DOG fur?

        CAN YOU BUY DOG  FUR 
        IN NEW YORK?

We recently got word that Unique Product Enterprises -- a Rego Park, Queens-based biz -- advertised and sold "numerous" items containing DOG fur, according to an investigation conducted by the Humane Society of the United States.

Of course, selling fur from man's best friend is kinda illegal, as per the The Dog and Cat Protection Act of 2000. That law bars the import, interstate advertisement, and sale of items with dog or cat fur, according to the Society. (And, to be perfectly clear, dog fur is different than dog hair -- it requires the removal of the animal's pelt, meaning they were skinned.)

So what exactly went down with Unique? And is the company still hawking these items?

Pierre Grzybowski, who investigated Unique's offerings, explained what went down.

He told the Voice that the Society got a tip from a Russian-reading New York supporter, who saw the print ad in a magazine and reached out.

The Society then went onto Unique's website, documenting and time-stamping all of the advertisements, eventually purchasing four items advertised as "dog fur" -- including a belt, a vest, a blanket, and gloves -- and then sent them to the lab for testing.

Analysis proved that they were, in fact, made of dog fur.

With the results and ad evidence, the Society passed along the info to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which has since required the company to remove the ads.

Also, Unique might face a $10,000 fine per violation according to the Queens TimesLedger, which seems to have first reported the investigation. (Note: The Humane Society released this info a few days ago, but we haven't seen anything else on it besides the Ledger story and this. Anyway, timing issues aside, we're writing about it because we figure you'd like to know if a business sells dog fur, etc.)

We reached out to Unique to see what's up, but we have not heard back.

We also checked with the United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York to see whether prosecutors plan on pressing charges against Unique.

A spokesman would neither confirm nor deny potential plans, as it's the office's policy not to comment on investigations.

In case you're interested, here's a pic of the dog fur belt, taken by the Humane Society. See more photos here.

DOG OLYMPIC GAMES 2012

             DOG  OLYMPIC  GAMES

The second edition of the Dog Olympic Games will be held in Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy from the 19th to the 23rd September 2012 , 5 days of competitions. The program not only provides competitions of all competitive sports for dogs, but also cultural and scientific events of great interest.The dog sports of the DOG 2012 are: Agility , Swimming activities , Disc Dog , Dog Dance , Dog - Orienteering, MobilityDog , Obedience ,Natural Competitions , Rally-Obedience! This year, at the DOG you will find also Workshops with professional trainers (more news coming soon)

 

You will find more informations about the sports on this link 

 

The 1st deadline for the registration is set on the 15th August.

The 2nd deadline will be from the 16th August to the 1st September.

PET TRUST

WHAT ARRANGEMENTS 
HAVE YOU MADE FOR YOUR DOG?
                                    YOUR HORSE?

              If life redirected you toward
unexpected cause to leave your dog,or horse,
                what would happen to them?

                                                 A PET TRUST

                                                          is the answer!

                               

A  Pet Trust  involves all types of pets.  Establishing a pet trust will be  appropriate for pets whose life expectancies are long, such as horses, parrots and other exotic birds. There are  birds that can live for over 80 to 100 years, outliving their owners in many cases.  Hence to set-up a Pet Trust for these pets is a conscientious effort  for the pet owner.  Why worry,  who will care for your pet after unexpectedly leaving?

A Pet Trust plan  will ensure the care you want your pet to have.  Most importantly the assurance of keeping your pet  out of animal shelters that euthanize after a certain time period.

                          
There are different approaches.  Make a provision under your Last Will and Testament.

Under a Pet  Trust,   designate  to receive your pet and a separate person as the Trustee, and successors, to handle only the money.  You would want pet care conditions,  so the person does not take your pet and then euthanize it.  For safety purposes you may want to have a separate person who receives your pet,  from the person handling the money (the Trustee).

Usually monthly and annual expenses, plus emergency veterinary care would be suggested.   Often too much money in a trust, will cause the excess upon termination of the pet trust revert back to the maker's estate.  So, a good idea  to designate an alternate recipient of any excess funds. 

                    Simply A Pet Trust Involve 4 Parties

                                            Pet

                                          Trustee

                                         Caretaker

                                         Successor

PET:          Have a trusted friend or family member who know
                  your pet better than any outsider, whenever
                  money is involved.

Trustee:     An individual, corporate fiduciary or both.

Caretaker:  An individual, corporate fiduciary or both.

Successor: In case Trustee and Caretaker unwilling or

                   unable to serve.

Other areas of concern are, having a 
Remaining Beneficiary, someone designated to inherit any remaining trust property upon the death of the last surviving pet beneficiary.  Usually, the Remainder Beneficiary is a family member, friend or charity.

Finally, the Property.  The appropriate amount of property to fund your Pet Trust essential for its success.  Once you know the likely remaing life expectancy of your pet, and the historical cost of care, simple multiplication is all that is needed to determine the amount of trust property required.

Final Thoughts

 Your pet 

    has always been a loyal Friend.

   If no future plan has been made
   for care, then the care of your
    pet is left up to chance!


A Pet Trust

                                replaces this element of chance 

                            with the requirements of law...

                                                           providing you

                                                           peace of mind.

Maui's Caring Counselor at Law 
to personally provide you 
with the above services is

Roya J. Deyhim.

Contact:     808 891-8881

Email:  roya@est8planning.com

Roya Deyhim, has been a caring and approachable attorney on Maui for many years.  She too with her husband James, a Cartoonist,  have a family of three dogs and a cat they rescued and love.  Boingo, Huli and Mookie are the dogs names and a fluffy cat.  Her explicit attention will be personal and compassionate.  A simple introductory

of a Pet Trust for you 

will be confidentially cared for 

by Roya Deyim.

BEWARE OF FOOD FROM CHINA

                                                       China Pet Treats 

                     BEWARE !            Linked to 900 

           READ LABELS!            Dog Deaths, Illnesses                                                          

Samson a 9-year old Fox Terrier died of kidney
failure in January.  His owners blame his death
on China Jerky Treats

Photos of dogs who allegedly died after
eating China Jerky Treats


The number of complaints has nearly doubled since the story was first reported by ABC News in March. The FDA says its investigation is ongoing and that it continues to test samples of the popular treats, which dog owners across the country say have caused kidney failure in their pets, resulting in severe illness or death.

Facebook pages and online petitions devoted to pulling Chinese jerky treats from the shelves have been getting reaction from dog owners around the country. One Facebook page is titled "Animal Parents Against Pet Treats and Food Made in China." Another, called "Victims of Treats Made in China," includes photos of dogs who allegedly died from eating the treats. (Facebook)

Some pet owners have blamed Canyon Creek Ranch dog treats, produced by Nestle Purina, for illnesses and deaths. A spokesperson for Nestle Purina said its products are held to the highest quality and safety standards and are safe to feed to pets. (ABC News)

Consumers have largely blamed two brands for the reported illnesses. Waggin' Train and Canyon Creek Ranch, both produced by Nestle Purina and made in China, are reportedly included in the samples being tested by the FDA. The agency told ABC News it has solicited samples of treats from the owners of the pets allegedly affected, but will not say whether it is tested those samples. To date, the FDA has not been able to determine a cause for the reported illnesses.
                              

Waggin' Train, a popular chicken jerky treat sold by Nestle Purina, is made in China. A surplus of white meat from chickens makes China a source of chicken jerky for U.S. pet food manufacturers.

The FDA issued its first warning about chicken jerky treats from China in 2007 and again in 2008, both times based on consumer complaints. But it wasn't until a third warning -- in late 2011 -- that the momentum of complaints accelerated as an angry population of pet owners demanded to know what in the Chinese treats might be sickening their dogs.


"It's hard to believe that we're still fighting the same battle," said Terry Safranek, whose 9-year old Fox Terrier named Sampson died of kidney failure in January.
"The last thing that he ate and then threw up was the chicken jerky," said Safranek. "It kills me that the treats I fed him killed him."
Safranek is a member of a Facebook group called "Animal Parents Against Pet Treats Made In China," which has grown to 4,500 members and includes hundreds of photos of dogs whose owners claim were sickened or died from chicken jerky treats


"We're just the ones who are online. There literally could be tens of thousands of people whose dogs were affected," said Safranek.


The group also keeps its own spreadsheet of victims, ranging from a 1-year old, five-pound Chihuahua named Kiarra to a 111-pound German Shepherd named Floyd.
"The problem with the issue is getting the word out," said Dr. Richard Goldstein, Chief of Medicine at The Animal Medical Center in New York City. Goldstein has been studying the connection between pet illnesses and chicken jerky treats made in China since 2007 and says although deaths have been rare in his experience, it's still crucial to seek veterinary care if a dog shows symptoms such as vomiting or lethargy.


"These are still on the shelves and cases are still popping up," said Goldstein, urging pet owners to be vigilant.


The issue has gained attention in Washington, and Sen. Sherrod Brown, D.-Ohio, who has been urging Congress to look closely at products coming from China, recently blasted the head of the FDA over the issue. At a Senate Appropriations hearing in April, Brown told Dr. Margaret Hamburg he was concerned that pet owners were still buying the treats, unaware they may possibly be tainted. "The FDA must be as aggressive as possible to find the source of this contamination," he said later in a press release.




                          

Dennis Adkins has filed a $5 million class action lawsuit against Nestle Purina, alleging that his 9-year-old Pomeranian Cleopatra died after eating Waggin Train chicken jerky dog treats.(Courtesy Dennis Adkins)

1^stLisa Sellman

Dog Trainer, Author, Philanthropist, Changemaker
In Minneapolis she owns Aloha Pet Care & Training

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area 

Lisa Sellman offered a Poem!
Let's read
and learn about canines
so fine . . .

                          

                                                     Divine Canine
                                   by
                             Lisa Sellman

My dog has issues that need to disappear She is naughty, defiant and cavalier. I have taken her to trainers and behaviorists, galore. She will listen for a day or two but sadly no more. I am frustrated and my mood is always black. I am tired and the breeder won’t take her back. With screams of anger, I yelled at the ceiling, “Why is my life so hard? I hate this feeling!” Just then a soft muzzle licked at my hand, She was the teacher and I listened for her command. Embody the essence you seek in me And we shall live in harmony. When I am afraid be present and strong. Loose your sense of right and wrong. As I jump up on you and scratch your arm, Give love to everyone and wish me no harm. When I am distracted and hard to reach, Caress me gently with hands that teach. I am your dog but I will lead the way. I will teach you peace without delay. Breathe and let your troubles disappear, Resistance may come, but we shall persevere. All the answers of the universe are near, All we have to do is choose love and not fear. I knew my dog was special you see, For she laid back down and winked at me.  Our future is glorious, for this woman and her canine. Inner peace and stillness is now mine.

                                                                                               

by Tom Blackburn-Rodriguez, Senior Writer Maui Weekly

Canine Massage Therapy - MauiWeekly.com | News, information, serving Maui, Hawaii weekly — The Maui Weekly

JudithCatherine Lam, Certified Canine Massage Therapist
with James Ross Jeter's Dogs
Churchill Graham (left) & Francesca Le Bon Bon (right)

Although the International Association of Animal Massage and Body Work (IAAMB) has certified massage therapists in 12 countries around the globe, including North America, South America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East, it is still relatively new to Maui and Hawai'i.

JudithCatherine Lam intends to change that as the only certified canine massage therapist (CCMT) on Maui, and one of just three in Hawai'i.

Lam recognizes the concept of canine massage may be unfamiliar to Maui, but she points out that in all of the top dog shows across the nation, therapeutic canine massage is a standard practice before and after each show.

It's more than a "feel-good benefit," Lam said, noting that it is not just for high-end show dogs, but beneficial for all types of dogs--young, old, active, inactive, healthy and those suffering from injuries.

"Remember," Lam advises potential clients and others, "dogs cannot voice their hurts, injuries and poor muscle movements."

However, Lam can locate those injuries and sore spots, and with a regular regime of therapy, bring health and increased years to a dog's life.

Among the documented benefits of canine massage therapy is the promotion of the healing process by increasing the flow of nutrients to the muscles, and aiding in carrying away excessive fluids and toxins.

It is estimated that dogs age seven times faster than human beings, but can live longer!

This helps the maintenance of  muscles sternohyoideus, sternomastoideus, and brachiocephalicus..involving swallowing process, rotation  of head and neck laterally and neck bending and shoulders extending.

Additional key benefits include enhancing muscle tone and range of motion, reducing inflammation and swelling in the joints, thereby alleviating pain and stimulating circulation by freeing frozen muscles leading to the release of endorphins, the body's natural pain killers.

According to Lam, "Canine therapeutic massage creates a positive effect on the contractual and release process of a dog's muscles, relaxing them and helping to maintain the body in better physical and emotional condition."

But why not just have a massage similar to what a human might receive?

"Our bodies are not the same," said Lam. "We eat differently and we digest our food differently. There are 72 pressure points on a dog's body," she noted, having studied canine physiology as part of her certification.

Hands-on deep-tissue treatments relaxes the dog, as well as employing improving and increasing circulation of blood and oxygen and better muscle flexibility.

"Even active dogs that are fortunate to have a big yard can benefit from canine massage therapy," Lam said. "Dogs can injure themselves just romping around. And if the injury is not treated, it can develop into a serous fibrosis that can have a major impact on a dog's ability to move."

Lam recommends beginning a regular regimen of canine massage therapy as young as 6 months of age on an average of once a month, depending on the specific condition of the dog. A massage takes about two hours and is conducted in Lam's South Maui studio.

However, it is never too late for a dog to receive the benefits associated with the massage. Many owners of dogs suffering from arthritis can expect to see improvements in their pets' quality of life after having therapeutic canine massage.

House calls are possible in special circumstances, but Lam explained that a home is a dog's territory, and they can be distracted with a stranger in the house. In the studio, there are no detractions and the focus can be on the bodywork.

The massage process consists of seven steps, including an initial home visit to observe the dog in its usual surroundings. First, the dog is walked, then assessed. Following the assessment, the dog is massaged, followed by brushing and combing. Then another walk and reassessment are conducted.

All of the therapeutic massage work is charted with notes specific to each dog to easily share information with the pet's owner.

As dogs face increasing urbanization and lack of space, therapeutic canine massage can offer an opportunity for dog owners to ensure their dog is happy, healthy and enjoying the pleasure of "a dog's life."

For more information, contact JudithCatherine Lam at (808) 495-0187 or on the Internet at CanineVisions@clearwire.net.  WEBSITE:   http://caninevisions.wix.com/caninemassagetherapist