Bark Around Town Update

We’ve all been taking a break … even Bailey …

You’ve probably noticed that we’ve been asleep over here at Bark Around Town. It’s been a long nap, for sure! But we haven’t been completely inactive. We’ve been writing other places, networking with local dog groups, checking out new products, generally recharging and revisiting the purpose of the blog (and other dog-related projects).

After almost a year on hiatus, we’re preparing to come back … so be patient a little longer! Take a nap, fetch a ball, go for a walk … stay tuned!

3rd Annual Golf Tournament to Support Pitty Love Rescue, hosted by the 140 Alex Bar & Grill

Hit the links for a good cause at the 3rd Annual Golf Tournament to support Pitty Love Rescue, hosted by 140 Alex Bar & Grill

Looking for another reason to hit the links? How about golfing to support one of Rochester’s finest rescues, Pitty Love Rescue!

The 140 Alex Bar & Grill is hosting the 3rd Annual Tournament to support Pitty Love Rescue. The event takes place on July 29th at Victor Hills Golf Club. Tournament fee of $85 includes golf, awards and a steak dinner.

For additional information, contact Mike at (585) 734-9860 or at the 140 Alex Bar & Grill (585) 256-1000.

click here for more information.

Nestle Purina Voluntarily Recalls Single Lot of Therapeutic Canned Cat Food Due to A Low Level of Thiamine (Vitamin B1)

Purina has issued a limited recall of its Purina Veterinary Diets OM Overweight Management canned cat food.

Attention cat owners: Nestle Purina PetCare (NPP) is voluntarily recalling one specific lot of its Purina Veterinary Diets OM Overweight Management canned cat food, available through veterinarians in the U.S. and Canada. 

According to the press release, this is a precautionary measure being taken in response to one consumer complaint received by FDA.  Analytical testing of the product sample by FDA indicated a low level of thiamine (Vitamin B1).  Purina has received no other complaints of thiamine-related or any other health issues related to this product. 

This is the only product included in the recall (“Best By” Date and Production Code are found on the bottom of the can):

Purina Veterinary Diets (Overweight Management) Feline Formula
5.5 oz. can
“Best By” JUN 2013
Production code 11721159
UPC code 38100 – 13810 

This product was distributed to veterinary clinics between June, 2011 and May, 2012 throughout the U.S. and Canada.  The product is not sold in retail stores.

 Cats fed this affected lot exclusively for several weeks may be at risk for developing a thiamine deficiency. 

Thiamine is essential for cats.  Symptoms of deficiency displayed by an affected cat can be gastrointestinal or neurological in nature.  Early signs of thiamine deficiency may include decreased appetite, salivation, vomiting and weight loss.  In advanced cases, neurological signs can develop, which may include ventriflexion (bending towards the floor) of the neck, wobbly walking, falling, circling and seizures.  Contact your veterinarian immediately if your cat is displaying any of these signs.  If treated promptly, thiamine deficiency is typically reversible.

Consumers who have purchased Purina Veterinary Diets® OM canned cat food cans with these specific “Best By” Date and Production Codes should discontinue feeding the product, and discard it. 

In the press release,  Nestle Purina PetCare reassures consumers that ”the safety and efficacy of our products are our top priority.  We apologize for any inconvenience due to this voluntary recall.”

 For further information or to obtain a product refund, please contact Nestle Purina as follows:

U.S. Consumers & Veterinarians:
Call toll-free 1-800-982-8837 Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time, or visit www.purinaveterinarydiets.com.

Canadian Consumers & Veterinarians :
Call toll-free 1-866-884-8387 Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time, or visit www.purina.ca.

Read the press release here.

11th Annual Dachshund Parade, Saturday, May 12, 2012

If you’re looking for something fun to do on Saturday, May 12, why not head down to Washington Square Park for the annual Daschshund Parade?

This celebration of weiner dogs is in its 11th year, and visitors will get to enjoy all things Doxie – from vendors to the Oscar Meyer Weinermobile.

The fun starts at noon. The parade organizers ask that only Dachshunds participate in the parade, and that dog owners bring water for their dogs along with poop bags to pick up after their pooches.

Washington Square Park is at 180 S. Clinton Ave, opposite GEVA Theater. You can learn more on the Rochester Dachshund Parade website.

Foods your kitty should never eat

by Beth Adams Pitoniak

Beth and Oscar, one of the cat loves of her life

Most of us know not to give any amount of chocolate to any pet. But, did you know about some of these other foods that are dangerous for your cat to digest?The folks at KittenToob.com have shared a list of foods that you should never share with your cat (even if he asks!),  including fish bones, grapes, and onions. Visit KittenToob.com to see more.  This is a must-read and must-keep list for any cat lover.

Read more of Beth’s cat posts!

New York State Police raid Wyoming County SPCA following charges of animal abuse

According to BuffaloNews.com, the NY State Police raided the Wyoming County SPCA today. Click the image to read the story at the BuffaloNews.com.

Just a week ago we were talking about animal cruelty and puppy mills, and in an ironic twist the New York State Police today raided the Wyoming County SPCA following allegations that “hundred cats were living under inhumane living conditions and funds were being improper handled.” Police also raided an adoption center run by the Wyoming County SPCA in the Eastern Hills Mall in Clarence, NY.

According to the BuffaloNews.com, Erie County SPCA spokeswoman Gina Browning, who is assisting with the investigation said, “I think deplorable is an understatement in how to describe the conditions inside that facility.” The Wyoming County Emergency Response Team is also assisting in the clean up.

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan, who represents the 59th District, released a statement today that read, in part, “I hope a pattern of mistreatment is not emerging among the SPCA centers of Western New York. When considering the recent problems that have arisen at area SPCA’s, one thing is clear, New York State needs a comprehensive review of its animal shelter and adoption policies…”

In January, the Erie County SPCA announced that it would lead an investigation into allegations of animal abuse at the Niagara County SPCA. Protestors has claimed severely injured animals had gone untreated at the facility and that 500 cats and dogs, many of them healthy, were euthanized during a two-month period.

According to the Wyoming County SPCA website, “The Wyoming County SPCA is a not for profit animal rescue organization based out of Attica, New York. Founded in 1905, the WC SPCA has placed thousands of orphaned, abandoned, and abused animals in to permanent, qualified homes.” The home page currently has a message that reads, “Volunteers Needed!!!! The animals need YOU! Volunteers are needed at the Adoption Center to clean cages, feed, visit with customers, sit with the cats or sell merchandise. Any time you can spare will help immensely. Contact any staff member for more information.”

You can read more at BuffaloNews.com.