Diamond has expanded their recall (again) to include certain foods manufactured back in August, 2011.

Diamond Naturals Small Breed Adult Dog Lamb & Rice Formula samples, 6 pound and 18 pound bag sizes, manufactured on Aug. 26, 2011, have been added to the limited voluntary recall, due to potential exposure to Salmonella. No illnesses have been reported.

The product was distributed in the following states, further distribution through other pet food channels may have occurred:

·      Colorado
·      Illinois
·      Kentucky
·      Louisiana
·      Michigan
·      Minnesota
·      Missouri
·      Oklahoma
·      Pennsylvania
·      South Dakota
·      Tennessee
·      Texas
·      Wisconsin

Production Code & Best Before Dates:

DSL0801, 26-Aug-2012
DSL0801, 26-Aug-2012
DSL0801, 27-Sept- 2012 (Product manufactured on Aug. 26, 2011 and packaged on Sept. 27, 2011)
DSL0801, 18-Oct- 2012 (Product manufactured on Aug. 26, 2011 and packaged on Oct. 18, 2011)
DSL0801, (Samples)

Pet owners who are unsure if the product they purchased is included in the recall, or who would like replacement product or a refund, may contact Diamond Pet Foods via a toll free call at 1-866-918-8756, Monday through Sunday, 8 am – 6pm EST.

Diamond Pet Foods apologizes for any issues this may have caused pet owners and their pets.

Along with the other recalls, you’ll find this one on the ever famous Diamond Pet Recall website. (I’ll bet that website is getting more traffic these days than the regular Diamond website.) Thanks, Diamond for making it yet another DUMP AND RUN Friday. Seriously, why can’t you just get your food RIGHT?

For those of you who are still feeding food manufactured by Diamond to your pets, why are you continuing to defend this company? STOP defending them, and do something for your pets!

Update, May 21: I just spoke with Diamond customer service and was told that these foods were manufactured in the Meta, Missouri plant.

The “In Case of Emergency” Mobile App (ICE for Pets) that could be very useful to pet owners. It gives pet owners a way to make sure someone is contacted if they’re unavailable to care for their pets. The way it works is very simple.

When you leave your pets alone simply use ICEforPets to create an “In Case of Emergency” push notification text message. This text message will alert your emergency contact at a specific time should something happen to you.

It’s very easy to set up. Just type in the text message you want to send, the number you want it sent to, then choose when to send it. You can set the text message to be sent up to 48 hours in the future.

I can see this app being especially helpful for pet owners who are traveling and may not be able to get phone service along the way. Although many pet sitters will continue pet sitting if they don’t hear from a client, a text from ICE for Pets can serve as a reminder to the sitter that the client hasn’t made it home yet.

The one thing people using the app will need to be mindful of is canceling the text if they arrive home on time. To help them remember, they can set up a text to come to their own phone shortly before the text goes out to their emergency contact. At that time they can cancel the scheduled text if they’re home and all is well. If the developer does updates of the app, I’d like to see a built in reminder to the pet owner a short time before the text is to go out to their emergency contact.

In addition to the notification feature of the app, there’s room to add information about your pets, including photos, veterinary contact info, health problems, medications, etc.

All in all, this is an cool little app for pet owners who want an extra safety measure in place to ensure consistent care for their pets.

ICE for Pets is only 99 cents and is available for iPhone and Android.

Six-Figure Pet Sitting: Catapult Your Pet Sitting Business to Unlimited Success, (aff) by Kristin Morrison, of Six Figure Pet Sitting Academy, covers a wide range of topics to help pet sitters create a successful business. This includes writing a business plan, managing finances, organization techniques, marketing, hiring employees, customer service, and other subjects essential to operating a business. Where Six Figure Pet Sitting differs from other books geared to the pet sitting industry though, is that Kristin also stresses the personal and emotional aspects of operating a business.

In her book, Kristin asks people to dig deep and think about their goals, desires, and aspirations in order to create a business that works for them. Through years of working with professional pet sitters, she has developed exercises to help her clients define the what, how, and why of what they envision as a successful business – as well as a successful personal life. Once they are clear what that means, and what their goals are, she helps them put it all together to create a plan that will enable them to achieve those goals. She essentially takes an all encompassing approach to helping her clients, and her readers, create a better life.

Kristin includes some of the exercises she uses with her coaching clients in her book. Some of them are in the form of action steps such as organizing your office, setting up your bookkeeping, writing a marketing letter, etc. Others are more introspective, and require you to list your successes, failures, shortcomings, what you’d like to accomplish, etc. in your business and personal life. They will require some thought, and will likely challenge you. But if you go through the action steps and exercises as she suggests, you will get a clearer idea of what you want and how to get there.

The goal of Six Figure Pet Sitting isn’t just to help people create a successful pet sitting business – although that certainly is one goal. The bigger goal is to help people create a fulfilling life by building a business doing what they love. I highly recommend it to all pet sitters, regardless of how long you’ve been in business. In fact, even though I’ve owned my own business since 2001, her advice has me changing the way I do some things. And, I might add,  it’s all for the better. Thank You, Kristin!

You’ll find Six-Figure Pet Sitting: Catapult Your Pet Sitting Business to Unlimited Success, (aff) at Amazon.

The FDA has issued a list of observations made during an April 20, 2012 inspection of the Diamond Pet Foods plant in Gaston, SC. The sloppiness of how the plant is maintained provides for numerous ways for the food they manufacture to become contaminated. Here’s the bulk of the report:

OBSERVATION 1

All reasonable precautions are not taken to ensure that production procedures do not contribute contamination from any source.

Specifically, no microbiological analysis is conducted or there is no assurance that incoming animal fat will not introduce pathogens into their production and cause contamination of finished product. Also, the firm’s current sampling procedure for animal digest does preclude potential for adulteration after sampling and during storage in warehouse. On 4/13/12, an employee was observed touching in-line filter oil with bare hands.

OBSERVATION 2

Failure to provide hand washing and sanitizing facilities at each location in the plant where needed.

Specifically, there are no facilities for hand washing or hand sanitizing in the production areas where there is direct contact with exposed finished feed/food.

OBSERVATION 3

Failure to maintain equipment, containers and utensils used to convey, hold, and store food in a manner that protects against contamination.

Specifically, paddles conveyor (South or Middle conveyor leading to the screeners going to packaging) were observed to have gouges and cuts, which exhibited feed residues. The damage to the paddles may allow for harborage areas for microorganisms and are difficult to clean and sanitize.

OBSERVATION 4

Failure to maintain equipment so as facilitate cleaning of the equipment.

Specifically, firm utilizes cardboard, duct tape, and other non cleanable surfaces on equipment. These materials were observed to have residues adhering. The foam gaskets around access doors to the bucket elevators were observed in deteriorating condition exhibited an accumulation of feed residues and dust.

Despite Diamond’s touted 151 Quality Checks, according to the report, the Diamond plant is a total mess. And obviously, the things mentioned in the report don’t just happen overnight – deteriorating gaskets, duct tape, lack of cleanliness, etc. With a manufacturing plant in that condition, it only makes sense that this has been an ongoing problem. So, how many people and pets have become ill over the past – who knows how long – as a result of contaminated food manufactured by Diamond?

My guess is that all of the Diamonds plants are a total mess. They still have openings in all three of of them for Quality Control Technicians. But it seems to me they’re going to need a heck of a lot more than a few new technicians to clean things up. They need to overhaul their entire company and learn to walk the talk they display so proudly on their website:

All of us take pride in our work, our departments and our company as a whole. Pride that manifests itself in uncompromising product quality and unsurpassed customer service. Pride that helps our company overcome any short-term obstacles and achieve long-term success.

If the observations made by the FDA inspectors represent Diamond’s “uncompromising product quality,” Diamond needs to take a serious look at how they’re doing things. From what’s in the report, it sounds like there’s plenty of room for improvement. And, I suppose the people and pets who have become sick due to their sloppiness are simply a “short-term obstacle.”

Nestle Purina has recalled one lot of canned cat food due to low levels of thiamine.

Nestle Purina PetCare (NPP) is voluntarily recalling one specific lot of its Purina Veterinary Diets® OM Overweight Management canned cat food, available through veterinarians in the U.S. and Canada. This precautionary measure is being taken in response to one consumer complaint received by FDA. Analytical testing of the product sample by FDA indicated a low level of thiamine (Vitamin B1). Purina has received no other complaints of thiamine-related or any other health issues related to this product.

Only cans with the following “Best By” date and production code shown are included in this voluntary recall:

Purina Veterinary Diets® OM (Overweight Management) Feline Formula
Can size: 5.5 oz.
Best by date & production code: JUN 2013 11721159
Can UPC code: 38100 – 13810

*”Best By” Date and Production Code are found on the bottom of the can.

Cats fed this affected lot exclusively for several weeks may be at risk for developing a thiamine deficiency. Thiamine is essential for cats. Symptoms of deficiency displayed by an affected cat can be gastrointestinal or neurological in nature. Early signs of thiamine deficiency may include decreased appetite, salivation, vomiting and weight loss. In advanced cases, neurological signs can develop, which may include ventriflexion (bending towards the floor) of the neck, wobbly walking, falling, circling and seizures. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your cat is displaying any of these signs. If treated promptly, thiamine deficiency is typically reversible.

This product was distributed to veterinary clinics between June, 2011 and May, 2012 throughout the U.S. and Canada. The product is not sold in retail stores.

No additional Purina cat or dog products are involved in this voluntary recall. No other Purina Veterinary Diets® products are involved, and only Purina Veterinary Diets® OM canned cat food which match the “Best By” dates and production code above are included in this recall.

Consumers who have purchased Purina Veterinary Diets® OM canned cat food cans with these specific “Best By” Date and Production Codes should discontinue feeding the product, and discard it.

At Nestle Purina PetCare, the safety and efficacy of our products are our top priority. We apologize for any inconvenience due to this voluntary recall. For further information or to obtain a product refund, please contact Nestle Purina as follows:

U.S. Consumers & Veterinarians: Call toll-free 1-800-982-8837 Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time, or visit www.purinaveterinarydiets.com .

Canadian Consumers & Veterinarians:Call toll-free 1-866-884-8387 Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time, or visit www.purina.ca.

For more information visit www.purinaveterinarydiets.com.

Natural Balance has corrected an error on the list of pet foods recalled on their May 4 recall notice. The error only affects 5 LB. Sweet Potato & Venison Dry Dog.

There was a typographical error in the press release announced on May 4, 2012 – The 5 LB. Sweet Potato & Venison Dry Dog Best By Date should have been “March 13, 2013″ but instead it read March 12, 2013. The correct complete product code on recall is 5 LB Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Venison Dog UPC#7-23633-88650-5 Lot Code NBH0103 Best By Date March 13, 2013.

See their website for Natural Balance pet food recall information or see the FDA recall notice here: Natural Balance Pet Foods Initiates Voluntary Recall of Certain Dry Pet Food Due to the Potential for Salmonella Contamination.

Solid Gold Pet Food, which has some of their food manufactured by Diamond, has issued a recall of two dry dog foods. Apparently though, they don’t think the recall is all that important because they don’t have a prominent link to the recall on the front page of their website. Instead, you need to click on the tiny “News” link at the bottom of the page. It sure would be nice if they didn’t try to hide it!

May 7, 2012

Just a few hours ago, Solid Gold received information that two batches of our foods were made at the Diamond Gaston plant around the same time period as some of the previously recalled foods of other brands. Though we have had zero complaints about these particular batches, we have decided to recall them as a precautionary measure. Due to the time difference between us and the appropriate FDA office, there was not enough time in the day to further discuss this voluntary recall with the FDA. We are announcing this now because we know our customers are concerned and didn’t want an entire night to go by without this information being available to the public. Tomorrow morning (May 8th), after speaking with the FDA, Solid Gold will officially institute a voluntary recall of two batches of food made at the Diamond Gaston facility.

The following products will be part of this voluntary precautionary recall. Only the two foods with this particular best before date and batch code will be part of the recall.

Solid Gold WolfKing Large Breed Adult Food
All sizes
Best before December 30, 2012
Batch code starting with SGL1201

Solid Gold WolfCub Large Breed Puppy Food
All Sizes
Best before December 30, 2012
Batch code starting with SGB1201

No other Solid Gold products are affected.
We greatly apologize for any concern and inconvenience this may cause and greatly thank you for your patience. Further information will be available in the official recall tomorrow morning. As always, please contact us at 800-364-4863 or dane@solidgoldhealth.com with any questions and we will respond as quickly as possible.

You’ll find more information on the Solid Gold website. As of this writing, the Solid Gold recall is not listed on the Diamond Pet Food Recall website.

In 2002, I made the decision to adopt a dog.  I was already so happy with my rescued cat, Zacky, that I wanted to expand my little ‘family’.  I remembered how fun it was playing with my dogs growing up…walking, biking, and sledding with them was awesome! (I obviously didn’t grow up in Texas!)  My dogs were my best friends. My Lucy Goo is no exception.

I’m a firm believer in animal rescues, the SPCA, the Humane Society, and especially no kill shelters, like Friends for Life.  So, when the time came for me to get a dog, I put myself on some rescue lists, and visited the SPCA…It was there that I found my Lucy.

According to the SPCA, Lucy was between 6-12 months old, and a ‘terrier mix’. (I personally think Lucy looks kind of like a Golden Doodle and a terrier, so I call her my ‘Goldendoodlerrier’.)  Whatever Lucy was, though, didn’t matter..she melted my heart the instant I met her; she was my canine soul mate.

Lucy had been a neglected dog, and was skittish of certain things, such as loud noises and sudden movements.  She was extremely skinny, had fur missing, and the fur that was there was terribly matted. She was a colossal mess. But that didn’t stop me from falling in love with her the minute I saw her. The energy that Lucy put out was amazingly sweet; she was one of the most awesome dogs I had the honor of meeting and I knew I just had to be her mommy!  However, the SPCA had not spayed her yet, so I was instructed to pick her up the next day.  I went home Lucyless, and extremely eager for the next 24 hours to pass.

That afternoon, I received a phone call from the SPCA. They did blood work on her which is mandatory before performing the surgery, and found that she had heart worms. They told me that they would normally euthanize a dog under these circumstances, however, since I had already adopted Lucy, they could not do anything without my permission.  The woman I spoke with on the phone tried to persuade me to have Lucy put down.  She said that it would be the best thing to do.  My response to this was a resounding ‘NO’!  I told her to go ahead with the surgery; I would pick Lucy up afterwards, and find a solution.

The next morning I got on the phone and called my vet. Then, I called the vets my parents use for their pets, and, for good measure, I called the vet a friend of mine uses. All of them gave me the same answer…there was no reason to put Lucy down. Lucy’s heart worms would indeed be treatable, and she would be cured.  I remember sitting on the edge of my bed, crying with relief.

When I finally picked Lucy up, her eyes were glowing, and it looked like she was smiling at me; I felt so blessed. I took her home, let her spend some days resting and recovering from the surgery, then we were off to the vet to start up her treatments.  The treatments were hard on her, but her spirits were always so high.  Then, after some time, Lucy’s fur started growing back in full and glossy, and she started gaining weight. She looked like a whole new healthy, fluffy dog!  And now, Lucy has been heart worm free since 2002!  We’ve had so many great adventures together…from our walks by the bayou, to our boating adventures and road trips. Lucy is such a special part of my life, I decided to name my business after her…my ‘Lucy Goosey’…my ‘Lucy Goo’.

I hope you can use this true story as an inspiration.  If you decide that you’d like a pet, please try going the rescue route, and adopt one.  And remember, the puppies and kittens are the first to be chosen. Take a walk over to the section where the full grown dogs and cats are kept.  They may seem skittish at first, but all they need is love. Once they are given the love and attention they so desperately need and deserve, you’ll not only have a friend, but a new family member. You can save a pet’s life…one just like Lucy Goo.

For those of you who have rescued a pet, what’s your pet’s story?

–

Nicole Bruder is the owner of Lucy Goo Pet Sitting in Houston, Texas.