Sherry’s Corner

Pet Food and Animal Crackers, Redux

Those who have felt the effects of the recalled pet food are now organizing into a class action settlement.  If you purchased, used, or obtained, or your pet consumed pet food and/or pet treats that were recalled between March 16, 2007 and the present, because they allegedly contained contaminated wheat gluten or rice protein concentrate you may be eligible to participate in a class action settlement and receive compensation.  For further information, visit the settlement website at www.petfoodsettlement.com or contact the Claims administrator, Heffler, Radetich &Saita LLP / PO Box 890, Philadelphia, PA 19105-0890 1-800-392-7785

Animal Crackers. Once upon a time Dr. George Leighow and I hosted a radio program called Animal Crackers.  We had guests both local and national and covered some very exciting topics.  Among our more famous local guests was of course, Dixon Cuff.  Nationally known guests included Ginny Thornburgh, Max Lang, Nicholas Dodman, Job Michael Evans, Herm David, Ken Marden, Alan Beck, and others.  So it is with considerable interest that I report that the newest reward/reinforcement/treat for those dog owners who use them to train and/or keep the attention of their dogs are ANIMAL CRACKERS–THE KIND WE EAT!  These come in a box, of course, and have the value of being small, crunchy, easy to eat, and safe.  Giant Market has big boxes of these crackers for a dollar each.  Try them.     

ED AND TONI EAMES have long been author/advocates for service dog teams.  In a recent article they report on the services available for these hard-working canines at no charge.  Participating companies include: Bayer Anima Health, Fort Dodge Animal Health, Nestle Purina Nutramax Laboratories, IAMs , Royal Canin USA and Hills Pet Products.  The program is administered by Nutramax; the veterinarian applies for a grant on behalf of his disabled client.  The Eames also report that there is a brisk sales of signs reading, “No petting or feeding”.

PET SERVICES.  The Columbia/Montour Area Agency on Aging offers rides for a minimal fee through a local taxi service.  If the senior is also a pet owner, crated  dogs and cats can also be transported to veterinary hospitals.  The cost is $9 each way but well worth it if that is the only way to make sure a pet gets the medical care he or she needs.  Also, Erie Insurance’s auto policy will insure pets hurt in an auto accident up to $500 per animal, $1000 per loss.  The added coverage will  automatically be applied at no additional charge in most states.  For more information, check with your ERIE agent. 

INTRODUCING — Wayne Pacelle, the head of the Humane Society of the United States, who is tall and handsome–not the usual suspect.  The 47-year-old vegan neither eats nor wears animal products.  He says he is too committed to his work to marry or raise children.  Divorced long ago, he lives in a condo in Washington with his girlfriend, Christine Gutleben, who runs the HSUS program that reaches out to religious leaders and congregations.  When Christine moved in with him she brought her cat, Libby.  Gutleben says he is “interesting with animals”–doesn’t want to invade their space–and so Libby has free run of the place, including the kitchen counters and Pacelle’s chest. 

WHAT ABOUT DOG FOOD?  We began this segment on recalled dog food but what if we could detect spoiled pet food at the check-out in the grocery store?  It would certainly prevent so many emotional as well as financial problems!  Craig Grimes, a professor of electrical engineering at Penn State University Park, has created a practical gadget that can detect bad milk, juice, or soup using a thin iron strip that vibrates in a magnetic field.  When a customer checks out at the grocery store, the scanner can detect when this strip vibrates differently, indicating a change in the consistency of liquid.  The technology has also been used to detect blood clotting characteristics, stressed roadways, and new bridges.  Now if it can just be adapted to pet food!