Can Your Dog Cure Your Smoking Habit?

I don't know - it sounds kind of far fetched to me, but according to this article, enlisting your dog's aid in the quest to stop smoking really can work.

Something else your dog can help you do is lose weight - if you become so guilty over your dog getting fat that you make a vow to take him or her walking every day. You know, you just can't do that unless you go walking yourself!

While you're at it, that dog can also help you regain a good perspective on life. When the two of you are walking, notice how your dog stops to explore and notice things. He's not in a huge rush to get from point A to point B. No, he wants to notice his world.

If you use the time to do the same, you might see some wonderful things, and you might let go of some of that stress that we all carry around.

Shoot - that alone might help in your efforts to quit smoking!

Like Children, Tired Dogs Just Want to go Home

Ralph likes going with my husband everywhere, but when they go to visit Terry and Freckles, he gets tired.

It has something to do with Freckles loving him so much - and wanting him to play all the time. After all, he's 8 years older than her, so isn't quite so interested in being busy every minute.

She also pesters him a lot with things like chewing on his ears or grabbing a mouth full of hair and trying to pull him around the room.

So, after a while, he makes his appeal: "Can we go home now?"

How to torture your dog at Christmas

A few days ago I wrote you about Suzie and the rawhide chews...

I finally found a USB port on my computer that would work, so was able to download the photos. Here is a portrait of a dog who should be in a state of joy - but feeling miserable because she has to stay and guard those darned chews!

When she wasn't laying beside them, she was walking around with both of them in her mouth... not a comfortable position!

Finally, to give her relief, I took them away.

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.