The dogs of the California Narcotics Canine Association are picked for their strong hunt and play drives. Officers–both human and canine–received regular training to keep them an effective and tight team.
Looking for the right smell....
Meet some of the men and women of the California Narcotics Canine Association. I got to see these canine teams in action as part of the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship, where they did demonstrations showing how these incredible dogs protect their communities from the bad guys.
Flat Tyler tries to be a drug-sniffing dog. Fail!
This is what I posted on Facebook last night:
Stale croissant at the Long Beach Airport, $2.89.
Fast food greasy sandwich at the Denver Airport, $7.94.
Home from the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship in time for the Duckie’s turkey wing soup supper, priceless!
OMIDOG!! I was exhausted last night when I finally got home from Long Beach. And the turkey soup my mom had waiting for my supper was absolutely the best meal I’ve had in days. But I’m so glad I got to go to the show, and so happy to have made some new friends!
This trip to the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship has affirmed something I’ve long suspected: Every time my job takes me to an event, I absolutely MUST set aside a couple hours every day to blog about it. If I don’t, I end up with a backlog of blog posts that may never get done. I tried to do that while I was in Long Beach–I’ve got six or seven articles under construction–but I still have several hours of work ahead of me before anything will be fit to post here.
And then there’s the photos. Some of you know about The Adventures of Flat Tyler. Well, he was at the show–he may even turn up on TV when ABC broadcasts the show in January. I took so many photos of all the sights, plus Flat Tyler, that I’m still many hours away from having them all ready to post here. But just to tease you about what I’m working on, here’s a few of the photos I took over the weekend:
Flat Tyler hangs out.
DOCK DOGS WERE PAWSOME!!
Detail from photo above, in case you can't find the dog.
Am amazing presentation from The California Narcotics Canine Association
Meet the Breeds
Shopping with Flat Tyler
Backstage at the dog show.
My view of the dog show. (Seriously, I was practically in the ring with the dogs!)
It’s Saturday night in Long Beach California, and all the dog lovers are here at the Long Beach Convention Center to see the first half of the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship. Tonight, four groups are judged: The Hounds, Non-Sporting, Sporting, and Toy. Also finalists are chosen for the Eukanuba World Challenge. And the ACE Awards! For details/photos, check out the AKC/Eukanuba Facebook page.
I am with four other bloggers and my teammate Jen. We have what is, without argument, some of the best seats in the house!
Jen takes photos for our Facebook page
Blogging/Tweeting the action in the ring
A smile from Dr. V of "Pawcurious"
Our view of the ring
We've got great seats!
Best Twitter commentary for what’s happening in the ring is from our new buddy Susi @KnobKnots. More to come!
Welcome to the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship!
This weekend I’m at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship in Long Beach, California. Eukanuba has sponsored this show for 10 years, but this is the first time I’ve attended. The stars have just never been in proper alignment to allow me to leave home for a long weekend to go to the dog show until this year.
I’ve been excited about attending. I am not the top social media dog for this event—that honor belongs to my teammate Jen who writes/edits the Eukanuba Unleashed blog. My chief duties will be to provide Twitter support and maybe write a blog post for Eukanuba Unleashed. Jen and I are also meeting up with some other bloggers who will be attending the show (Details here).
This trip has not been without its worries—Tyler decided to have some poopy issues on Wednesday. I’m lucky that he had a wellness exam appointment scheduled for Thursday. I do my best to keep our yard leaf-free, but Tyler seems to have no problem in finding old, dry, crumpled up leaves and other bits and pieces to chew up and swallow. I hope he will soon grow out of this need to taste everything he comes into contact with.
Tuesday night he had some horrendous gas, so I knew he had ingested some enticing tidbit from outdoors. Wednesday morning he woke me at 5:30 when he jumped off the bed—I didn’t even have time for my feet to hit the floor before I could smell the malodorous aroma of nasty loose stool. I am so thankful that I opted for higher-end bathroom mats for my bedroom that I could just toss in the washer.
Ready to Blitz!
I was feeling sorry for my poor boy—obviously he must have been feeling terrible to have made such a mess on the floor when he’s gotten so good about pottying outside. That was until he went into a play bow as I tried to wipe up the mess. Five thirty in the morning, and Tyler wants to blitz around the bedroom he just littered with numerous puddles of very soft wet poo! I had visions of him running through it and tracking it all over the house!
Lucky for me I was able to snag him before he took off!
So Thursday afternoon we saw our favorite Dogtor B who prescribed some anti-diarrhea medicine. And also some antibiotics because it turns out Tyler has an infected anal gland. Dogtor B told us it’s not uncommon that when a dog has a series of soft stool episodes for one or both of the glands to become infected.
Here’s where I made my mistake: When we got home I immediate started Tyler on his meds, forgetting that his tummy was empty because Tyler seems to be on a 48 hour eating cycle instead of a 24 hour cycle (like the rest of the world). I’m kicking myself over this because I know better. Right after the meds, Tyler ate a meal. And 30 minutes later he threw it up. I gave him his meds again right at bedtime—kicking myself again here—and he woke me at 2:45 AM by vomiting on my bed. HELLO??? STUPID MOM????? Antibiotics on an empty stomach??? Tyler, I’m so sorry I caused you to have an upset tummy!!
Since my alarm was set for 3 AM (plane out to California leaving at the crack of dawn), I got up, cleaned up Tyler’s mess, and got ready to drive to the airport. Tyler went back to sleep in my mom’s room. I called them when I changed planes in Denver—Tyler is doing fine, had eaten some food and kept it down, and was listen to my mom talk on the phone as if he knew it was me calling. I also checked in with the Dogtor—we’re going to get Tyler back on track with his food first and start the meds in a couple of days.
Flat Tyler says, "Welcome to the Show!"
So my worries about Tyler eased, here I am in Long Beach at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship!
There’s more going on here besides confirmation judging. There’s the AKC National Obedience Invitational, and the AKC Agility Invitational. There’s an expo area where I hope to find some breed rescue groups (and do some shopping!). There’s Dock Dogs and detection and criminal apprehension demonstrations by the California Narcotics Canine Association. I can hardly wait to see what trouble I’m going to get into!
One last thing: Since Tyler had to stay home and guard the house, I’ve brought his doppelganger with me–Flat Tyler. You’ll be seeing him popping up in my blog posts this weekend!
Flat Tyler and Fluffy Tyler--which is which?
Woof!
Whew! By the time I get this posted, all the tools will be packed up, the paint brushes washed, and everyone will be on their way home after a long day of working to make the Cincinnati SPCA’s Colerain shelter sparkle and shine!
What did we accomplish?
Inside the gazebo
Prior to today, we had some contractors come in and do the stuff that needed professional expertise. The parking lot was resurfaced. Old fencing that was topped with barbwire was replaced with more friendly fencing. Old, rotting railroad ties which used to surround flower beds were removed and replaced with paving stones. And new flower beds and landscaped areas were situated. The design team sketched in the murals. Fixtures for hanging plants and large planting urns were installed. Kennel walls and floors went from battle ship gray to bright beige with several new coats of a special epoxy paint that doggie nails won’t scruff up. Improvements were made to the laundry area by taking down one wall and adding counter top and storage space. And a truck load of Eukanuba was delivered to stock the pantry.
We've left our mark.
Today we installed all the new plants to the flower beds and landscape areas. Then we mulched them. We filled all the hanging pots and large urns with beautiful plant arrangements. We completed 5 wall murals. We created 2 new meet and greet areas where people will meet orphan pets needing adoption–one area complete with gazebo! A generous layer of wood chips were put down in areas where pets will walk as they make the acquaintanceship of their new families.
Creating a showcase for beautiful pets!
Why was this important to do?
For just a moment, let me be a little corporate: Our mission (Iams/Eukanuba) is to enhance the well being of more dogs and cats. Doing this shelter makeover gives us an opportunity to really get in touch with that mission.
And it gets us excited about Iams Home 4 the Holidays–which starts on October 1!
But also, this makeover is important because it gives this 1960′s shelter a more friendly and inviting presence in the community. By making the front of the shelter look pretty with landscaping, by making the kennels look nicer with bright colors, we showcase the value of the pets found here. These dogs and cats are worthy of a beautiful facility, just as they are worthy of forever homes.
End-of-the-day!
Having beautiful packaging (a good looking facility) makes the product (those sweet orphan pets) more desirable in the eyes of the consumer (the new pet parents).
I can feel the energy humming! It’s time to get some pets adopted!
Tired, happy volunteers head back to our office
The sign at the door.
I took these photos around lunch and just after lunch. It’s taken me a little time to download them and prep them for the blog.
Nearly done!
The cat head is finished!
Working on the Bulldog head.
The Bulldog is done!
One of the other murals, in progress.
This gazebo will be a special spot for families to meet their new four-footed family members.
Part of the new landscaping.
A new mural on the outside of the building says "SPCA"
New floor, new paint. This used to be all gray.
Puppy looking for a home!
This is his brother.
Cleaning the kennels!
Cleaning the kennels!
Cleaning the kennels!
Cleaning the kennels!
Cleaning the kennels!
Cleaning the kennels!
More painting
Even the railings get painted!
A quiet spot to meet a new pet.
More railings!
Chipped wood for an exercise yard.
Who is that driving that Bob Cat?
It's the SPCA's veterinarian!
Today's event, makeover a shelter!
We’re just a few weeks away from the start of Iams Home 4 the Holidays, and the excitement has started to build! Our goal this year is 1.5 million orphan pets adopted into furever homes!
And here are some photos of how the day has started.
Our favorite DJ, Mr. KPZ, is cranking the tunes to keep us moving!
Dan Rajczak presents a check to shelter CEO Harold Dates
Project leaders pull their work groups together
Dan Rajczak, walking the talk!
Waiting to be planted!
Alison and Dr. Amy
This group is ready to get to work!
Grab a donut and some coffee, the work starts soon!
Pricila is one of the organizers for this shelter makeover.
Looking good in pink!
Mural designs.
Cosmetic changes will attract more pet adopters.
It’s nearly lunch time–more to come!
[I noticed today that this post was sitting in draft--I thought I had published it on Friday night.]
P&G Expands Voluntary Limited Recall of Specialized Dry Pet Foods
Due to Possible Health Risk
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CINCINNATI, July 30, 2010 – The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G) (NYSE:PG) is voluntarily expanding its recall to include veterinary and some specialized dry pet food as a precautionary measure because it has the potential to be contaminated with salmonella. No salmonella-related illnesses have been reported.
The following dry pet food products are included:
| Product Name | Version | “Best-By” Dates | UPC Codes |
| Iams Veterinary Dry Formulas | All dry sizes and varieties | 01Jul10 – 01Dec11 | All UPC Codes |
| Eukanuba Naturally Wild | All dry sizes and varieties | 01Jul10 – 01Dec11 | All UPC Codes |
| Eukanuba Pure | All dry sizes and varieties | 01Jul10 – 01Dec11 | All UPC Codes |
| Eukanuba Custom Care Sensitive Skin | All dry sizes | 01Jul10 – 01Dec11 | All UPC Codes |
The affected products are sold in veterinary clinics and specialty pet retailers throughout the United States and Canada. No canned food, biscuits/treats or supplements are affected by this announcement. A full listing of UPC codes can be found at www.iams.com.
These products are made in a single, specialized facility. In cooperation with FDA, P&G determined that some products made at this facility have the potential for salmonella contamination. As a precautionary measure, P&G is recalling all products made at this facility.
Consumers who have purchased the specific dry pet foods listed should discard them. People handling dry pet food can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with surfaces exposed to this product. Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.
Pets with Salmonella infections may have decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. If left untreated, pets may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
For further information or a product replacement or refund call P&G toll-free at 877-340-8823 (Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST).
Media Contact: Jason Taylor 513-622-3205
In early April, while I attended BlogPaws in Columbus, my teammate Jen attended the Everything Pets Expo in Cincinnati. Here’s what she had to say about it:
Jen and Louie-King-of-the-Cats
The weekend of April 9-11 was the Iams Everything Pets Expo at the Duke Energy Center in Cincinnati. This was an Expo packed with exciting Air Dogs, lovable dogs, cats and foals that needed homes, and even a few marsupial-reptile-amphibian attractions to please everyone!
Iams was the Sponsor of the Event and took center stage with games and giveaways.
First up is Ultimate Air Dogs! A lot of the dogs were there showing off for the crowd. These dogs were amazing and made me want to go home and encourage my dogs to get off the couch!
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.Some dogs were still in the learning stages and had a lot of encouragement from the crowd.
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There were a lot of Rescue Organizations attending the Expo. What a great way to get the word out on all of the cats and dogs available for adoption!
Grrand Golden Retriever Rescue & Adoption had two wonderful Golden Ambassadors attending; you just couldn’t get enough of these two guys:
Purrfect Feline Friends Cat Rescue had some of the most laid back kitties…they did not care at all about the commotion around them! They were just looking for a home to call their own!
Lucky Chin Japanese Chin Rescue pulls dogs from auctions and puppy mills. They had a few along looking for a good home!
So your house is already full with cats & dogs? How about a horse? Great! We have that covered too. Beechmont Stables & Rescue had 3 week old Nurse Mare Foals in attendance! Now if you don’t look at these pictures and say ‘Aww’ to yourself….
Another popular organization was Sugar Gliders R Us; you just could not get enough of these little marsupials! They even shared their prickly Hedgehog friend, although I’m not convinced that he was thrilled with being disturbed from his nap…
Last, but not least, was one of the most educational attendees. Cool Critters Outreach is a reptile education and rescue organization that supports educational animal experiences for classrooms and beyond!
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OK, this whole encounter just made me smile..
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Every year the Iams Everything Pets Expo grows, and we are very excited to see what will happen next year.
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