The Growth of Freeze-dried Raw Dog Food

Always thought about buying raw food but could never do it...anyone have experience?

The Pros & Cons of Getting Pet for Your Kids

Good article regarding the pros and cons of getting a pet

'Dog Whisperer' Cesar Millan is investigated after animal cruelty complaint

Dog Whisperer Investigated

United Pet Group Recalls Top Fin Power Filters for Aquariums Due to Shock Hazard; Sold Exclusively at PetSmart

Recall Summary Name of product:
Top Fin™ Power Filters for Aquariums
Hazard:

A conductor on the pump motor can become exposed and electrify the aquarium water, posing a shock hazard to consumers

Units

About 155,000 (in addition, about 3,300 filters were sold in Canada)

Description

This recall involves five models of Top Fin Power Filters. The models included in this recall are Top Fin Power Filters 10, 20, 30, 40 and 75.  The filters are black with a trapezoid shaped top.  The words “TOP FIN” are molded into the top of the filter.  The filters were also sold as part of Top Fin 5.5 and 10 gallon LED aquarium kits.

Incidents/Injuries

None reported

Remedy

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled filters, unplug them from the power supply, remove from the aquarium, and contact United Pet Group for a free replacement power filter.

Sold exclusively at

PetSmart stores nationwide and online from September 2015 through December 2015 for between $15 and $64.

Dog Ownership Statistics

US Pet Ownership Estimates

It comes as no surprise that the number of homes with pets continues to grow.  Here are some interesting statistics:

Are Your Pets Prepared for Disaster?

Check out this Disaster Preparedness article for tips on how to keep your pets safe.

PetSafe Social Media Campaign Aims to Donate 12,000 Toys to Shelter Pets - See more at: http://petbusiness.com/articles/2014-12-08/PetSafe-Social-Media-Campaign-Aims-to-Donate-12000-Toys-to-Shelter-Pets-#sthash.O0dYMuuG.dpuf

PetSafe has launched its Joy of Toys social media campaign. The company will donate one toy to a pet in a shelter, for every "Like" or "Follow" the brand receives on its Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest pages through Dec. 31. 

The company aims to provide up to 12,000 of its Busy Buddy and FroliCat brand cat and dog toys to pets in shelters across the country, including: Asheville Humane Society in Asheville, N.C., Larimer Humane Society in Fort Collins, Colo., Oregon Humane Society in Portland, Ore., Halifax Humane Society in Daytona Beach, Fla., Louisiana SPCA in New Orleans, Capital Area Humane Society in Hilliard, Ohio, Atlanta Humane Society in Atlanta, Kentucky Humane Society in Louisville, Ky., Charleston Animal Society in N. Charleston, S.C., Foothills Animal Rescue in Scottsdale, Ariz., South Suburban Humane Society in Chicago Heights, Ill., and Austin Humane Society in Austin, Texas. 

“PetSafe is proud to support these 12 organizations that are working hard to make their communities better for animals and people alike,” said Jim Tedford, PetSafe director of animal welfare initiatives. “Our tagline is ‘Protect. Teach. Love.’ and that’s exactly what we aim to do through this year’s ‘Joy of Toys’ campaign.” - See more at: http://petbusiness.com/articles/2014-12-08/PetSafe-Social-Media-Campaign-Aims-to-Donate-12000-Toys-to-Shelter-Pets-#sthash.O0dYMuuG.dpuf

Pet-Friendly Dating Sites Match up People, Pooches

y SUE MANNING Associated Press

On these dating sites, a passion for pets will help you find more than just puppy love.

Sites like PetsDating.com and YouMustLoveDogsDating.com have found a new niche as singles flock to computers and smartphones to find relationships, connecting dog owners to potential mates who enjoy long walks in the dog park and slobbery canine kisses as much as they do. Many of the sites encourage users to bring their dogs on first dates to break the ice or size up canine chemistry.

Many dating sites cater to religious, cultural and political preferences, but won't focus as heavily on interests like pets, music or travel, said Karen North, a professor of social media at the University of Southern California's Annenberg School of Journalism.

"If you find somebody with the same lifestyle passion, you don't have to start out at square one," North said.

When Joanie Pelzer signed up with a dog-friendly online dating service a few years ago, she was honest about her Chihuahua — he likes people more than other dogs, craves attention, steals food and can't stand to ride in the backseat of a car.

Even a man who loved animals as much as she did couldn't keep up with her dog's quirks. On their first date, her Chihuahua, Hubbell, stole the man's breakfast as they drove from New York City to Long Island. They only had one more date.

"I still wonder if Hubbell didn't have something to do with that," said Pelzer, 47, an actress who runs her own social media company and met the man on PetsDating.com.

Despite that setback, having a common interest such as pets can help the search for love.

"Having a theme that is ... about one's passion makes it feel like you are looking for a needle in a smaller and far more relevant and appealing haystack," said Michal Ann Strahilevitz, a professor of marketing at Golden Gate University in San Francisco.

The founder of one of the dog-focused dating services, YouMustLoveDogsDating.com, agreed.

"Dogs on first dates are amazing icebreakers," said Kris Rotonda, who started up the site last year that now has 2 million members. "You find out right off the bat how everyone in a relationship will fit in."

But other veterans of the dating-service industry say focusing on a canine connection only adds an extra hurdle to finding love.

"When you consider how challenging it already is to find someone who offers what you are seeking in a romantic partner, and who seeks what you are offering, and where there is also mutual chemistry, and the timing is right ... you have to wonder who in their right mind would want to make it even more challenging by insisting on canine chemistry," said Trish McDermott, who spent 10 years as the dating expert and spokeswoman for Match.com.

McDermott points out that new love is hard enough to foster, without any added issues.

"To squeeze doggie behavior under the first date microscope and to analyze every little wag, nip or bark as further commentary on compatibility is just another way to uncover the fatal flaw of an otherwise potential romance," added McDermott, who now works for OneGoodLove.com, a gay, lesbian and bisexual matchmaking service.

McDermott's concerns won't change Pelzer's plans to return to PetsDating.com. She remembers unpleasant run-ins with dates from sites that don't cater to animal lovers — once a man nudged her pooch off the couch.

"That was the last time we were together," Pelzer said. "You don't do that to my dog."