You deserve a break today. You can be a cover cat, too.

Take some time off and visit Cat Channel. Just follow the easy instructions. And if you are a dog, horse, hamster or rabbit – go ahead, give it a try!
Have a problem or concerned about an issue?
Write me a letter.
I am here for you.

Creative Commons photo by Sweet Evie
Help get the word out to others -
Two recalls involving pet products were announced on Friday July 2. The recall involves 10 oz bags of Merrick Beef Filet Squares made by Merrick Pet Care, as well as nutritional supplements and powdered form products made by the United Pet Group and sold under the Nature’s Miracle, Excel, Petco, DDS, Drs. Foster & Smith and Pro-Pet brands:
1. Merrick Pet Care Recalls 10oz Bags Of Merrick Beef Filet Squares
Merrick Pet Care, Inc. of Amarillo, Texas is recalling 86 cases of its 10oz “Beef Filet Squares for Dogs” pet treats (ITEM # 60016 LOT # 10084TL7 BEST BY MARCH 24, 2012) because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
Consumers who have purchased 10 ounce packages of “Beef Filet Squares for Dogs” are urged to return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund. Information about the recall can be found on the company’s web site: Merrick Pet Care. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-664-7387 M-F 8:00 – 5:00 CDT.
2. Nature’s Miracle, Excel, Pro-Pet, Petco, DDS and Drs. Foster & Smith Nutritional Supplements and Powdered Form Products
United Pet Group has recalled a variety of nutritional supplements for dogs and powdered form products for dogs and cats. THESE PRODUCTS ARE SOLD UNDER DIFFERENT NAMES AT DIFFERENT RETAILERS. Please check the FDA release for a complete listing of products affected by this recall here is the link: FDA Government Safety Recalls.
The products involved in both recalls are very popular, so it is important that we get the word out to fellow pet lovers.
Please let your followers and readers know about these recalls.
Thanks Abby and Nancy of Fucini Productions, Inc., for letting us know!
Your friend,
Fisher
Of course, being a cat, I am independent every day. However, making a special celebration for something like freedom is a good thing. Have a safe and happy 4th of July!
One note of caution to the humans: Be aware of your pets and their reactions to the festivities.
Dear Fisher,
I saw an article in the paper about you and decided to check you out. I am a 2 year old great Pyrenees named Greta. My human tells everyone that I am the most laid back and gentle dog you will ever find. I am the perfect dog to take to hospitals, nursing homes, cancer center, and many other places where I behave perfectly and everyone loves me.
I am a certified therapy dog and I get along with every living creature with one exception. For some reason, when I see another Pyrenees I get ready for battle. If I get within 2 feet of another like me, it is fight time.
My worst behavior came out at a rescue group picnic a few months ago and there were at least 50-60 Pyrenees there! Things got so bad my human had to take me back to her car and crate me. It was awful. She has tried dog trainers and everything. What in the world do you think is wrong with me?
Greta
Dear Greta,
You can imagine I hear all sorts of issues from all sorts of critters. Some are easier to advise than others. I think yours is a very unique case.
Characteristics of the Pyrenees breed range from “gentle giant” to very independent, and even stubborn. Training could be difficult because you do not like to be told what to do. You can make your own decisions, thank you very much. On top of that you are absolutely adorable.
Since your issue is much more complicated than most, I am giving you 2 sites to explore. Both have more good information than I can include in my column:
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1. The Woof and Word Press tells about Louie, a 4 year old Anatolian Shepherd/Great Pyrenees cross. Louie, like you, has that one trigger that turns him into a raging bull. In his case, it is not another Pyrenees – he is not at all aggressive toward other dogs and people. His aggression trigger is diesel engine vehicles. Even though this might cause a chuckle at the very idea, the behavior called barrier frustration/aggression is serious and can escalate quickly. It does sound a little like your going off on the other Pyrenees, don’t you think? Enjoy the read and I hope you find some answers there.
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2. Leash Aggression in Dogs is an article by Kathy Sdao, MA, CAAB, where she explains your leash is restricting you – very much like barrier restriction. First you are restricted, then frustrated, anxious, and finally aggressive. Ms. Sdao provides suggestions for training techniques as well. Again, due to the extensive information, I will leave it to your human to find the information that will serve you best.
We are all in this together – any readers out their with helpful ideas for Greta? Please feel free to let us know.
Your friend,
Fisher



