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 become lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, or vomiting. Some pets may experience only a decreased appetite, fever, or abdominal pain. If your pet has consumed any of the affected products and is experiencing any of these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

The recall includes the following products with a “Best If Used By” date of 10/29/10 or 11/9/10:

UPC#7 69949 60131 9 – Chicken Formula 0.75 lb trial sized medallions
UPC#7 69949 60130 2 – Chicken Formula 3 lb medallions
UPC#7 69949 60120 3 – Chicken Formula 6 lb patties
UPC#7 69949 60121 0 – Chicken Formula 2 lb single chubs
In an abundance of caution, Nature’s Variety has also chosen to expand this voluntary recall to include all Chicken Formula and Organic Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diets for dogs and cats with any “Best If Used By” date on or before 2/5/11. Nature’s Variety has elected to clear the market of raw frozen chicken diets as it implements a state-of-the-art new food safety process called High Pressure Pasteurization for use on all Nature’s Variety Raw Frozen Diets.

The products included in the expanded recall are any Chicken Formula or Organic Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diet with a “Best If Used By” date on or before 2/5/11, including:

UPC#7 69949 60131 9 – Chicken Formula 0.75 lb trial sized medallions
UPC#7 69949 60130 2 – Chicken Formula 3 lb medallions
UPC#7 69949 60120 3 – Chicken Formula 6 lb patties
UPC#7 69949 60121 0 – Chicken Formula 2 lb single chubs
UPC#7 69949 50121 3 – Chicken Formula 12 lb case of chubs
UPC#7 69949 60137 1 – Organic Chicken Formula 3 lb medallions
UPC#7 69949 60127 2 – Organic Chicken Formula 6 lb patties
The “Best If Used By” date is located on the back of the package above the safe handling instructions. The affected product was distributed through retail stores and internet sales in the United States and Canada.

No other Raw Frozen Diets are involved in this expansion other than chicken, and no other Nature’s Variety products are involved.

Nature’s Variety now uses High Pressure Pasteurization on their Raw Frozen Diets as a unique process to kill pathogenic bacteria through high-pressure, water-based technology. Having incorporated this state-of-the-art technology on a portion of their raw product offerings in late 2009, Nature’s Variety was able to confidently implement the process universally on all Raw Frozen Diets after the 2/11/10 recall in order to enhance food safety. Nature’s Variety also utilizes a test and hold protocol to ensure that all High Pressure Pasteurized Raw Frozen Diets test negative for harmful bacteria before being released for sale.

“Nature’s Variety believes replacing all raw frozen chicken products on the market with new raw frozen chicken products that use High Pressure Pasteurization is an important and responsible step in order to reinforce consumer confidence and trust,” stated Reed Howlett, CEO of Nature’s Variety. “By recalling all raw frozen chicken products with ‘Best If Used By’ dates on or before 2/5/11, we can provide our pet parents with new raw frozen chicken products that have been processed through High Pressure Pasteurization. Adopting High Pressure Pasteurization is an important step to ensure that our products meet the strictest quality and food safety standards.”

Howlett stated, “Our commitment to consumers in the future is the same as it’s been in the past – to offer Raw Frozen Diets made from the highest quality ingredients, made in our own plant in the Midwest, by people who care deeply about pet nutrition, health, and happiness.”

If you are a consumer and have purchased one of these products, please return the unopened product to your retailer for a full refund or replacement. If your package has been opened, please dispose of the raw food in a safe manner by securing it in a covered trash receptacle. Then, bring your receipt (or the empty package in a sealed bag) to your local retailer for a full refund or replacement.

Consumers with additional questions can call the Nature’s Variety dedicated Customer Care line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 800-374-3142. For additional resources about High Pressure Pasteurization or other Nature’s Variety food safety protocols, visit www.naturesvariety.com.

####

About Nature’s Variety
Nature’s Variety specializes in natural, holistic dog and cat food. The line of premium products was developed by families who have been practicing sustainable agriculture for more than 140 years, raising quality livestock and growing crops in America’s heartland. Nature’s Variety offers the purest forms of pet nutrition – including a wide variety of protein choices in every pet food form (raw frozen diets, dry kibble diets, canned diets, and treats). For more information about Nature’s Variety, visit www.naturesvariety.com.

Golden Retriever:
The sun is shining, the day is young, we’ve got our whole lives ahead of us, and you’re inside worrying about a stupid burned out bulb?

Border Collie:
Just one. And then I’ll replace any wiring that’s not up to code.

Dachshund:
You know I can’t reach that damned stupid lamp!

Rottweiler:
Make me.

Labrador:
Oh, me, me!!!! Pleeeeeeze let me change the light bulb! Can I? Can I?
Huh? Huh? Huh? Can I?

Malamute:
Let the Border Collie do it. You can feed me while he’s busy.

Jack Russell Terrier:
I’ll just pop it in while I’m bouncing off the walls and furniture.

Poodle:
I’ll just blow in the Border Collie’s ear and he’ll do it. By the time he finishes rewiring the house, my nails will be dry.

Cocker Spaniel:
Why change it? I can still pee on the carpet in the dark.

Doberman Pinscher:
While it’s dark, I’m going to sleep on the couch.

Boxer:
Who cares? I can still play with my squeaky toys in the dark……

Mastiff:
Mastiffs are NOT afraid of the dark.

Chihuahua:
Yo quiero Taco Bulb.

Irish Wolfhound:
Can somebody else do it? I’ve got this hangover…..

Pointer:
I see it, there it is, there it is, right there….

Greyhound:
It isn’t moving. Who cares?

Australian Shepherd:
First, I’ll put all the light bulbs in a little circle…

Old English Sheep Dog:
Light bulb? I’m sorry, but I don’t see a light bulb?

German Shepherd:
Alright, everyone stop where you are! Who busted the light? I SAID, “STOP WHERE YOU ARE!!!”

Hound Dog:
ZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzz

In anticipation of an exciting year in 2010, Joann and I set out on a mission to find new and interesting pet themed merchandise for Silly Willie’s. We packed our bags, dropped my dog, Abby, off at Grandma’s (she was in for a long weekend with not one miniature schnauzer but two)
and left New Smyrna Beach heading north. It was Atlanta or bust! As we drove out of Florida we knew we were headed for some of the coldest weather on record for Atlanta. There was even talk of snow…

The talk of snow soon became a reality. After a few unplanned stops and delays, treats for Grandma (for dog sitting), Georgia pecans from a place that had a sign on the door which read; “We’re Nuts!’ a quick movie “It’s Complicated” dinner with a cousin in Macon, and we were, as they say,”on the road again”.

Low and behold there it was, hitting us smack on the windshield…something Joann and I haven’t had the
pleasure of driving in since we moved to Florida from Michigan, snow! Now you might think…why that’s no
big deal, and normally I would agree, but the closer we got to the city the harder it snowed, and after the
third time around the block, in the dark of night, we realized… no amount of map quest print-outs, or Georga maps from the welcome center could keep us from getting lost in the big city. Yes-sir-reee! Maps or not, we were officially, LOST!

 The snow was coming down harder and faster. Our tire tracks marking each lovely trip around the block were quickly and magically erased by the beauty of the freshly fallen snow. Yikes! 

Don’t fret…we eventually found our hotel, and after parking my jeep, we opted to use the bus for transportation to the gift and home show for the duration of the weekend. It may not look like much in the picture but keep in mind they don’t have equipment to handle the snow and ice. We found it a little comical that they were trying to mop up the icy slushy mess, in front of AmericasMart, with kitchen mops.

Once safely inside the mart, after getting our bearings, we took out our list and began our treasure hunt. We hit the jackpot in the first showroom discovering some very cute pet lover gifts. After placing our first order and feeling pretty confident, we visited showroom after showroom, floor after floor (18 in one building) and building after building. We included some of the pictures. so that you could see how dedicated we are to finding you wonderful and exciting dog and cat products. We made some animal friends along the way and when the going got tough, I decided to ask a bear for a lift. He wasn’t too agreeable at first. It was a bit of a bear fight to convince him but after Joann stepped in to help, the bear quickly gave in. Now, with the help of the bear I was able to cover even more territory. We left no stone unturned in our quest for you. We even ventured into the garden center to find pet themed garden gifts.

A plethora of new merchandise for the pet boutique was virtually right under our cold little noses. Some of the items we found were, breed specific gifts, thank-you gifts for your pet sitter, beautiful collars for dogs and cats, and wonderful breed specific Christmas ornaments, which you will have to wait until next November to see. The new items have already begun arriving at Silly Willie’s. Be sure to stop by soon to see all the new additions to the store.

July 11, 2009 – December 9, 2009

Jackson was the love of our lives. He was everything to us. Although he was only with us for three months, he had already given us a lifetime of joy. I’m writing this love story in hopes that the tragic accident that happened to us will teach other dog lovers to be careful about electric cords.

For years I’ve wanted a dog. I mean – REALLY wanted a dog. But, for years my jobs required me to travel a lot. My husband and I have been married for 18 years. We don’t have kids, so we always had the luxury of coming and going as we pleased. Every time I asked if we could get a dog, “no” was always the answer. It wasn’t that my husband didn’t want the love and companionship of a dog, he didn’t want the full responsibility when I was away traveling – which was about 1/3rd of the year.

The economy came crashing down a few years ago and at the same time, my job changed – both leading to me traveling less and less. My husband got the bug to buy a motorcycle. Not happy about it, I “gave in” – but only on one condition… that I could get a puppy. So the “deal” was done. We both got what we wanted. A former work colleague of mine has a Wire Fox Terrier named Callie and is she ever special. Not only is she extremely cute, but I always loved her personality and more importantly, the way she made her owner feel. She is the love of Jane’s life and I loved the smile Callie always brought to her face. So a Wire Fox Terrier is what I wanted. Jane was so excited when I told her that I was getting a dog just like Callie.

So the time finally came… I found a breeder a few hours away and a deposit was placed for a male. Now it was waiting time. Jackson was born July 11th and we got the exciting e-mail from the breeder. My husband still wasn’t convinced that a puppy was a good thing for our lives. This meant that we’d have to change our daily routine – and if anyone knows my husband, you know he doesn’t like change. If you look up “routine” in the dictionary, you see his picture next to the word.

The breeder sent photos of the litter. I was the second on the list to “pick” from the group of precious pups. As I looked at the photos, I had picked the puppy I wanted. It was the puppy that I would soon name Jackson. Now I just had to sit back and wait to see who the first on the list picked. I knew it was meant to be when the puppy I wanted was the one I got! Each week the breeder sent us pictures of Jackson. He was ADORABLE and we got more excited as each week passed. It was the longest 8 weeks ever!

The day finally came when we picked him up. My Mom and I headed to Ocala to meet the breeder and collect our new bundle of joy. I cried when he was placed in my arms. I knew immediately he was one special little guy. Mom and I brought him home. My husband came home from work and I put him in his arms. I knew immediately that he was smitten and that he had already stolen his heart. The tough guy, who had said “no” for so many years, now had a new little guy in his life – and one that he would not soon forget.

Our daily routines then changed. As a mommy to a new puppy, I was up several times a night while trying to figure out what to do. Friends gave us great advice and after a few weeks, the routine was down. He was housebroken (for the most part) and we fought for “puppy time” with him. My favorite thing to do with Jackson was to cuddle with him every night. He laid on my chest and we’d snooze in and out while watching our favorite TV shows. We soon learned our favorite places to walk and places to do his business. I no longer worked late and I planned my weekends around him. We were on a constant search for dog-friendly places to go.

Through Facebook, I had posted photos and comments about Jackson from the time he was born. My friends watched him grow and saw every special occasion or activity we attended. He became a part of everyone’s lives and everyone became extremely attached to him. He never met a stranger – both the 2 and 4-legged kind.

Jackson, being a terrier, was very inquisitive by nature. He loved exploring. He was also a puppy who had just recently lost his “baby” teeth and his “big boy” teeth were coming in. Jackson went to “Grandma’s” every day when I went to work. The daily routine included Jackson waiving goodbye to me (with the help of my Mom), while I pulled out of the driveway. I hated leaving him everyday – but I also LOVED picking him up – he would go nuts and his tail would almost wag off! He was great for my Mom – a great companion that she could spend her days with.

Last week, as part of their daily routine, Jackson laid underneath my Mom’s desk while she worked on her computer. Mom has a strip cord laying on her desk with her computer, printer and light plugged into it. The cord to the strip came off behind her desk and into the wall socket. For some reason, Jackson, wormed his way behind her desk and began chewing the thick, rubber part of the strip cord that was suspended in the air. We are unsure if he did this all in one time, or if he had been working on this cord for a while. But, it only took that one bite that sent electrical waves through his poor little body. When it happened, my Mom was unaware that anything was wrong with him – other than he acted “lethargic”. She took him onto her screen porch where he laid in her lap for a while, then headed to the opposite end of the couch where he curled up.

My husband came in to pick him up and thought it strange that Jackson didn’t jump up to greet him. He went over and picked him up and immediately noticed that Jackson had labored breathing. He called me and told me that he thought that Jackson had swallowed something and was having trouble catching his breath and was rushing him to our vet. I left work and tried to make the 25-mintue drive as fast as I could – but it felt like I was hitting every red light ever known to man. When I arrived at the vet’s office, my husband met me in the parking lot to tell me that Jackson had been electrocuted. I immediately went in to see the poor little guy gasping on an oxygen mask. The vet took me in to see the x-rays to show me that poor Jackson’s lungs had been burned. There were burn marks on his mouth from the cord and his tongue had been scorched, too. Our hearts were sinking by the minute. Jackson needed to be transported to an all-night clinic – which ironically was near my office – that dreaded 25-minute, traffic-filled ride back. Unfortunately, he could not be stabilized while his lungs continued to get worse. At that time, we decided to put him to rest. It was heart breaking beyond belief.

I’m writing this story so that those with puppies and inquisitive dogs can learn from this. I now know that we can all be more cautious in our surroundings with a puppy in the mix.

Here’s a list of what I’ve learned from this experience:

· Be aware of your electric cords. Do not expose any of them and be aware of those that are hidden or 

 “behind” things. Puppies can find them.

· Strip cords have a “rubber” coating on them – ideal for puppies who are teething.

· Tape up any cords that must be exposed.

· Be aware of puppies and their whereabouts at all times.

· Listen for things like chewing – if you hear it, look to see what they are chewing on.

· Have plenty of chew toys around. This was not a problem in my house or my Mom’s,

  but for some reason, Jackson wanted to chew on the cord.

· When puppies injure themselves, they become quite, and very rarely, do the cry or scream for help.

· Hug your dog often. You never know when it will be your last.

Rest in peace Jackson. We love and miss you.

‘Tis the night before Christmas and all through the town,
Every shelter is full – we are lost but not found,
Our numbers are hung on our kennels so bare,
We hope every minute that someone will care,
They’ll come to adopt us and give us the call,
“Come here, Max and Sparkie – come fetch your new ball!!”
But now we sit here and think of the days
We were treated so fondly – we had cute, baby ways.
Now we’re no longer young and we’re no longer new.

So out the back door we were thrown like the trash,
They reacted so quickly – why were they so rash?
We “jump on the children”; “don’t come when they call”;
We “bark when they leave us”; climb over the wall.
We should have been neutered, we should have been spayed,
Now we suffer the consequence of the errors THEY made.
If only they’d trained us, if only we knew,
We’d have done what they asked us and worshiped them, too.
We were left in the backyard, or worse – left to roam,
Now we’re tired and lonely and out of a home.
They dropped us off here and they kissed us good-bye,
“Maybe someone else will give you a try.”

So now here we are, all confused and alone,
In a shelter with others who long for a home.
The kind workers come through with a meal and a pat,
With so many to care for, they can’t stay to chat,
They move to the next kennel, giving each of us cheer,
We know that they wonder how long we’ll be here.
We lay down to sleep and sweet dreams fill our heads,
Of a home filled with love and our own cozy beds.
Then we wake to see sad eyes, brimming with tears,
Our friends filled with emptiness, worry, and fear.

If you can’t adopt us and there’s no room at the inn,
Could you help with the bills and fill our food bin?
We count on your kindness each day of the year,
Can you give more than hope to everyone here?
Please make a donation to pay for the heat
And help get us something special to eat.
The shelter that cares for us wants us to live,
And more of us will, if more people will give.

-Author Unknown

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Valued at OVER $200

Win this basket!

To Play:

• Print the form (Click Here)

• Bring the completed form to Silly Willie’s on or before the Customer Appreciation Party

• All entries with the correct answers will be entered into the drawing to win the basket.

• Gift Basket is filled with food, toys, treats, And MORE  from Silly Willie’s

• All answers can be found within the pages of this website.
  

Are Pet Tabs Safe?

Pet-Tabs are sold by PetsMart, Doctors Foster and Smith, and virtually every pet shop, and on-line pet store in the nation. Pet-Tabs are made by the giant Pfizer Pharmaceutical Corporation, one of America’s leading opponents of health care reform and industry inspection and regulation. Pet-Tabs are sold under another corporate name: “Virbac”
Consumer Lab tests mostly human products. Sadly, this report and the previous years’ report confirming lead contamination in Pfizer/Virbac Pet-Tab supplements calls into serious question the safety and efficacy of these giant corporations’ entire product lines.
Consumer Lab tests mostly human products. There is no other information (such as why or how this supposed animal health care product has been laced with toxic levels of lead for years).

LEAD POISONING
Lead can be absorbed through the skin or, in the case of these supplements, ingested and absorbed. Clinical signs can be gastrointestinal and/or neurological. Many dogs or cats who are chronically ill, have upset stomachs, anorexia (food avoider’s), blood disorders, kidney disorders (degeneration of the glomeruli and tubules),
immunological problems, reproductive problems, or are suffering abnormal behavioral signs could have suffered chronic, catastrophic lead poisoning through supplements.

Before this revelation of supplement poisoning, the most common known cause of lead poisoning in people and dogs was contact with lead based paint or old car batteries. Other common causes of lead poisoning include ingestion of lead shot (fatal to many wild birds and sometimes served up in food that is hunted) and handling lead painted toys and ceramic ware. During the past 6,000 years humans have mined and redistributed lead on the planet to the extent that each of us has
approximately 1,000 times the lead in our system (as measured in our bones) than prehistoric North American Indians.

Puppies absorb lead more readily than adults and are at greatest immediate risk for signs of lead poisoning, but lead poisoning can prove debilitating, even fatal for mature pets as well.

If your dog suffers from the diffuse signs of lead poisoning or if your dog or cat have been exposed to Pet-Tabs, the CTCA recommends you have its blood tested for lead concentration. Children in the household should also be tested should your pet prove contaminated.

CTCA RECOMMENDATIONS
I would avoid all vitamin and mineral supplement products sold under labels by either Pfizer or Virbac. These include labels such as “Pet-Tinic,” and “Lixotinic,” and “Liqui-Tinic, ” which are generally sold for large animals.
Save any bottles of these products in a sealed Zip Loc bag. Label the bag well, stating “DO NOT USE – POISON!” You may need a sample of this product should your dog or cat become symptomatic. You will need to save the original packaging and product should Pfizer/Virbac be subject to a Class Action suit.

REFERENCES FOR VETS
Veterinarians normally do not first associate gastrointestinal, immunological or even neurological signs with lead poisoning. Given America’s current largely untested, unregulated food, supplement, and pharmaceutical supply, perhaps they should.

Should your vet need additional information about lead toxicity, its diagnosis and treatment, I suggest the following available, up-to-date references:

Michael E. Peterson, Patricia A. Talcott (editors), “Small Animal
Toxicology, Second Edition,” Saunders Elsevier, St. Louis, MO. 2006

Ramesh G. Gupta (editor) “Veterinary Toxicology: Basic and Clinical
Principles,” Academic Press, New York, NY. 2007.

WHAT VITAMIN SUPPLEMENTS ARE SAFE?
That question is analogous to asking: “what food is safe?” It’s a crap shoot to be sure. Consumer Lab tested only three pet supplements; one was “Halo Purely for Pets VitaGlo Daily Greens.” It did not contain lead, but it contained less than half its advertised vitamins. “21st Century Pet Nutrition Pet Chews Plus” was “approved” since it did not contain lead and its ingredients were as labeled.

Our veterinarian believes that one-half a Centrum Senior (human vitamin) is safe and effective for a dog the size of a Coton de Tulear. But without widespread government tests of our food, drug and supplement supply, who knows?

We have been using ProPet 8-in-one Vitamin supplements without problems, but chronic, gradual poisoning is not something we’d necessarily see. As noted: it is a gamble. And one that no one in this country should have to take.

This article was taken from the Consumer Lab’s paid subscription web site:

CONCLUSION:
The above article clearly demonstrates how important it is to buy from a credible, trustworthy source such as HealthyPetNet. Dr. Jane Bicks has dedicated her life to the well being of pets by creating the best products nature and science can provide. We can proudly say that our products are safe and effective for pets, and have never been part of a recall.

For anyone looking for a safe, whole food supplement, look no further than Dr. Jane’s Advanced Daily Supplement. Life’s Abundance Wellness Food Supplement for Dogs is formulated with a broad array of naturally nutritious ingredients from real food to help maintain overall health. The nutrients contained in this superior supplement are sourced from foods, like poultry liver, cranberries, carrots, eggs, pineapples and many others.

In this chewable tablet, Dr. Jane has included the following nutritious ingredients:

Poultry liver, which is rich in vitamin A and D, protein and selenium
Natural vitamin E, which is an antioxidant
Taurine, which is an essential amino acid
Stabilized rice bran, which is a rich source of vitamins and mine
Cranberries, a rich source of vitamin C, dietary fiber and manganese
Carrots, a rich source of beta-carotene (vitamin A), vitamins C, D, and E, riboflavin, niacin, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium and iron
Dried egg, one of nature’s most nutrient-dense foods, plays an important role in a balanced diet. Eggs are considered a complete protein source, providing essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals (vitamins A, B, E, biotin, and sulfur). Eggs also provide healthy fats, such as omega-6 for healthy skin and a glossy coat
Flaxseed meal is a rich plant source of antioxidant lignans and omega-3 fatty. Flaxseed meal also has a very high level of protein and essential amino acids. In addition, flaxseed meal contains significant amounts of fiber, vitamin E, folic acid, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6 and is extremely rich in the minerals potassium, calcium and phosphorus
Direct-fed microbials, ingredients similar to those found in supermarket yogurts
Ester-C*, a unique and patented form of vitamin C (calcium ascorbate)
Tomato pomace, a good source of lycopene and vitamin C
Alfalfa meal, which is a good source of protein, vitamin A, niacin and calcium, and a very good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, folate, pantothenic acid, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper and manganese
Pineapple, which is a good source of enzymes, vitamins, minerals and fiber