These tips were sent to me from
Banfield, The Pet Hospital.
Enjoy a safe day!
Halloween Pet Safety Tips From Banfield, The Pet Hospital:
o No Tricks or Treats – Candy can make your Pet sick and the packaging can be dangerous to your Pet’s digestive tract
o Costume Faux Paws – Make sure the Pet's costume isn't constricting their movement or hearing, or impeding their ability to breathe or bark
o During Trick-or-Treat Hours – Keep your Pet in a separate room, or a safe hide-a-way so they don’t harm anyone or dash away. Always make sure your Pet has proper identification, which includes a collar with tags and a microchip.
o Let your pet sit this one out – Pets may find it very frightening to sit in a dark car while scary creatures of every size and shape walk by. For the safety of your Pets, leave them at home where they are safe.
o Candles and Jack-O’-Lanterns – Keep candles near Pet areas unlit to prevent your Pet from burns or starting a fire.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
A Day at the Pet Expo
Whenever you see a vendor with food at a pet expo, you have to ask the obvious question – is that for pets or people? You see, the pet expo has been drawing all types of vendors, and not all are strictly pets.
The lady selling fudge was for people. The person giving out the wholesome food samples…those were for dogs. The tooth whitening booth – people; The boutique – pets; the home delivery newspapers – people…though I guess after the people are done, it could do well to serve the pets. Plus home improvements, new windows, a chiropractor and vacation destinations were all available. Though I thought the vacation people could have done better had they created pet friendly trips.
At the annaul pet expo in Hartford, CT, the usual assortment of pet vendors were there – food, health, vets, pet rescue, pet astrology, pocket pets (I really wanted the “sugar glider,” which is basically a rodent, but looked fun as heck) beds, toys, clothes and the like.
Maybe I’ve gone to too many of these, but it seemed like there were a lot of the same types of products. Plus, how do you distinguish one all natural home-made food vendor from the next one? The ones giving out the free samples tended to be the most popular. My dogs will let me know right away if they don’t like something. The event contained a good mix of local, weekend warrior type specialty vendors and the bigger store fronts. In talking to some vendors, it seemed things were slower this year. Partly the economy, partly because of other events going on in the area this time of year.
The petting zoo and the dog pool diving competition were both popular attractions. It's always good to have some distractions from the booths.
And if there is one thing I learned going to a pet expo, where animals are allowed, be sure you always look down when you walk! Don’t want to punt any little doggies, or step in something wet.
The lady selling fudge was for people. The person giving out the wholesome food samples…those were for dogs. The tooth whitening booth – people; The boutique – pets; the home delivery newspapers – people…though I guess after the people are done, it could do well to serve the pets. Plus home improvements, new windows, a chiropractor and vacation destinations were all available. Though I thought the vacation people could have done better had they created pet friendly trips.
At the annaul pet expo in Hartford, CT, the usual assortment of pet vendors were there – food, health, vets, pet rescue, pet astrology, pocket pets (I really wanted the “sugar glider,” which is basically a rodent, but looked fun as heck) beds, toys, clothes and the like.
Maybe I’ve gone to too many of these, but it seemed like there were a lot of the same types of products. Plus, how do you distinguish one all natural home-made food vendor from the next one? The ones giving out the free samples tended to be the most popular. My dogs will let me know right away if they don’t like something. The event contained a good mix of local, weekend warrior type specialty vendors and the bigger store fronts. In talking to some vendors, it seemed things were slower this year. Partly the economy, partly because of other events going on in the area this time of year.
The petting zoo and the dog pool diving competition were both popular attractions. It's always good to have some distractions from the booths.
And if there is one thing I learned going to a pet expo, where animals are allowed, be sure you always look down when you walk! Don’t want to punt any little doggies, or step in something wet.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
SanDisk Film Festival Contest
This contest through SanDisk is still open....You can do more with your point and shoot camera then just take still shots. And now, using your digital camera to take short video clips could win you $10,000 and a trip to Vegas! This conteste goes until November 10th!
SanDisk has a new contest with YouTube where you can enter a two minute video clip, including clips of your pets. The video clip has to be taken with a digital point and shoot camera.
The official rules are on the site, and as many of my readers know, I wouldn't be posting this if there wasn't a pet related category. Check it out and let me know what you think of the contest. Grand prize is a trip to Vegas and $10,000, while 200 other people will win free disks for their cameras. Start filming!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Dog Ear Cleaning Tips
Cleaning your dog's ears is an essential part of grooming. You should check your beloved pet's ears periodically to know if they have wax, fungus, and ear mites on them.
Like humans, dogs also need to have their ears cleaned. But before anything else, there are some precautionary measures that you need to do to prevent possible ear infections. Always make sure to use the right cleaning products.Bear in mind that the outer and inner parts of your dog's ears are very delicate. Be extra careful and ensure that you are doing the right procedure.
It is advisable to use an "ear wash solution" specifically created for dog ear cleaning. Soak a cotton ball in the formula and squeeze out excess liquid. Then, place the wet cotton ball in your dog's ears, starting at the base, and gently rub it.
Gently message the outsides of the ears for about a minute where you put the cotton ball. This will help the solutions to get down in the ear and your k9 will enjoy the ear rub. Allow your k9 to shake off excess moisture.
Never use a q-tip in your dog's ears for it could damage his eardrum!
Try to check your dog's ears at least once a week whenever you give him a pet bath. Infected dog ears can result to other serious health problems. If you dog's ears are dirty and infected, he may suffer from an ear hematoma by breaking blood vessels when shaking his head due to irritation and discomfort.
If you see any lumps in his ear or if his ear canal looks abnormal, better consult a veterinarian. It could be a sign of more serious ear infections or tumors.
This article courtesy of Pet Articles Blog
Like humans, dogs also need to have their ears cleaned. But before anything else, there are some precautionary measures that you need to do to prevent possible ear infections. Always make sure to use the right cleaning products.Bear in mind that the outer and inner parts of your dog's ears are very delicate. Be extra careful and ensure that you are doing the right procedure.
It is advisable to use an "ear wash solution" specifically created for dog ear cleaning. Soak a cotton ball in the formula and squeeze out excess liquid. Then, place the wet cotton ball in your dog's ears, starting at the base, and gently rub it.
Gently message the outsides of the ears for about a minute where you put the cotton ball. This will help the solutions to get down in the ear and your k9 will enjoy the ear rub. Allow your k9 to shake off excess moisture.
Never use a q-tip in your dog's ears for it could damage his eardrum!
Try to check your dog's ears at least once a week whenever you give him a pet bath. Infected dog ears can result to other serious health problems. If you dog's ears are dirty and infected, he may suffer from an ear hematoma by breaking blood vessels when shaking his head due to irritation and discomfort.
If you see any lumps in his ear or if his ear canal looks abnormal, better consult a veterinarian. It could be a sign of more serious ear infections or tumors.
This article courtesy of Pet Articles Blog
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Handling a Vet Complaint
Vets are businesses too, and there are good ones and bad ones. So what's the best way to handle a complaint? According to an article on Petplace, the first step is talk to your vet.
Having a conversation, without totally losing your temper, is the best place to start. Maybe you just want an apology or your vet bill comped. Decide before going in what you want to happen in order to rectify the situation.
If you're still not satisfied, the next step could be to file a formal complaint with your state's Board of Veterinary Medicine. They will investigate and check into the validity of your complaint.
You can also contact the local Better Business Bureau, or even contact a lawyer who is versed with pet medical issues.
Having a conversation, without totally losing your temper, is the best place to start. Maybe you just want an apology or your vet bill comped. Decide before going in what you want to happen in order to rectify the situation.
If you're still not satisfied, the next step could be to file a formal complaint with your state's Board of Veterinary Medicine. They will investigate and check into the validity of your complaint.
You can also contact the local Better Business Bureau, or even contact a lawyer who is versed with pet medical issues.
Monday, October 20, 2008
More Health Benefits of Dogs
Did you know that just being in your pup's presence makes you healthier? Here's what the latest research suggests:
• Petting your pup boosts production of pleasure hormones in the brain, helping to keep your stress and blood pressure at healthy levels.
• Canine company aids the recovery of heart attack patients and has a calming effect on people with Alzheimer's.
• Regular walks with your dog lift your mood and improve your fitness.
• Kids who grow up with dogs seem to have stronger immune systems and may be less likely to develop asthma, eczema, and pet allergies later in life.
• Petting your pup boosts production of pleasure hormones in the brain, helping to keep your stress and blood pressure at healthy levels.
• Canine company aids the recovery of heart attack patients and has a calming effect on people with Alzheimer's.
• Regular walks with your dog lift your mood and improve your fitness.
• Kids who grow up with dogs seem to have stronger immune systems and may be less likely to develop asthma, eczema, and pet allergies later in life.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Doors Could Hurt Cats
Cats are fast and many indoor cats will try to get out of your doors. Many doors swing close quickly or get kicked close and many cats can get injured.
Here is an example of a cat injury that I found on Petplace.com. A cat owner was carrying in groceries and her cat thought this was a good time to try to sneak out the door. Her arms were full so she kicked the door shut with her foot trying to prevent her cat from escaping. When it shut - guess what happened? Yep, this kitty got her tail caught in the door. This is not an uncommon injury.
Many times the tail is broken which was the case for this cat - and other times the tail suffers a large laceration and even loss of skin and hair. The treatment?
Amputation. Removing the damaged portion of the tail will treat this. Cats live fine with a shorter tail, though the owner paid a lot in vet bills by the time everything was done. Not to mention the pain and discomfort to the cat.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Shelters Fighting "Black Dog" Syndrome
In many shelters across the country, dogs with thick, dark black coats usually take longer to get adopted. The phenomenon is commonplace enough to have earned its own name: "black dog syndrome."
The worst part, is that because they are the hardest to adopt out, they’re in shelters the longest and are the most likely to be euthanized if nothing happens.
There is no exact reason as to why this occurs, but there are several theories. Could it be a subconscious thing, like the fear of black cats? Could it be that in some black dogs - the black pug comes to mind - that it's harder to see the dog's true features? Is it because they just look scarier?
Some people have actually turned in their black dog to a shelter because they've gotten new furniture and don't like the dark fur their pet sheds.
The sheer difficulty in marketing of a black dog is also one theory of why they stay in shelters the longest. Their black coats can make them invisible in poorly lit kennels. The same problem occurs with amateur photos on shelters' websites, which is how many people find the dog they intend to adopt.
And then, because a lot of these dogs may be at a shelter, a person thinks maybe they aren’t being adopted for a good reason – maybe there is something wrong with them.
Add that to the fact that in bigger breeds, such as Rottweilers, Dobermans, and pit bull mixes, the dogs just down right look big and scary.
But think twice when looking at black dogs. My family members did. The photo above is of their pit-bull mix they adopted. Ebony, as she has been adequately named, was just begging to be adopted. She was playful and friendly and had been found roaming the streets, all alone. Skinny to the point where you could see her ribs, the description read as follows: One-year-old terrier-mix is a very pretty girl. She has a very lean body that is accentuated by her beautiful black coat. She was found as a stray by a person that was not allowed to have pets in his home. He cared for her for three weeks while looking for her owner. She is a very polite young lady looking for her forever home.
The description was right-on. Although she may look big and mean, she is one of the nicest dogs I’ve ever been around. Loyal and loving, all she needed was someone to treat her right. After her adoption, she gained over 20 pounds, and is now a strong, playful, dog. I would use the old cliché that she is all bark with no bite…but she doesn’t even bark all that much. Not much of a guard dog, when someone walks in the house, all she wants to do is play. When she’s let out in the yard, she runs around to get her exercise, and then quickly returns home. Ebony has no desire to be lost again without a family.
As you can see by her place on the couch, she is a full-fledged family member.
So, the next time you’re at your local shelter, take a good long look at the black dogs. They may surprise you.
This post is part of Petside's Pet Net Adoption Event. Check out other great posts about pet adoption.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Pet Costume Giveaway
The folks at Pet Smart are giving away a Halloween costume through my blog! All you have to do to enter is drop a comment, and one winner will be selected randomly.
To check out their customes, click here!
Our dogs dress up every year and enjoy all the attention they get from trick or treaters. The winner of the costume will get the appropriate size for their dog.
Contest runs through October 16.
To check out their customes, click here!
Our dogs dress up every year and enjoy all the attention they get from trick or treaters. The winner of the costume will get the appropriate size for their dog.
Contest runs through October 16.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
PET ‘NET ADOPTION EVENT
FIRST ANNUAL PET ‘NET ADOPTION EVENT TO BE HELD ON
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16
Pet-Centric Bloggers & Site Editors To Raise Voices In Unison To Shine Spotlight on Animal Shelter Adoption
Englewood Cliffs, NJ (October 8, 2008) -- In an effort to heighten awareness about animal shelter adoption, Petside.com (http://www.petside.com), the popular online destination for pet owners and pet enthusiasts from NBC Universal Digital Media, has organized a landmark consortium of some of the Web’s favorite pet-focused sites to launch the inaugural Pet ‘Net Adoption Event on Thursday, October 16.
Each participating site and Weblog will highlight content devoted to the topic of animal shelter adoption on this date, with Petside.com hosting a comprehensive one-page hub (http://www.petside.com/petnetadoption) with links to all of the special coverage.
"Due to the current troubles in the economy, animal shelters are full to over-flowing and shelter adoption is mission critical for animal lovers across the country," said Kim Jack Riley, editor-in-chief of Petside.com. “Through the power of these diverse and robust voices being raised at once online, we hope this experiment -- The Pet ‘Net Adoption Event -- will help focus some much-needed attention on the cause.”
Sites slated to join in the event include:
• About.com Cats http://www.cats.about.com
• About.com Exotic Pets (http://exoticpets.about.com)
• About.com Veterinary Medicine (http://vetmedicine.about.com)
• The Daily Puppy (http://www.dailypuppy.com)
• The Days of Johann (http://blog.johannthedog.com)
• Minneapolis Star-Tribune’s Pet Central (http://petcentral.startribune.com)
• The Pet Haven (http://the-pet-haven.blogspot.com)
• PetDoc.com (http://www.petdoc.com)
• PetLvr - The Blog (http://www.petlvr.com/blog)
• Petopia (http://www.thestarryeye.typepad.com/pets)
• PetPeoplesPlace (http://www.petpeoplesplace.com)
• Pets Channel (http://www.petschannel.com)
• PetsitUSA (http://www.petsitusa.com)
• Polka Dot Pup (http://www.polkadotpup.blogspot.com)
• Raise A Green Dog (http://blog.raiseagreendog.com)
• Rescue Me (http://blog.helpingpups.com)
• Thoughts Fur Paws (http://thoughtsfurpaws.com)
• YouPet (http://www.youpet.com)
About Petside.com
Petside.com (www.petside.com) was created by NBC Universal, in partnership with Procter & Gamble Productions, Inc., as a comprehensive source of information and services that helps pets and their owners get the most out of life. Offering customized content and a highly personalized experience, Petside.com is ranked among the top 10 pet Web sites and offers unique editorial features, expert Q&A's, tools and how-to videos.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16
Pet-Centric Bloggers & Site Editors To Raise Voices In Unison To Shine Spotlight on Animal Shelter Adoption
Englewood Cliffs, NJ (October 8, 2008) -- In an effort to heighten awareness about animal shelter adoption, Petside.com (http://www.petside.com), the popular online destination for pet owners and pet enthusiasts from NBC Universal Digital Media, has organized a landmark consortium of some of the Web’s favorite pet-focused sites to launch the inaugural Pet ‘Net Adoption Event on Thursday, October 16.
Each participating site and Weblog will highlight content devoted to the topic of animal shelter adoption on this date, with Petside.com hosting a comprehensive one-page hub (http://www.petside.com/petnetadoption) with links to all of the special coverage.
"Due to the current troubles in the economy, animal shelters are full to over-flowing and shelter adoption is mission critical for animal lovers across the country," said Kim Jack Riley, editor-in-chief of Petside.com. “Through the power of these diverse and robust voices being raised at once online, we hope this experiment -- The Pet ‘Net Adoption Event -- will help focus some much-needed attention on the cause.”
Sites slated to join in the event include:
• About.com Cats http://www.cats.about.com
• About.com Exotic Pets (http://exoticpets.about.com)
• About.com Veterinary Medicine (http://vetmedicine.about.com)
• The Daily Puppy (http://www.dailypuppy.com)
• The Days of Johann (http://blog.johannthedog.com)
• Minneapolis Star-Tribune’s Pet Central (http://petcentral.startribune.com)
• The Pet Haven (http://the-pet-haven.blogspot.com)
• PetDoc.com (http://www.petdoc.com)
• PetLvr - The Blog (http://www.petlvr.com/blog)
• Petopia (http://www.thestarryeye.typepad.com/pets)
• PetPeoplesPlace (http://www.petpeoplesplace.com)
• Pets Channel (http://www.petschannel.com)
• PetsitUSA (http://www.petsitusa.com)
• Polka Dot Pup (http://www.polkadotpup.blogspot.com)
• Raise A Green Dog (http://blog.raiseagreendog.com)
• Rescue Me (http://blog.helpingpups.com)
• Thoughts Fur Paws (http://thoughtsfurpaws.com)
• YouPet (http://www.youpet.com)
About Petside.com
Petside.com (www.petside.com) was created by NBC Universal, in partnership with Procter & Gamble Productions, Inc., as a comprehensive source of information and services that helps pets and their owners get the most out of life. Offering customized content and a highly personalized experience, Petside.com is ranked among the top 10 pet Web sites and offers unique editorial features, expert Q&A's, tools and how-to videos.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Tips for Healthy Cats
What do good cat owners do that help give them good healthy cats?
Here are a few things:
1. First, they play with their cats. Most cats love to run and play. It is a physical release and helps keep them physically healthy and emotionally happy. Make sure your cat has lots of good fun toys that he likes and work to engage him in play.
2. Yearly check-ups. Ensuring that your cat has yearly check-ups to help look for any medical problems early is a very good habit. During the yearly exam, your veterinarian will also determine if your cat requires any vaccines, flea control or heartworm preventative medications. These will help to keep your cat healthy and comfortable.
3. Good daily care. Daily monitoring of your cats appetite, urinations, bowel movements are a part of being a good responsible cat owner. Healthy cats have a good appetite, normal urinations and healthy bowel movements. Any abnormalities should be noted and any persistent changes should be reported to your veterinarian.
4. Feed a good quality food. Good nutrition is a very important part of a cat's health and is the most proactive thing you can do to keep your cat healthy.
5. Daily grooming. Monitoring your cats nails and trimming when needed, brushing his teeth at least every other day and daily hair brushing are important to prevent unnecessary problems such as dental disease, torn nails, and uncomfortable hairballs.
Here are a few things:
1. First, they play with their cats. Most cats love to run and play. It is a physical release and helps keep them physically healthy and emotionally happy. Make sure your cat has lots of good fun toys that he likes and work to engage him in play.
2. Yearly check-ups. Ensuring that your cat has yearly check-ups to help look for any medical problems early is a very good habit. During the yearly exam, your veterinarian will also determine if your cat requires any vaccines, flea control or heartworm preventative medications. These will help to keep your cat healthy and comfortable.
3. Good daily care. Daily monitoring of your cats appetite, urinations, bowel movements are a part of being a good responsible cat owner. Healthy cats have a good appetite, normal urinations and healthy bowel movements. Any abnormalities should be noted and any persistent changes should be reported to your veterinarian.
4. Feed a good quality food. Good nutrition is a very important part of a cat's health and is the most proactive thing you can do to keep your cat healthy.
5. Daily grooming. Monitoring your cats nails and trimming when needed, brushing his teeth at least every other day and daily hair brushing are important to prevent unnecessary problems such as dental disease, torn nails, and uncomfortable hairballs.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Rob Thomas Song Inspired by Dog
For those of you who are fans of Matchbox Twenty and their lead singer Rob Thomas, you probably already know that Rob Thomas is an animal lover. In fact, the song he wrote for the Disney Movie "Meet The Robinsons" which was released in 2007, was inspired by his dog.
As Rob Thomas tells the story, he was having a bad day, and gets back to his room, and his Terrier Mutt is there to greet him. The dog is just looking at him, not really caring that Thomas had a bad day. Seeing his dog made him realize that it doesn't matter how the day went, his pet doesn't care. And of course, the dog also cheered up Thomas.
Here is a youtube link to the video of the song.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Over Paid Parrot Joke
A man goes into a pet shop to buy a parrot. The shop owner points to three identical looking parrots on a perch and says: "The parrot on the left costs $500 dollars". "Why does the parrot cost so much?" asks the man. The owner says, "Well the parrot knows how to use a computer".
The man then asks about the next parrot and is told that this one costs $1,000 dollars because it can do everything the first parrot can do plus it knows how to use the UNIX operating system.
Naturally, the increasingly startled man asks about the third parrot and is told that it costs $2,000 dollars. Needless to say this begs the question, "What can it do?". To which the owner replies, "To be honest I have never seen it do a thing but the other two call him boss!".
The man then asks about the next parrot and is told that this one costs $1,000 dollars because it can do everything the first parrot can do plus it knows how to use the UNIX operating system.
Naturally, the increasingly startled man asks about the third parrot and is told that it costs $2,000 dollars. Needless to say this begs the question, "What can it do?". To which the owner replies, "To be honest I have never seen it do a thing but the other two call him boss!".
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Poop Claw
One of the things I enjoy about being a blog writer is coming across interesting concepts and products. One that I saw recently in a magazine is the Poop Claw.
According to the ad, it eliminates unwanted handling of your pet's droppings, and uses standard plastic grocery bags. Just put the bag over the claw, and scoop the poop....No More Warm Touchy Feeling!
Would you consider using one? For me, walking 2 dogs is tough enough. I don't have enough hands to carry the claw...I guess I'll just have to keep getting that warm touchy feeling.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Pet Driver's License
So maybe your cat isn't the best driver in the world....that's ok! This is a driver's license that you don't need a test to get!
Pet Driver's License ® products feature your pet on the state license of their choice. Issued for fun, the Pet Driver's License® is also a way to keep your pet's photo and information close at hand or on the pet if they stray from home.
Products are printed in full color, directly on PVC plastic. The product is not laminated and uses a hi-tech dye-sublimation printing process which makes it durable and long-lasting.
Every Pet Driver's License ® product has the Pet Project seal of authenticity. Visit www.petdriverslicense.com
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Disk Contest Winners
Congrats to the TEN winners of the SanDisk Memory Card. Thanks again to SanDisk for providing so many prizes. I'll email all the winners to get your contact info and then the prize will be mailed by SanDisk.
You can still enter SanDisk's HUGE Contest and giveaway.
Here are my winners:
http://raisingisaac.blogspot.com/
Sena
http://hermashaw.blogspot.com/
http://soundslikejelly.blogspot.com/
http://pegsplay.blogspot.com/
http://mommyhoodisthankless.blogspot.com/
Amanda Sue
http://www.jhsiess.com/
Windy City
http://www.hamdensports.blogspot.com
You can still enter SanDisk's HUGE Contest and giveaway.
Here are my winners:
http://raisingisaac.blogspot.com/
Sena
http://hermashaw.blogspot.com/
http://soundslikejelly.blogspot.com/
http://pegsplay.blogspot.com/
http://mommyhoodisthankless.blogspot.com/
Amanda Sue
http://www.jhsiess.com/
Windy City
http://www.hamdensports.blogspot.com
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Pet Food Prices Continue to Rise
As oil prices go up, and the dollar goes down, inflation across consumer goods sold continues to cause the prices to rise. Many companies are seeing profit margins erode, forcing them to raise prices in order to survive.
The pet food industry has felt the pain. The price of raw ingredients has gone through the roof over the last several years. Corn, which is up 35% recently, is the main principle protein source for several quality pet foods, and is also the feed used for chickens, the number-one ingredient for many high-end foods.
Premium pet foods, which were once $40 a bag, are now hovering at $50 a bag and up. Unfortunately for now, there is no end in sight.
The pet food industry has felt the pain. The price of raw ingredients has gone through the roof over the last several years. Corn, which is up 35% recently, is the main principle protein source for several quality pet foods, and is also the feed used for chickens, the number-one ingredient for many high-end foods.
Premium pet foods, which were once $40 a bag, are now hovering at $50 a bag and up. Unfortunately for now, there is no end in sight.
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