SECAUCUS, N.J., Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/ — The Hartz Mountain Corporation is voluntarily recalling one specific lot of Hartz Naturals Real Beef Treats for Dogs due to concerns that one or more bags 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.

Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems, all of whom are at particular risk from exposure and should avoid handling these products.

Salmonella symptoms may include fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea in both dogs and humans.  Anyone experiencing the symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek immediate medical attention.  Owners of dogs exhibiting these symptoms should also seek veterinary assistance.

Hartz Mountain Corporation is recalling 74,700 8-oz bags of Hartz Naturals Real Beef Treats for Dogs, lot code BZ0969101E, UPC number 32700-11519, which were imported by Hartz from a Brazilian supplier, Bertin S.A., and which were distributed to a number of customers in the United States.  While regular testing conducted by Bertin (prior to shipment to the US) did not detect the presence of Salmonella in any packages of this product, random sample testing conducted by FDA did indicate the presence of Salmonella. Hartz is aggressively investigating the source of the problem.

Although Hartz has not received any reports of animals or humans becoming ill as a result of coming into contact with this product, Hartz is taking immediate steps to remove the product from all retail stores and distribution centers.  Dog owners having purchased this product should check the lot code on their bag, and, if the code is not visible, or if the bag has lot code BZ0969101E imprinted thereon, they should immediately discontinue use of the product and discard it in a proper manner.

Consumers can contact Hartz at 1-800-275-1414 at any time with any questions they may have and for information on how to obtain reimbursement for purchased product.

Right before July 4th I got a cry out for help on our Facebook page. Wendy posted (and emailed me) about a German Shepard puppy she discovered while backing out of her drive way near McDowell Mountain Ranch.  Being the awesome pet mom and lover that she is she didn’t think twice about wanting to help this pup. She took the dog into Dr. Casey at McDowell Mountain Animal Hospital (great vet!) and they scanned for her micro chip.  They found out that her name was BELLA and she was from NEW MEXICO!!!

How in the heck did this pup get all the way to Scottsdale Arizona? Things that make you go hmm…

So, that was when Wendy thought of Bella’s House & Pet Sitting’s fan page. Since we have almost a 1000 fans, surly someone would be going to New Mexico in the upcoming weekend and able to help transport Bella. I posted a few updates for Wendy and then didn’t hear much other than it was taken care of.

Here is the rest of the story….

I received several great offers to transport Bella B back to New Mexico from your contacts & others.  We had Bella in our house for about 4 days and I got a little attached.  I didn’t feel right giving her to someone else to return so her mommy, Liz, and I decided to meet each other half way in Benson.  We started out at 6am and got there about 9:15am or so.  When Bella saw her mom, she starting licking every part of her she could get her tongue on.  Got apic for you of that.  Even got a text from Liz after we had been back on the road about 15 minutes that Bella was still licking her

How cool is that story? What I enjoy the most is how the community came together ready and willing to help Wendy, Bella, and her mom Liz. How did Bella get all the way to Az? The only logical explanation was that someone picked her up with their car and took her. by the looks of her – she didn’t walk all that way.

If you ever loose your dog, do you know what to do? Take a look at this other article we wrote about how to get the best chances to have a happy ending.

As a pet sitter in Scottsdale, I think it is very important to pass along this information as soon as I know about it. Although this specific really doesn’t involve our home city and state (Scottsdale, AZ) I realize that I do have clients who are part time residents else where in the country, and that we have a lot of followers who may not live here. This is for you.

P&G Voluntarily Recalls a Small Amount of Dry Cat Food

Company Estimates Fewer Than 60 Bags Purchased

Company Contact:
Jason Taylor, P&G
513-622-3205

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 31, 2010 – CINCINNATI,  The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G) is voluntarily recalling a small number of bags from a specific lot of one of its dry cat food products due to potential salmonella exposure.

No illnesses have been reported, and no other Iams pet food products are involved.

Only one code date is affected by this announcement:

The company successfully traced and retrieved nearly all of the affected product and estimates that fewer than 60 bags from this production run may have been purchased by consumers.

This production run was sold through a single retailer in the following states:  Illinois, New Mexico, Texas, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Kansas, Wisconsin, South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming and Colorado.

Consumers who have purchased one of these few bags with the specific code date listed above should discard it.  For a product replacement or refund, please call P&G toll-free at 800-862-3332 (Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST).

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.

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Photos: Product Labels⁹

RSS Feed for FDA Recalls Information¹⁰ [what's this?¹¹]

Many of you may not know – but I love cutting coupons. Hardly ever do I end up at the grocery store without saving at least $15 in coupons.

While cutting my coupons this Sunday, it occurred to me there are many savings that can be passed along to you pet parents. In an effort to bring it to your attention and welcome you to the coupon cutting world, I though I would pass along the information so you can go grab a paper and get the coupons for yourself!

I will try this for the next four Sundays and see the response. The following are coupons you can find in the Sunday Paper Aug 29, 2010.

PET SMART
$3 OFF (1) 4lb bag of Nutro Natural Choice Small Breed Dog food @ Pet Smart.

DOG FOOD & TREATS
$1 OFF (1) Snausage of Snaw Somesl dog snack.
$1 OFF any Pup-Peroni dog snack product 4.8oz or larger
$3 OFF when you buy two any size Bandit Bits
$1 OFF any one Iams ProActive Health dry dog or cat food.

Buy One, Get One FREE – Buy any Meaty Bone dog treat, get a free Canine Carry Outs Dog Snack
Buy One, Get One FREE – buy any one Iams ProActive Health dry dog food, get any one Iams dog can FREE
Buy and FOUR Iams dog cans, get ONE FREE.

CAT FOOD & TREATS
$1 OFF Any (1) bag of 9Lives dry cat food
$1 OFF on 9 LIves wet cat food: ONE 12 can variety pack, 12 individual cans of THREE 4-packs.

PET CLEANING PRODUCTS
$5 OFF any Pawsitively Clean Chemical Product
$10 OFF Any Pawsitively Clean Yikes Machine
$2 OFF Any size Bissell full Size Machine 2X Deep Cleaning Formula
$1 OFF Woolite Oxy Deep or Woolite Pet Trigger
$1 OFF On any Woolite Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner

*I might state that I am not endorsing this as food that you should (or I would) feed your pets. I know that sometimes money is an issue, and no matter how much education is passed along some people will never change their treats or food.  In any case, this is an attempt to help you save some money. If you want to find out what is in their food or what the ingredients mean, go to: www.dogfoodproject.com*

Don’t mess up your bath tub. Have fun.
Have a bonding experience at Kosmo’s Dog house.

Kosmo's Dog House

Many of you have already virtually met Bella’s new office manager – Rocco the Rockstar.  Well even Rockstars get a little dirty sometimes and he threw a little attitude yesterday and told me “ I don’t want the bathtub mom. Take me somewhere to get cleaned. But I want YOU to do it.”  “Ok” I said. I knew just the place. Having a professional pet sitting company in Scottsdale and Fountain Hills, I sorta know my way around the pet world I only go to the best places, and Kat at Kosmo’s truly is. I am glad to call her a real friend. Off to Kosmo’s Dog House we went!

When we arrived to Kosmo’s we were greeted by THEIR office manager, Morey. The two “office managers” conversed while Chase set up a tub for Rocco and I. We entered our area through our own little white picket fence and started to go to town. (See a pic of Bella with Kat and Morey here)

For me, I got to wear a plastic apron, so this time I wasn’t going to end up getting a bath with Rocco like I usually do at home. Chase provided me with towels, brushes, shampoo, and then extra special kind for the face (don’t have that at home!), and showed me how to hook Rocco up so he didn’t go running everywhere.

Rocco all lathered up with the special face shampoo on his head

Once Rocco made his adjustment, he did really well. The hose that I was able to use to spray him down was much more successful than the plastic cup I use with tub water at home, and the ability to have the tub at a higher level at Kosmo’s, rather than leaning over into my bathtub at home was also a nice change. I was able to suds Rocco up and give him a long massage and he really enjoyed it. Great bonding time

Bella spraying Rocco

When it came time for the blow dry … (I didn’t even know this was an option) Chase instructed me to put the cotton balls in Rocco’s ears so the loud air sound didn’t scare him. Surprisingly after a few minute he was okay with it as well and we both enjoyed giving and getting his massage.

I also handed Rocco off to the girls in the back who do the full service grooming if you don’t want to choose washing your dog as a bonding experience lol… They clipped his nails. I leave that to the professionals. He yelps like I am cutting off his paw. I was very thankful to have it taken care of.

Afterward, I stuck around to chat some with Kat the owner. We did another story on her when it opened and you can read all about her here. While we chatted, Morey and Rocco ran around the store playing with all the “demonstration” toys. Morey is a great sales man.

Rocco with Bella enjoying his massage!

So after all that fun and only $23 later, Rocco and I were happy and CLEAN. Both of us. I had no mess to clean up and he is soooo much softer than the doggie shampoo I have at home.

You should defiantly make it a point to go on in and give your dog a wash. They are beyond affordable and it is a great experience. Maybe have a dog wash party next time you want to do something fun with your friends? I am sure Kat would let you have a small “happy hour” there too! *wink*

Kosmo’s Dog House is located at: 10105 East Vía Linda # A-108
Scottsdale, AZ 85258-5311  Phone: (480) 391-3647(DOGS)  They also provide dog training, retail, and professional grooming. Stop in and say hi soon! Tell them Bella’s sent you!  kosmosdoghouse.com/

Hello Fellow Bella Believers!

I had the pleasure of meeting Bella this morning at a networking group and strongly believe in what she is doing to help us animals lovers with our furry friends J I wanted to introduce myself to you all and see if you have it in your heart to help out our 501© 3 non profit organization. I’m Brittany Winkelman, Development Director at Horses Help Therapeutic Riding Center, www.horseshelp.org. Located in beautiful North Phoenix Arizona, Horses Help utilizes specially trained horses, well-qualified instructors that are certified by North American Riding for the Handicapped Assn. (NARHA), physical and occupational therapists, and community volunteers to form exceptional teams to work with the special abilities population. Riders range in age from three to seniors and represent a wide range of physical and mental disabilities. Participants enjoy weekly sessions to learn riding/driving skills, receive therapy, and enjoy the freedom of activities with THEIR horse. Leaving wheelchairs and walkers behind, these riders control their horse through obstacles and journey where they couldn’t otherwise go by themselves.

Our needs from our community are: (Let’s help them out!  SHARE or TWEET this article!)

- Volunteers (we couldn’t support our riders without our amazing volunteers!)
- Donations of Horse equipment, tack, and feed
- Sponsorships for our Upcoming fundraiser on November 6^th
- Rider sponsorships for our participants who need a little financial help for the programs

Please contact Brittany.w@horseshelp.org for more information or if you would like to come on down and see the horses!

Thanks Bella!
Brittany Winkelman
Director of Development
brittany.w@horseshelp.org
602-569-6056

Horses Help is in the running for a $5,000 grant! We need your vote to win.
http://www.justmeans.com/contestidea?ideaid=ODgw

Gelie of Networking Phoenix approached Bella’s to interview us about our nationally award winning and top notch pet care services that we provide to Scottsdale and Fountain Hills.  If you have a business or are interested in business networking, www.networkingphoenix.com is the place to be. I am proud to call Gelie a friend and her organization can really help you get in contact with the people you want to meet.

Featured in the video is Ms. Beatrice (Bee for short) Her and her mom and dad have been clients of Bella’s for years. You can see more pictures of her on our facebook page in the photo albums!

Bella’s House & Pet Sitting, Scottsdale AZ is jumping up and down, walking on hind legs, wagging our tails so fast that our our bodies looks like wiggle worms…. to announce to you – that we are officially now serving

FOUNTAIN HILLS, AZ

This decision is a two part decision… First, we have had such a high demand for pet sitting services in Fountain Hills, and second have found the best people to spear head the wagging tails, purrs and whiskers of all our soon to be pet sitting clients there. Erin and Lacy (biographies can be seen here) are perfect for this job as their homes are close by and Erin’s little ones (two legged kids) are in school all day.

Help us get our name out there!

We are calling on all our clients and followers to help get our name out there. Here is how:

1. If you are a client, don’t forget about our Customer Rewards program. If someone uses our services becasue they are a referral from you, then you BOTH get a free visit.
2. We are looking for community publications to reach out to. Know any publishers or great places to advertise our Fountain Hills Grand Opening?
3. Let’s Party! We have to celebrate, right? Bella’s is looking for a pet friendly establishment to have a Grand Opening celebration in Fountain Hills. Know a great breakfast joint that has a great patio that is pet friendly? Or maybe a lunch/dinner spot with a great patio and pet friendly? Send them our way and we will be sure to show you our gratitude!

Fountain Hills pet sitting

We are looking forward to working with the community of Fountain Hills and helping enhance their pet care community with our nationally award winning, detail oriented, customizable pet sitting services. Let’s face it – there is only one way in and one way out of Fountain Hills (from our side). The pets of Fountain Hills bladders need our services becasue chances are their mommy and daddy’s have a long commute to work! We can’t wait to be YOUR pet sitter!

GRAND OPENING SAVINGS!!!!

We have very special pricing and a FREE GIFT for all our new Fountain Hills residents.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….

Author unknown…

I asked on Facebook if anyone had any questions. Dee asked this question:

Cat question…is there a safe way to medicate so they can be groomed. Nails etc.

Seeing as though this dealt with medication and grooming, I decided to ask Dr. Casey of McDowell Mountain Animal Hospital. Within an hour I had a response.

First, they need to have an exam with a vet to make sure that they are 1. healthy enough for sedation and 2. have no other medical problems that would make them sensitive to stressful situations- diabetes, heart disease, thyroid issues, anemia. . .

Next, there are multiple options depending on the level of stress/pain.  1. Mild sedatives (usually oral)- these are the first level and can be effective in simply grouchy kitties- tablets are usually given orally 30-45 minutes before an appointment and will usually last 8-12 hours.  These cats are still awake the whole time, just a bit foggy.  2.  Injections (these need to be given by a vet and the grooming supervised be a tech or vet – we do this all the time to minimize stress)- these are usually good for healthy adults who come un-glued- hissy, biting and dangerous to themselves and the groomer, they are reversible and usually completely out of the system in 6-8 hours.  These cats are mostly asleep- but can be roused with strong stimulation.  3.  Inhaled anesthetics- we use these for feral animals or painful animals (like matted cats- the grooming can actually be quite painful if the mats are in contact with the skin)-  this is equivalent to “twilight” anesthesia- kitties are fully asleep.  The medication is inhaled and then exhaled and usually are out of the system in 30 minutes.

Most of these things need supervision- but oral medications are usually tried first.  Some kitties are just grouchy about being handled- I might be if I was a cat:)  I tried to start my male cat as a kitten with nail trimmers-  it just never worked and now it takes two of us to do it at the hospital – he still doesn’t need medication, but he sure tells me about it:)

- Dr. Caroline “Casey” Magargle
Owner/DVM

Might I suggest that you pop in and check out her place? Go on in for a get aquainted visit. I am sure that her and her staff’s bedside manor and ability to hold your hand thoughout everything will impress you. Her and her staff sure did impress me and Rocco!

Dr. Casey   McDowell Mountain Animal Hospital 480.419.6300