Happy Hooowlidays!

Wishing All A very Safe And Happy Holiday Season!

Maxxamillion Loves The Snow

With all the bad weather hitting the Midwest this week, the snow is Maxxamillion's favorite. The boy just loves to bury himself in the snow, flip upside down and make snow angels.

FDA Cautions About Chicken Jerky Products for Dogs

December 19, 2008

FDA Continues To Receive Complaints about Chicken Jerky Products for Dogs and Cautions Consumers

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to caution consumers of a potential association between the development of illness in dogs and the consumption of chicken jerky products also described as chicken tenders, strips or treats. FDA continues to receive complaints of dogs experiencing illness that their owners or veterinarians associate with consumption of chicken jerky products. The chicken jerky products are imported to the U.S. from China. FDA issued a cautionary warning to consumers in September 2007.

Australian news organizations report the University of Sydney is also investigating an association between illness in dogs and the consumption of chicken jerky in Australia. At least one firm in Australia has recalled their chicken jerky product and the recall notification stated the chicken jerky product was manufactured in China.

FDA believes the continued trend of consumer complaints coupled with the information obtained from Australia warrants an additional reminder and animal health notification.

Chicken jerky products should not be substituted for a balanced diet and are intended to be
used occasionally and in small quantities. Owners of small dogs must be especially careful to limit the amount of these products.

FDA, in addition to several veterinary diagnostic laboratories in the U.S, is working to determine why these products are associated with illness in dogs. To date, scientists have not been able to determine a definitive cause for the reported illnesses. FDA has conducted extensive chemical and microbial testing but has not identified any contaminant.

FDA is advising consumers who choose to feed their dogs chicken jerky products to watch their dogs closely for any or all of the following signs which may occur within hours to days of feeding the product: decreased appetite, although some may continue to consume the treats to the exclusion of other foods; decreased activity; vomiting; diarrhea, sometimes with blood; and increased water consumption and/or increased urination. If the dog shows any of these signs, stop feeding the chicken jerky product. Owners should consult their veterinarian if signs are severe or persist for more than 24 hours. Blood tests may indicate kidney failure (increased urea nitrogen and creatinine). Urine tests may indicate Fanconi syndrome (increased glucose). Although most dogs appear to recover, some reports to the FDA have involved dogs that have died.

The FDA continues to actively investigate the problem. Many of the illnesses reported may be the result of causes other than eating chicken jerky. Veterinarians and consumers alike should report cases of animal illness associated with pet foods to the FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator http://www.fda.gov/opacom/backgrounders/complain.html in their state.

Coolest Dog On The Planet Picture

For the past five years Maxxamillion has used a picture of himself wearing dark sun glasses for his Coolest Dog On The Planet.net website and his Squidoo profile. Maxxamillion always loves to have his picture taken. Although in recent years we feel like he is snubbing us. We have noticed he turns his face to the right or left just before the snap of the camera. We feel all dogs are the coolest on the planet.

This is Maxxamillion's favorite weather time of the year. The brisk cold air makes him more playful and spunkier than usual. We love seeing him on the patio enjoying the cold breeze. But it's also at this time of the year that he pretends he doesn't hear us calling his name when it's time come inside for the night. He ignores us and turns his head, continuing to enjoy the cold brisk air. We just smile and even laugh because we know he hears us and understands that it's time to come in, but he just wants a little more time. So again we smile and give in, letting him stay out just a little while longer. Oh how we love Maxxamillion.

Why Compare Pet Health Insurance Plans

It doesn’t matter if you have already decided to purchase health insurance for the family pet or if you are simply shopping for one. When you are comparing the quote of one health insurance quote to another, remember that the base dollar amount is not the only number you have to consider. In addition to the monthly payment, make sure you also check out exactly what type of veterinary care and treatments are covered (some basic insurance plans do not include cancer treatment), what kind of deductible you, the pet owner, will be expected to pay, is there a yearly cap on medical expenses, and what type of discounts are available. At the moment there are only a handful of companies that offer pet health insurance.

Keeping Your Dog Safe When on Walks

When we walk our dog, no matter the destination – on the city streets, in parks or in open spaces – it is necessary that he respects the disciplinary rules settled before and learned, to avoid getting into problems with other animals or people we meet.

So let’s see how our little friend will have to act in some situations:

• Usually, in crowded places we will keep him in a leash, to always have him under control. So he will have to know how to walk in a leash, near your foot, without pulling.


• The dog is not allowed to jump on people or animals met or to attack any of those, as long as he isn’t aggressed.


• The dog shouldn’t run after bicycles, motorcycles, cars or people that are running. It is know that some dogs do that because of their hunting instincts.


• When we let the dog free, to relax, it is crucial that when he is called he return on the shortest way and as fast as possible.


• At a picnic, the dog is not allowed to pass thought other people’s carpets or to eat their food.


• Wherever our dog might be, he is not to be allowed to eat food given by someone else or food found thrown around.


• Generally, small dogs are more spoiled than big dogs and they are more aggressive, anti-social and afraid of other people or dogs. The ones to blame are the owners that often amuse themselves when they see their dogs acting this way. This way the dogs get to barking and even biting their own owner.


• The dog must have the initial training learned and practiced, so we would have no problems when walking him.


• All through the walk, the dog is not to chew on his leash or to pull it with his teeth, because it might happen that he is tied somewhere alone and he will chew on it until he becomes free and gets lost.


• The dog is not allowed to jump up and out his front paws on us or others even if he is just playing.


• Pay attention to drunken people! Many times the smell, the walk and the yelling of drunken people annoy the dog. The dog is to loose his reality sense and his instincts and therefore they won’t pay attention to any of our advices. Some drunken people are even aggressive to dogs. Stay away from them as much as possible.

Keeping Your Pet Safe This Halloween

• All but the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room during peak trick-or-treat visiting hours. Too many strangers in unusual garb can be scary and stressful for pets.
  
  
• When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, take care that Max or Mittens doesn't dart outside. Make sure all your pets are wearing current identification, just in case.
  
  
• No sweets for the sweet: Keep all Halloween candy out of your pet's reach. Chocolate can be poisonous to animals, and tinfoil and cellophane candy wrappers can be hazardous if swallowed.
  
  
  
• It's not a bright idea to keep lit pumpkins around companion animals. Pets can knock them over, and curious kittens in particular run the risk of being burned.
  
  
• Don't leave your pet in the yard on Halloween. There have been reports of vicious pranksters who have teased, injured, stolen and even killed pets on this night.
  
  
• Although the ASPCA recommends that cats remain indoors at all times, it is especially important to keep your feline inside for several days before and after Halloween. Black cats in particular may be at risk from children's pranks or other cruelty-related incidents. As a safety precaution, many shelters will not adopt out black cats around Halloween.
  
  
• Don't dress up your dog or cat unless you know she loves it. If
  you decide to do so, make sure the costume isn't annoying or
  unsafe, and doesn't restrict her movement, vision, hearing or
  ability to breathe or bark. Avoid costumes with small or
  dangling accessories that she could chew off and possibly choke
  on. And please supervise pets in costume at ALL times.

Visit The ASPCA For More!

Toy Ball Posses A Danger To Your Dog!

It broke our hearts that such a horrible thing happened to Chai and cannot imagine the pain he went through. Our prayers and love are with him. Thank God that Chai has a wonderful and loving papa. "On Sunday, June 22, 2008 my 10-year old lab mix, Chai, sustained a severe injury from a product that the company Four Paws Inc, produces. The toy I'm referencing is the pimple ball with bell. (Item #20227-001, UPC Code 0 4566320227 9)" Please visit Choi's blog for more information and how you could help get this toy off the market before it hurts another dog...Choi's Blog

ASPCA's founder Henry Bergh!

The ASPCA will celebrate the birth of the ASPCA's founder Henry Bergh! on Friday, August 29. "Regarding Henry": A "Bergh's-eye" view of 140 years at the ASPCA

"New York City, April 1866: The driver of a cart laden with coal is whipping his horse. Passersby on the New York City street stop to gawk not so much at the weak, emaciated equine, but at the tall man, elegant in top hat and spats, who is explaining to the driver that it is now against the law to beat one's animal. Thus, America first encounters The Great Meddler". Read the rest of the story at ASPCA.org

Maxxamillion's Dog House Social network

Today Maxxamillion has opened the dog house to all pets. Maxxamillion's Dog House Social network is opened to all pets. Create your pets profile in minutes share your pet story's. You could add photos, videos, music and communicate with other pet owners in our community. Join or start a discussion in the Pet Forum or Join one or several pet groups. Free to join! Register today to get started!

Are Golden Retrievers The Best Choice?

Part of Maxxamillion's breed is Golden Retriever. Golden Retrievers simply develop a strong attraction to their owners. They are a preferred dog breed, making great pets, hunting dogs, obedience competitors, show dogs, and even a combination of all these traits. No matter what your intent may be to own a Golden Retriever, you’ll have an excellent dog that will live up to it’s potential and then some.

Golden Retrievers are calm, well mannered, and extremely affectionate. They are easy to train as well, very intelligent, and great for those who need a companion. Goldens are also loyal to their owners, lovable, and great with children of all ages. They also make great watchdogs as well, as they will bark loud and let you know when a stranger is near.

Like other dogs, Golden Retrievers will shed their hair throughout the year and more in the spring - no matter how many times you brush them a day. They also like to be in and near the water, similar to Labs. If you have any type of water on or near your property, your Golden Retriever will be in it, and tend to be either wet or muddy quite a bit - which can tend to get frustrating.

If you are always on the go or never at home, you shouldn’t get a Golden Retriever. If you prefer cats over dogs, you should look into another breed. Golden Retrievers crave attention and admiration, and normally don’t do too well if you leave them at home by themselves for long periods of time. Golden’s need attention, and desire to be around you at all times. If you spend a lot of time at home on the other hand, or have kids, a Golden Retriever will be a perfect addition to your family.

A lot of people out there prefer to get a puppy and raise it themselves. This way, the puppy will grow up with the skills they have taught him. This is a great idea and very rewarding, although it can consume a lot of your time and tend to be very frustrating at times. Those who don’t have a lot of time to spare or tend to get easily frustrated, shouldn’t get a puppy. Instead, they should look towards adopting an older Golden Retriever who has already been house broken and trained.
Your local animal shelter is a great start for an older or young Golden Retriever.

Golden Retrievers are an excellent breed, and they can provide you with the companionship you have been looking for. They can participate in several activities with you as well, such as hiking, camping, and walking. Goldens love the outdoors, and they love just getting out there and doing things with you and your family. If you include your Golden Retriever in family activities - you’ll have a friend for life who will quickly grow on you over the years. They become part of the family.

PawMaster At Work!

Maxxamillion Having so fun at home pawing his website CoolestDogOnThePlanet.net on his lappy!

Maxxamillion's Toyz







Simply Fido Organic Dog Toys Bone Collection 8" Plush Bone

Simply Fido Organic Pet Toys are made of organic fabrics and all-natural dyes. Organically grown, the fibers in each toy are unbleached, untreated, and unprocessed. Natural extracts from plants and minerals, such as gardenia seed, clove and chestnut bur, are used to dye the fibers. Toys are 100% environmentally friendly!

Early March and Maxxamillion is outside enjoying the weather. We have had a very long winter here in Chicago. Early spring and winter are Maxxamillion's favorite time of the year.

When Putting Down Your Dog Is Not An Option!

Two years ago our dog Maxx of ten years got very ill just after he had fully recovered from a surgery that removed a cancerous tumor. Our vet told us that this was it and that it was only a matter of time that our boy would pass away, there is nothing I could do for him, we were told. Well we were absolutely not going to give up on our loving companion of ten years so easily. My feeling was that this vet had an agenda with us because of a complaint I had recently expressed about one of his employees that hurt Maxx by incorrectly trying to lift him.

Shortly thereafter disappointed and heart broken we took our boy home, we putting him down was not an option. He is family and we would not give up on him so easily, especially when we could see so much life and love in his sparkling eyes. My huband and I started researching on the internet for alternative medicine for dogs.

Fortunately, we found medicinal options that we felt would safely help Maxx get started on his way to getting well again. Many of these medicines we read about were holistic and although we live in a big metropolitan area, some were not locally available. However, we were fortunate to find that some of the holistic medicines we needed for Maxx were sold on-line, while several others were available in stores a short distance away.

Over a short time of giving Maxx these holistic medicines, his health began to steadily improve. Although Maxx's overall health steadily improved, he still suffered from arthritis in the joint of his right front paw, which occasionally caused him to limp.

In addition to the holistic medicines we also found a great animal rehabilitation center fully equipped with top notch equipment with a holistic approach to the rehabilitation of animals. We also learned it provided acupuncture for pets. It had a underwater treadmill which Maxx could use to rehab his rear legs, we could also get his acupuncture treatments at the same time. The staff was great, and made us feel right at home. The veterinarians had vast experience in animal rehabilitation as well as being well versed in Chinese and Western herbs. After a few months of taking Maxx to the clinic we were able to arrange for Maxx to receive his acupuncture treatments at home twice a month.


We are so happy to say that these holistic medicines have turned our boy Maxx's health completely around and we recently celebrated his twelfth birthday! The holistic approach has let us enjoy Maxx for two more wonderful years and counting. Just like humans always get a second opinion if in doubt.
by: Diana Romaxx (c)2008

Maxxamillion enjoying the snow in our back yard. The temperature was -0 so he had his warm hat on to keep the cold air out of his ears. He had an infection in his right ear last week.