No More Poisonous Dog Treats From China!

It just so happens that I was all out of dog treats yesterday (we have been using a ton of them in a wonderful new puppy class with our darling Poco) when this story popped into my inbox. It was a petition asking me to join thousands of other pet owners who want Target to stop selling poisonous dog treats from China.

I have stopped buying just about anything that says "made in China," but it never occurred to me to be on the lookout for tainted dog treats on the pet store shelves. 

Thankfully, a woman named Tracey Bagatta, from Center Moriches, New York, 

1. has launched a petition campaign to make sure that nobody's pet joins all the others who've gotten sick or died eating jerky chicken pet treats. According to Tracey -- whose own two dogs got sick this way -- a total of 5,600 dogs, 24 cats and three humans have gotten sick from the contaminated food (why three humans I'm not sure.)
 

More than 1,000 dogs suffered "horrifying" illnesses before succumbing. Those who survived will have lasting health problems.

Tracey's dog Ginger was so sick with bloody diarrhea and vomiting that she made two trips with her to the vets' ICU. Tracey's second dog, Sophie, was tested, and her liver enzymes "were off the charts!"

Even though they survived, both dogs -- like all the rest of the pets affected -- will have lifelong liver problems and will require daily meditation just to stay alive.

The FDA is now actively investigating the problem and has issued warnings and cautions to consumers. Meanwhile, a class action lawsuit is in the works, to set up a fund to compensate pet owners who have suffered this tragedy. 

What is the poison? So far, nobody knows. But it doesn't matter. It's time we sign Tracey's petition and spread the word as far and wide as possible. Make sure you know where you are buying your treats!

So far Petco and PetSmart have removed all China-made treats. But Target has refused to do the same? Why?

Please sign the petition right away. It reads:

To:
Target
Dustee Jenkins, VP of Public Relations, Target
Jeff Jones, EVP, Target 
Petco and PetSmart just took the lead to remove all treats from China to protect our dogs and cats from future tragedies. Why won't Target do the same? PROVE that you care about pets – and that we can trust you! Stop selling pet treats made in China!

Sincerely, 

[Your name]

Spread the word. Tell all your friends. And while you're at it, call Target corporate headquarters yourself and tell them to get their butts in gear and throw out this disgusting pet food.

Later today, I'll be going to my favorite pet store in Great Barrington, MA -- called Pawsh -- to buy Poco's favorite chicken treats. But it makes my heart ache to think of all the heartbroken people who have lost their pets in this sad sad way!!

(P.S. Pictured here are (top) my pupster, Poco, and my daughter Lindsay's adorable Milo.)

Hummingbird Mind

There are two hummingbird feeders outside the window and

every so often, one iridescent green bird comes soaring to the feeder, setting its long thin beak into the sugary water. Sometimes, one hummingbird will dive bomb another, trying to lay claim to the feeder.

I sit in meditation near the feeders, aware of the birds as they come and go. I hear the soft thrumming of their wings as I try to stay present with the in-and-out of my breathing.

But today, like so many days, I find my mind defying all attempts to quiet it down. My mind keeps bouncing from one thought to another, chattering endlessly. It skips from thought to thought faster than the hummingbird’s wings.

It’s so difficult to meditate sometimes.

Eventually, I get up off my meditation pillow and go into the house and get my camera. I sit on the grass watching the birds, camera poised on my knee. 

But I have no luck with the photo either. (The one pictured here is one I took another time.)

Maybe I will just try meditating again later. 

I Promise Not to Publish too many Baby pictures....

I know I know, grandmothers go overboard sharing photos of their revered babies.

I promise I won't overdo it.

But I had to post this one. Because no matter how many times I look at it, it cracks me up. And in the spirit of sharing a good laugh and an incredible baby, here you go.

When my daughter Jocelyn, Ronen's mom, posted this photo, she wrote:

"Oh, the night I just had...."