Pet of the Week
These are two kitties that were saved, brought to a cat shelter, and adopted out to fine homes!
It's easy to get your pet into the Pet of the Week feature - here is what you need to do!
March 7th Recall of Cat Vitamins
The Hartz Mountain Corporation is voluntarily recalling a second specific lot of Hartz Vitamin Care for Cats due to concerns that bottles within the lot may have been potentially contaminated with Salmonella. Hartz is fully cooperating with the US Food and Drug Administration in this voluntary recall. Hartz recalled a specific lot code of Hartz Vitamin Care for Cats last November due to similar concerns. Both lot codes were manufactured for Hartz by UFAC (USA) Inc. in 2007, and were removed from distribution last November. However, bottles from the second lot had been shipped to customers prior to their having been removed from distribution.(FDA)
The Hartz Mountain Corporation Recalls Vitamin Care for Cats Because of Possible Health Risk
Snoopy Takes Best-In-Show at Westminster
Well okay, it wasn’t exactly Snoopy, but it might as well have been. The Best In Show at the Westminster Dog Show 2008 was a 15 inch Beagle, known to his friends affectionately as “Uno.” Uno is a tri-colored Beagle and he was one enthusiastic participant at the dog show. Beagles are hounds and their distinctive howl can be heard over quite some distance when they give it a little effort. Uno gave repeated votes for himself with his “ah-roo” during the evening. And apparently the judges agreed!
Uno was not without his competition however. Uno took his victory over some beautiful dogs in various categories. The finalists were:
- Sealyham Terrier
- Standard Poodle
- Australian Shepherd
- Weimaraner
- Akita
- Toy Poodle
If you were unable to see the show on television, you can watch it online. It really is a fun moment to see a dog win Best In Show. Uno was obviously proud and thrilled and joined in with all the festivities. And according to the announcers, this is the first time a standing ovation occurred for the winner. Madison Square Garden was indeed the place to be that night!
The player at the Westminster site has some wonderful videos. You can watch in the category “Breed Judging” each breed shown at Westminster. I had a great time watching the Pembroke Welsh Corgis and the Collies. I also enjoyed the German Shepherds. Whatever your favorite may be, there will be a video of the most beautiful dogs of that breed.
PawPads and Whiskers would like to congratulate Uno, his owners and trainers. It was a great victory and certainly will be a great step in Uno’s career!
Best of Breed List – Westminster 2008
Video of Westminster Dog Show 2008
The Top Ten Dog Breeds
Do you have a dog? Is he or she in the top ten? According to the AKC (American Kennel Club) these dogs ranked in the top ten in popularity in the year 2007. Unfortunately, Pembroke Welsh Corgis, my personal favorite didn’t make the cut
- Labrador Retriever
- Yorkshire Terrier
- German Shepherd Dog
- Golden Retriever
- Beagle
- Boxer
- Dachshund
- Poodle
- Shih Tzu
- Bulldog
Some interesting facts:
Lassie was number three in popularity (no doubt because of the films) until the late 40’s when the collie began a decline ending up in the current spot of #38. My theory is that they have fallen out of favor due to the intense grooming needs and the busy society we now live in. That is unfortunate; collies are wonderful!
Toy dogs (meaning size – not Mattel) have increased in popularity dramatically coincidentally with the aging of the Baby Boomer population. Perhaps the Boomers are now content to sit at home with a good movie and a lap dog!
The fancy French Poodle, once a commodity in and of itself in New York City (complete with frufru cut) has been ousted by the Labrador Retriever. Considering the activity level of Labs, the space they require, and their predilection for jumping into water, they would be the last dog I would consider were I living in the Big Apple.
Whatever dog we choose, to each of us that dog is the best. The list is interesting and a lot of fun to read, but we all know our own dog is #1 regardless of any statistics that anyone has recorded. Certainly overlooking the Pembroke Welsh Corgi proves that fact!
Dog Popularity Facts and Trivia
PETA Accused of Being “Slaughterhouse”
Once again, controversy is surrounding PETA and its policy of euthanizing pets at a very high percentage rate to those pets they take in from owners. It is now to the point that the Center for Consumer Freedom has requested the State of Virginia, to classify PETA officially as a “slaughterhouse.”
An official report filed by PETA itself shows that the animal rights group put to death nearly every dog, cat, and other pet it took in for adoption in 2006. During that year, the well-known animal rights group managed to find adoptive homes for just 12 animals. The organization killed 2,981 of the 3,061 “companion animals” it took in.
Doggie News
There has been controversy about PETA and how they have handled the pet rescue side of their business for a long time. Granted, they have achieved a lot of attention with their stands on various topics such as the wearing of real fur, lab experimentation on animals, meat eating, and other concerns on a large scale.
But the organization has been harshly criticized for how they handle the “smaller” issues, such as abandoned pets. The group “PETA Kills Animals,” states that most of the animals turned over to PETA for rescue are put down. The statistics are on that Web site and there are not any statistics on the PETA site to contradict those findings. The proof is evidenced by a form published by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
It is interesting to note that if PETA is looked up at Wikipedia, there is a dispute that has yet to be settled regarding the neutrality of the article. Wikipedia states that all entries must be written from a neutral point of view and there is controversy surrounding this particular entry with accusations it is not neutral. The results of this particular debate are still outstanding.
There will probably always be controversy surrounding PETA and its opposing organization PETA Kills Animals. This is an area that people are passionate about, on both sides of the issue. It won’t be solved in a way that satisfies all parties for some time to come.
The lesson that can be taken from the existing problem is that people need to investigate very carefully how they donate their money when they try to help various animal rights organizations. And if a pet needs to be given up, owners need to research carefully before turning their pet over to another person; it is always better to relocate a pet to a family member or friend if at all possible.
Of course, the best solution would be to reduce the overpopulation of pets by responsible ownership. Having pets altered (neutered or spayed) is the best defense anyone can use to solve the problems of ethical treatment of any animal. Basic medical care, such as dog and cat vaccines, adequate identification on the pet, and proper care, along with controlling the birth rate of pets are the best things any pet owner can do to protect their pets and family.
Virginia Asked to Classify PETA as a Slaughterhouse
PETA Kills Animals – A Web Site Opposed to PETA
PETA – People for Ethical Treatment of Animals – Official Site
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Talk About Lucky Dogs!
Not that losing their master was so lucky, but considering that Buckshot, Katie and Obu-Jet were rescued and adopted, they have come out top dog! Ken Kemper, owner of the three canines, passed away last year after a battle with cancer, he left $800,000 and his home, to his faithful and loyal companions. 
Not only are they set for life, they enjoy a “Lady and the Tramp,” spaghetti dinner every week as well. Caretaker Roy Grady said, “They love it. They know when it’s coming on Friday, too. They have that time clock.”
I thought my pets had it all. But in all seriousness, whether or not we are worth that kind of money, it is important to think about our pets when we plan our estates. What happens to our beloved companions when we pass away? Hopefully friends and family will adopt the suddenly homeless pets and help ease their grief (believe me, they grieve – more on that another time) but it is something to think about, even if you don’t have $800,000.
Ken Kemper’s Dogs Benefit From His Will
