Doggie Truce, at Last

Suzie has finally decided that she can put up with Freckles, so now she'll sit still for those kisses that Freckles has been trying to bestow upon her ever since Terry adopted her a year ago.

What upsets me is that I think I could have put a stop to the nonsense a long time ago, but just didn't think of the right words to say.

A couple of weeks ago when Freckles came to visit and Suzie gave her an unfriendly welcome, I hollered "Leave it!" And she did.

Now, why didn't I do that before. It's what I say when they chase the cat or get into anything else they shouldn't.

Oh well - the problem is solved now, but makes me feel silly that I didn't think of it before.

Will You Help Provide a Service Dog to a Child?

This message just arrived in my e-mail tonight from PALS with Pawz, and the deadline is nearing ...

December 26, 2009

My husband Jeff is in the hospital since Saturday and will probably be there until Wednesday, so I am asking for some assistance in RE POSTING this letter.

A PALS with Pawz donor has generously pledged to match up to $10,000 collected between December 24th and December 31st. We have three dogs that were rescued from ASPCA Shelters, trained and are ready for their new families to go through the 2 week orientation. The donor did not put any restrictions on their matching funds, so we can assist 4-6 families that need Autism/Seizure Service Dogs. These families have tried to raise funds, but it is difficult.

I do not take a salary from PALS and it is run mostly with my Social Security. These children/adults need to raise between $3500-$4000 for their service dog. It costs PALS approximately $8-$10000 for the training, food, vetting, etc.

So PALS would like to challenge EVERYONE, Family Members, Friends, Church Groups, and Companies to just donate $10 or $20 dollars. This may not seem like a lot, however, it all adds up. So Far, we have gathered a few donations; and Ginnie Lerch has challenged everyone to give up a cappuccino or latte and send that money in.

You can either send the donation to PO Box 387, South Pittsburg, TN 37380; or use our PayPal: palswithpawz@aol.com.
It is tax deductible, won’t you help us help an Autistic child or A child with Seizure Disorders get their Service Dog and Companion, which would not only help the patient, but also gives their families peace of mind.

Thank you in advance for your consideration. Happy New Year,
Christine G.
PALS With Paws

Doggie Christmas Gifts

Just so the 3 canines wouldn't feel left out on Christmas morning, I got them each a rawhide chew... forgetting entirely that it wasn't a good idea.

Ralph loves them, but he was funny. He was being lazy, so stayed laying flat on his side while he chewed. It looked a bit awkward, but he managed to consume the whole thing.

Pepper wasn't too sure he wanted his, but he carried it around and gave it an occasional chew.

Then there was Suzie. She doesn't even like the things, but somehow feels that she needs to hang on to them. So she wandered around the house with the chew in her mouth, looking like she simply didn't know what to do about it.

Then later, after Pepper had abandoned his, she took it too. She then alternated between carrying both of them in her mouth and laying with both between her feet, guarding them. The poor girl couldn't do anything else all day!

Finally, when I heard company arriving for dinner and knew that meant an extra dog in the house, and there could be a battle,I took them away from her.

I think she was relieved.

Don't Put this in Your Dog's Christmas Stocking!

Following is a press release copied from the FDA website...

If you've purchased Beef Hoof products or pig ears for your pet this season, check to see where they came from...

Pet Carousel Conducts Nationwide Recall of Beef Hoof Products and Pig Ears Because of Salmonella Risk

Company Contact:
Pet Carousel, Inc
800-231-3572

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – December 9, 2009 – Sanger, CA-- Pet Carousel has initiated a recall of all Pig Ears and all varieties of Beef Hoof pet treats because the products may be contaminated with Salmonella. The problem was discovered after FDA testing found positive results for Salmonella in pig ears and beef hoof products.

These products were recalled because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect both humans and animals. People handling dry pet food and/or pet treats can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the treats or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella may experience some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Although rare, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart), arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their health care provider immediately.
Pets with Salmonella infections may become lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets may only experience a decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected, but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed any of the affected products or is experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

The following products have been recalled: The affected pig ear products were packaged under the brand names Doggie Delight, Pork Tasteez and Pet Carousel
Item No.:


* 18100-P Bulk
* 18016-P 10-pk red mesh bag
* 18120-P 20-pk red mesh bag.


The affected beef hooves were packaged under the brand names Choo Hooves, Dentley’s, Doggie Delight, and Pet Carousel
Item No.:


* 1506-K 5 lb. bulk
* 1507-K 10 lb. bulk
* 1520-K 20 lb. bulk
* 12125-T 10-pk vinyl bag
* 12110-T 10-pk, vinyl bag
* 12111-T 10-pk, vinyl bag
* 12122-T 10 lb., bulk
* 1503-K 3-pk, vinyl bag
* 1510-K 10-pk ,vinyl bag
* 1405-S 5 lb., bulk
* 1408-S 10-pk, vinyl bag
* 1410-S 10 lb., bulk
* 1420-S 20 lb., bulk
* 90058-H Cheese/& Bacon Stuffed Hoof, bulk
* 90056-H Peanut Butter Stuffed Hoof, bulk
* 17005-R Rope toy with Hooves.


The products were distributed nationwide in both bulk and retail packaging for sale in pet food and retail chain stores throughout the country. All sizes and all lots of these pork ears purchased on or after 08/16/2009 and all beef hoof products in all varieties purchased on or after 09/16/2009 made by Pet Carousel are included in this alert.

Pet Carousel has completed notifying its consignees and requested the consignees return affected products and remove them from retail sales. Out of an abundance of caution and concern for public safety, Pet Carousel is issuing this press release to inform consumers of potential risks and to ensure that all affected product has either been returned or otherwise removed from use.

Consumers who have purchased the products described above should cease use and return the product to their place of purchase. Additionally, consumers with questions may contact Pet Carousel at 800-231-3572 from 8:00am to 4:00pm PST.

Caring for your Dogs in Winter

The snow has finally arrived in North Idaho - and with it some dangers for our dogs.

Getting lost is a concern for dogs now, because apparently it's not so easy to follow their own scent back home if they run off into the snow to explore. So, keep those pups in sight or sound!

Also, snow and ice can build up between their toe pads and cause injury - keep an eye on that!

But a more common danger for city dogs is ice melter. If you take your dog walking on city sidewalks or across city streets, be SURE to wash those paws when you get back home. The de-icer is not only damaging to the skin on their feet, but toxic when they begin licking it off during their grooming routines.

If your dogs live outdoors, remember that they need water just as much in winter as they do during the hottest part of the summer. Don't let those water dishes freeze! Heated water bowls are inexpensive, and good insurance for your dog's health.

They also need someplace snug to get into to get away from the winter winds. Even though many dogs, such as Malamutes, do prefer to bury themselves in snow, your shorter-haired friends need your help to stay warm.

A little extra rations are also a good idea for those outdoor dogs - it takes energy to keep up body heat when the temperatures are freezing.

Has anyone done a Dog Walk Fundraiser?

This week one of my fundraising ezine readers wrote to ask me if I knew anything about doing a Dog Walk for a fundraiser.

I didn't. I've never been involved with one, or even lived near where one was scheduled.

So... if you have information to share about how to set it up, things to be careful of, etc. Please share!

Oh - by the way, if you'd like to get that ezine, you can go to www.marte-cliff.com and opt-in. You'll find a box on the top left - when you enter your name and email address, you'll be asked which ezine you want. You can have one - or all 3 if you like!

Two Tales to Warm Your Heart

This morning's email brought a link to a wonderful story - a story of a life saved and a love found.

It reminded me of the very first "rescue" I took part in before our local rescue even came into existence. Not because the circumstances were the same, but because of the pup involved.

I was a real estate broker and one of my agents had gotten acquainted with an agent from a neighboring town - and it had someone come out that she was a dog lover.

One day he called to tell her that he managed a rental in a nearby town and had gone there today to check the house after the tenants left... and there was a dog tied to the tree in the back yard. Did she want to do something about it?

She told me what was going on and we set out to rescue the dog. By some lucky chance, my big "dog cage" was in the back of my pickup, but we had no blanket.

We arrived at this house to find the most miserable looking, filthy dog you can imagine. The tree he was tied to was surrounded with dust, so of course he was covered with dust. The agent had given him water but he was hungry on top of being filthy.

We couldn't decide what kind of dog this was - he had long, curly blonde hair. Could he be a standard poodle? No, must just be a mixed breed of some kind.

There was a shed filled with clothes the tenants didn't take, so we grabbed whatever looked clean enough for a filthy dog and put it in the crate for a bed, then loaded him up. I have to say that neither of us really wanted to touch him - he was that dirty! But he was friendly and cooperative - glad to have some attention, I suppose.

On the way back to our office my friend called a dog groomer friend who said to bring him right in. She'd donate to the cause. So, we fed him, then took him to the groomer.

Imagine our shock when we went after him a few hours later and found what appeared to be a purebred Cocker Spaniel!

We had him in the office and our secretary asked if she could take him along when she went to pick up her son from day care. Of course we said yes, since we still had no idea what we were going to do with him.

Well, that was that. The day care lady took one look at him and asked if she could have him. She had wanted a golden Cocker as long as she could remember. That night he slept with her son, and they've been fast friends ever since.

That story had a happy ending, as so does this one.

Thank you Carolyne, for sharing your story.

And... Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone!

Marte