Petosphere

Pet Frogs Source of Salmonella Outbreak

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:00:00 EST

The New York Daily News reports that pet frogs were identified as the source of a recent multistate salmonella outbreak. It has long been known that frogs can be a source of salmonella. Young children are advised not to handle them.

In the most recent outbreak involving frogs, reports of illness came from 25 states and occurred from June through November, according to the CDC. More than three-quarters of the patients are younger than 10 years old, and the median age is 4 years. No deaths have been reported, according to the CDC.

When health officials investigated the reports, they learned that many of the sickened individuals indicated they had been in contact with pet frogs, the AP said. The strain of salmonella was found in aquariums that housed frogs in three of the homes where people had gotten sick.

"Preliminary analysis of this study suggests contact with frogs, including water frogs such as African dwarf frogs, is a likely source of the infections," said a CDC statement.

The CDC advises people to wash their hands thoroughly after handling a frog or a turtle. Anything the frog or turtle comes in contact with can also be a salmonella source.

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Step Up to the Pawbar

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST

The Long Beach Press-Telegram reports on a new trend where pets are served sushi. Pussy & Pooch, which has locations in downtown Los Angeles and Long Beach, welcomes dogs and cats to the Pawbar where they can dine on different meats.

The raw food bar - which she calls the Pawbar - looks like a tiny version of those found in most sushi restaurants, but with one major difference. Three rectangular holes at knee level act as serving windows.

In front of each window sits a rectangular platform holding a ceramic dish.

Up to three pets can sit on the platform and try free samples of the raw food the store sells. Best of all, Zakrajsek said, it gives the pets a chance to socialize.

"It's all about the social experience for your dog," she said. "It's dogs eating sushi."

The Pawbar menu includes raw meats, stews, soups, organic prepared meals and treats. You can see it here.

Photo: Pussy & Pooch

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Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles Offers Sessions With Pets

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST

A Presbyterian church in Los Angeles is offering a weekly 30-minute service that allows members to bring their dogs. The idea behind the pet service at this church and others nationwide is an attempt to boost its connection with the community. The offering included treats for the dog. Take a look:

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Animal Mummies: Pets of the Pharaohs

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 21:00:00 EST

Thousands of mummies of animals have been found in ancient Egyptian tombs. Unfortunately, the value of many of these pet mummies was not respected early on and many were lost. The ones that remain have become very popular tourist attractions. There were mummies of cats, dogs, birds, fish and even crocodiles. You can read the article here on National Geographic. A photo gallery can be found here.

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Dog Barks at His Own YouTube Video

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST

A Jack Russell Terrier named Levi barks at seeing himself on YouTube. The YouTube entry says "Levi can't help but bark at animals on TV, including himself." Well, you can't blame the little guy for being excited by his YouTube video.

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Kitten Goes on Backpacking Adventure

Sat, 3 Oct 2009 17:22:00 EST

Backpackers traveled with a kitten on a 9,000 mile journey from Miami to Argentina. The kitten seems to enjoy the backpacking experience. You can see more here from the backpackers' French website.

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Cat Found Wrapped in Duct Tape

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 18:00:00 EST

A cat was found in a Pennsylvania neighborhood covered in duct tape. It is unclear how the poor cat ended up being covered in duct tape. There is a $1,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the conviction of whoever was cruel enough to wrap duct tape around the poor cat and then abandon it. The cat named "Sticky" by staff at the Pennsylvania SPCA. They believe the cat is 1 to 2 years old and once had a home. A local CBS news station reports that police are also looking for whoever was cruel enough to do this.

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Giant Tortoise Gets Walked Like a Dog

Tue, 4 Aug 2009 21:00:00 EST

A giant African tortoise named "spike" gets taken for walks by his owner, Dunan. Spike has helped his owner Duncan who is a recovering alcoholic. Duncan says Spike inspires him everyday to keep taking care of him. Spike is likely to get much bigger. He could eventually weigh 150 pounds.

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Dog Found 9 Years Later, 1200 Miles From Home

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 21:00:00 EST

Muffy - a dog that disappeared from an Australian family's home nine years ago - has been found alive and well. The dog was found sleeping on some cardboard 1200 miles from home. The dog was identified by a microchip. Muffy has missed many years with his family but at least now she will get to spend the rest of her life with them. You can read more about Muffy being reunited with her family here.

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