....and GOOD RIDDANCE TO 2020!!!!!
Thursday, December 31, 2020
Sportmix Dog and Cat Foods Recalled Due to Deadly Mold Toxin
December 30, 2020 — The FDA is alerting consumers that Midwestern Pet Foods, Inc. is recalling nine lots of Sportmix pet food products because they contain potentially fatal levels of aflatoxin.
FDA is aware of at least 28 deaths and 8 illnesses in dogs that ate the recalled products.
This is an ongoing investigation. Case counts and the scope of this pending recall may expand as new information becomes available.
What’s Recalled?
The dry pet food products to be recalled by Midwestern Pet Foods, Inc. on December 30, 2020 include:
- Sportmix Energy Plus, 50 lb. bag
Exp 03/02/22/05/L2
Exp 03/02/22/05/L3
Exp 03/03/22/05/L2 - Sportmix Energy Plus, 44 lb. bag
Exp 03/02/22/05/L3 - Sportmix Premium High Energy, 50 lb. bag
Exp 03/03/22/05/L3 - Sportmix Premium High Energy, 44 lb. bag
Exp 03/03/22/05/L3 - Sportmix Original Cat, 31 lb. bag
Exp 03/03/22/05/L3 - Sportmix Original Cat, 15 lb. bag
Exp 03/03/22/05/L2
Exp 03/03/22/05/L3
Lot code information may be found on the back of bag and will appear in a three-line code, with the top line in format “EXP 03/03/22/05/L#/B###/HH:MM”.
As new information becomes available, the product list above may continue to expand.
FDA and the Missouri Department of Agriculture are working with the firm to determine whether any additional products may have been made with the same ingredients containing potentially fatal levels of aflatoxin.
About Aflatoxin
Aflatoxin is a toxin produced by the mold Aspergillus flavus and at high levels it can cause illness and death in pets.
The toxin can be present even if there is no visible mold.
Pets are highly susceptible to aflatoxin poisoning because, unlike people, who eat a varied diet, pets generally eat the same food continuously over extended periods of time.
If a pet’s food contains aflatoxin, the toxin could accumulate in the pet’s system as they continue to eat the same food.
Pets with aflatoxin poisoning may experience symptoms such as sluggishness, loss of appetite, vomiting, jaundice (yellowish tint to the eyes, gums or skin due to liver damage), and/or diarrhea.
In some cases, this toxicity can cause long-term liver issues and/or death.
Some pets suffer liver damage without showing any symptoms.
Pet owners whose pets have been eating the recalled products should contact their veterinarians, especially if they are showing signs of illness.
There is no evidence to suggest that pet owners who handle products containing aflatoxin are at risk of aflatoxin poisoning.
However, pet owners should always wash their hands after handling pet food.
What to Do?
Affected products may still be on store shelves, online, or in pet owners’ homes.
Pet owners should stop feeding their pets the recalled products listed above and consult their veterinarian, especially if the pet is showing signs of illness.
The pet owner should remove the food and make sure no other animals have access to the recalled product.
Further information regarding this recall can be found in the related FDA Bulletin.
Sunday, December 20, 2020
Season's greetings From The Willamette Valley Greyhound Lovers!
Have a safe and joyous Holiday Season!
Monday, November 30, 2020
December Birthdays!
Tamarin (Mega Tamarin)
December 18th
9 Years Old
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| Tamarin |
Everest (Bella Everest)
December 23
11 Years Old
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| Everest |
Bo (Super C Bozeman)
December 23
2 Years Old
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| Bo |
Thursday, November 26, 2020
Saturday, November 21, 2020
Thursday, October 29, 2020
Rainbow Bridge: Murray
Murray (Astar Realdazzle)
December 9, 2010 - October 14, 2020
Loved by Sarah Widger and Tyler Creech
Murray passed away peacefully after a brief battle with bone cancer.
He was a gentle and curious companion who brought great
joy and humor to his family during our 6.5 years together.
Murray spent the first half of his retirement in Corvallis
among his WVGL friends, and the second half in
southwest Montana where he learned to love the snow
and tolerate the thunderstorms. He will be dearly missed.
Rainbow Bridge: Foxfire
Foxfire (Just Caught Fire)
October 2012 - August 2020
Loved by Amie & Terry Gates
At a young 7 years old, we said a sudden goodbye
to our beloved Foxfire. He was my introduction into
the world of Greyhound ownership
and he placed in me a deep love for the breed.
Though I feel he might have been a bit different
than the general Greyhound population in his dislike
for toys, water, or sleeping on his back, Fox was
perfect for our family. His gentle nature made so many
flock to him, even the non-pet lover.
On a sunny day in August, after his daily high speed run
around our backyard with our other family dog, Fox suddenly
was not well. As a Veterinary Technician for 16 years,
I helplessly watched my vibrant boy collapse and pass away.
Medically I was watching his end approach so quickly,
but my heart and mind were not ready or willing to accept it.
Thankfully it was peaceful for him, if not
heartwrenching for my family and I.
Fox has been incredibly missed, but I will always keep
a tight hold to the wonderful memories I have of him.
Run free my big Foxy Loxy!
Amie
Happy Halloween!
Sunday, October 18, 2020
Calmer And Less Curious: How Dogs' Personalities Change As They Age
A study published in Scientific Reports attempts to map out those changes and finds that there are some personality traits — such as attraction to novel experiences, the desire to explore and the urge to run around — that seem to change for most dogs with age.
Continue reading here
Saturday, October 10, 2020
21 Pet Food Brands Recalled Due to High Levels of Aflatoxin
October 8, 2020 — Sunshine Mills, Inc. is expanding its recall of 21 brands of pet food that were made with corn that contained high levels of aflatoxin.
See the list here
Thursday, October 8, 2020
Dog is My Co-Pilot: Tips for Taking a Road Trip Alone with Your Furkid
Adventuring is always more fun when shared with your pup -- especially if the two of you are going it alone. Taking a solo trip with your pet does require a little extra foresight and preparation, but if you plan wisely, and anticipate your pet’s needs, you and your best furry bud will have an enjoyable, stress-free road trip. To help you along, here are our tips to ensure your trip is happy and safe.
Continue reading here
Wednesday, October 7, 2020
Meet "Bo," a New Member of the Willamette Valley Greyhound Community
This is Bo (Super C Bozeman)
Bo is 21 months old and hails from Kansas. He came to me around the first of September as a foster dog and I have since adopted him. Bo is a good guy and...of course...has the expected Greyhound quirk or two. In the 22 years I have been volunteering with GPA-NW, he is...by far...the calmest grey under 2 years old that I have ever seen. An affectionate and loving pooch, he has no trouble making new friends, though he's not crazy about cats.
At just 21 months old, and given the current situation with racing Greyhounds, Bo will likely be my sixth and final adopted Greyhound.
-Barry
Tuesday, October 6, 2020
Petco CEO on Eliminating Pet Shock Collar Sales (VIDEO)
Petco has decided to stop selling pet shock collars, which is a good thing. View the interview with Petco's CEO here
Monday, October 5, 2020
"The Era of Greyhound Racing in the U.S. Is Coming to An End" - National Geographic Article
NOTE: This article is free to read, though you may have to enter an email to read it. It's a good article on the current state of Greyhound racing, specifically in the state of Florida.
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ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDAIt’s 8:30 on a Saturday night in August. A gibbous moon hangs low in the Florida sky, its pale glow no competition for the red neon proclaiming, “GREYHOUND RACING”
and “DERBY LANE.” About 300 people are scattered around grandstands that once held thousands, murmuring among themselves while the loudspeaker plays big band and rockabilly tunes.
They fall silent when it’s time for Frederick Davis to lead the parade of dogs.
“TNT Sherlock,” says the announcer, calling the names of the eight sleek animals as Davis makes them pause in front of the stands. Each dog wears a big number attached to a snugly fitted vest known as a “blanket.” “Tailspin,” the announcer calls, “…Charlotte York….”
Next, Davis, 41, and the eight handlers he supervises will put the dogs in the starter’s box. The mechanical rabbit named “Hare-son Hare” will zoom past, squeaking and shooting blue sparks. The doors will fly open, and the greyhounds will burst onto the track, their bodies a blur, their paws tossing sand in the air as they gallop around the oval for 30 seconds. They hit speeds of up to 45 miles per hour, making them second only to the cheetah, the fastestland animal on Earth.
Continue reading here
Sunday, September 27, 2020
Grinders vs. Clippers: What’s Best for your Dog’s Nails?
A look at the benefits of grinding nails versus clipping for do-it-yourself nail trims.
Maybe it’s the telltale click-clack as your dog moseys across the kitchen floor. Or the unmistakable and often painful raking sensation when she jumps up to greet you. Or maybe it’s when you’re lounging together on the couch and you realize your dog’s nails have grown so long, you’re not sure if you should trim them or see what they’d look like if painted a sizzling shade of fire-engine red!
Whatever prompts you to notice that your dog’s nails need attention, good for you. Nail care is important, and it’s often overlooked by owners who either aren’t sure how to do it, are afraid to trim nails themselves, or can’t quite get their dogs to go along with the program. If this describes you, we can show you how to do it most easily and how to get your dog to not just cooperate, but to willingly volunteer for a trim.
Continue reading here:
Wednesday, September 23, 2020
Dog Food Recall: Billy + Margot Wild Kangaroo and Superfoods Recipe
Real Pet Food Company of Phoenix, Arizona, is recalling its Billy + Margot Wild Kangaroo and Superfoods Recipe due to possible contamination with Salmonella bacteria.
For full details, please visit the following link:
Wednesday, September 16, 2020
The 'Greyhound Glut' Is Over
My pandemic puppy is a retired racing greyhound. Zoom's gangly, genial and 3 years old. Sleek and black as an eel — and voluptuously lazy — he's among hundreds of dogs who suddenly needed homes after COVID-19's lethal spread across the country closed down race tracks along with most everything else.
Birmingham Race Course in Alabama was where Zoom sprinted a few times a week alongside seven other dogs for a breakneck quarter of a mile. The course reopened in June, offering billiards, darts and betting machines, but no more live dog racing.
"Let's see what the future holds for us and the industry," the company's vice-president of operations, Walter Russell, told NPR in a social media message.
"I think this is the end," says Michael Owens. She runs the Virginia-based greyhound adoption group Sighthound Underground, which matched me with Zoom in April. She means not just the end in Birmingham, but the end of greyhound racing across the country. "Tracks keep closing and closing. There are fewer and fewer greyhounds. When I started [the organization] 15 years ago, there were maybe 30,000 greyhounds registered every year. And last year there were 3,000."
Continue reading here
Tuesday, September 15, 2020
GPA-NW Masks & Muzzles Picnic, September 26 - CANCELLED
Due to the precarious fire situation, we have decided to cancel our September 26 picnic. Thank you so much to those of you who volunteered to work. We hope to have a Halloween Play Date in October, but that is 'to be determined' at this point.
We hope all of you and your families are safe and that this frightening
time will let up soon. A huge thank you to the volunteers who helped
evacuate the last dogs out of Hounds Rest and thank you to the foster
homes who took them!! Our volunteers are the
BEST people!!
Cindy Ramzy - GPANW
Sunday, September 13, 2020
Willamette Valley Walk to Defeat ALS - Saturday, October 3
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Monday, September 7, 2020
Sunday, September 6, 2020
Greyt Happenings For Willamette Valley Greyhound Lovers - September 2020 Issue
The September, 2020 issue of Greyt Happenings For Willamette Valley Greyhound Lovers can be downloaded here.
3 recent discoveries have upended scientists' understanding of how dogs age, navigate, and perceive human speech
Three recent discoveries have changed scientists' understanding of the nature of dogs.
One study found that young puppies age much faster than young humans do, so the common rule of thumb that one "dog year" is equivalent to seven "human years" is wrong.
Other recent research reveals that dogs understand human speech in the same way we do.
Findings also suggest dogs may use Earth's magnetic field to navigate.
Continue reading here:
Thursday, September 3, 2020
Sunshine Mills Recalls Multiple Dog Food Brands Due to Aflatoxin
September 2, 2020 — Sunshine Mills, Inc. is issuing a voluntary recall of multiple dog food products due to elevated levels of aflatoxin that are potentially above the acceptable limit.
Aflatoxin is a naturally occurring mold by-product from the growth of Aspergillus flavus and can be harmful to pets if consumed in significant quantities.
Continue reading here
Tuesday, September 1, 2020
September Birthdays!
Raven
Born September 13, 2009
Eleven Years Old
Logan
Born September 20, 2017
Three Years Old
Toffee
Born September 26, 2013
Seven Years Old
Wednesday, August 26, 2020
Happy "National Dog Day!"
How getting a dog during the pandemic may be beneficial for your health: 'Like a live-in therapist'
Earlier this month, the Washington Post reported a surge in dog adoptions and sales during the coronavirus pandemic, comparing it to past crazes like Tickle Me Elmo and Cabbage Patch Kids.
But unlike those toys, dogs are living, breathing animals who require frequent care and attention — and also return the favor to their owners. So as much of the country has been forced to isolate over the past five months to varying degrees, it makes sense that dogs can provide a real benefit to people spending more time at home.
August 26 is National Dog Day, and to celebrate man’s best friend, Yahoo Life spoke to Stanley Coren, a psychologist and dog-lover who’s written popular books like The Intelligence of Dogs and pens the Canine Corner column for Psychology Today. He broke down how a pet dog — not a cat, not a fish — could improve your mental and physical health during the pandemic.
Continue reading here:
Friday, July 31, 2020
Friday, July 24, 2020
Rainbow Bridge - Keith
Keith peacefully crossed the Bridge today. If you knew Keith, you'll remember him as a wonderful pooch and a terrific Greyhound "Ambassadog." He will be missed by his many friends.
Rest In Peace, buddy.
Keith (Easi Keith)
April 24 2010 - July 24 2020
If you'd like to make a donation to Greyhound Pet Adoption - Northwest in Keith's memory, click here
Sunday, July 19, 2020
Hot Weather Safety Tips
We all love spending the long, sunny days of summer outdoors with our furry companions, but being overeager in hot weather can spell danger. To prevent your pet from overheating, take these simple precautions provided by ASPCA experts:
- Visit the vet for a spring or early-summer checkup. Make sure your pets get tested for heartworm if they aren’t on year-round preventative medication.
- Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water when it’s hot or humid outdoors. Make sure your pets have a shady place to get out of the sun, be careful not to over-exercise them, and keep them indoors when it’s extremely hot.
- Know the symptoms of overheating in pets, which include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. Symptoms can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees.
- Animals with flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. These pets, along with the elderly, the overweight, and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.
- Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle. Not only can it lead to fatal heat stroke, it is illegal in several states!
- Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool—not all dogs are good swimmers. Introduce your pets to water gradually and make sure they wear flotation devices when on boats. Rinse your dog off after swimming to remove chlorine or salt from his fur, and try to keep your dog from drinking pool water, which contains chlorine and other chemicals.
- Open unscreened windows pose a real danger to pets, who often fall out of them. Keep all unscreened windows or doors in your home closed, and make sure adjustable screens are tightly secured.
- Feel free to trim longer hair on your dog, but never shave your dog: The layers of dogs’ coats protect them from overheating and sunburn. Brushing cats more often than usual can prevent problems caused by excessive heat. And be sure that any sunscreen or insect repellent product you use on your pets is labeled specifically for use on animals.
- When the temperature is very high, don’t let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Being so close to the ground, your pooch’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to a minimum.
- Commonly used rodenticides and lawn and garden insecticides can be harmful to cats and dogs if ingested, so keep them out of reach. Keep citronella candles, tiki torch products and insect coils of out pets’ reach as well. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Centerat (888) 426-4435 if you suspect your animal has ingested a poisonous substance.
- Remember that food and drink commonly found at barbeques can be poisonous to pets. Keep alcoholic beverages away from pets, as they can cause intoxication, depression and comas. Similarly, remember that the snacks enjoyed by your human friends should not be a treat for your pet; any change of diet, even for one meal, may give your dog or cat severe digestive ailments. Avoid raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate and products with the sweetener xylitol. Please visit our People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets page for more information.
- Please leave pets at home when you head out to Fourth of July celebrations, and never use fireworks around pets. Exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns or trauma, and even unused fireworks can contain hazardous materials. Many pets are also fearful of loud noises and can become lost, scared or disoriented, so it’s best to keep your little guys safe from the noise in a quiet, sheltered and escape-proof area of your home.
Tuesday, July 7, 2020
Keith's Broken Leg/Cancer Update
Keith received another Pamidronate injection today, as well as a splint re-wrap. He is now entering his seventh month in a splint. He remains happy and as active as he can be, given his situation.
Our walks are very limited these days, not much more than a block down the street and back, though he enjoys his evening rides around town.
Anyone wishing to stop by and say hi to Keith is more than welcome to do so. Now would probably be a very good time to do that. Keith loves visits from his friends.
