Novartis Donates Interceptor

Over the summer Novartis Animal Health commited to donating free Interceptor (heartworm and intestitnal parasite preventative) to the rescue of KAH's choice. We chose Maryland Bichon Frise Rescue (MBFR) for the outstanding and compassionate work they do for the local (and sometimes not so local!) Bichons they take in. The terms were this: for every 12 months of Interceptor sold to a client Novartis would donate one month of Interceptor to MBFR. The client also received a $6 mail-in rebate which they could chose to redeem or opt to donate an additional month of Interceptor to MBFR. Thanks to you- the clients of KAH- a total of 84 months of Interceptor are being donated to Maryland Bichon Frise Rescue!! Thanks to the clients and to Novartis for your help in raising needed supplies for a wonderful cause!

Relinquishments

Since the BP oil disaster began, shelters in New Orleans have experienced pet relinquishments in numbers not seen since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Rescue organizations are trying to ease the overcrowding by arranging adoptions with shelters throughout the country. The complete story is available at http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/23/us/23spillpets.html

Salmonella

Most people handle pet food without properly washing their hands, pet bowls or storing properly. Click on the link below to learn more about and reduce the potential risk of salmonella infections link to handling dry pet food.

http://pets.webmd.com/news/20100809/tainted-pet-food-linked-to-rare-salmonella-infection

Baxter

Beloved Baxter
You will be missed

Strut Your Mutt

Somerford House and Place at 2100 Whittier Drive in Frederick is having a Strut Your Mutt walk, judging contest and pet food drive on Sat, August 21st from 10:00-12:00. Food collected will be donated to Frederick County Animal Control. Go to www.somerfordhousefrederick.com for more information.

Maryland Dog Friendly Beaches

Annapolis: Quiet Waters Dog Park and Dog Beach (http://www.aacounty.org/RecParks/parks/dogparks/index.cfm)
Dogs are allowed off-leash on the beach and within fenced areas, but must be on a leash at all times outside the fenced areas.

Assateague Island National Seashore
(http://www.nps.gov/asis/faqs.htm)
Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in the Maryland portion of the National Seashore, but are not permitted in the backcountry, on nature trails, on the lifeguard-protected beach, the State Park and north of the State Park to the Ocean City Inlet, at the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and the entire Virginia portion of Assateague Island.

Lexington Park: Elm's Beach Park
(http://www.co.saint-marys.md.us/recreate/facilities/elmsbeach.asp) Located on the Chesapeake Bay. Dogs on a leash are allowed on the beach.

Lusby: Flag Ponds Nature Park (http://www.calvertparks.org/Parks/FlagPonds/FPhome.htm)
Located on the Chesapeake Bay. Dogs on a leash are allowed in the park which includes a sandy beach.

Ocean City beaches
(http://www.ococean.com/ord.html)
Dogs on a leash are allowed on the beach only during the off-season, from Oct. 1 to April 30.

Pasadena: Downs Park Dog Beach (http://www.aacounty.org/RecParks/parks/dogparks/)
Dogs are allowed off-leash.

Stevensville: Matapeake Park
(http://parksnrec.org/park-maps-a-descriptions.html)
Dogs on a leash are allowed in the park. Visitors may take their dogs swimming at Matapeake Beach as long as the pet is under voice command control.

Surgical Ban

Massachusetts has become the first state to ban a controversial surgical procedure that removes the vocal cords in animals. A more complete account may be found at http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/21/us/21brfs-NODEBARKINGS_BRF.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=debarking&st=cse

How to get your cat in the carrier

How do I get my cat into the carrier!


Many of our clients arrive with scratches up and down their arms due to wrestling their cat into the carrier. Here are some tips to hopefully make this process easier:


1. Place the back end of the carrier against the wall with door open. This will help keep the carrier from sliding around.


2. Scoop up your cat. If your cat runs and hides as soon as the carrier is in site, you may want to feed a meal or treat in a confined area like a bathroom. Then retrieve carrier and place up against wall near confined area.


3. Slide your cat into carrier backwards. This is the key! They are less likely to resist if they don't see where they are going. It is best to gently scruff your cat with one hand and support under body with your other hand. They should just slide right in. Quickly shut the door and you are ready to go!


P.S. This works very well for rabbits too. They are less likely to jump and injure themselves.

Pet Friendly Surroundings

For some animal lovers, buying aesthetically pleasing pet supplies is not enough: they have created their own animal-friendly design solutions to complement their human-centric décor. See the full article at http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/22/garden/22pets.html

Yummy Peaches

Steve and Mary Ferguson, pet parents to "SweetPea", were driving home from a visit to Florida when the saw a roadside fruit stand in Georgia. SweetPea insisted that they stop to get something for her friends at Kingsbrook. A big thank you to SweetPea, Steve and Mary for the wonderful peaches.

Recall Alert

For Immediate Release

Contact: P&G Consumer Relations - 877-340-8823

July 30. 2010



P&G Expands Voluntary Limited Recall of Specialized Dry Pet Foods
Due to Possible Health Risk



CINCINNATI, July 30, 2010 - 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.



The following products are included:



Product Name
Version
"Best-By" Dates UPC Code

Iams Veterinary Dry Formulas
All dry sizes and varieties
01Jul10 - 01Dec11
All UPC Codes

Eukanuba Naturally Wild All dry sizes and varieties 01Jul10 - 01Dec11
All UPC Codes

Eukanuba Pure All dry sizes and varieties 01Jul10 - 01Dec11
All UPC Codes

Eukanuba Custom Care Sensitive Skin All dry sizes 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 refund call P&G toll-free at 877-340-8823

(Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST).