RePURRters: The Movie

Pet Food Recall

Kroger Recalls Pet Foods Due to Possible Health Risk

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CINCINNATI, Ohio, - December 18, 2010 - The Kroger Co. said today it is recalling select packages of pet food sold in some of its retail stores because the products may contain aflatoxin, which poses a health risk to pets.

Kroger stores in the following states are INCLUDED in this recall: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.

The recall also INCLUDES Dillons and Gerbes stores in Kansas and Missouri; Baker’s stores in Nebraska; Food 4 Less stores in Nebraska, Illinois and Indiana (Chicago area); and Jay C, Hilander, Owen’s, Pay Less and Scott’s stores in Illinois and Indiana.

Stores the company operates under the following names are NOT included in this recall: Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, King Soopers, Smith’s, QFC, City Market, Foods Co., and Food 4 Less stores in California and Nevada.

Kroger is recalling the following items:

• Pet Pride Cat Food sold in 3.5 lb. packages with a sell by date of OCT 23 11 DP and OCT 24 11 DP under the following UPC code: 1111088128
• Pet Pride Cat Food sold in 18 lb. packages with a sell by date of OCT 23 11 DP and OCT 24 11 DP under the following UPC code: 1111071357
• Pet Pride Tasty Blend Poultry & Seafood Cat Food sold in 3.5 lb. packages with a sell by date of OCT 23 11 DP and OCT 24 11 DP under the following UPC code: 1111088152
• Pet Pride Tasty Blend Poultry & Seafood Cat Food sold in 18 lb. packages with a sell by date of OCT 23 11 DP and OCT 24 11 DP under the following UPC code: 1111074580
• Pet Pride Kitten Formula Food sold in 3.5 lb. packages with a sell by date of OCT 23 11 DP and OCT 24 11 DP under the following UPC code: 1111071903
• Old Yeller Chunk Dog Food sold in 22 lb. packages with a sell by date of OCT 23 11 DP and OCT 24 11 DP under the following UPC code: 1111074566
• Old Yeller Chunk Dog Food sold in 50 lb. packages with a sell by date of OCT 23 11 DP and OCT 24 11 DP under the following UPC code: 1111074563
• Kroger Value Cat Food sold in 3 lb. packages with a sell by date of OCT 23 11 DP and OCT 24 11 DP under the following UPC code: 1111000018
• Kroger Value Chunk Dog Food sold in 15 lb. packages with a sell by date of OCT 23 11 DP and OCT 24 11 DP under the following UPC code: 1111071559
• Kroger Value Chunk Dog Food sold in 50 lb. packages with a sell by date of OCT 23 11 DP and OCT 24 11 DP under the following UPC code:1111000108

Aflatoxin is a naturally-occurring toxic chemical by-product from the growth of the fungus Aspergillus flavus on corn and other crops. If your pet shows any symptoms of illness, including sluggishness or lethargy combined with a reluctance to eat, yellowish tint to the eyes and/or gums, and severe or bloody diarrhea, please consult your veterinarian immediately.

The safety of our customers and their pets is important to Kroger. The company is using its Customer Recall Notification system to alert customers who may have purchased these recalled products through register receipt tape messages and automated phone calls. Customers who have purchased a recalled item should not use it and should return it to a store for a full refund or replacement.

Customers who have questions about this recall may contact Kroger toll-free at (800) 632-6900. For more information, please visit www.kroger.com/recalls⁹.

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David Letterman: Stupid Pet Tricks--Playing Dead

Happy Birthday Lucy

It has been a joyous day, indeed, in the Calvert household.  We have literally been having a ball celebrating Lucy's birthday. She turned 9 in dog years which would make her 63 in human years today. Woof!

On Saturday, we brought presents for Lucy; a 12 pack of tennis balls and a stuffed, squeaky toy. I brought them in the house and placed them on the top shelf in the laundry room without her seeing the bags. (I did this while she was on potty break with daddy.)

Low and behold, she came in the house after her break sniffing her way to her gifts.  Then she camped in the doorway of the laundry room EVERY DAY pining for them (minus potty breaks, meals and bedtime, of course) until this morning. Here she is:

She drove me crazy. She would get up and point to the bags. They were 7 feet in the air in closed bags for goodness sakes!

The morning of her birthday, (today), we were up and at 12:01 am, I gave her a ball. She played with it until we went to bed. This morning, I gave her the other 11 along with a stuffed, squeaky toy. The stuffed, squeaky toy came in second fiddle to those tennis balls. Lucy was fetching and playing ball all day. It was hilarious. (Steve couldn't understand why I gave her all 12 balls on one day.  I explained her birthday comes around once a year and knew she'd "have a ball" with all of them.)

At dinner time, we sang "Happy Birthday" to Lucy. She just stared at us. At the start of the third line, she ran over to the counter where her food bowl was sitting and pointed.  "Forget the song. I'm hungry. Feed me!", she said with her dog gesture.

We have been mighty blessed with Lucy for 9 years. She is always there to greet us when we arrive home with her ears laid back and wagging tail. She is a free, calming spirit of unconditional love.

Happy Birthday, Sweat Pea! You are the light of our lives.

20 Crazy Facts About Pet Ownership in America

Pet Prints HOLIDAY SALE--35% off

As a holiday gift to my readers, I placed my matted cat and dog art prints on sale.  They are regularly priced at $40 each.  They are presently priced at $25 each.  That's a savings of over 35%.

The prints fit into standard 11x14" frames so you won't need to spend mega bucks for custom frames, unless you want to, of course.  And they will arrive titled and signed by yours truly.

Many of my customers purchase them to hang in groups as shown below.  With this sale, you can own 2 prints for $50.  Whereas the original price prior to the sale would have been $80 for both.  Yippee!!!

So if you are looking for gifts this holiday for your veterinarian, that special person one who loves pets or a gift for yourself, please check out the sale on my website.

Happy Holidays!

Catch of the Day, © Susan Calvert

Thinking Inside the Box, © Susan Calvert

Top 10 Pet Toxins

I received a decal published by the Pet Poison Helpline from Lucy's veterinarian indicating the top 10 pet toxins.  They are as follows:

1. Chocolate
2. Grapes, raisins and currants
3. Xylitol, sugar-free gum, candy
4. Fatty table scraps
5. Onions and garlic
6. Compost
7. Human medications
8. Macadamia nuts
9. Household cleaners
10. Unbaked bread dough, alcohol

I visited the PPH website and bookmarked it.  Besides abundant info on pet toxins, It has other worthwhile of info including pet food recalls and pet loss support.

Please be careful this Halloween with your fur babies.  Watch over them as they rely on you for their voice.

Wordless Wednesday, 10/6/2010

Disaster Preparation for Pets

I received this information from the American Humane Association and thought it was worth sharing:

Your Pet Needs You Even More When Disaster Strikes

When disaster strikes a community, essential services like water are often unavailable. So what can you do to ensure your pet is cared for during and, especially after, a disaster?

Preparation for pets

* Keep your pets’ vaccinations up-to-date.
* Know where your pets can go whether it’s a friend or family member, pet-friendly hotel, animal shelter, or boarding facility.
* Place your contact information, including the name of an out-of-state contact on your pets’ ID tags, microchip registrations, and licenses.
* Prepare an emergency kit of leashes, collars, extra ID tags, water, food, medications, health records, and photos to prove ownership.
* Have on hand portable carriers large enough for your pets to stand and turn around in.
* Prepare a first-aid kit, including your vet contact information and an authorization to treat your pets.
* Gather any relief plans developed by your local Red Cross chapter; emergency management office; or police, fire, health, wildlife and agriculture departments so you know where to turn for specific resources.

How to Brush Your Dog's Teeth

I brush Lucy's teeth using an Oral B electric tooth brush with a soft head and baking soda. We've made it into a game and she loves the attention. Here's a video on canine dental hygiene:

001 How to Take Care of Your Dog's Teeth

See how sparklely her pearly white are?

Wordless Wednesday, 9/8/2010

Wordless Wednesday, 8/18/2010

Cat T-Shirt Adoption

Great news! The kitty cat t-shirt shown below has been adopted and is being sent special delivery to NC. I'm going cat nip crazy with delight and hope my customer does too upon its arrival. Perhaps I'll even receive a photo of my customer wearing it to share with you here on my blog. I'd be bouncing off the walls then for sure!

To adopt your own hand made, one-of-a-kind, original wearable cat or dog t-shirt created by yours truly, click HERE.

Wordless Wednesday, 8/11/2010

Wordless Wednesday, 8/4/2010

Installing Recessed Lights

Does working on my house qualify as art?  I'm qualifying it as so.  I haven't created any paintings in a week because of it.

I've been mudding and sanding drywall where there was once a door, marking up the ceiling to install recessed lights and drawing on the walls for furniture placement.

The blue painters tape on the ceiling marks the studs and the fan circumference.  Chalk marks the light housing. The dowels, 3 feet in length, mark the centers of the recessed lights.  I use them to double check the correct light placement, at least 3 inches away from the studs, in the attic.  They are easily seen poking through the insulation.

After the lights are installed, I'm having a painting party and you're invited. Sign up below in the comments section to help me paint this room.

Silly Cat and Dog Angel T-Shirts

I received an awesome surprise email. My customers, Shirley and Dean, sent pictures modeling their silly cat and dog angel t-shirts they purchased from me. Both are avid animal lovers and guardian to a sweet-as-can-be fur-baby pooch named Caddy.

Notice the pictures.  For the first time ever, pets are being allowed on the golf course.  My shirts have now got "game".  Fore!

Cruise on over to my website, www.SusanCalvert.com, to purchase your own silly pet t-shirt to wear at the golf course, work or school.  They are guaranteed to generate some laughs.  Email me a picture wearing it and I'll feature you on my blog

Wordless Wednesday, 7/28/2010

The Canvas Project 3, Part 1

I'm excited to be participating in another public art project with Art House Coop. In case you haven't heard, they left the beloved warmth of Atlanta, GA and relocated to the happening art scene in Brooklyn, NY.

For this project, I will receive three @ 4x4" canvases with randomly selected words to interpret as I deem fit. Like the previous canvas project, this one will also be turned into a book and at least one canvas from each participant will be included in it.

The opening for the upcoming show will be held on December 3, 2010 at:

The Brooklyn Art Library
201 Richards St #16
Brooklyn, NY 11231

Below is my published image (top, left) of the word "HEAVY" on page 36 in the 2009 book.

Click here to see all of my art entries from the 2009 show.

Hunting with Lucy Dog

While Lucy and I were outside watering plants in the gardens this afternoon, a chipmunk ran past her. I turned to aim the hose more accurately at a plant, then turned back to check on Lucy. There she was with a tail hanging out of her mouth.

Lucy dog proudly held her catch in her mouth while wagging her tail at me. She dropped it on command. We went inside, got a bag and said our goodbyes to the chipmunk. Thankfully, she did not roll on or eat it.

Who needs a cat when you've got a focused Retriever? Way to go Lucy dog!

Stamps to the Rescue - Adopt a Shelter Pet - Ellen DeGeneres Show

I received the following disturbing email today:

"A new stamp is coming out the end of April called "Animal Rescue: Adopt A Shelter Pet Stamp" featuring shelter dogs and cats. The purpose of the stamp is to raise awareness to the millions of dogs and cats in shelters across the U.S. To launch the stamp Ellen DeGeneres is giving one million meals to shelters when people buy the stamps. The cost is the same as a regular stamp - 44 cents.

Money from these stamps is going to HSUS. Ellen has not been shy about her support of HSUS. Money given there will NOT go to animals in shelters. HSUS's 2008 tax returns revealed that less than 1/2 of 1 percent of their budget funds a traditional (dog/cat) shelter.

Money given to HSUS goes instead toward lobbying, anti-animal ownership legislation and attorneys.

Please DO NOT BUY these stamps and advise your friends to do the same."

My 'reply to all' in the email chain was:

"I am purchasing the stamps. While you may not agree on how the money is spent, it is still a good thing that it promotes adopting pets, many in desperate need of good homes. Several charities cannot return 100%. The mere fact that Ellen is giving money in return is good enough for me. She's an awesome individual.

Something doesn't sound quite right. I'd like backup research on this information you are circulating."

I promptly emailed the above to the Ellen Show. In the meantime, I received the following reply from the sender:

"People really need to start thinking for themselves instead of following the hapless Hollywood types. My suggestion, read the entire story http://ofbf.org/news-and-events/news/707 and make up your own mind. As far as I'm concerned I support the local no-kill shelter directly. I really don't need Ellen to misguide me."

To which I replied:

"I don't see anything in your link about Ellen's stamps.

I found these articles on the stamp which do not say anything about HSUS:

http://retrorenovation.com/2010/03/20/animal-rescue-adopt-a-shelter-pet-stamps-and-halo-meals-campaign
and
http://www.postalnewsblog.com/2010/03/17/usps-launches-adopt-a-shelter-pet-stamps-on-ellen-degeneres-show"


In conclusion, to EVERYONE reading this blog:

Help me out here. Please leave a comment on this post and spread the word like myself and the "hapless" Ellen DeGeneres are doing. The lives of shelter pets depend on us.

PS: Purchase your Adopt a Shelter Pet stamp here to show your support.

Animal Legislation in GA

Georgia Alert: Status of animal legislation in Georgia as of March 8, 2010

Legislators will reconvene Monday, March 8, for the 21st legislative day of the 2010 session of the Georgia General Assembly. It’s crossover day at the Georgia General Assembly. Legislation has to clear one of the two chambers (the House or the Senate) before the end of the day or it is dead until next year, local legislation is exempted

SB 131 - The Revised Georgia Trust Code of 2009; (Bill Hambrick) - allows creation of a trust to provide for the care of an animal(s) and/or a charitable trust for animals. Status: Substitute passed House and will go back to Senate for reconsideration

HB 62 - Cancelable educational loans; State Veterinary Education Board; (Gene Maddox) - provides loan relief for large animal veterinarians willing to work in rural Georgia for specified times. Status: Passed Agriculture Committee, now in Rules

HB 109 - Cockfighting; punishments; provisions (Bob Bryant) - provides same wording as last year’s dog fighting bill for chickens. Status: No movement

HB 219 - Antifreeze; more than 10 percent ethylene glycol; provisions (Tommy Benton) - mandates including denatonium benzoate as a bittering agent. Status: Passed House

HB 429 - Family violence situations; protection for family pets; (Sharon Cooper) - allows a judge to include animals in a restraining order. Status: Passed Judiciary Non-Civil Committee, now in Rules

HB 692 - Uniform rules of the road; securing live animals in motor vehicles (Karla Drenner). Bill may be amended to only apply to the Eisenhower Interstate Network. Held in Agriculture Committee

HB 788 (HB 606 introduced in 2009) - Animal protection; methods of euthanasia; provisions (Tom Knox) - would mandate the exclusive use of sodium pentobarbital allowing exceptions, eliminate grandfathered gas chambers 4-11-5.1 (b)(2) and exceptions for counties with a population of 25,000 or less 4-11-5.1 (h) Status: Passed Science and Technology Committee, now in Rules

HB 574 - Stalking cases; protection orders; include animals (Pedro Marin)- allow a protective order to include the protection of animals. Status: No movement

HB 1153 (HB 1148 also introduced) - Public health and morals; offense of cruelty to animals; (Kevin Levitas) - Status: Judiciary Non-Civil Committee to consider a substitute on March 8th at 1:30

Sent by:
Humane Association of Georgia, Inc.
A statewide coalition of humane societies, animal control and rescue groups and individuals.

About the organization:
HAGA is known for the Animal Protection Act of 2000 that makes some acts of animal cruelty a felony and the Dog and Cat Sterilization License Plates that and the Dog and Cat Tax Check Off to fund statewide spay/neuter projects. Our formation allowed Georgia to be the first state by law to allow animals in disaster shelter. We were formed to support good animal legislation, provide education about good animal stewardship and help animals in times of disaster. HAGA is a member of the Georgia Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster.

Hats Off To Us: Exercising with Lucy Dog

Oh my! It's been a long time since I last posted. Some major events have occurred since then.

The last quarter of 2009 was a bit surreal. My husband was in and out of the hospital four times. He's doing better. A big "THANK YOU" to all of our family and friends for your support during his health crises.

Recently in 2010, a good friend of ours ill with cancer passed away. We were truly saddened by the event. Like me, she was a gardener who loved to watch the flowers open and smile. In honor of her life, we sent her family a cross with my favorite saying on it: "One is nearer to God in the garden than anywhere else on earth." RIP, Karla.

To combat the stress of the past six months, I started exercising. Specifically, participating in 5K races. Of course, my little super dog, Lucy, has been training with me.

We have reaped fantastic results from our time together. I am much stronger and for the first time in my life, I can do a push-up. Lucy's torn ACL is healing nicely too.

Here's a picture of me and Lucy on our way to train in the 'hood. Lucy is wearing her harness so we don't damage her trachea should she get spirited and pull upon seeing another pooch.

I'm being fashion-forward wearing a Dr. Suess Who-ville hat. I always receive positive comments when wearing crazy hats. They make people laugh.

I love hats. If you want to give me a gift, send me a funky hat. I promise to send you a smiling picture sporting your gift. LOL!