Family Pet Needs a Home - Euthanasia Pending

ALERT! Anyone in the Houston, Texas area who can foster or give a home to this dog, please contact me.

I do not have a lot of background information about why the family can no longer keep their dog, but she is a good family dog and whatever the circumstances, she needs help immediately.  If she is not found a home or foster, she will be euthanized (and soon).

The family are friends of a friend and she contacted me to try and help her find this sweet dog a home.  She is a Blue Heeler/Ridgeback mix, spayed, house trained, sweet, and energetic.

Please let me know immediately if you are able to take her. A foster home will definitely be welcomed. Email me at action@k9pac.org.


Thank you,

Melis

Hero’s P.E.T.S – Company with a Conscience

Hero's P.E.T.S. (Planetary & Ecologically Trusted Supplies), located in Littleton, Colorado, is the epitome of a socially and ecologically responsible company. I met Chelsea Kent, the owner of Hero's P.E.T.S., at the Denver Earth Works Expo 2009. I was initially surprised to find a pet store among the many exhibitors, comprised mostly of building and household product companies. I was interested in how the store fit in with the 'green' theme, and naturally excited to go shopping for my dogs (in hopes that coming home bearing gifts after my five-day vacation would allow me to skip the need to beg for my dogs' forgiveness). In typical fashion, I sorted through the table full of products, reading labels for nutritious and ethically sourced ingredients, testing the durability of toys, and looking for shapes, sounds, and smells that would appeal to my pooches. After a couple of minutes, it occurred to me that every item on the table met my requirements! The treats I examined were from free-range animals, had all-natural ingredients, and no hormones or antibiotics to speak of. While I was very enthusiastic about my find, I became a little frightened for my wallet – I do not typically have that many choices!

Intrigued, I managed to strike up a conversation with Ms. Kent, who walked me through the products, described the companies that supply them, and pointed out the social and ecological benefits that give her a reason to sell and support the companies' products. I was thoroughly impressed with the amount of knowledge that Chelsea had about not only the products, but also the suppliers and the entire supply chain. I am the type of pet parent that does all of the research prior to purchasing a product, and I was ecstatic to finally find a store owner that did the research for me! Chelsea has over eight years of experience in the pet supply industry. Prior to opening the doors of Hero's P.E.T.S. in April 2007, she worked as a pet store manager. Chelsea used her position to become familiar with the many products and companies in the pet supply market. She was inspired to research alternate companies and suppliers after being routinely disappointed in the quality of standard pet products and the companies' general lack of concern over their ecological impact. Six years later, her efforts culminated in the opening of her very own pet store.

Hero's P.E.T.S. mission is to help change the world for the better, by educating consumers and providing them with the highest quality products from companies that are dedicated to eco-conscious and sustainable business practices. In addition, Chelsea ensures that her staff is knowledgeable and can educate people about the products, suppliers, and the local, global, and ecological reasons for which they carefully select the companies that they work with. Through partnerships with small businesses and other like-minded companies, Chelsea is able to deal directly with the majority of her suppliers. Direct communication enables her to gain accurate information about each company's process, including sourcing, manufacturing, and transport, as well as the ecological impacts of each step. Chelsea also inquires as to the suppliers' corporate values and mission, employee relationships, and other ways in which they give back (e.g. through donations to non-profits). Further, Chelsea reexamines the companies that she works with on an annual basis, to ensure that their business practices continue to meet her strict threshold.

As a result of Chelsea's dedication and research, Hero's P.E.T.S. offers a wide variety of products that customers can feel good about purchasing. Most of their inventory is made of recycled and recyclable materials, hemp, organic cotton, fleece scraps, and/or durable materials. Further, the majority of the companies that make these products also make an environmental commitment to reduce carbon emissions and waste, and to donate money to other beneficial organizations like the Service Dog Fund, the Dog/Cat Cancer Research Funds, and The Conservation Alliance. The pet food they sell is made of the highest-quality, human-grade ingredients, and are supplied by companies that have a history of quality control and cleanliness. Their supplements are the highest quality and potency available, without a high price tag to match, and the toys and beds are generally durable, recyclable, and guaranteed. In addition, the store carries organic, biodegradable shampoos & enzymatic carpet cleaners. For examples of some of their products, refer to my previous reviews of Fart Busters (from Bark Stix) and the Orbee Tuff toys (from Planet Dog).

Chelsea believes, as I do, that consumers hold the power to influence change in current business practices. An educated consumer is a powerful ally in the betterment of our environment and our health, but the reality is that the everyday consumer does not have the time to research each and every company or product prior to purchase. Thus, I was ecstatic to hear Chelsea embrace her responsibility as a business owner to do the research for her customers. She firmly believes that the onus lies with every business owner to be knowledgeable about both their company, and the products that they sell. "Just because a product can be sold, doesn't mean that it should", said Chelsea, "My goal is to get customers to realize how each thing they purchase impacts the world around them, and to be more conscious and ask more questions before they make purchases at other stores. Thus, increasing demand for better products from better companies."

In a business environment where Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has transformed from a tell-tale sign of a forward-looking, social- and eco-conscious company, to a buzzword on nearly every corporate website, it was refreshing to find a business that we can really count on. Hero's P.E.T.S. is a rare gem, a company that is sincere in its efforts to make a positive social and ecological impact, and one that I hope will inspire others to do the same. For more information, please visit the Hero's P.E.T.S. website (www.herospets.com) or drop by their store to speak to a knowledgeable sales associate.

Shelters vs. Breeders – Divisive Tactics Threaten the Animal Community

With animal shelter populations on the rise and corresponding euthanasia rates at outrageously high levels, the animal community has reacted with a strong sense of urgency to promote animal adoptions over the purchasing of animals from pet stores and breeders. While most have done this in a responsible manner by educating the public about shelter dogs, working to find the right match between dog and family, and creating a sense of pride in having an "American Shelter Dog", I have been disappointed to see a few organizations take the more aggressive and less effective approach of condemning all breeders and the dog parents who purchase from them. These few, yet influential, organizations have managed to place responsible and caring dog breeders (and the people who buy from them) in the same category as inhumane breeders and puppy mills. This assertion is irresponsible, inaccurate, and entirely ineffective.

While I completely support and encourage the adoption of dogs and other animals from shelters, and have vowed that my family's next dog (and likely every dog thereafter) will be a rescue dog, I also fully support responsible dog breeders and the caring pet parents who buy from them. Responsible dog breeders play an important role in maintaining the lineage of pure bred dogs. Many of them are extremely knowledgeable about the history of the dogs, their specific medical and social needs, and their personalities. Often times, these breeders play an instrumental role in educating dog trainers, other dog professionals, and the public about what the breed needs, how it behaves, and what living situation it best adapts to. Understanding a breed can be an important part of relating to a dog and finding the appropriate family, lifestyle, and training to fit them, in order to maintain a happy, healthy, and well-balanced dog (a la Cesar Millan).

Responsible dog breeders should be welcomed members of the animal community. Lumping them in with puppy mills and other breeders who keep their animals in unsanitary, confined, and otherwise inhumane conditions is not only inappropriate, it is also poor strategy that serves to ostracize the majority of the dog advocate community. According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA) 2007-2008 National Pet Owners Survey, only 10% of owned dogs in America are adopted from shelters. While this is a terrific argument for increasing dog adoptions from shelters, it is also a reminder that 90% of dogs with homes belong to parents who bought them from a breeder. Thus, any strategy that is based on condemning all breeders and those pet parents who buy from them is at the very least unsound, and at most, a strategy to lose the parents of 90% of America's owned dogs as allies in the fight for animal welfare.

I have been truly inspired in recent years by the remarkable collaboration of shelters, sanctuaries, organizations, individuals, and adoptive families to aid in the rescue of dogs and other animals from the atrocities of animal cruelty and neglect. Multi-state busts of dog fighting rings and puppy mill operations, and the publicity they have gained, is impressive and a sign that this is a pivotal time in the fight for animal welfare. Although it is just the beginning, we have been able to make an unprecedented impact in the lives of animals, and we must stand unified in this effort. As a community, we must remain focused on our goals rather than distract ourselves with divisive tactics that fail to target the real issues. We must remember that the animal welfare and animal rights movements are founded on one basic principal – the love and protection of animals. Regardless of whether the animal in your life was purchased from a breeder or adopted from a shelter, it is the love and responsibility for that animal that is the foundation of our community and should be supported without question, disparity, or judgment. These are the values upon which K9 PAC was founded; we welcome all dog and animal advocates and strive to unite our community into one, significant, and unwavering voice that will be a powerful influence in the political system.

Orbee-Tuff®: The Everlasting Miracle Toys

While vacationing in Denver, I went to the Green Expo, where I met the very knowledgeable co-owner of Hero's Pets (www.herospets.com). The booth displayed an impressive selection of wholesome (mostly organic), ethically-sourced, and eco-friendly foods, treats, toys, and accessories from a wide variety of eco-conscious companies. Most of the companies that she buys from set aside a percentage of their proceeds to donate to various charities. As the owner walked me through the inventory of goodies, she pointed out the unique attributes of the various products and the companies that supply them. One of the products was a mint-scented Orbee-Tuff® soccer ball from Planet Dog (www.planetdog.com). In addition to being buoyant, minty, and having a small hole to insert treats like a Kong ball, the woman claimed that this toy was also indestructible. I was waiting for her to qualify that statement by specifying a weight range or small-dog-only restriction. Instead, she added to the already too-good-to-be-true assertion, and informed me that if your dog destroys the toy, you can return it to Planet Dog for a new toy and the old toy will be recycled! SOLD – that was the best sixteen bucks I've ever spent on a dog toy.

Our dog, Rebel, is the heavy-weight champion of dog toy obliteration. So, when it came time to test the durability of this toy, I anticipated a repeat death match between Rebel and his new soccer ball and I looked forward to getting a replacement in the mail. To my astonishment, the toy lives on! It has been 2 weeks and the soccer ball is in perfect shape, lasting through persistent chewing, throwing, and clawing. Another great benefit of the Orbee-Tuff soccer ball is that Rebel's new favorite toy also makes his breath smell minty fresh!

With excitement and astonishment pouring out of my ears, I couldn't wait to blog to the world (or, our loyal K9 PAC followers) about this Everlasting Gobstopper of dog toys. But first, I wanted to check my facts. So, I emailed Planet Dog and received a truly thorough six-paragraph response from Customer Support Specialist Jessica-Star, which clearly outlined their exchange and recycle policy. Everlasting toys, exchange guarantees, and excellent customer service all in one company??? Wow. To summarize the email that I received, Planet Dog has put this incredible return/exchange policy into place for two key reasons: 1) to encourage people to return the toys so they can be recycled; 2) to ensure that their customers are 100% satisfied. I was pleasantly surprised to hear that there is no time limit on your return and you do not need a receipt. It could be several months or years down the road; if your dog finally manages to win the good fight, send the toy in with the return form (http://www.planetdog.com/pdfs/returnsform.pdf) to get the full credit value toward a replacement toy.

Each of the Orbee-Tuff toys have a chew-o-meter rating (Rebel's soccer ball is 4 out of 5 chompers) that enables you to predict the right level of durability necessary for your dog. When you return the toy, you should replace it with one of a higher durability level. In addition to the chew-o-meter rating, the customer support specialists have the experience to advise you on different types and molds of toys that increase durability, depending on what type of chewer and/or breed your dog is. For example, Jessica explained that Planet Dog sells both single and double molded products; some dogs chew in such a way that they break the double mold (the soccer ball is double mold), in which case a specialist can recommend a single-molded toy.

Although there is a reasonable limit to the toy exchange policy, you will always get your money's worth. In most cases, the company has been able to find the right toy for the right dog within one or two returns. However, in the rare case that a dog continues to break the most durable of Orbee-Tuff toys, then the company recommends that you return the toy for a final exchange of a non-toy item like treats or accessories. I highly encourage you to buy your Orbee-Tuff toy today – it would make a great gift for friends and your canine family members. Check out more Planet Dog products on their website (www.planetdog.com).