Animal House

Go to the pet connection site I posted at the First Lawsuit thread and look at the blog and see what people are posting about their experience with calling Menu Foods and it makes you want to cry.

Here's the link:http://www.petconnection.com/recall/

Try mixing baby food (Beachnut) into the dry cat food saw this on the pet connection blog and thanks for giving the info here.

Seattle lawyers at the forefront of the issue of increasing the value of pets:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2003630637_webpetfood22m.html

Thanks for that website, Sheila. I've decided my cats are going in for blood tests this week. I'm not going to wait.

You're welcome. I just switched one of my dogs from dry Innova to fresh homemade. His stools started to get real odd - like a cow patty - now I'm worried about him. Next stop will be the vet for a test. I don't trust the pet food companies to tell us anything right away.

Trader Joes is recalling all their wet pet food products - made by Menu Foods. I have some in my cupboard and used it recently. Trader Joes said their wet food is not on the recall list but they want it returned to the stores as a precautionary move since Menu Foods makes it all.

Since divorce I was missing cooking for my family...... now I have a reason to cook again, for my cat and dog.LIfe is good!!!

Here's a happier story to end the day:
Doggie Stowaway Survives After Six Days Out At Sea
http://www.news12now.com/onset?id=4702024&template=article.html

Such a cute pup!

I would just like to say that I've been feeding my Miniature Schnauzer for over 2 years a natural diet of ‘Raw’ beef, fresh fish (High in Omega 3 - not ground cut into chunks as a treat), chicken, turkey (I let the store grind the chicken and the turkey) and thawed frozen vegetables - also ground mixed with a dose of ground Flaxseed every single day. People look at me like I’m nuts – so I don’t tell them why I’m buying all the beef in the store!!!!!!! Not all chicken and turkey is created in a ground state equal, so I look for the leanest, without added ingredients (herbs etc.) and for a tolerable price – Wal-mart carries tolerable Purdue meat products at a tolerable price here). She receives the meal of meat (about 1/3 lbs of meat and about 3/4 cup of ground vegetables) in the evening and organic tofu (prices from $1.00 - $1.99 – I watch for the sales or last day to sell markdowns – Wal-mart sells this for about $1.70 normally)(1/3 of a normal size container cut into chunks) in the morning......she not only at 7 years old is thriving on this diet but she never gains weight and looks so forward to breakfast and dinner time that she can almost not contain her enthusiasm. In the beginning it took a few days for her body, bowels, to adjust – be persistent their bodies do adjust – I’ve done this with two dogs now. I grind all the beef myself so that I can control the amount of fat in the mix. Everything is ground so that she actually digests it more thoroughly to gain the benefit from the natural vitamins and nutrients AND ENZYMES –(again fighting cancer). One thing that I will say is that the diet done this way controls all gas problems, she drinks very, very little water now - gets all water she needs from the food she eats (I was worried about that at first – she drinks when she is hot still or needs a drink though), the flaxseed helps with fiber to improve a daily bowel movement for her (she would go several days without otherwise - because the food is so well digested on this type of a diet), this is also a form of a cancer fighting/and preventative diet for your pets. I clean my cutting tools, boards, counters, hands well (lots of scrubbing, hot water and soap – just be clean not paranoid I guess I’d say) each time and during the packaging and processing of the beef and vegetables. The vegetables I grind and thaw 1 lbs at a time and store in Tupperware - that is done in about...4 days and then do another batch. The beef I buy on sale as round steak or any other lean beef / roasts on sale for about $1.33-1.69 and I buy about 30 lbs when it goes on sale at those prices. I have a moderately priced grinder I use. I buy the meat when I’m ready to process that night or the next morning – DO NOT leave it sit around even though your dog is much more tolerant of any meat spoilage than we would be – no need to take that risk. Then I get a friend over to help and we trim and grind meat and package it into ($dollar Store) frozen food storage bags measuring about 3/4 cup (1/3 lbs.) into each bag. I do not reuse the small food bags but I do reuse the 1 gallon ones. I push all the air out of the bag as I roll the meat into a tube and seal it. Then I take about 10 bags of rolled meat and place those into a 1 gallon freezer bag to help protect the meat in the freezer. I store these in stacks in my freezer and defrost 2 servings (small 1/3 lbs bags) of them at a time on a refrigerator shelf - trying always to NOT use a microwave to defrost because I feel that isn't good for our food either. I mix the veg, meat, and flaxseed up stirring until blended and let it set covered on the counter until nearly room temp, so I try to do this as soon as I get home so that within an hour or so I can feed her. She loves it, it's not that difficult, I don't feed the bone part to her (BARF) but a big dog would love that I'm sure. When I don't grind the vegetables (Mixed frozen vegs.) I see undigested vegetables in her stools so I always grind. I feed her bites of tomatoes that she loves! as snacks as well as the fish chunks as snacks. Occasionally I’ll feed the fish as a meal if I need to get some used up before it is old. I will caution those that have pets with very white or partially white fur though that the beef will color their white fur an amber color unless from the get-go you wash the fur with clarifying shampoos regularly and keep a watch for the first sign of this color. It's a natural occurrence and nothing wrong about it other than my Blank and Silver Schnauzer isn't quite as Silver anymore. I didn't know I needed to prevent this by washing it out frequently - BEFORE - it starts to happen and keep washing. But I'm content that she is healthy, happy, and not as concerned about the silver being a little less brilliant now. She is still beautiful in my eyes. I would also say you will need to brush your dogs teeth or spray their mouth out with a bit of water after meals - it seems to me like any wet food it requires I keep up with her teeth a little more often. By the way, my vet doesn't much like this diet, but he respects my wishes and is shocked at how well she is doing. If you have any questions please write to me. I'll be happy to talk with you.

Science Diet is recalling some pet food, mostly cat food, voluntairly even though these products are not on the official recall list.

See this FDA website for info:http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/hills03_07.html

It's getting a little scary when they start recalling stuff that's not on the official recall list. Makes a person wonder if there is anything safe.

I threw out all my Science Diet last night even though it was dry. I called a large vet clinic that I use and asked them if they have had any deaths or illnesses from the dry food and they said no. That's a little comforting but I'm still worried. I'm switching to Fresh Homemade until the truth of this all comes out. Maybe that's an over reaction but I just love my pets so much I can't or won't take the risk.

There's been some reports of dry IAMS causing illnesses but this may be just a coincidence. It is under investigation:

http://www.itchmo.com/read/several-unconfirmed-reports-of-iams-dry-food-causing-illness_20070323

Just heard MENU only manufactures Wet Food. But where else does China sell their poisoned wheat products?

The Science Diet products (savory cuts) that are being recalled per the fda website are the same ones that are listed on the MENU Foods.com website as being recalled. I didn't see any additional ones.

Oh, didn't realize that they were listed too on the recall list.

Also, on Pet connection site bloggers are commenting on deaths and illness from the Trader Joe wet food being the problem. And I believe that is not on the recall list but Trader Joes on their web site has posted their own recall and for good reason it appears.

It would be interesting to know where else that contaminated wheat went. I'll bet it just wasn't for dog food manufacturing.

RE: DRY FOODS and MENU FOODS

Yes, it is absolutely correct that Menu Foods only manufactures wet and moist pet foods; however, as the source of the contamination–wheat from China–was secured by Menu Foods by a third-party supplier, it is entirely possible that other manufacturers, including including makers of dry pet food, used the same wheat supplier or some other supplier who also imported from China. I would caution everyone to check their pet food’s list of ingredients for ANY wheat product (whole wheat, wheat flour, wheat bran, wheat gluten, etc.). At this point, there is no way of knowing just HOW MANY DIFFERENT manufacturing end-users purchased the tainted wheat from China.

The call list is in from Habitat for Horses. Strategy for Friday:

HR503
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE

Jean Schmidt, OH
Phone: 202-225-3164
Fax: 202-225-1992

Nick Lampson, TX
Phone: 202-225-5951
Fax: 202-225-5241

Henry Cuellar, TX
Phone: 202-225-1640
Fax: 202-225-1641

Bob Etheridge, NC
Phone: 202-225-4531
Fax: 202-225-5662

Timothy J. Walz, MN
Phone: 202-225-2472
Fax: 202-225-3433

And please don't forget to call your OWN representative and senators and urge them to co-sponsor.

"Update: The latest numbers from our PetConnection.com database: 1103 deceased pets (654 cats/449 dogs). You can still enter your pet there. We also encourage you to report to the FDA, although good luck with that, according to the S.F. Chronicle:

The FDA is not asking vets to report cases of sick pets, so no one knows exactly how many animals have been sickened or died after eating bad food.

Emphasis mine, of course. Not quite sure what to make of that, since the AVMA told Dr. Becker yesterday that pet-lovers should report to their veterinarians so veterinarians can report to to the state veterinarians who can then report to the FDA. (I’d guess this is addition to calling the FDA, which is what the FDA is still recommending.) As for reporting to Menu Foods, well, I haven’t been able to get through, and that seems to be....( the norm.)"

The pet connection website is very helpful. I've been posting some items and concerns here but can't keep up with it all. Please see their website for updates and further important information about the wheat gluten and what different products use it - pill pockets (don't know what that is but it's in that too.)

Right now I am concerned as I was feeding a puppy the Nutro Puppy dry and looked this morning and saw the Wheat products but at that time thought the only concern was the wet - for me I think the concern goes to the wheat products but again my vet, which is very large outfit, has reported no illnesses or deaths from the dry food.

Well folks, here is something I just found. Seems the pet food recalled may have had rat poison in it.

"ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Tests turned up rat poison in the pet food suspected of causing kidney failure in dogs and cats across the country and killing at least 16, state officials and scientists announced Friday.

The toxin was identified as aminopterin, which is used to kill rats in some countries, state Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker said. Aminopterin is not registered for killing rodents in the United States, though it is used as a cancer drug, according to the Environmental Protection Agency...."

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-03-23-poison-pet-food_N.htm?csp=24

We know and it's driving us all nuts and as yet they have not announced how they think the rat poison got in the wheat.

Could it have been intentionally put in the wheat? In China do they put it on the fields to protect the grain? I believe the Dept. of AG tested some of the wheat in the beginning of this and it turned up as having no rat poison - it was a very small sample. Or so it was mentioned on the Pet Connection. We will know more soon.

For your information from the Pet Connection website a list of safe pet foods according to what we know today:

Thursday, March 22, 2007- 1:30 p.m.

The latest update on Pet Food Express and the Menu Foods recall…

PFE’s current sales policy on wet dog and cat food is as follows:

NOT AVAILABLE FOR SALE

We are not selling:

Any item that has been recalled.
Any wet foods, recalled or not, from brands that were made by Menu Foods and that had a significant number of recalled products
The brands affected are: Iams, Eukanuba, Science Diet, Nutro
AVAILABLE FOR SALE ON A RESTRICTED BASIS

These are brands that are produced in whole or in part by Menu Foods but for which we have spoken to the manufacturer and been assured that:

Their products are not produced in the suspected plants.
None of their products are being recalled
They have had no reports of sick, dying, or dead pets.
Their products do not contain wheat gluten.
We are selling these brands only if a client is fully aware of the recall and the potential risk posed by feeding a product made by Menu Foods. Although we have been assured that there is no problem with these foods, we cannot and do not vouch that they are safe.

The brands included are: Nature's Variety, Wellness, Castor & Pollux, Newman’s Own Organics, Wysong, Innova
AVAILABLE FOR SALE WITHOUT RESTRICTION

We are selling without restriction any brand that is not made by Menu Foods at all.

The brands included are:

Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul
Canidae/Felidae
Breeder's Choice/Pinnacle (except for Chicken and Oats formula which is made by Menu)
Natural Balance
Solid Gold
Triumph/Evolve
Merrick
Kal Kan (Pedigree, Cesar, and Whiskas)
ALL OF OUR DRY, DEHYDRATED, AND RAW FOODS ARE UNAFFECTED BY THE RECALL & ALL BRANDS ARE FULLY AVAILABLE FOR SALE

IF YOU THINK YOUR PET IS AFFECTED…
If your pet is showing signs of kidney distress such as: marked changes in drinking or urination, loss of appetite, lethargy, or diarrhea, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

If you still have the food, keep it and freeze it or store it in an airtight container and refrigerate it. Retain all packaging, identify the date codes or lot numbers, and keep your receipts. Try to document when you fed the food and when the symptoms started.

If you have any questions, there is abundant information in the media. The internet is a good place to look and we have listed some good links below. Of course, Pet Food Express is also ready to assist you in any way we can.

Background information

Menu Foods, the largest North American manufacturer of wet pet foods, recalled certain batches of canned and pouched food products containing wheat gluten that they manufactured between December 2006 and March 2007. They took this action after receiving reports of animals dead, dying, or ill with kidney failure associated with eating certain foods that they produced. Menu, in carrying out their own feeding tests, verified a problem after a significant number of their test animals died after being fed certain formulas. After examining their records, Menu observed that the dates of the complaints coincided with the date that they switched their supplier of wheat gluten. They concluded from this that the wheat gluten is the likely source of the problem. We presume that it is on this basis that Menu has recalled only their "Cuts ‘n Gravy" style formulas containing wheat gluten, a protein source used to thicken the "gravy." No specific toxin or contaminant in or associated with the wheat gluten has yet been identified that would account for the problems and both Menu and the FDA continue to look at other possible sources of the problem.

Because no one yet knows what in the Menu Foods-produced products is harming the pets, we are being very cautious. We have ceased selling not just the items specifically recalled but all items made by Menu for brands that have more than one recalled item. We do not want to take the chance that the source of the problem is some other ingredient so far unknown that may be common to the other formulas.

There are some brands that Menu Foods produces that have had no items recalled and no complaints of problems. In at least one instance, we have learned that although Menu is the contracted manufacturer, this food was produced in an entirely different plant that has had no reports of problems. We are allowing clients to purchase these brands provided that they are aware of the recall and the potential risk of feeding a food produced Menu Foods. PFE cannot and does not assure the safety of these products.

And, of course, we continue to sell the brands that have no association with Menu Foods and we have increased our stocking levels of these brands to accommodate the likelihood that some people will want to switch brands.

PFE continues to monitor the situation closely and to communicate with our industry contacts to get the most current and accurate information that we can. Unfortunately, good information is scarce and much of what we learn comes from the media. We have received only a few reports of problems from our own customers. We don’t know if this is because there aren’t many problems in our customer population or if people simply have not yet made the connection. We will report on what we learn as it becomes clear.

Below, we have listed a number of links where you can get additional information. We have not gone into detail about medical issues – you are best advised to consult the AVMA website or your veterinarian.

For additional information on the recall, you may refer to:

Menu Foods- www.menufoods.com/recall or 1-866-463-6738
FDA- www.fda.gov
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)-www.avma.org/aa/menufoodsrecall
Websites of individual manufacturers:

www.breeders-choice.com
www.castorpolluxpet.com
www.hillspet.com
www.us.iams.com
www.merrickpetcare.com
www.naturalbalanceinc.com
www.naturapet.com
www.newmansownorganics.com
www.nutroproducts.com
www.omhpet.com
www.pedigree.com
www.professionalpetfood.com
www.solidgoldhealth.com
www.wysong.net

Excuse me sheilaM. I have been busy at work and unable to read and post all day. Thanks.

The scumbag who killed Chevy the dog has been identified and charged with not one count but two counts of animal cruelty. This means he could get a maximum of 8 years in prison, a $20,00.00 fine and probably many new friends (if you get what I mean). I have edited the article to protect those who wont be able to stand reading it in full.

Video clips of a dog being ------- ---------- were found on the cell phone of a St. Paul man accused of killing his former girlfriend's pet, according to charges filed Friday.

The man, Anthony Albert Gomez, 24, is charged with two counts of cruelty to pets. He is currently being held on $35,000 bail and was scheduled to make his first appearance in Ramsey County District Court Friday afternoon.

After -------- the dog -------, Gomez allegedly gift-wrapped it in a box and left it on the doorstep of Crystal Brown, 17, whom he had once dated. She had broken off the relationship.

Chevy, an Australian Shepherd, went missing Feb. 17. On Feb. 28, the box showed up at the home of Shirley Brown, who is Brown's grandmother. The box had a note addressed to Crystal.

When Crystal opened the box, she discovered to her horror that Chevy -------- was inside. The box also contained two small boxes of Valentine's Day candy, and a twin pack of AA batteries, according to a police officer's affidavit accompanying the criminal complaint.

The affidavit says that after the dog disappeared, Gomez called Brown and said he'd seen Chevy near his house. He also apparently offered to buy her a new dog, "which she thought very odd," the affidavit claims.

Brown's grandmother suspected Gomez was involved and called police. When questioned by police, Gomez denied any involvement.

But among the items found when police got a search warrant and searched Gomez's home was his cell phone. On it, investigators found "video clips showing a dog ----------------- --------------," the affidavit claims.
When asked about the clips, Gomez said he knew who ---------- the dog, and that the act had taken place in his basement, the affidavit says.

Gomez allegedly named others who he said committed the act, and he denied leaving the box at Brown's home. "He admitted 'instigating' the others by saying, '-----------' and do it with _________," the affidavit said. "He said that it was done because of missing drugs."

He also claimed Brown was present at the time, but she denied it.

Shirley Brown has said the dog's disappearance and death had devastated her granddaughter, largely because the teen considered the Chevy a "therapy dog." She said her granddaughter has had a tumultuous life.

Crystal and Gomez live about two blocks from each other. They had been seeing each other since the fall, but she broke off their friendship.

Gomez has a 2005 conviction for second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon, as well as a 2001 conviction for fifth-degree assault, according to records from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

The cruelty charges against Gomez are felonies. He was charged with one count of mistreating or killing a companion animal, and one count of animal cruelty.

Each charge carries a maximum punishment of four years' imprisonment and a $10,000 fine.

Oh how I hope he gets the maximum and LOTS OF NEW 'FRIENDS"!!

I feed my dogs Nutro Dry. I looked yesterday on Nutro's website that says their dry dog and cat foods are not manufactured by Menu. The dry food is manufacutured in their own plants in California and Tennessee. So I don't think there is any need to worry about the dry.

You know Meri-Lou, I felt more sorry for this 17-year-old girl before - and still do somewhat. But sounds like she was in a big mess with her life also. Unfortunately, the poor dog was the one to suffer for this.

Kathleen I agree with you 100%. At 17 no girl should have such a messed up life and be hanging around a scumbag like this one. The only part of his story that I believe is that he had something to do with the dogs death and that drugs were involved. Anyone at 24 who has a past like his, is nothing by trouble with a capital T. Where were her mother and granmother that they allowed her to hang around people like him.

Susan: I also feed Harry Nutro dry and found out that none of the dry is produced by Menu. I am continuing to feed him Nutro which does not have wheat or corn and only hope they are being truthful. Why does our Gov't pay farmers not to produce wheat and then they go and import it? Typical of the Gov't.!!!

Yes, Margot, I agree 100 percent but I'm not going on my soapbox right now. That is an issue that has stuck in my craw for a long time.

The ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center has just released more information:

Aminopterin, a toxin found in some rodenticides available outside the USA, is a folic acid antagonist, i.e. it disrupts the body’s ability to utilize folic acid. In animals, this can result in loss of appetite, diarrhea and weight loss. It may also cause leucopenia, which is a reduction in white blood cells, as well as birth defects.

Aminopterin is closely related in chemical structure and mechanism to a drug called methotrexate, which is used to treat some cancers, both in humans and animals. Renal failure has been reported in human patients receiving methotrexate. We do not know if aminopterin can cause renal failure in pets.

Based on these findings, the ASPCA does not recommend any change in treatment of animals affected; animals currently being treated for kidney failure suspected to be related to the ingestion of the contaminated food should stay on such treatment. Please follow your veterinarian’s advice.

It is unclear at this point in time how this toxin came into contact with the affected food. The ASPCA will continue to analyze the data on calls the APCC receives (which number between 400-700 daily on a wide range of substances), and release any new information it finds immediately.

How come the animals aren't bleeding from the rat poison? What is the entire story with this Folic Acid problem and not bleeding?

I found the following on craigslist. Does anybody have any contacts with animal authorities or dog (pitbull or non-breed specific) rescue groups in Central Islip, Suffolk County, LI, NY? Please reply to the email address directly below if you can help this person. I agree the dog should be taken away from this child. TY, Tara

***************************

Reply to: pers-299005750@craigslist.org

Yesterday, a young child was walking his PIT BULL down the street I live on in Central Islip. He lives about 4 houses down from me, I believe. He said to my little brother, who is 12, "My dog killed your cat. He bit its head off and I threw it in the garbage."

I see this as highly plausible because we do have a few cats that are outside (strays, yes, as we are animal loving people) and one has been missing.

Now, honestly.. I feel only people in my neighborhood that own pit bulls have them for one reason.. to breed them to fight. Now, don't get me wrong, I don't have anything wrong with Pit Bulls.. my friend has one and he's a doll. I need to find a way to get this dog away from this child. Only bad things will come from it.

Raw Footage now playing by dept of AG:
http://www.9wsyr.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=193689

Another craigslist emergency! Who knows about newborn kittens? Please call them!

Reply to: comm-299246025@craigslist.org
Date: 2007-03-23, 5:14PM EDT

CAN ANYONE GO TO 95-20 126TH STREET, BETWEEN 95 AND 97 STREET
IT'S NEXT TO JAMAICA HOSPITAL, NEXT TO SMOKEY PARK.
TWO NEW BORN KITTENS, DYING. THE PEOPLE HAVE NO CLUE WHAT TO DO WITH THEM! PLEASE, CAN ANYONE GO?
THEIR PHONE # IS 718-847-2699

They should be okay Tara, a rescuer was just showing up while I was on the phone giving her advice. She was keeping them warm, but she had no formular or evaporated milk on hand, nor did she have a bottle or eyedropper handy. I was about to advise dipping regular warmed milk in bread to carefully dribble into thier mouths just to get some nourishment into them when the rescuer showed up. Unfortuantely I cannot take them in as I have pups at this time.

Sheila M,

This is NO evidence that the rat poison came from wheat produced in China! CNN just did an update to this story and IT IS NOT KNOWN HOW THE FOOD BECAME CONTAMINATED!!
AND there have been NO reports of dry foods being contaminated and nothing at all that indicates the rat poison contamination came from wheat. In fact I haven't found anything that verifies that Menu Foods even imports the wheat they use in their products.
The dry food contamination was a totally different issue that occurred way over a year ago. That has no bearing at all on the current crisis. You are just muddying up this isssue with your false statements and private agendas IMO and that can ultimately do more harm than good.

A source from ABC news and Menu Foods reported to the media that that is where Menu believes it came from. The final word is yet not in.

Don't you just love freedom of speech? Vivi Bloggers please visit the Pet Connection for more information from concerned pet owners trying to save a few more of our beloved friends. And I believe most here know that I am making comments in an effort to inform and help save their lives.

VIN advises the below to their vets on the food recall:

"Do not repeat rumors, gossip or innuendo. This does not serve the public or our patients and clients. The reality of the current situation is that we do not know what the cause and extent of the problem is. If questioned by reporters, clients, or anyone, resist the temptation to speculate about or repeat information that you are not confident is accurate.

Only canned and pouch foods appear to be affected. Dry foods are not manufactured by the same process, and are manufactured at different facilities. There is no indication that dry foods are affected. The recall is restricted to canned and pouch foods."

Yes very true indeed. You advise people to listen to the government and Vets and VIN and not to their own experience or gut feeling. That works. Yes, that is one method of making decisions - defer to the expert.

TY, Diane!

Here’s a link to the raw footage of the press conference. In it they say they are STILL open and manufacturing food at both plants.
http://www.9wsyr.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=193689

What a horrible thing to happen to that poor dog! They should do the same to him! Where's the guiletine! (excuse spelling).

Posted by: sheilaM "Yes very true indeed. You advise people to listen to the government and Vets and VIN and not to their own experience or gut feeling. That works. Yes, that is one method of making decisions - defer to the expert."

Duh yeah! Dogs and cats die every day of renal failure and it has nothing to do with their food.
Old age, disease, infection and exposure to certain toxins like paints, solvents, antifreeze, to name a few are causative agents.
Only a postmortem can verify the cause of renal failure. Are some of these folks on pet connection doing their own autopsies? I doubt it, sheilaM, Sedona, Linda, CPF, Cynthia, and any other new names past and present that you'll post in during this ife and the next! And here's a LOL dedicated just for you! I know how much you appreciate my sense of humor. :)

Sheila,
What kind of dogs do you have? What do you feed them?
I'm just sort of skipping over the blog........

I ordered a small bag of Natural Balance from the local feed store. They carry the large bags..I'm surprised this hick town has it!!

For those of you who have heard me speak of Madison so much, I wanted to share this post from her Mom. This is Madison's story - get some tissues ready! I'm still crying! Gina is experiencing the first year anniversary of Madison's drowning - and you can tell the pain she is in. Please pray for Gina and Madison, and please light a candle at "B+" asking God to work His miracle in this little girl's life.

Thank you for understanding this long post in advance.
----------------------------
March 22 - One Year
This entry was posted on Thursday, March 22, 2007 3:01 PM and is filed under uncategorized.

It's hard to believe an entire year has gone by since the day my life was changed forever. I have had so many ups and downs this year and I don't know how I could have gotten through it without the strength of God's hands holding me up and friends and family constantly showing their love and support. I am truly blessed.

This day has been very emotional for me. I have shed many tears. I thought on this year anniversary I would go back over what happened and permanently (that's the plan anyway) bury it forever. Some of you who learned of Madison later on may not have read the story so this is for you too. So, here we go:

It was a sunny day in March. The twins yearned to be outside in the warm sun, but spring flirted with us. One day we would awaken to sun and warmth and the next cold and drizzle. After 2 days of rain and a cold front, the twins were anxious to go outside and play. They love to be outside. Their three year old curiosity kept them running for hours. "Look mom! snakes!" "No Madison, those are tiny caterpillars crawling on the leaf." "Why are they there?" Who can answer that?? So late morning, Jason, Madison and I all played outside. We kicked a ball. They went down the slide. We even looked for more bugs in the grass. Jason followed Madison as she led him around the backyard telling him what to do. He was happy to do it. He loved being led by his twin sister.

That's when they noticed it...the pool. The year before, we bought an above ground pool. It's a nice big one and we made it safe by building a bi-level deck. There was only one access to the pool. They would have to go up some stairs and onto the entry deck. But, it had a locked gate at the top of the stairs. That three year old curiosity got the better of them and even though they couldn't see into the pool from the bottom deck, it didn't stop them from picking up little toys and chunking them over the edge. Madison decided to push a chair up to the side of the pool and climb up to look. That's when I jumped in and said "NO...we do not play around the pool because it's dangerous." I marched them inside and said it was time to go inside because we are not allowed to play with the pool. Madison was none too happy. She was a spunky little girl and didn't like being told what she could and couldn't do. We played a little bit inside together and then Madison asked to watch a Dora the Explorer video. I thought it was perfect because I had to get a load of laundry in. I put the video on and both the twins sat down on the couch with their bowl of grapes. I gathered my laundry and went out into the garage to put it into the washer. While I was there, I gathered the clean clothes from the dryer and brought them inside. When I got back inside, there was Jason standing all by himself. "where Badison go?" (his cute way of saying his sister's name) I thought for sure she was hiding because that was one of her favorite games. So Jason and I start walking through the house calling in a long drawn out voice "wheeere's Madisoooon?" We'd come around a corner and yell "BOO!" But, there was no Madison. I started to panic. I saw the doors were all closed and I knew they were locked so why wasn't she answering? The tone of my voice got more and more frantic. I decided I better check outside. It didn't even dawn on me when I went out back that the previously locked deadbolt was now unlocked. I called for Madison and ran around the backyard. I looked in the pool but didn't see anything. I called my husband and told him that I couldn't find Madison and then ran out front and called 911 while I was looking for her frantically. 911 answered and I told them that my 3 year old daughter was missing. I couldn't for the life of me figure out where she could have gone but I know she had learned the front door lock just recently and decided to take a walk on her own. I ran back into the house and was looking for her and then, while still on the phone rang back to the backyard. Upon getting closer to the pool, that's when my worst fears were realized. In the pool I saw my precious daughter floating face down. Just typing those words gives me such a feeling of dread, panic and heartbreak. I can physically see it right now and it hurts. I yelled to the 911 operator that she was in the pool and I really don't remember what else was said. I didn't even notice the three chairs turned over to make a ladder up to the side of the pool. I ran up the stairs, unlocked the gate and jumped in the water, which was cold but not overly cold. I scooped Madison up and lifted her up onto the deck. We had just opened the pool for the spring, so the ladder to get out wasn't installed yet. To this day, I still don't know how I managed to get out of that pool. It's impossible. I can only believe that adrenalin and angels helped me. I started what I remembered of CPR and a little grape came up. I'll never forget the sounds she made. Everytime I would blow into her mouth, I would hear a gurgling sound. I so wanted it to be like the movies. I wanted her to cough a little and be ok. But, she wasn't. Her previously pink face was blue and she had no life in her. Before I knew it, the first EMS worker was there. He jumped the fence and immediately started working on her. I couldn't do anything but scream and cry. The police made me go inside where I proceeded to throw up. My husband arrived home just after the EMS got there and he stayed by her side. He had a single tear coming down his face. His only words were "it doesn't look good." NO I couldn't believe that. They worked on her for about 20 minutes and then loaded her into the life flight copter. She still had no heartbeat.

The next few hours are a blur. I remember talking to the doctor. He said Madison came to the hospital with no heartbeat but they were able to get a faint pulse finally. They got her as stable as they could and transferred her to the ICU at the hospital 20 miles away. I don't think I slept the next few weeks but a few hours here and there. Family and friends flocked to our sides and they were always there to pick me up when I didn't feel like I could even stand up. They forced me to eat. They forced me to sleep. I don't know what I would have done without them.

That day is filled with regrets and although I have gotten rid of most of the guilt, I still think of the what ifs. In hindsight, I know that Madison was indeed in the pool the first time I looked. She wasn't floating yet and because of where I was standing, I couldn't see her. If I had seen her that first time, maybe things would be better. What if I had bought new locks like I planned a few days before? I didn't know she could do the deadbolt to the back because it was hard to turn but I knew it was only a matter of time. Those what ifs will haunt me the rest of my life. I try to lock them away in a place at the back of my brain that I will never access again, but it seems to find its way back to the front of my brain every so often. I do know that accidents happen. They happen to the best of parents even. I think I have accepted that this was just a horrible accident. But, I don't think I will ever stop hurting and mourning for my little girl. I miss her laugh and her voice and her hugs and kisses. I miss seeing the personality in her eyes. But, with that said...

We are now a year later. No, Madison is not walking, talking, eating, etc. But, she is in there....somewhere. I'm not giving up on her. Just like she fought to get into the pool, she will fight to beat this injury. God is a healer and He has plans for her! I know so many people have told me they are better off since they met madison. She has touched so many lives and brought so many people to Jesus. I AM proud of her. Do I hurt? YES But, I'm trying really hard to focus on how far she has come and how many lives she has changed.

Lord, I trust you! I know that I still have doubts sometimes, but I still do trust that you will continue to take care of us. I pray that you continue to make Madison a testimony. Heal her Lord, so that everyone will see your power and your Glory. I pray this in your precious son's name, Jesus Christ. Amen.

On this year anniversary, please keep our family in your prayers. Continue to pray for madison's healing and for strength while we wait for that time. Let us always rejoice in the small gains. Thank you everyone for all you do for us. We are truly blessed.

http://www.princessmadison.org

My God, that was powerful. I never knew really what had happened. I am truly sad for Gina - Madison knows already what's inside. She's jsut waiting to get it out. I cannot imagine the pain and anguish over her. their marriage is one that will last forever. This is a story you see on TV - not read personally. I am so sorry for them on the anniversary of an awful day :(

HERE'S HOPING YOU KEEP POSTING THOSE FAX AND PHONE NUMBERS, KATHY!! I CANNOT SIMPLY BE THE ONLY ONE FROM HERE FAXING, AM I????

Thank you so much Darlene. I felt the same way. I cannot imagine what that day must have been like for Gina and John - and the rest of the family as well.

I'm going to try calling Gina shortly. I wish so much I could be there for Madison's Happy Rebirthday party. Gina is trying so hard to make this anniversary a celebration of life and not dwell on the negative side. She is amazing.

Psalm 34
I will bless the LORD at all times;
praise shall be always in my mouth.
My soul will glory in the LORD
that the poor may hear and be glad.
Magnify the LORD with me;
let us exalt his name together.
I sought the LORD, who answered me,
delivered me from all my fears.

Father, Great Deliverer, take away all our fears, and teach us to trust You. Protect Vivi, Annie, Hopey, Missy and all the lost and homeless ones. Keep them for anything/anyone who would harm them.
Send them to a volunteer who will take them to their families. Heal Spit,all the pet food victims who have survived, and all of our sick animals and animal lovers who have asked for our prayers. Be with Madison's family on the anniversary of her accident. We lift these petitions in confidence and in Jesus' name...
Father,continue Your watch over Vivi,Missy,Annie,Max,Hopey,Axel,Bowdee,Saffie,Zoey,Vern, the show babies, Biggie,and Sniffles.Show them to the volunteer of Your choice so that they may return to their earthly families. Surprise us by sending Vivi home to a volunteer (Kathy from Bayside,Rosa,Tina,Gail T,Bonnie,Diane T.,Diane K-M,Darlene,Debbie,Monica,Lois T.,Nancy M,Barbara Jean,Linda S. and her husband Mike, or Renee? Margot or Irene?)
Many of us also have animals which need Your healing touch.Great Physician we lift to you for your healing Jethro Scrappy, Homer, Mercy,Spit, Dante, Terrie's dog Cubby,Moses, Briar, Skittles, Barney, Tara,Joey,Meeko,Skeeter,Andi,Sparky,Scout,Dodge, Auggie,Billy,Ezme,Clarus,Star,Doogie, Felice, Max, Little McGee, Murphy, Mylie,Gunner, Linus, Kiva, Ellie,(restore all that had to be taken), Morgan,Tucker, Brandy, Lexie, Isabella, Twin Kittens, Bowen, and Heather.Enfold all of us in Your healing embrace.
We thank you for healing Maureen, and Zipper!! Thank Your for the improvement in Gail's Dude.Thank You for Isabella's improving health!Thank You for McGee's weight gain.
We are frail Father and many of us need Your healing so that we can serve the purpose for which You have created us.
We lift up the following people in need of Your healing:Madison,"J"., Kathleen,,Terrie,Amanda, Rosa C. Kathleen's Mom Mary, Renee, Pam, Jacque, JL, Lance, Chris,and Abby.
God of Power, stand behind Duke and Denise, and Otis' followers,and now Boston, as they have stood behind these animals, until justice is done.Thank you for Ruby, and all the bloggers who bring these animals to our attention. Take gentle care with Anne who has Alzheimers, and was the doxie's former mom.
Welcome all those who make the journey to Paradise, tonight. Let their animal companions greet them at the gates of Heaven. Hold both people and animals in your arms.
Give blessings to all who have done Your work.(We specially thank You for the success of Woody's rescuers!! Reward our faithful animal companions who have gone ahead. Let all who are homeless know Your love, and ours, too.
Send your angels and saints to work with Vivi's angels. These NYC volunteers, and their leaders;Tina,Rosa,and Bonnie, serve as Your compassionate presence on earth. Don't let them become discouraged. Let them know that prayer wise "we've got their back"!
Let our faith grow as a result of this experience! Restore as we sleep, Heavenly Father, as we turn over the night watch to you! YOU ARE IN CHARGE! AMEN!
Candles?
http://www.gratefulness.org
GOD INHABITS THE PRAISE OF HIS PEOPLE!!!

FYI_ just came from shopping & was at Petco - it seems that Nutro has put thier wet food back on the shelves. We spoke at lenght with a lovely girl who works for Nutro. She advised not to feed cats or dogs any wet food for at least another month...
We also asked about the dry food, she claimed that was not affected.
If the Wheat is coming in from China, don't believe that it went to one loaction only...
The wheat can be shipped all over the country = to be used for other things...

Linda - the wet food is back but don't feed it? Gee - there's marketing for ya. i don't believe it went to one locale or was the D/C's they gave. if they missed it coming in and there was no QC, then how exactly do they track it? can't be done.

Darelene,

I am not feeding it to the kittens, we are going to go with dry food for now. They are on science diet..
I am so freaked with this.. I made an appointment with the vet to have them tested ..
Who know if the other companies, just don't want to say anything yet..
Better to be safe ..
Even the girl at petco said, she is only feeding her cat dry food, no wet food..

know what's funny????? here alot of us still are trying to help each other after everything.
THANKS, VIVI :)
nite, nite

Linda, thats why I'm going to switch to Natural Balance..I'm afraid of Nutro now...stupid I guess, but I worry........

I was reading Natural Balance- but there was no food for Kittens..
Noext month,they will be a year old, so I will probably start switching them to that...

i know you wouldn't, Lina. but to pout it back on the shelves?? why? what is that inviting? i took Luna today just to check on her. she was on Euk. pouches until they recalled it. my Chow died of kidney and liever failure - you KNOW when that happens. seeing as Luna was here for less than 2 months, i was worried - and she has other issues as she has had a long 7 years. she's fine - no blood test, nothing needed. if you don't see the symptoms, don't waste your time, my friend. it is something that shows itself and you will have no doubt. if they are OK now, and you quit the food, the D/C is off, then they should be fine. I had a very long talk with Luna's doctor today just to reassure myself. there are alot of panicked calls coming in - i was there and the surgical nurses spent their lunch hour trying to help these terrified people. you will definately know from the symptoms they describe (basically) if they are sick - kidney failure doesn;t mess around. your gang is fine :)