Tips For Finding A Healthy Puppy

(NAPSI)-If you're in the market for a new dog, it's important to find a good breeder.

That's the advice from experts who say that puppy mills-which are mass dog-breeding facilities that sell puppies through pet stores and over the Internet- often treat their animals cruelly and inhumanely.

According to The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), puppy mills frequently house dogs in shockingly poor conditions, particularly for the "breeding stock" animals who are caged and continually bred for years without human companionship and then killed, abandoned or sold to another puppy mill after their fertility wanes.

An estimated 10,000 of the mills operate in the U.S., forming a billion-dollar industry. The mills sell dogs through many pet stores, over the Internet and sometimes through local newspaper ads. Opponents of the mills say the best way to put them out of business is to not buy the puppies they sell.

Instead, they suggest visiting animal shelters, purebred rescue groups or a responsible breeder. Nationwide, one out of every four dogs in an animal shelter is a purebred, and an estimated 6 to 8 million animals enter shelters annually, with only about half of them being adopted.

The HSUS offers this additional information for prospective pet buyers:

• Be wary of claims that a pet store only sells animals from breeders who are "USDA inspected." The USDA doesn't require all commercial breeders to be licensed, and the group establishes only minimum-care standards, even at inspected puppy mills.

• Some disreputable breeders sell their dogs directly to the public over the Internet and through newspaper ads. These breeders are not required to be inspected by any federal agency and, in many states, are not inspected at all.

• Reputable breeders care where their puppies go and interview hopeful buyers. They don't sell through pet stores or to families they haven't thoroughly checked out.

• Purebred papers do not guarantee the quality of the breeder or the dog.

• Puppy mill puppies often have medical problems that can lead to veterinary bills in the thousands of dollars. In addition, poor breeding and socialization practices at many puppy mills can lead to behavioral problems throughout the puppies' lives.

For more information, including a good breeder checklist, visit www.humanesociety.org/puppy.

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DogTime.com Picks Top Pet Gifts for the Holidays

AAG Note: Who knew there were so many options available for our pets?

PRNewswire/ -- More than half of dog owners buy a gift for their dog during the holidays. DogTime.com (http://dogtime.com/), the #1 online vertical media network in the pet market with 8.2 million unique visitors a month(1), makes it easier to sort through the myriad pet products on the market via its 2008 Holiday Gift Guide.

"Pets are receiving top billing on holiday shopping lists, alongside family and friends," says DogTime.com editor Amy Gurvitz. "Our top picks for the season range from gifts that are good for the environment and your pet to products that benefit pet charities, rescue organizations and shelters with their sales."

DogTime's 2008 Holiday Gift Guide (http://dogtime.com/holiday-dog-gift.html) includes the top ten dog gifts in the following categories:

Charitable: Many animal charities need donations and the holidays are a great time to support your favorite non-profit. Gifts on DogTime's charitable list truly keep on giving -- first to the recipient, and then to the organization benefiting from the sale, including the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and the ASPCA.

Eco-friendly: The desire to "go green" has impacted the way people shop for everything from clothing to food to cars to pet products. DogTime surveyed the green scene to round up the top dog gifts that are safe for pets and the environment.

Edible: Tasty dog treats may not last long, but are sure to be enjoyed by most any canine. From doggie "beer" to fortune cookies to gourmet biscuits, DogTime has presented a selection of unique edibles.

Luxury: Whether a gift for the pampered pooch or a splurge for a special dog, DogTime's luxury gift picks celebrate couture for the canine set, including a Gucci harness, Louis Vuitton carrier, and a $900,000 dog collar that features an 8.5-carat sapphire and more than 600 hand-set diamonds.

Clothes: Today it seems dogs have as many wardrobe options as their human companions. From designer polo shirts to hand-knit sweaters, DogTime has selected wearable gifts in all shapes and sizes.

Collar and leash: Featuring designs ranging from giraffe prints to polka dots, DogTime's top accessories are sure to impress every pooch at the dog park.

Toys: DogTime's dog toy category is packed with the best toys to chase, puzzles to solve, and ropes to tug.

Big dogs: Gift items from clothing to toys that are customized to fit the desires and needs of larger dogs, including an "I had a nightmare I was a Chihuahua" t-shirt.

Small dogs: Chihuahuas and Yorkies have different needs than their larger dog friends; captured in this list are mini tennis balls, a care seat, and even a dog stroller.

For dog lovers: Whether shopping for a dog-loving friend, or for something for yourself as a gift from your dog, these picks range from cuff links to books to items for the home and are sure to bring a smile to any dog lover's face.

In addition to DogTime's Holiday Gift Guide, the site offers a range of holiday-related content, including how to plan a dog party and Howliday dog cookie recipes.

Facts About the Holiday Pet Market (2):

-- There are 74.8 million dogs in the United States
-- 56% of dog owners buy a gift for their dogs during the holidays
-- In the past decade, dog owners giving pets a gift has increased by 12%
-- The average amount spent per dog gift is $10. More than $400 million
will be spent on dog gifts this holiday season

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Do You Know What's In Your Pet Food?

(NAPSI)-If you don't know what you are feeding your pet, you have lots of company. A recent survey found that although 85 percent of pet owners want their pets to be healthy, 62 percent don't understand what ingredients are listed on their pet food labels.

That's a bigger surprise when you consider that 73 percent say what they feed their pets should be as high quality as the food they serve their families, and that 56 percent say they always read the label on their own packaged foods.

The survey, conducted by Harris Interactive and commissioned by the WELLNESS® brand of natural food and treats for pets, also found that 91 percent of dog and cat owners sought a balanced holistic approach to pet food and did not want their pet's food to contain ingredients that cause allergies or food intolerance.

Another 66 percent said their preference would be to only feed natural pet food. In reality, though, most consumers are buying pet food that is not natural and that contains many of the ingredients they don't want.

The pet nutrition experts at WELLNESS Natural Food For Pets recommend that before pet parents buy pet food, they should pick up the bag, turn it over and read the ingredient label. They should look for pet food that:

• Contains real meat, poultry or fish as the first ingredient, not meat or poultry by-products;

• Contains no commonly identified allergens (e.g., wheat, wheat gluten, soy);

• Has no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives;

• Contains ingredients you do recognize, such as deboned chicken, fish, whole grains like oatmeal or ground barley, and wholesome fruits and vegetables such as cranberries or sweet potatoes.

A holistic approach to a nutritious pet diet incorporating healthy ingredients can serve as the foundation of a pet's well-being.

For more information, visit www.wellnesspetfood.com.

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Mars Petcare US Issues Voluntary Recall of a Limited Number of Bags of SPECIAL KITTY® Gourmet Sold at Wal-Mart locations in Fifteen States due to Pote

Mars Petcare US today announced a voluntary recall of a limited number of bags of SPECIAL KITTY® Gourmet Blend dry cat food sold at Wal-Mart locations in Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont, and West Virginia. The pet food is being voluntarily recalled following a positive test result indicating a potential contamination with Salmonella.

This product should not be sold or fed to pets. Pet owners should dispose of product in a safe manner (example, a securely covered trash receptacle) and return the empty bag to the store where purchased for a full refund.

Salmonella can cause serious infections in dogs and cats, and, if there is cross contamination caused by handling of the pet food, in people as well, especially children, the aged, and people with compromised immune systems. Healthy people potentially infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. On rare occasions, 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. Animals can be carriers with no visible symptoms and potentially infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

There have been no complaints or reports of illness resulting from consumption or handling of the recalled product.

Pet owners who have questions about the recall should call 1-877-568-4463 or visit www.petcare.mars.com.

Recalled Pet Food
Product: SPECIAL KITTY® Gourmet Blend Dry Cat Food
Best If Used By Date: AUG 11 09
Best If Used By Date Location: Back of bag
Production Lot Code: 50 XXXX X (Found on back of bag just after "Best If Used By" date. Consumers should look for "50" as the first two digits of the second line.)
UPC Code: UPC code numbers can be found directly underneath the bar code on the package. Please find recalled pet food UPC information below.

3.5 lb.


SPECIAL KITTY® Gourmet Blend


81131 17546

7 lb.


SPECIAL KITTY® Gourmet Blend


81131 17547

18 lb.


SPECIAL KITTY® Gourmet Blend


81131 17548

Affected Stores: Wal-Mart locations in Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont, and West Virginia.

In an effort to prevent the transmission of Salmonella from pets to family members and care givers, the FDA recommends that everyone follow appropriate pet food handling guidelines when feeding their pets. A list of safe pet food handling tips can be found at: www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/petfoodtips080307.html

Pet owners who have questions about the recall should call 1-877-568-4463 or visit www.petcare.mars.com.

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Cat People vs. Dog People ... They Really are Different

PRNewswire/ -- Cat people worship felines like pharos; dog people talk to hounds like people. New research shows that cat and dog people really are different -- in marital status, economic standing and education among other things.

"Our studies have shown that there are some interesting differences between cat owners and dog owners," says James Flanigan, head of marketing at the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). "Our surveys show that single people are more attracted to cat ownership, while dog owners are married with children. While the demographic information is interesting, some of it is concerning, too." http://www.avma.org/

The AVMA conducts surveys of pet owners every five years, and publishes the results in the U.S. Pet Ownership and Demographic Sourcebook. In the 2007 edition, the image of a dog as a family pet is shown to be true: 67.0 percent of dog owners are married compared to 61.8 percent of cat owners, and 52.6 percent of dog owners are families of three or more, compared to 47.0 percent of cat owners.

"One of the most concerning differences among cat and dog owners is cat owners are much less likely to seek veterinary care for their animals, they spend less, and this divide seems to be growing," Flanigan explains.

The Sourcebook shows that 82.7 percent of dog owners made at least one annual visit to a veterinarian, compared to 63.7 percent of cat owners.

As for what is America's favorite pet ... it depends on how you read the most recent pet demographic statistics. There are more cats, 81.7 million compared to 72.1 million dogs, but there are more dog owners, 43 million compared to 37.5 million cat owners. This is because cat owners are more likely to have more than one cat.

For more of these fascinating statistics from the U.S. Pet Ownership & Demographics Sourcebook, visit http://www.avma.org/reference/marketstats/sourcebook.asp.

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Bird-watching May Aid Your Child's Development

(NAPSI)-Backyard bird-watching with your children may pay a number of unexpected dividends.

That's because the early experiences in your children's lives affect how their brains develop and lay the foundation for intelligence, emotional health and moral development, according to the National Association for the Education of Young Children. This healthy development depends on nurturing and dependable relationships.

"Bird-watching helps meet the needs of developing young minds and can start as soon as a child can walk. It can also help improve the bond between parent and child," says Stephen Kress, Wingscapes Birding expert and author of several books, including The Audubon Society Guide to Attracting Birds and The Audubon Backyard Birdwatch.

Here are a few tips to get kids started in backyard bird-watching to help their development:

• Hang a bird feeder in your yard where your kids can easily watch it every day. By helping young kids build their own bird feeder, you give them an additional reason to take interest in watching birds.

• Have your kids keep a list of the birds they see and discuss the list each day or week. You can build memory skills by talking about the birds' characteristics, such as wing color and pattern.

You can teach your children about those characteristics with a bird camera, such as the Wingscapes BirdCam, a weatherproof, motion-activated digital camera that captures high-resolution photos and videos of birds-even if you are not there.

• You can create a scrapbook or even a Web site (using free software) with photos or videos of the birds.

• Get your children to e-mail the images or video clips to a friend or relative or share them on Wingscapes.com, Flickr™, YouTube or other social media Web sites. For more information, visit www.wingscapes.com.

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Birds of Prey Program at Sams Lake Bird Sanctuary November 8

Winged Ambassadors Environmental will bring an exceptional live wildlife show to Sams Lake Bird Sanctuary on Saturday afternoon November 8th .

Several trained non-releasable birds of prey will perform soaring free flight demonstrations over the wetlands.

Master Falconer Dale Arrowood will showcase the differences and similarities between a variety of raptor and owl families.

Birds may include eagles, hawks, owls, falcons, or vultures . These birds are not “trick animals”, they simply do what comes naturally to them.

Guests will learn about the raptors’ role as environmental indicators and the importance of protecting wildlife habitat as our wetlands, fields and forests transform into concrete and rooftops.

This exciting and educational program begins at 1pm. on Saturday November 8th . The rain date will be Saturday afternoon, December 13th.

Admission is $4 per person. Proceeds will be split between the Trust and Winged Ambassadors Environmental for care of the birds.

Sams Lake is on Old Senoia Road, south of Redwine Road just outside Fayetteville. For more information and directions, visit the Trust’s website sctlandtrust.org or email info@sctlandtrust.org .

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