P&G is expanding their recent recall, which is due to possible salmonella contamination. P&G will have people available to answer questions 9:00am to 4:00pm on Saturday and Sunday. The number is 877-340-8823.
The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G) (NYSE:PG) is voluntarily expanding its recall to include veterinary and some specialized dry pet food as a precautionary measure because it has the potential to be contaminated with salmonella. No salmonella-related illnesses have been reported.
Iams Veterinary Dry Formulas
All dry sizes and varieties
Best By Dates: 01Jul10 – 01Dec11
All UPC Codes
Eukanuba Naturally Wild
All dry sizes and varieties
Best By Dates: 01Jul10 – 01Dec11
All UPC Codes
Eukanuba Pure
All dry sizes and varieties
Best By Dates: 01Jul10 – 01Dec11
All UPC Codes
Eukanuba Custom Care Sensitive Skin
All dry sizes
Best by Dates: 01Jul10 – 01Dec11
All UPC Codes
The affected products are sold in veterinary clinics and specialty pet retailers throughout the United States and Canada. No canned food, biscuits/treats or supplements are affected by this announcement. A full listing of UPC codes can be found at www.iams.com.
These products are made in a single, specialized facility. In cooperation with FDA, P&G determined that some products made at this facility have the potential for salmonella contamination. As a precautionary measure, P&G is recalling all products made at this facility.
Consumers who have purchased the specific dry pet foods listed should discard them. People handling dry pet food can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with surfaces exposed to this product. 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 have decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. If left untreated, pets may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever 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.
For further information or a product replacement or refund call P&G toll-free at 877-340-8823 (Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST).
Media Contact: Jason Taylor 513-622-3205
Bev VanZant, from P&G, just emailed this info. In emails we exchanged regarding last week’s recalls, she told me that the FDA pretty much dictated the timing of the release. The fact that it’s happening again on a Friday is of concern. It looks like the folks at P&G are doing their best to get the info out as soon as possible, but it sure would be nice if the FDA could get things together so these don’t always happen on Friday (or Sunday!) evenings. FDA, what’s up? Can you give us some insight on why these recalls seem to be happening on Friday evenings?
Again, P&G will have people available to answer questions 9:00am to 4:00pm on Saturday and Sunday. I’ve just confirmed this wieth Bev VanZant, of P&G. The number is 877-340-8823.
Here’s another salmonella-related pet food recall. This one is for frozen mice, rats, & chicks that are fed to reptiles.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — July 26, 2010 – Biggers & Callaham LLC., D/B/A Mice Direct of Cleveland Georgia is recalling frozen reptile feed (mice, rats, chicks), 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. People handling contaminated pet food can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the product or any surfaces exposed to these products.
[...]
The frozen reptile feed was distributed in all states, except Hawaii, through pet stores and by mail order and direct delivery.
Frozen reptile feed was shipped in plastic bags with the following product codes M-SP100, M-P100, M-PF100, M-F100, M-H100, M-W50, M-A50, M-JA25, R-P100, R-F50, R-PUP50, R-W50, R-S50, R-M20, R-L10,R-J5, R-C5, R-M3 followed by E9, F9, G9, H9, I9, J9, K9, L9 or A10, B10, C10, D10, E10, F10, G10 and whole frozen chicks in 25 count bags.
Human illnesses that may be related to the frozen reptile feed have been reported in 17 states. The recalled product should not be fed to animals, even after heating in a microwave oven, since the heating may not be adequate to kill Salmonella. The recall is based upon sampling by the FDA of frozen mice. The company continues their investigation.
Products shipped after 07/24/2010, will be irradiated in a similar manner as raw food for human consumption in order to address the Salmonella issue associated with these products.
Consumers who purchased reptile feed from Mice Direct are urged to contact Mice Direct by telephone at 888-747-0736 from 9:00a.m-5:00p.m EST Monday-Friday or by e-mail at sales@micedirect.com for instructions concerning this recall and for credits towards replacement of unused product.
P&G is recalling some prescription cat food due to possible salmonella contamination:
CINCINNATI, July 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G) (NYSE: PG), is voluntarily recalling two specific lots of its prescription renal dry cat food as a precautionary measure, as it has the potential to be contaminated with salmonella.
This product is available by prescription through veterinary clinics throughout the U.S.
For further information or a product refund call P&G toll-free at 877-894-4458 (Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST).
[...]
No illnesses have been reported. A FDA analysis identified a positive result on the lot codes listed above. Lot codes can be found in the lower right corner on the back of the bag.
With all of the recalls for potential salmonella contamination lately, one has to wonder what the common thread is among all of these pet foods.
Who knows why the recall was announced on a Sunday. If it’s because that’s truly the fastest they could get it out, that’s great. But what bothers me is that they are telling people to call Monday through Friday if they have questions. This food is for cats who already have health problems, and if their owners hear about the recall today many of them are likely to be very concerned about what to feed their cats. Given that it’s a Sunday, most vets are out of the office, leaving them nobody to talk to. Obviously Iams employees can’t give veterinary advice, but I do wish they would have had people on the phones today to at least field the calls and let their customers be heard.
Pflugerville, (the P is silent) Texas (just a short drive from Austin) is in desperate need of a new animal shelter, and a small group of people are working hard to try to make that happen. Pflugerville’s Pfurry Pfriends was founded by Pflugerville pet sitter Lynn Vaughan of Lynn’s Pet Sitting, and a few other concerned pet lovers.
Tomorrow, Saturday, July 24th, they’ll be holding a fun event to help raise money for the shelter. Here’s the deal:
Date: Saturday, July 24 Time: 12pm – 5pm Place: Hanover’s, 108 E. Main St., Pflugerville, TX, 512-670-9617
They’re going to have food (for dogs and people!), a dunk the animal control officer tank, live music, artwork made by local dogs and cats, and an auction of animal related items. It’s going to be a fabulous way to help the local community and have fun at the same time.
The founders of Pflugerville Pfurry Pfriends are doing their best to help change things for pets at the Pflugerville animal shelter.
Pflugerville is expected to reach a population of more than 50,000 residents when the 2010 census results are released, and as the city approaches the milestone, the growing number of residents also means a growing pet population.
[...]
“The majority of people don’t know where the shelter is, or even that Pflugerville has one,” said Lissa Slovacek, one of the founders of the Pfurry Pfriends.
A number of residents, including Lynn Vaughan and Heather Shaddock—also founding members of the organization—spoke to the Pflugerville City Council April 13 regarding the need for a new shelter, estimated to cost $1.5 million. Anderson said Police Chief Charles Hooker put in a request for funding when the city began its annual budget process in April.
“We’re all for a new shelter and a new location, but it’s all up to the budget, which usually comes out in October, so right now it’s still up in the air,” Anderson said.
Until the city is able to fund the construction of a new shelter, Anderson and the Pfurry Pfriends say they will continue to work to increase awareness of the shelter and improve the lives of the animals there.
So, if you’re in the area and are looking for something to do with (or without) your dogs, please stop by the festival. I know they’ll appreciate it, and you’ll be doing a good thing for homeless cats and dogs at the Pflugerville Animal Shelter.
Sure, your fans clicked the like button on your page because they want to hear about you and your pet sitting business (or whatever your page may be about). But, if all you’re posting is about YOU! YOU! YOU!, you’re likely to bore them, train them to ignore you, or worse yet – persuade them to click that little unlike link!
Seriously, when someone likes your page do you really think all they want to hear about is YOU! YOU! YOU!?
Of course not.
They probably thought it was cool that you’re a pet sitter and wanted to interact with you and other people who like pets. They may have questions about your pet sitting business, want to get to know you a bit before they hire you to care for their pets, or may even be happy clients who want to brag about your services. But if all you’re doing is talking about yourself and/or have the page set to only show posts by you, chances are they’re not going to stick around all that long.
I see quite a few pet sitters (and others) who repeatedly post about themselves or their business. It might be “I’m the best pet sitter in town” or “schedule your holiday pet sitting early,” etc. Most, if not all, of their posts are marketing and don’t encourage interaction at all. Some pages are even set up to only show their own posts – not their fans’. This sends a message to the fans of that page that what they have to say isn’t all that important. OUCH! Page owners who do this usually view their page simply as a way to advertise their services or get their message out – whatever that may be. Others are just on a learning curve and haven’t figured it out yet. The thing is, Facebook is a social website and if it’s used to be social and get to know people, it’s going to be way more effective as a marketing tool than if it’s just used to blast out a message.
Think of your Facebook page as a party and the people there as your guests. If you were to have a real life party and invite the same group of people, my guess is you wouldn’t tell them all to be quiet when they walked in and then stand up and start talking about yourself. Heck no! You’d mingle, get to know as many people as possible, offer them a drink, introduce them to each other and have a great time. You’d be social!
As the owner of the page on a social media website, it’s your job to be social and try to include as many people as possible. Of course, there will be some lurkers who won’t ever say a thing – that’s always going to be a fact in online communities. But, by asking questions, commenting on what people have to say, and making your fans feel valued, more people will participate. The result is that your Facebook page will become a great way for you to get to know your current and potential clients, and build some buzz about your pet sitting and dog walking services! And, by letting your fans have a voice, many of your current clients will keep that buzz going by telling others how wonderful you are with their pets!
***
If you’re not sure how to change the post views on your wall…
First, click the Options link under the share button. Then you’ll see the Settings, where you can choose what posts you want to be visible: Yours + others – Just Yours – Just Others. Click on Yours + Others. Now posts by you and your fans will show up on the wall.
Feline’s Pride has expanded the cat food recall (due to salmonella contamination) that was first announced on July 1.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 15, 2010 – Buffalo, NY – Feline’s Pride is expanding its July 1, 2010 voluntary recall of Feline’s Pride Raw food with ground bone for cats and kittens, Natural Chicken Formula, Net Wt. 2.5 lbs. (1.13 kg., 40 oz.) produced on 6/10/10 to include the product produced on 6/21/10, because it may be contaminated with Salmonella. People handling raw pet food can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the raw pet food or any surfaces exposed to the product.
When consumed by humans, Salmonella can cause an infection, salmonellosis. The symptoms of salmonellosis include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, minimal diarrhea, fever, and headache. Certain vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems, are particularly susceptible to acquiring salmonellosis from such pet food products and may experience more severe symptoms.
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.
The product is packaged in uncoded plastic containers and sold frozen to private consumers nationwide. Once thawed, the pet food has a shelf life of about 1 week. The firm manufactures the pet food by an as-ordered basis. This expansion of the recall affects those orders placed and shipped from June 21 through June 26, 2010 (produced on 6/21/10).
[...]
Consumers with questions should contact the company at (716) 580-3096, Monday -Friday from 10 am – 4 pm EDT.
Frankly, I’m not sure what to think of this recall. Several people (including myself) had been in touch with the owner of Feline’s Pride. He stated that the salmonella was due to improper handling by the FDA investigators. Yet, now they’re expanding the recall to include cat food manufactured on another date.
The south Austin Petland store is closing, probably within the next week. Petland stores have been in the news repeatedly for selling puppies that were bought from puppy mills.
The South Austin location of the Petland retail chain is closing.
The store has been regularly picketed by protesters who said it sold puppies from puppy mills, where conditions often are inhumane. The national chain has been accused in a federal suit by The Humane Society of the United States of purchasing dogs from puppy mills.
The action comes as the city Animal Advisory Commission was meeting late Wednesday to consider recommending a ban on retail sales of dogs and cats, because they often come from mills.
A Petland employee who answered the phone at the store on 9900 S. Interstate 35 confirmed the store was closing “probably next week,” but wouldn’t elaborate.
One of the Animal Advisory Commission members commented on a news interview I saw this evening that she would liked to have seen Petland work with rescue groups to help find homes for pets in need of homes. That would have been ideal, given the work that’s being done to make Austin a no-kill city. The Petland employee they interviewed though, said their customers wanted purebreds. It’s a shame, really – they could have helped educate people and help save cats and dogs at the same time.
Dogster has a great article on puppy mills. If you’re not sure why puppy mills and buying puppies from pet stores isn’t a good idea, go read it. 10 Reasons Not to Buy From a Pet Store.
Lydia is great at letting me know when she wants to go outside. She has ways of telling me that range from very subtle cues to the “in your face” ways that I can’t ignore no matter what. What she does have trouble with is getting my attention when she wants back in. I used to have a rickety old door that she could knock on to get my attention. It was so noisy that I’d hear it from anywhere in the house. It was the perfect way for her to let me know she wanted in.
Not long ago though, I had a new door put on and the darn thing is as quiet as can be. Lydia knocks but it’s so quiet that most of the time I don’t hear it. Lydia loves being outside, but I don’t like her to stay out all that long, especially when it’s hot. Knowing how engrossed I can become in what I’m doing when I get in front of the computer I decided I needed to figure out a way for her to let me know when she wants in.
I found a really cool doorbell a while back – the Lentek Pet Chime Portable Wireless Electronic Pet Doorbell. It’s battery operated, with two components – the ringer and the chime. The ringer looks like a big dog paw and I keep it outside. When Lydia presses it with her paw, the chime that I keep inside, barks like a dog.
I haven’t ever heard of anybody who used it with their dogs, so I asked my Facebook friends. A few of them said they used bells on a string or ribbon, but not the doorbell. I didn’t think I’d hear the bells from inside the house, which is why I was more interested in the doorbell. Much to my surprise, one of my pet sitter friends on Facebook said she had one but wasn’t using it, and offered to send it to me. Of course I happily accepted the offer (thanks, Joan!) and was excited to give it a try.
Lydia and I have worked with the doggie doorbell for about a week and a half. First I taught her how to press the paw with her foot. I started out by saying ring, putting her paw on the big paw ringer, then giving her a treat. After she caught on and figured out how to do that, I put the battery in the chime so she could hear the barking dog. I wanted her to associate the action of pressing her paw on the ringer with the barking dog sound. We did a few mini training sessions working on this and before long she figured out exactly what was going on. Hit the ringer, hear the sound, get a treat!
Once we transferred the whole process to the door, there wasn’t much of a learning curve at all! I keep the ringer just inside the back door, so that she and I can both hear it. It only took her a few tries before she caught on that when she hits the paw, and hears the barking, she gets my attention and a treat (and/or massive amounts of praise). She thinks it’s a great game! Now, whenever she wants in (or wants mom to come out and play) she just taps the paw and there I am. And yes, she does use it to tell me to get away from the computer and come play with her! And you know what, that’s OK by me. A little reminder not to have my head in the computer all the time is a good thing.
Oh, and Archie learned, too. He’s learned that when he hears the word ring or the barking dog, a treat is soon to follow. He’s no dummy!
P&G is recalling some prescription cat food due to possible salmonella contamination:
Pflugerville, (the P is silent) Texas (just a short drive from Austin) is in desperate need of a new animal shelter, and a small group of people are working hard to try to make that happen. 
The south Austin Petland store is closing, probably within the next week. 
. It’s battery operated, with two components – the ringer and the chime. The ringer looks like a big dog paw and I keep it outside. When Lydia presses it with her paw, the chime that I keep inside, barks like a dog.
