HSUS, New Dog Treats, and More from David Frei
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is inviting the public to a free Humane 101 meeting in Allentown, PA, on February 11th. Its purpose is to make a difference for animals in the Commonwealth–to change, support and affect care and treatment of animals in the public and private sectors. According to promotional materials, HSUS will present ways to create effective materials for local decision makers and media outlets, and to organize friends. Interestingly enough it does not mention the economy and how we can help our shelters, rescues, and private pet and animal owners cope with these difficult times.
Another interesting sign of not understanding how our economy affects pets is the announcement and March introduction of FETCH’ER BALLZ by Planet Friendly. Advertised as the next evolution in dog treats, FETCH’ER BALLZ are an “interactive natural gourmet dog treat that thinks it is a ball.” The ball-shaped treat, designed to be thrown, hidden or rolled, comes in Chicken Stew, Fish and Chips, Fruit and Veggie Medley and Sweet Peanut Butter Crunch. (Meanwhile, new warnings out on chicken jerky treats–DON’T!)
From the last Frei teleconference–across the country dog show entries are down 40 to 50%! Westminster closed with less than its customary 2,500 dogs. A friend from the Morris Animal Foundation who flew into New York to attend the Show made her hotel reservation last July and is paying $400 a night. She gets a discount. I believe you will find the emphasis this year will again be on “real dogs” and not the pampered when Frei takes the microphone. There will be a Tibetan Terrier, though, that fought a Bobcat and lived to bark about it. The owners thought the Terrier would always limp but he surprised everyone, earning his championship and becoming a top twenty contender! Another dog was due to be euthanized because he bit several people. He was rescued, rehabed and will be at Westminster. Frei told us that he gave the dog a big hug when he met him! Frei’s primary interest is in working in the Ronald MacDonald House with his two Brittanys and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel youngster. Lots of therapy dogs at Westminster this year!
Feb 13, 2009 | | Uncategorized