I started Natural Dog Food Ct.com because of our wonderful rescues so I thought maybe this would be another way to help all of the pups that still need a home. You probably know by now that I didn’t cut it as a foster mom because I just had to make a home for every pup that cam our way. I still get the weekly foster list so I thought I could try to still help all those pups in need by showcasing one or two of then every week.

Natural Dog Food Ct.com Introduces Piper

Piper is a gorgeous, approximately 2 year old, yellow female weighing 52 lbs. Piper is a super sweet girl with an awesome temperament and personality. She is great with other dogs and would love a playmate. Piper is very playful and would need an active family that will give her the exercise she needs. She is great with kids but would probably be better in a home with older children as she tends to jump when she is excited. Piper would definitely benefit from obedience training- she is very smart and picks up new commands very easily so training would be very rewarding for both Piper and her new family. She will throw a paw up for a high-five anytime! Being a typical Lab, she enjoys the water and likes to ride in the car. Piper is housebroken, crate trained and knows some basic commands. She is a very sweet and loving girl and would be a great addition to your family. Please contact us if you would like Piper to join your family.

For more information on Piper go to http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/16511259

 Posted by Cheryl T Campbell at 6:40 am

Saturday’s Rescue Dog: Natural Dog Food CT’s Buddy

 Dog Rescue, Natural Dog Food  No Responses »
Sep 052010
 

I Simply Couldn’t Resist This Guy…I Hope You Can’t Either!

I know for a fact that “older” and “not adoptable” dogs are the best! Our favorite older dog here at Natural Dog Food Ct.com is Peach. She had three families reject her because of her age.  She looked like she was ten or twelve years old when she came to us. It is a funny thing about a rescue dog, you really don’t know what life journeys they have been on.

Is Peach’s gray hair a result of old age or simply a result of her natural coloring?  I personally believe she earned each and everyone of those grey hairs on the various roads she has traveled. She is such a wonderful dog and so full of life.  I’m sure she can tell many a story. Maybe one day she will tell the tale of how she came to be filled with buckshot.

I digress. My whole point is that with a rescue dog you simple can’t know their age for sure. If we believed what we were told by the Vet when we first fostered Peach it would make her a whopping 16 year’s old!

Natural Dog Food Ct's _Buddy(2)

Please Don’t Pass up on Adopting An Older Dog

They Bring more joy into your life than you can possibly imagine.

Are you destined to be Buddy’s best friend and provide his forever home?

Be sure to find out more about Buddy at  http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/16991780

 Posted by Cheryl T Campbell at 3:23 am

“Adopt Me Please”- Natural Dog Food’s Top Rescue Dog

 Dog Rescue  No Responses »
Sep 042010
 

Natural Dog Food Ct.com's Pet of the DayAdopt Me Please – Natural Dog Food CT’s – Pet of the Day

For the next couple of Days Natural Dog Food Ct.com is going to spotlight some of the awesome dogs that come out of Labs4Rescue here in Connecticut. That’s the rescue group that Blu, Milly and Peach came to us from.

Al and I started Natural Dog Food Ct.com because of our wonderful rescues so I thought maybe this would be another way to help all of the pups that still need a home. I have mentioned before that I failed as a foster mom because we adopted every dog that came our way, but I still get that weekly foster list. Over the next couple of days come back here and meet them!

Natural Dog Food Ct.com Introduces Annabell

Annabell is a beautiful 3.5 year old black female lab. She is good with people but prefers being the only dog. She is a sweet loving girl that is housebroken and obeys commands. She loves her toys and to play. Annabell would be a wonderful companion dog for an young active couple or a couple that that is on the go. Annabell loves to go for long walks and is good on a leash. Annabell is protective of her human friends.

For more information on Annabell go to http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/14595447

 Posted by Cheryl T Campbell at 12:14 am

Dog Health Alert from Natural Dog Food Ct.com

 Healthy Dog, Natural Dog Health  No Responses »
Aug 262010
 

Evamist: Dog Health Alert from Natural Dog Food Ct.com

I was recently made aware of this warning and thought it important to share.  This article appears on FDA’s Consumer Updates page, which features the latest on all FDA-regulated products.

Keep Children and Pets Away from Evamist:

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says children and pets should not be exposed to Evamist, a drug for women that is sprayed on the skin to treat hot flashes caused by menopause.

The agency also wants consumers to take precautions to ensure that children and pets do not make contact with skin where Evamist has been sprayed.

Evamist contains the estrogen hormone estradiol. It is sprayed inside the forearm between the elbow and wrist.

FDA, which issued its warning on July 29, 2010, says it is reviewing reports of adverse events in children and pets who were inadvertently exposed to Evamist.

Adverse events reported in unintentionally exposed children include

  • premature puberty, nipple swelling, and breast development in girls
  • breast enlargement in boys

FDA has also received reports of inadvertent exposure in pets. Pets exposed to Evamist may exhibit signs such as mammary/nipple enlargement and vulvar swelling.

“Women using Evamist need to be aware of the potential risks to children who come in contact with the area of skin where this drug is applied,” says Julie Beitz, M.D., a director of drug evaluation with FDA. “It is important that people know to keep both children and pets away from the product to minimize exposure.”

Advice for Consumers

FDA recommends that women using Evamist

  • not allow children to come in contact with the area of the arm where Evamist was sprayed
  • not allow pets to lick or touch the arm where Evamist was sprayed. Small pets may be especially sensitive to the estrogen in Evamist. Contact a veterinarian if your pet shows signs of nipple and/or vulvar enlargement, or any other sign of illness
  • wear a garment that covers the arm where Evamist was sprayed if they know they cannot keep a child or pet from making contact with it
  • talk with their health care professional if they have questions about the possibility of exposing a child to Evamist
  • read the patient package insert when picking up a prescription for Evamist

If Contact Occurs

If a child comes in contact with the part of the arm where Evamist was sprayed, FDA recommends

  • washing the child’s skin with soap and water as soon as possible
  • contacting the child’s health care professional if the child begins to have any of the following signs or symptoms: nipple or breast swelling or breast tenderness in girls, or breast enlargement in boys. Be sure to tell the health care professional that the child may have been exposed to Evamist

You can report any side effects from the use of Evamist to FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting Program online or by mail, fax, or phone.
o Regular Mail: Use postage-paid, pre-addressed FDA form 3500
o Fax: 1-800-FDA-0178
o Phone: 1-800-332-1088

At this time, it is unknown whether unintended exposure can occur with other topical (applied to the skin) estrogen products.

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 Posted by Cheryl T Campbell at 7:11 pm  Tagged with: ,

Discover Truth Behind Natural Dog Food Ingredients

 Healthy Dog, Natural Dog, Natural Dog Food  No Responses »
Aug 072010
 

Let’s Talk Natural Dog Food Ingredients

Many will say that the most important thing to know about Natural dog food in general is that it must be made of human-grade ingredients. What does that mean exactly? Technically it means that they will not put anything in your dog’s food that is not for human consumption as well. Here’s the problem: there is no legal definition whatsoever for the term “human grade” when it comes to pet food. It is a buzz word that has been around since the dog food recall scare back in 2007. We need to dig a little deeper to find out what is best for a healthy dog.

A Closer Look at Kibble and Natural Dog Food Ingredients

Some of the ingredients listed in a variety of dog food are: poultry/poultry meal, chicken, lamb byproducts, lamb byproduct meal, avocado, corn, carrots, brown rice. It all sounds relatively healthy doesn’t it? Well here is some additional information that will make you think twice: One manufactures that promotes their kibble as a healthy and natural dog food has Avocado as an advertised ingredient. They Proclaim:

“Why the avocado? Many of the nutrients your dog needs for a healthy skin and coat can be found in the remarkable fruit known as the avocado. Nutrient rich avocados contain vitamins A, E and C in abundance. They’re also an excellent source of balanced nutritional essentials for your dog’s skin and coat health—and good health in general.”

Well, this is what the ASPCA had to say about avocados as a natural dog food ingredient:

“Avocado leaves, fruit, seeds and bark contain a toxic principle known as Persin. The Guatemalan variety, a common one found in stores, appears to be the most problematic. Other strains of avocado can have different degrees of toxic potential. They can cause difficulty breathing; fluid accumulation in the chest, abdomen and heart; or pancreatitis.”

Now whose advice are you leaning towards? For a list of other foods you should avoid giving your healthy dog go to: Foods Your Healthy Dog Should Avoid

The Main Ingredients in your natural Dog Food. Now here is where it gets a little tricky:

Is “chicken & chicken meal” and “poultry/poultry meal” the same thing? The answer is a resounding NO!

When a meat source is named such as chicken, beef, venison, etc that is clear enough but what is “meal”? A basic definition of meal is this: consists of meat and skin, with or without the bones, but exclusive of feathers/hair, heads, feet, horns, entrails etc. and have the proper calcium/phosphorus ratio required for a balanced diet.

Contrary to what many people believe, meat sources in “meal” form are not inferior to whole, fresh meats as long as they are from a specified type of animal, such as chicken meal, lamb meal, salmon meal etc.

What about Lamb by products and Lamb byproducts meal? Are they the same? Again the answer is no.

Byproduct meals, even if a species is identified (chicken/beef/turkey/lamb byproduct meal etc.) should be avoided because highly questionable ingredients may be used in these rendered products.

To make it more clear take a look at the chart below. High quality natural dog food should have the ingredients in the right column not the left

Natural Dog Food Main Ingredient Summary

Avoid: Generic Ingredients GOOD: Specifically Named Meats, etc

Meat, Fish, Poultry, Liver, Glandular

Meat byproducts, Fish byproducts, Poultry byproducts, Liver byproducts, Glandular byproducts

Meat byproducts meal, Fish byproducts meal, Poultry byproducts meal, Liver byproducts meal, Glandular byproducts meal

Meat and Bone Meal, Fish and Bone Meal, etc.

You get the picture!

Chicken ,Chicken Meal

Beef, Beef Meal

Turkey, Turkey Meal

Lamb, Lamb Meal

Duck, Duck Meal

Venison, Bison, Salmon, etc.

Other things to avoid:

  • Any food that contains corn (ground or otherwise) as a first ingredient, especially if corn gluten meal is also a main ingredient and no concentrated source of identified meat protein (e.g. chicken meal, lamb meal etc.) is present.
  • Corn gluten or soy(bean) meal as main ingredients. Note: Not all dogs tolerate soy products! Small amounts, especially of organic soy, are okay as long as a dog is not sensitive. There are only very few products on the market that include high quality soy ingredients, none of them sold at grocery stores or mass retailers.

Keeping your canine friend a healthy dog is confusing in today’s food market so we will continue to discuss the topic here at Natural Dog Food Ct.com Come back and see us soon!

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 Posted by Cheryl T Campbell at 9:08 pm  Tagged with:

Natural Dog Food:What Does that Really Mean?

 Healthy Dog, Natural Dog Food  No Responses »
Aug 062010
 
Natural Dog Food- Peach

Natural Dog Food's Peach

Discover if a Natural Dog Food Diet will Help Your Pup Become a Healthy Dog

That’s Peach on the left and I was told to put Peach on a natural dog food diet about two years ago. She was a rescue and we had no way of telling how old she was. What we did know is she was panting all the time and it concerned me. My vet proceeded to tell me she would benefit from a diet of “natural” dog food and gave me a recipe for homemade dog food. I love Peach so I immediately tracked down all the ingredients and then went home and became Cheryl the Canine Chef!

It didn’t take me long to become curious about what ‘Natural dog food’ really means.

I decided to look up the word natural and got the following:

  1. Not altered, treated, or disguised
  2. Present in or produced by nature
  3. Of, relating to, or concerning nature

The problem comes when trying to associate the word natural with dog food. The Association Of American Feed Control Officials definition for “natural” as it relates to pet food is:

“NATURAL… A feed or ingredient derived solely from plant, animal or mined sources, either in its unprocessed state or having been subjected to physical processing, heat processing, rendering, purification extraction, hydrolysis, enzymolysis or fermentation, but not having been produced by or subject to a chemically synthetic process and not containing any additives or processing aids that are chemically synthetic except in amounts as might occur unavoidably in good manufacturing practices.”

Whoa! What the heck does that mean? As if it wasn’t confusing enough other terms popped up in my research.

Other terms for natural dog food kept popping up

Some of the terms I came across where Organic Dog Food, Raw Dog Food and Holistic Dog Food. Since holistic is also a synonym for alternative methods I kind of thought that ‘going natural’ may also refer to turning away from the conventional and using alternative methods instead.

That got me interested in finding out about regular conventional dog food and what ingredients they use in them. A found out a lot! So much in fact I’m going to do a separate article on the topic. I think it is important to understand what is in your ‘regular’ dog food so you can discover the real benefits of feeding good quality food, but I digress!

I finally had to come up with my own definition of Natural Dog Food

“NATURAL…Food that addresses the health and well being of your pet as well as hunger. Derived from human grade ingredients and include sufficient amount of nutrition, vitamins and minerals to offer complete and balanced diet.”  That’s a little better isn’t it?

Here are Some Common Ingredients in Natural Dog Food

  • Hormone free meat
  • Whole Grain Rice
  • Probiotics
  • Omega 6 and 3 Fatty Acids
  • Digestive Enzymes
  • Aantioxidant vitamins
  • Chelated minerals (minerals which are better absorbed)
  • Natural Skin and Coat Conditioners.

I hope that helps to explain a little bit about natural dog food and start you thinking about why you should consider it for your dog. We’ll continue to delve into this topic in additional articles so please come back soon!

 Posted by Cheryl T Campbell at 3:50 am
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