BHBR Blog

NEWS: Diamond Pet Food Recall

Administrator — Wed, 09 May 2012 14:55:14 +0000

Everyone, below is a press release from Diamond Pet Food concerning the recent recall on thier products. Please take a moment and review if you feed this food.

-BHBR

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UPDATED: CORRECT PRODUCTION CODE INFORMATION

Diamond Pet Foods Expands Voluntary Recall of Dry Pet Food Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination

Batches of the brands manufactured between December 9, 2011 and April 7, 2012 are affected

Consumer Contact: 866-918-8756

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 5, 2012

Diamond Pet Foods today announced that it is expanding a voluntary recall to include batches of nine brands of dry pet food formulas manufactured between December 9, 2011 and April 7, 2012 due to potential Salmonella contamination.

In April 2012, Diamond Pet Foods initiated three voluntary recalls of Diamond manufactured dry dog food. Although none of the additional products being recalled have tested positive for Salmonella, the company is pulling them from store shelves as a precaution. Diamond Pet Foods is coordinating efforts with federal and state health and regulatory agencies and decided to independently expand the recall to ensure the safety and well-being of customers and their pets.

The company stated: “We have taken corrective actions at our Gaston, S.C., facility and voluntarily expanded the recall out of concern for our customers and their pets.”

Brands included in the recall include:

Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul
Country Value
Diamond
Diamond Naturals
Premium Edge
Professional
4Health
Taste of the Wild

To determine if their pet food is recalled, consumers should check the production codes on the back of bags that have a number “2” or a “3” in the 9^th position AND an “X” in the 10^th or 11^th position. The best-before dates for the recalled brands listed above are December 9, 2012 through April 7, 2013.

The recall affects only products distributed in the following U.S. states and Canada. Further distribution through other pet food channels may have occurred.

Alabama
Florida
Georgia
Indiana
Kentucky
Massachusetts
Maryland
Michigan
Mississippi
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Tennessee
Virginia
Canada

The Kirkland Signature products included in the recall include:

Kirkland Signature Super Premium Adult Dog Lamb, Rice & Vegetable Formula (Best Before December 9, 2012 through January 31, 2013)
Kirkland Signature Super Premium Adult Dog Chicken, Rice & Vegetable Formula (Best Before December 9, 2012 through January 31, 2013)
Kirkland Signature Super Premium Mature Dog Chicken, Rice & Egg Formula (Best Before December 9, 2012 through January 31, 2013)
Kirkland Signature Super Premium Healthy Weight Dog Formulated with Chicken & Vegetables (Best Before December 9, 2012 through January 31, 2013)
Kirkland Signature Super Premium Maintenance Cat Chicken & Rice Formula (Best Before December 9, 2012 through January 31, 2013)
Kirkland Signature Super Premium Healthy Weight Cat Formula (December 9, 2012 through January 31, 2013)
Kirkland Signature Nature’s Domain Salmon Meal & Sweet Potato Formula for Dogs (December 9, 2012 through January 31, 2013)

To determine if their pet food is recalled, consumers should check the production codes on the back of bags must have both a number “3” in the 9^th position AND an “X” in the 11^th position. The best-before dates for the recalled brands listed are December 9, 2012 through January 31, 2013.

The recall affects only products distributed in the following U.S. states, Puerto Rico and Canada.

Alabama
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Maryland
Massachusetts
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Tennessee
Vermont
Virginia
Canada
Puerto Rico

Diamond Pet Foods apologizes for any issues this may cause consumers and their pets. 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 a.m. – 6 p.m. EST. Consumers may also go to a special website, diamondpetrecall.com, for more information. The company is working with distributors and retailers to ensure all affected product is removed from shelves.

Pets with Salmonella infections may have decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. If left untreated, pets may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

Individuals handling dry pet food can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with surfaces exposed to this product. People who believe they may have been exposed to Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. According to the Centers for Disease Control, people who are more likely to be affected by Salmonella include infants, children younger than 5 years old, organ transplant patients, people with HIV/AIDS and people receiving treatment for cancer. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have received a limited number of reports of salmonellosis, the illness caused by Salmonella. We are working with the CDC, but due to patient confidentiality, we cannot comment further.

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For more information, please visit diamondpetrecall.com.

In Need of an Angel

Administrator — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:09:36 +0000

Ask yourself one question. Is that cute, cuddle puppy worth the suffering their parent has been put through? Have you seen what happens at a puppy mill? Look closer at the pictures below and read about Angel, a darling boxer who is desperately in need of an angel now.

Angel comes to BHBR from a Rapid City area puppymill. Unfortunately, BHBR has seen multiple dogs from this “location” (aka mill) throughout the past years and they are always in horrible condition. THIS is where your “cute” little puppies are coming from. It’s at the expense of some poor old boxer that lives outdoors in the cold, is bred to the point of death and made to suffer from injury, illness, parasites, the elements, lack of social attention and love.

Angel

Angel has never lived in a house in her entire 9 years. She didn’t even have a name when she made her way to BHBR. Her coat is so long and full of dead hair it is coming out in clumps. That is indicative of a dog that lived outdoors forever in the cold. Boxers don’t grow a secondary coat. Even the stupidest of breeders should know THAT MUCH!

Angel’s breeder used her up until her uterus was full of infection. As the days passed and she grew more emaciated a call was made to the vet. When she found out what it would cost to help this dog, the “breeder” said, “I’m not putting any money into her”. Ironically, the breeder had no trouble or issue making money out of Angel — not spend any of it on her.

Before Angel went to her foster home, she spent two days of IV fluids/antibiotics and food. When she first came to BHBR, she looked worse than she does in these pictures. She weighs 41 lbs after two days of treatment and BHBR can already see the change in her. The pictures do not adequately show her state of emaciation and condition.

Her foster mom promised her that she would know what it was like to live in a home, to be loved and sleep on a bed, even if she doesn’t have a lot of days left.

Her initial blood work looked good. BHBR went ahead, approved her surgery and took responsibility for it. She did have Pyometra, so her spay was much more complicated than an ordinary spay. She’s on medications and volunteers are enticing her appetite with yummy food. She is in pain and stressed, but she still nuzzles her foster mom’s neck when she smothers her with love and Angel’s little nubbin tail wags.

Due to her age, BHBR isn’t expecting to receive a donation when Angel is adopted. If you would like to help with her care, log onto our Website at www.blackhillsboxerrescue.org and use Paypal button located on the homepage. Donations can also be sent directly to Dr. Falcon at All Creatures Veterinary Hospital. Angel’s current bill is $465. When she’s well enough, she will receive all her vaccinations and then a dental exam. That’s down the road. For now, BHBR volunteers just want to give her time to get better.

One Step Closer!

Administrator — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 08:02:22 +0000

Horray! We’re one step closer to stoping the cruel practices of Puppy Mills! Thanks ASPCA.org for sharing this! For more information on this top, log onto www.aspca.org.

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Facebook Rejects Puppy Mill Ads for Good!

March 23, 2012

In response to concerns raised by the ASPCA and its national “No Pet Store Puppies” campaign, measures will be put in place to ensure that puppy mill dogs will no longer be sold via Marketplace on Facebook. The ASPCA is working with Facebook and Oodle, the online classifieds service that powers Marketplace on Facebook, to restrict listings of puppy mill dogs on the popular social media site. Through an ongoing removal process, ads placed by puppy mills have already started coming down. The process was designed to ensure that individuals may continue to post dogs available for a nominal adoption or rehoming fee.

The ASPCA believes that reducing Internet venues through which puppy mills can offer their dogs will help combat the inhumane puppy mill industry. Many puppies sold online come from puppy mills—these are large-scale, commercial facilities that commonly keep dogs in unsanitary, overcrowded and often cruel conditions without sufficient veterinary care, food, water or socialization.

“Removing an online platform for the cruel puppy mill industry sets a positive example of corporate citizenship and will help improve the lives of countless dogs,” says ASPCA President and CEO Ed Sayres. “Most consumers are unaware they are perpetuating animal cruelty by purchasing a puppy online, and given the visibility of Marketplace on Facebook, this move has the potential to raise critical awareness about unscrupulous online breeders.”

Puppy mills that sell directly to consumers over the Internet are exempt from any federal oversight, allowing unregulated breeders to sell tens of thousands of puppies a year via online transactions. The Internet Crime Complaint Center notes that hundreds of complaints are filed every year from victims who are scammed when buying a dog online.

“Consumers who purchase a puppy from a website run the risk of acquiring an unhealthy animal and often end up with expensive vet bills and broken hearts,” said Cori Menkin, Senior Director of the ASPCA Puppy Mills Campaign. “We hope additional online retailers and classifieds listings will follow this example and stop providing a platform for puppy mill sales.”

To learn more about the ASPCA’s campaign to eradicate puppy mills and sign our pledge not to buy any items—including food, supplies or toys—from stores or websites that sell puppies, please visit www.NoPetStorePuppies.com.

Canine Good Citizen

Administrator — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 17:11:35 +0000

BHBR receieved some great news this month. Fletcher, one of our Rescue dogs just completed his AKC Canine Good Citizen course. With this, he (along with his “mom”) have completed the first step to work as reading thearpy dog. According to his owner and mom, he passed the class with flying colors and truly was amazing to watch in the ring. This goes to show that it doesn’t matter what kind of a dog you have, mutt or purebred, small or large, ANY dog (yes, even the “bully breeds”) is capable of completing this course!

So, what exactly is the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen course and how do you get your dog enrolled? What if you don’t want to work towards a thearpy dog certicication? That’s ok too. Many people complete this course and do not purscue specific, targeted follow on training with thier dogs. Its a great foundation for obidence and re-enforcing good behavior.

According to the AKC’s website, CGC was started in 1989. “The CGC Program is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. The Canine Good Citizen Program is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club.”

So, how do you get stared? First, ensure you have the time to commit to training every day. Yes, every day. Training doesn’t stop when you go home, it’s all the time, even at home. If you are ready, and your dog has had the necessary medical vaccinations, contact your local AKC club for times (most offer this class/training program). ”Some AKC obedience clubs offer “Canine Good Citizen” classes. Other clubs, while perhaps not having a class specifically named CGC, will cover all of the CGC skills in a basic obedience class,” the AKC’s CGC website says.

Try something new! Let us know how your dog does! We look forward to hearing from you. Check out our FaceBook page for more updated on Fletcher’s progress and how he’s a shining example of Rescue dog!

Meet Auggie

Administrator — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 19:36:52 +0000

Meet Auggie!

Auggie is an 8-month-old classic brindle male with natural ears and cropped tail. He is coming into rescue with Britta and Brae. They have all lived together and are really nice dogs.

Auggie is sweet natured and loves to play. He will need to be neutered and go through his medical and behavioral assessment before he is available for adoption. BHBR welcomes applicants to go through the approval process while Auggie is assessed.

Update 3/3/12:

Auggie has been completely vetted and is ready for adoption. He is a shy fellow that will need to continue to build up his confidence. He lived his short life in an outside pen, so some things are scary for him. He is very sweet and playful, but he is hesitant when put in new situations. He loves people and he bonds quickly to female dogs. He’s a handsome little fellow that will not be a big boxer boy.

Adoption Donation: $275

RIP Jade…We Miss You

Administrator — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 07:48:10 +0000

RIP Miss Jade (aka Jaiden). We miss you and will treasure the moments we shared together.

She was a beautiful, elderly white boxer from Montana that needed rescue in her senior years. Her former owners reported that she wasn’t good with kids, cats, dogs, wasn’t house trained, didn’t listen etc etc. It was all negative. BHBR volunteers were prepared for the worst. We made some calls and worked out a temporary foster home while we set up her transport to Rapid City. That transport never happened. Jade never left the her “temporary” foster household once she walked through the door.

She knew she was home at last and she was nothing like described. Jade really was a picture perfect boxer and it is impossible to understand how a dog that wonderful would be looking for a home as a senior.

Thank goodness she found her way to Jim and Molly. They gave her a home filled with love and fun. We’re so sorry for your loss, but want thank you for giving her such a great home!

Thanks for the Donations!

Administrator — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 07:50:05 +0000

Its already a good feeling when we receive donations from the local community but when someone goes out of their way to help, we can never say Thank You enough times. This is the case with Ms Emma Avery. For the second year in a role, she has taken her birthday money and used it to purchase items BHBR desperately needed. She is truly an outstanding citizen and represents the next generation of animal rescue leaders/advocates!

Look What We Got!

Help Us Stop Puppy Mills!

Administrator — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 16:02:35 +0000

We saw this article online (ASPCA.org) and we just had to share this with you. Please join the cause to help stop puppy mills! — BHBR

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January 3, 2012

White House Responds to Citizen Petition to Stop Puppy Mills

In the final days of 2011, the White House issued an official response to the online petition asking President Obama to crack down on puppy mills. The petition focused on the loophole in the federal Animal Welfare Act that allows high-volume breeders who sell puppies online and directly to the public to avoid inspections and basic oversight. The response, signed by Rebecca Blue, United States Department of Agriculture Deputy Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, outlines the USDA’s plans to improve oversight of commercial dog breeders and to issue new rules to regulate those who sell puppies over the Internet.

“The existing regulations were drafted pre-Internet. They allow many commercial breeders to operate without a license and without any inspections—meaning they are not accountable to anyone for their breeding and care standards,” says Cori Menkin, Senior Director of the ASPCA’s Puppy Mills Campaign. “The ASPCA is encouraged that the USDA has committed to help end the suffering of millions of breeding dogs and protect consumers by finally closing this loophole.”

The petition was posted in September 2011 by The Humane Society of the United States, The Humane Society Legislative Fund and the ASPCA. More than 32,000 Americans signed on, making it one of the most popular petitions on the White House’s We the People website.

To learn more about the ASPCA’s campaign to eradicate puppy mills go to: www.NoPetStorePuppies.com

For Those Who Don’t Know Us….

Administrator — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:50:27 +0000

Black Hills Boxer Rescue is located in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota. We work very hard to overcome any issues that are facing our boxers when they enter our program. Once a part of BHBR, they have a safety net under them for life.

We do not have a facility; the dogs live in foster homes with families and family pets. Volunteers open their homes and hearts to assist in assessing, training and nursing back to health these wonderful dogs until their Forever Family is found.

Training and Health Issues: BHBR works with the dogs on training, if needed, addresses behavioral issues, teaches that humans love them and are not all bad. Many of our rescue dogs come from a background of abuse and neglect. Many also come from home situations which did not take the proper time to train the dog, leading to the development of bad habits. Then there are those dogs that lose their homes because their family has fallen on hard times or can no longer keep them, but the boxers are perfectly healthy and well behaved.

Additionally, many have serious health issues, which lead to euthanasia in shelters because of lack of funds to treat illness; however, BHBR will accept a boxer regardless of health. We work closely with our veterinarian to help each boxer back to perfect health.

Spay/Neuter: All BHBR dogs are spayed or neutered before they are available for adoption. This practice allows BHBR to help stop the over-breeding of boxers. There are THOUSANDS of homeless boxers throughout the United States. It also helps our boxers live longer lives. It is proven to cure mammary cancer, prevent infection of the uterus, testicular cancer and other illnesses. Some behavior problems will rectify themselves after surgery as well.

All proceeds from BHBR adoptions, goes to help offset veterinary fees. If you are interested in adopting, please read our adoption requirements and fill out an application. At this time, BHBR representatives correspond via e-mail only until an adoption approval has been gained. Our email is: bhboxerrescue@aol.com

Donations: To help any of our Boxers, donations may be sent directly to our Vet Clinic, in care of Black Hills Boxer Rescue to:

All Creatures Veterinary Clinic
Dean Falcon DVM
907 Jackson Blvd
Rapid City, SD 57702
605-342-0052

NOTE: DONATIONS ARE NOT TAX DEDUCTIBLE UNTIL WE HAVE COMPLETED THE PROCESS FOR NON-PROFIT!

UPDATE: Dexter Still Looking for Forever Home

Administrator — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 15:33:01 +0000

UPDATE: Dexter is still searching for his forever home. Is he the right dog for you?

Dexter is a one year old hearing white male with natural ears and a cropped tail. He is house trained, kennel trained and is your typical young male boxer. He would do best with another playful dog in the house and a family that can take him with
them on their activities. He is very social with other dogs of any size. Dexter is your typical goofy, silly boxer boy, that loves to have things to chew on and play with. He’ll romp and play until he needs a nap.

Dexter loves to go for walks, play with his toys and have chew toys to occupy himself. He has such a sweet temperament, he would be great in a home with children. His former home had another male boxer and several various little breed dogs. He was wonderful with all of them.

Dexter is doing great in his foster home. He has another young male boxer that loves to play with him, plus there are three female dogs of various ages and breeds. He is great with the kids in the house and is a very loving boy. He is really easy to work into a new family because he is so social and sweet.

Dexter has also slimmed down to a perfect weight since BHBR took him in. He is still very food driven, but is on scheduled feedings and looks fantastic. He really is one handsome boy! He’s doing very well with his house skills and is one of the sweetest dogs we’ve had in rescue. He is going to make some family very happy!! Its not uncommon for Dexter to snuggle up with his foster brother, Bingo. They play and play together. Normally BHBR does not put same sex dogs together, but Dexter gets along with any dog, so it works in this case.

Dexter’s nickname in his foster home is “Tech Support”. Every time someone opens up a laptop, he squishes his nose right in it to help. He loves to help you when you’re on the computer.

Dexter is ready for his forever home!! He is looking for a family that will invest some time into his training. He does respond very well to basic commands. Adoption Donation: $275. Fill out an application if interested.