Florida Greyhound Wins the Petrodex® Superstar Smiles Photo Contest

Comet, a seven-year-old Greyhound with a dramatic life story and a dazzling, healthy smile, took the top spot in the Superstar Smiles Photo Contest sponsored by Petrodex®, a dental brand from Sergeant’s Pet Care Products, Inc. Radio personality and pet enthusiast Steve Dale served as the celebrity judge of the nationwide contest, which received nearly 2,000 photo entries in just four weeks.

“The competition was fierce, and choosing the five finalists from the huge number of entries was not easy,” Dale stated. “In the end, Comet’s personality showed so clearly though his photo that I knew he was the winner. That dog truly has star quality!”

As the Grand Prize winner, Comet will be featured in a full-page advertisement for Petrodex pet dental products in a national magazine. He will also receive a professional photo shoot and his owner, Barbara Masi of Boynton Beach, Florida, will receive a framed print from the shoot as well as a variety of Petrodex pet dental products.

The aim of the contest was to help raise awareness among pet owners about the importance of keeping their dogs’ teeth clean and healthy. Only after Comet was chosen based on his photo appearance and healthy smile was his dramatic life story known to the judges.

Comet started life as a racing dog, and his early success in that field would likely have prevented him from retiring early except for a twist of fate. After placing well in a high stakes race, Comet broke his leg. Despite numerous surgeries and therapies, the break did not mend well enough for him to return to the track, ending his racing career when he was just over three years old. Barbara Masi adopted Comet at that time, bringing him home to join her family of seven assorted rescue dogs at that time. Many were older and have since passed – and Comet now has two greyhound and one Irish wolfhound brothers.

Comet’s unique personality and friendliness inspired Masi, president of the Greyhound Pets of America – Southeast Coast of Florida Chapter, to create a program that teaches school-age children about kindness to animals. The program was soon brought into the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Department and Comet’s second career was born.

“We visit preschool, elementary and middle schools to teach students about kindness. Both of us wear Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Department uniforms for our public appearances. Comet is such a good sport, everyone just loves him. I am thrilled he won! It couldn’t have happened to a more deserving dog,” Masi shared.

“Thank you to everyone who participated in the contest,” said Caryn Stichler, vice president of marketing at Sergeant’s. “We received so many photos of so many beautiful, loved dogs. It was an inspiration for those of us who work in the pet products industry. Comet’s happy, healthy smile and his great life story make him a wonderful choice to represent Petrodex in an advertisement!”

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Apisphere and AT&T Join Forces to Connect Canines

Apisphere, Inc., a leading provider of location-smart technologies for mobile applications and devices, and AT&T recently announced an agreement to wirelessly connect a location-smart animal collar to help pet owners keep track of their pooches.

The dog collar, with an embedded wireless SIM, will leverage Apisphere’s award-winning geo-mobility platform to transmit location-aware data across AT&T’s nationwide wireless network directly to a pet owner’s wireless handset or personal computer.

Set up is simple. Based on Apisphere’s intuitive platform, owners will be instructed to register their pets and important contacts as soon as they attach the collar. Owners may establish a geo-fence around the home where the pet can roam freely. Through the technology, owners can continuously track Fido’s movements with the virtual geo-fence, or locate him on demand if he strays outside of his established parameters.

Apisphere software will transmit street level data for easy pet location. Owners will have the option to program text, email, video or audio alerts, to be distributed as often as they like.

”We constantly strive to develop best-in-class products and deliver a seamless user experience. Working with AT&T and the strength and reach of its network enables us to do this,” said Craig Harper, president and founder of Apisphere. “The on boarding process has been effortless, thanks to the AT&T team and the AT&T Control Center software.”

“There are few things as important to my daughter as knowing the whereabouts of our dog,” said Glenn Lurie, president, AT&T Emerging Devices, Resale and Partnerships. “The peace of mind that a wirelessly connected collar will bring my family and pet owners across the country is long overdue. We’re extremely excited about this product and its possibilities.”

The pet friendly collar features a unique integrated design that allows for optimized GPS and wireless performance while virtually eliminating any restrictions on an animal’s weight or neck size.

Pricing, distribution, and design details of the collar will be made available at launch, expected later this year.

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Pets Celebrate Earth Day Every Day With TropiClean

Pet parents looking to reduce their carbon paw print now have a new, eco-friendly option when looking for ways to protect the oral health of their pets. TropiClean® fresh breath made easy!™ is a new generation of safe, natural products designed to make pet oral care exceptionally easy. TropiClean, which is known for its commitment to the environment, manufactures a range of natural pet products including shampoos, conditioners, and other grooming supplies.

When Earth Day comes around on April 22, consumers are reminded of how their purchasing decisions affect the environment. TropiClean makes it easy for pet parents to purchase products that are safe for their pets and the environment. In fact, this dedicated company was the first U.S. personal grooming or pet products company to use biodegradable packaging, and only the second U.S. company – in any product category – to do so. In 2008, the company developed a line of completely biodegradable shampoo and conditioner bottles (made from corn, intsead of a petroleum-based ingredient.)

“TropiClean is not only interested in providing the top care for pets, but also caring for our environment,” said Darin Kassebaum, Director of Marketing at TropiClean. “We take our role as top dog in this sector of the pet care industry very seriously and want to lead by example.”

The TropiClean fresh breath made easy! line consists of four products that can be used separately or together to promote the best oral health possible:

CLEAN TEETH GEL safely removes built-up plaque and tartar without brushing.

WATER ADDITIVE eliminates bad breath for up to 12 hours.

DENTAL TREATS helps clean teeth down to the gums.

FRESH MINT FOAM instantly kills the germs that cause bad pet breath.

Your pet may be black or brown or have white spots, but now they can be “green” on the inside.

Like all TropiClean products, every item in this new line is cruelty-free and has been veterinarian recommended and approved. The suggested retail price for these products ranges from $5.99 for the Treats up to $14.99 for the Gel. TropiClean fresh breath made easy! products can be found in independent pet stores, finer online retailers, and at PETCO outlets nationwide.

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Rabbit Adoption Event: Humane Society of Missouri

When: Sunday, March 28, from noon to 4 pm

Where: Humane Society of Missouri Headquarters, 1201 Macklind Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63110

More than 30 breeds of domestic rabbits will be available at the HSMO’s Rabbit Adoption Event. The adoption fee of $50 includes spay/neuter, veterinary checkup, nail trim, and one year membership in the Missouri House Rabbit Society.

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RedMoon Launches 3 Tasty New Flavors

RedMoon Custom PetFood, makers of a new generation of pet foods that allow pet owners to custom design the right formula for their dog or cat and have it delivered to their door, has recently introduced 3 highly palatable new formulas. Just like all RedMoon recipes, these are grain, gluten, wheat, corn, rice and soy free. Your choice of two free supplements will be added during blending, and the price includes free U.S. delivery.

For Cats

Chicken & Turkey Feast: Carnivore approved with abundant amounts of premium chicken and turkey protein. 2.5 lb. $8.99; 7 lb. $29.69; 27 lb. $77.39

For Dogs

Low Protein Chicken & Potato Medley: Formulated with low ash levels and a balanced calcium and phosphorus level. This new formula is important for large breed dogs and large breed puppies to control their growth. This recipe is also recommended for dogs that do better on a lower protein diet. 2.5 lb. $8.99; 7 lb. $24.69; 27 lb. $65.69

Low Protein Lamb & Potato Fusion: Offering all the benefits of RedMoon Chicken & Potato Medley but for dogs that prefer the taste of lamb or are allergic to chicken. 2.5 lb. $8.99; 7 lb. $26.99; 27 lb. $74.69

For dogs, RedMoon also offers a moderate or high protein option in a Chicken & Yellow Pea or Lamb & Potato base formula. For cats, a Salmon option is available.

Each RedMoon base kibble recipe is slow cooked in small batches to preserve more of the essential nutrients pets need to thrive. RedMoon formulas have been developed and tested by a Natural Pet Nutritionist along with a team of PhDs in Animal Science. Plus, every bag of RedMoon is traceable because it’s imprinted with a unique manufacturing batch code and date.

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Adopt One of the Nevada Humane Society’s Desperate House Pets: March 26-29

They’re cute, playful, and sweet and some are a bit…catty. They are also desperate to be adopted.

Nevada Humane Society currently has many wonderful, but overlooked pets in dire need of new loving homes. From March 26 through 29, these purr-fect pets, who have been waiting at the shelter for some time for just the right person to notice and take them home, can be adopted for just $10. Newer shelter resident cats and dogs can be adopted for $25 (ages 4 months and older, excluding specially priced dogs).

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St. Mary’s Animal Welfare League: 6th Annual Animal Fair

When: Saturday, May 8th, 2010 from 10 am to 3 pm

Where: St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds, 42455 Fairgrounds Road, Leonardtown, Maryland

The SMAWL Animal Fair is an annual festival attended by over 1,100 people and their pets. It is a day for people and their pets to play and shop together. The fair features non-stop demonstrations, pet games, vendors, microchipping, a pet pageant, equine demonstrations, a pet parade, and much more.

The purpose of the Animal Fair is to create interest and generate support for local animal welfare and rescue groups and their supporting industries. The goal is to stage a quality event in order to help SMAWL raise much needed funds to continue its no-kill rescue and adoption program.

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Wales Is the First Part of the UK to Ban Pet Shock Collars

Wales has become the first part of the UK to outlaw the use of electric shock collars to train cats and dogs.

The ban, passed by assembly members, means from midnight anyone caught using the devices faces a fine of up to £20,000 or six months in prison.

Animal welfare groups such as the RSPCA and the Kennel Club supported the move.

The Electronic Collar Manufacturers’ Association said it feared the ban could lead to an influx of unmanageable pets into dog shelters.

The collars are sometimes used to train dogs and cats by giving an electric shock when the animal is deemed to have behaved badly.

Wales’ Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones, who announced plans for the ban last month, said she was “very pleased”.

“It is important that owners are aware of the ban, and that they now take appropriate steps to comply with the law,” she added.

Read more on the BBC News web site.

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New Line of Artistic Pet Cremation Urns Launched to Help Families Celebrate Pets in Life and Beyond

It’s the side of pet ownership that most don’t want to consider, but there’s a Denver-based company on a mission to make the loss of a pet a more celebratory event. Une Belle Vie seeks to simplify the pet bereavement process with the March 2010 launch of an artistic selection of cremation urns for pets.

“Our pets fulfill our need for unconditional love,” remarks Melody Jamali, President of Une Belle Vie. “We understand and have experienced the special family bond that makes a pet a part of the family. When the time comes, we aspire to make this difficult time a little easier by providing our clients with distinctive, artistic pet urns that capture a level of character. Not only is it more personal – it gives families the peace of mind that comes with knowing their special family member has been given a proper memorial.”

For owners facing the trying time associated with losing a pet, the Une Belle Vie website offers a host of resources designed to help guide them through the process.

Need help understanding options for pet cremation? Read the Une Belle Vie blog “Where Does Rover Go?” It’s a compassionate guide for pet owners complete with questions to ask the family vet and typical pet cemetery costs. Learn about the different types of pet urns. Read “Pet Ashes: Remembering Friends” on the Une Belle Vie blog for a guide to urns for pets including urns for burial, biodegradable urns and options for custom urns. Looking for the perfect cremation urn for a family friend? Explore Une Belle Vie’s extensive collection of pet cremation urns – imagination is the only limit to celebrating a special friend’s life.

Pet owners can explore Une Belle Vie’s online creative community of resources and handcrafted pet urns:

Discover Le Chat Chic, a whimsical cat cremation urn Go Fetch – an Une Belle Vie exclusive cast in bronze

About Une Belle Vie: Une Belle Vie Memorial Urns is a Denver, Colorado-based company focusing on providing a supportive and informed experience whether families are planning for the future or coping with the passing of a loved one. Their online community and store offers artisan-crafted, decorative cremation urns in a variety of materials designed to celebrate life, personality and offer fitting memorials for those we love. Visit their community of caring online via Facebook and visit their educational cremation blog.

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Ezy Dog Leashes

Walking an untrained dog can be a real challenge. As you begin teaching your dog how to walk on the leash, consider a new product line that uses waterski technology to absorb those swift tugs and pulls. EzyDog, a company focused on combining the best in sports technology with dog accessories, offers the Ezy Dog Walking System to make walks and runs more enjoyable for both dogs and their owners.

EzyDog leashes focus specifically on grip and leash control and offers an innovative line of harnesses, collars and leashes. The Pyramid Pull System Handle (basically a cut-down water ski handle) eliminates pinching and distributes the dog’s weight across the hand for maximum control. EzyDog shock absorbing leashes feature durable polypropylene rope and a 1,500 lb. test break strength. Three different levels of Shock Absorbing Technology are available depending on the dog’s size and ferocity of pull.

The leashes retail from $17.00 to $26.00. Matching harnesses are also available from $20.00 to $29.00. You’ll want to keep your dog living an active lifestyle from day one and EzyDog makes this easy and enjoyable.

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