I don’t claim to ever be a food expert – but have always respected those who are.

This week, Mark from Doggie Steps Dog Training came by to meet my ROCCO the Rockstar. He saw the Bil-Jac Liver Treats for Dogs that I was using for Rocco’s potty reward (he goes potty outside all the time!) and did a “tisk tisk” shaking his finger at me.

I was like, “WHAT??? He (Rocco) likes them!”
“Danielle,” he said, “these cause cancer. Check out this BHA thing…and he points to the ingredients.”
“Huh?” I said.
Concerned mother instinct kicked in and I started my research.

Are you hearing what she is saying?

One google search of BHA resulted in all I needed to know. These “treats” just got a one way ticket to the trash can. I posted on our Bella’s House & Pet Sitting Facebook Fan Page and Sabine added to my discussion. What I found out from her site has been so valuable and I wanted to encourage you all to take a serious look at what is in your pets food and treats. When they are being fed the same thing, day in, and day out… well – I hope you catch my drift.

For instance…. According to www.dogfoodproject.com here is what I was feeding Rocco with these treats:

Chicken Byproduct Meal
AAFCO: Consists of the dry, ground, rendered, clean parts of the carcass of slaughtered chicken, such as necks, feet, undeveloped eggs, and intestines — exclusive of feathers except in such amounts as might occur unavoidably in good processing practices.

Chicken byproducts are much less expensive and less digestible than the chicken muscle meat.The ingredients of each batch can vary drastically in ingredients (heads, feet, bones etc.) as well as quality, thus the nutritional value is also not consistent. Don’t forget that byproducts consist of any parts of the animal OTHER than meat. If there is any use for any part of the animal that brings more profit than selling it as “byproduct”, rest assured it will appear in such a product rather than in the “byproduct” dumpster.

Phosphoric Acid
A clear colorless liquid, H3PO4, used in fertilizers, detergents, food flavoring, and pharmaceuticals. A harmless but unnecessary ingredient, used in inexpensive, poor quality dog food as flavoring, emulsifier and discoloration inhibitor. Used for example as a flavoring for Coca Cola.

Propylene Glycol
A colorless viscous hygroscopic liquid, CH3CHOHCH2OH, used in antifreeze solutions, in hydraulic fluids, and as a solvent. Used as humectant in semi-moist kibble to keep it from drying out. May be toxic if consumed in large amounts, and should definitely not be an ingredient in a food an animal will eat daily for weeks, months or even years of its life. In countries of the European Union, propylene glycol is not cleared as a general-purpose food grade product or direct food additive.

BHA
Butylated Hydroxysanisole – a white, waxy phenolic antioxidant, C11H16O2, used to preserve fats and oils, especially in foods. Banned from human use in many countries but still permitted in the US. Possible human carcinogen, apparently carcinogenic in animal experiments. The oxidative characteristics and/or metabolites of BHA and BHT may contribute to carcinogenicity or tumorigenicity.

Still think this is a TREAT? Think again. I bought this at PetSmart.  I think I will be going back to FETCH Doggie Store later this week. I am grateful to have such wonderful friends and resources in my life to help make sure that my FUR CHILD stays happy and healthy.

Curious to know if you are feeding your pets any ingredients that are on the AVOID list as seen on the Dog Food Project? Check it out here.

Pet Food Nutritionist – Sabine, The Dog Food Project www.dogfoodproject.com
Dog Trainer – Mark, Doggie Steps Dog Training www.doggiestepsdogtraining.com
Pet Food Store – Dawn, Fetch Doggie Store and Kitty too www.fetchdoggiestore.com

Recently, I was trying to get Rocco, my puppy, to enjoy his bath. I ended up getting a bath by the time we were done because he was wiggling around so much.  So, I posted out to our loyal facebook fan page (www.facebook.com/bellashouseandpets) for tips and suggestions. With their suggestions and a little research, I came up with this nifty list:

1. Gather all your supplies together before you start the process. Having the shampoo, treats, and towels close by will only help you in the long run .
2. 
3. Smear peanut butter on the side of the tub that they can lick. Then they will associate bath time with peanut butter time!
4. Feed them treats while they are in there so they know they are being rewarded.
5. Do not leave the faucet running. Your pup may think that he will have to fight to stay a float eventually or might be turned off to the loud noise. Instead, grab a plastic cup and fill the tub up a few inches so that it is less of a noisy moment.
6. Wash his face with a washcloth. Pouring water on your dog could frighten him. Also, their ears shouldn’t get wet, and should be carefully cleaned and DRIED out.
7. Pet Shampoo is a must. Human Shampoo is a lot different and serves different purposes. The PH Balance is different, pets skin is more sensitive, and there are different ingredients. (http://happytailsspa-blog.com/2008/04/12/is-there-really-any-difference-between-dog-shampoo-human-shampoos/)

Lets hear your tips!  What is bath time like at your house? Do you take your pet to the groomers? Do you take them to a dog washing store where you do it yourself?  Tell us your tips and tricks!

Hello!!!!!!!!!!!!

For those of you who *don’t* know, I am Rocco and I live with Bella now!  See, she wanted a pup just like me for quite a while, but she was only home for 2 hrs at a time because she was always out working. NOW, she only leaves for 2 hrs at a time because of all my Auntie’s who help out (Kelly, Christina, Allison, and Desiree) thus it was the perfect time for us to meet.

The story goes like this -Bella has been seriously looking for a new member of her family for about two months. One Sunday she came home to read a note from my God Mother (Tasha) who SAVED me and my brothers and sisters from a cave in the desert. CRAZY!?!?! I know! Here is the story…..

To all our special friends, We have an amazing story to share with you….. This past Thursday, Tasha stopped off at a gas station in her territory out in the middle of the desert with not much around…. she saw a stray dog and soon found out from the gas station attendant that someone dropped her off about 8 months ago and she has been there every day since begging for food and water… what Tasha noticed right away is that she was nursing puppies, but the puppies were no where to be seen or found. On Saturday of this last weekend, Tasha and I went back to this area and fed and watered the mom a few times, hoping that she would eventually lead us to her puppies.  No luck, until we tried one last time!  We fed the Mom and she got full, we started to drive away and saw her go over a hill into the desert.  Tasha jumped out and tried to follow her, but she lost her…I joined in helping and we searched for about 45 minutes and found ourselves 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile into the desert with NOTHING around but sand, trees, cactus, and thick bushes.  All of a sudden, we came around a corner and saw this hole/cave (see picture), and the Mom’s head popped out!  We quickly saw a bunch of little tails, which of course were the puppies!  5 of them to be exact! We walked up to the puppies and the Mom ran off, she is very very scared.  The puppies quickly scurried into the hole/cave and sat at the mouth of the hole/cave and barked at me (Tasha had ran back to the car to get a kennel to put the puppies in). Tasha had to “army crawl” into the cave as it was very small to capture the puppies, which she eventually did….there is more to this story but I am keeping it short. I am attaching some pictures of the puppies….they are the cutest little things and are starting to warm up to Tasha very quickly. They are a shepard mix and will be medium sized dogs….there is one that actually crys until Tasha brings him into bed with her and he immediately falls asleep.  We were definately the first humans that these puppies have seen! If anyone knows of anyone that would give one of these little miracles a good home, please let us know!  We know it is a lot to ask.  We have a vet appointment for them this Friday to get them checked out and for their first round of shots so we will keep you posted. Please pass this email along to anyone that you know and TRUST would take GOOD care of a puppy! Love, Kevin and Tasha UPDATE May 30th, 2010:  The puppies had their first vet appt on Friday and they are in good health… The vet was very surprised that they were as fat and healthy for being found in the desert!  They got their first round of shots and are really coming into their own now….running, playing, eating, drinking, etc.  We have found a great home for 2 of them so far.

Well, Bella read this email and was over to see us in less than an hour. She came over to meet us – and even though I was already promised to someone else I did everything in my power to communicate with the humans that I WANTED HER. Gotta admit – it was sorta love at first sight for the both of us….  Ru-rooo!!!!

Anyways, I am doing sooo good in my new home. I have been here for three weeks, and am now 11wks old. She takes me on meetings with people (you can see my picture all over FB www.facebook.com/bellashouseandpets). I sleep though out the night, go potty outside, know the word “no” (although sometimes I back talk…) and she gives me lots of love! I couldn’t be happier. I even got to see my brother and sister last week because Bella knows how important family is!

More to come – but I applied to be the new Office Manager…We will see how it goes. My paws are really hurting now from all this typing so I am going to go… (how do you humans do this?)

July 5^th is known as the most busiest day at valley shelters because so many pets freak out and escape from their homes sue to the July 4^th festivities.  If you will be leaving your pet at home during the 4^th of July – try doing these tips to ensure they have a safe and stress free night.

1 – Secure all GATES, DOORS, and LOCKS. You do not want anything blowing or pushing open, giving your fur kid an easy way out.

2- If you are leaving the home, leave a TV or radio on loud in efforts to drown out the noises that may be going on outside.

3- Make sure your pets IDs are on or they are micro chipped. If your pet escapes, often times it is your only hoe of finding them.

4 – Be sure to close all doggy doors.

5- Leave them in a secure area with lots of chew toys and dog proof the area. Sometimes when stressed, pets will chew. If your baseboards are attacked – we have a handyman we can recommend J

6 – Do not give your pets any leftover bones. Cooked bones are the worst for your pets and could split in their intestines and cause internal bleeding. Please also be aware of guest feeding your pets.

7 – Do not take your pets to firework displays and keep them far away from those who might be lighting them off.

8 – Do not leave alcoholic drinks where pets can reach them. It could be fatal. Instead think about Bowser Beer! (www.3busydogs.com)

9- Be careful if you want to “decorate” your pet. The glow sticks could be toxic if they chew them and if they are not used to bandana’s, they can get caught on things.

10 – If your pet gets scared easily, try Rescue Remedy or consider staying home with them.

If you follow these tips your pet should have just as an enjoyable 4^th of July as you have.

YOU’RE INVITED!

McDowell Mountain Ranch Business Networking Group

WHEN? THIRD TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH @ 5:30

WHERE? Sanctuary Golf Clubhouse

10690 E. Sheena Drive • Scottsdale, AZ 85255

WHY? Networking is a vital part to any successful business. We want to build the relationships with business owners who want to do business on the ranch. We want to help cross promote one another, while working as a group to create a synergy.

Meetings will be the 3^rd Tuesday of every month.
Check us out ONCE for FREE.
5:30-6:30. Start and end on time.
Structured meetings with a speaker.

WE WANT TO BUILD SOLID RELATIONSHIPS!

RSVP REQUIRED: Call Bella from Bella’s House & Pet Sitting @480.330.4552 or email info@bellashouseandpets.com

Subject line: MMR BIZ NET

FOR ANYONE LOOKING TO DO BUSINESS WITH BUSINESSES OR RESIDENTS IN THE MCDOWELL MOUNTAIN RANCH AREA

SEE YOU THERE!!!

Memorial day is a time for family, BBQs, official kick off to summer, and a day of remembrance. Pets can be a part of this relaxing and fun weekend – lets make sure it stays fun and doesn’t turn tragic with these tips:

Charlie playing in the backyard

1. Pets can get sun cancer. Breeds that are most susceptible to it include: boxers, Scottish terriers, bull mastiffs, Basset hounds, Weimaraners, Kerry blue terriers and Norwegian elkhounds.  http://www.petplace.com/dogs/skin-cancer-in-dogs/page1.aspx
2. Remember to keep your pets hydrated. Just because you may be out in the sun BBQing, doesn’t mean your pets are cool too. Make sure their water bowl is filled and there is plenty of shade for them.
3. Don’t EVER let your pet drink beer or liquor. These are toxic to pets and could kill them. You will not be laughing when your pet ends up in the ER or worse. Instead let them join in the fun with Bowser Beer. http://bowserbeer.com/
4. Cats and dogs will want to run and hide. Make sure the doors and gates stay locked and closed to avoid any LOST CAT or LOST DOG posters the next day. (If this does happen, check out these tips)
5. If you are BBQing, be careful if you give your pets scraps or bones. Bones can break and cause tears inside your pets intestines, or the food that they may not be used to could cause them to become sick.
6. If in the backyard with a pool – watch your pets around the pool. Some pets are great at it, others are not. When in doubt, be cautious.
7. If your pet isn’t completely okay with people of all shapes and sizes, you may want to give them their own “space” if you have a get together. Often times little boys are the highest risk for dog bites. They are at the same level as the pets.

Bella’s House & Pet Sitting wants to wish everyone a safe and happy three day weekend. Kick back, relax, enjoy this amazing weather… and consider grabbing a beer for you, and your dog (Bowser Beer that is!).

My fav Pet Sitter in Scottsdale is Bella's House & Pet Sitting!

If you are traveling – we have you covered and are having our own party and love with your pets while you are off elsewhere having fun!

This video can be found here

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In response to 3Tv’s excellent continued coverage of the story below (http://www.scottsdalepetexpert.com/announcments/dog-attack-at-chaparrel-park-517/) and after many of you have expressed your interest in trying to get the laws changed and start a petition – I am offering up this blog and my ability to cross post over various networks as a place to begin.

Dogs who have a history of aggressive behavior (which I think can be stopped with a RESPONSIBLE owner) need to be prohibited from contact with the public.

We need to give the state the power to do something about dog attacks on each other.

Who is with me?
Who can step up and figure out the who, what, when, where, why?
Who can be committed and help support this?

With proper organization – this can happen.  We can figure out the steps as we go.

This, all in memory of all the dogs (including Sydney) that have been victim of these horrible attacks. Special thanks to Elite Pet Care, Doggie Step Dog Training, 3TV, the VCA Emergency Vet Hospital in Mesa (who has been helping Syd), and all those who have posted comments, emailed the media, re-posted this story, and helped make this cause HEARD.

UPDATE #1 – First the dog trainer called me.

The below is a note from the dog trainer that Bella’s House & Pet Sitting works with. Our relationship with Mark has allowed us to help spread the word to many pet owners to help get this very troublesome story out. Please share and cross post with all….

Bella,

As I mentioned to you today, one of my customers dogs, was attacked by 2 pitbulls last night in Chaparral Park off of Hayden, in Scottsdale.  The pitbulls were OFF leash and have a prior history of dog/dog attacks at this SAME park!  Unfortunately, AZ state law does NOT require a dog to be quarantined after attacking another dog.  ONLY if that dog bites a human, must it be quarantined.

A police report was filed and the case # is:  1012309.  I’m unsure if the dogs were even obtained and returned to the owners so they are STILL AROUND THE PARK!!  My customer will be contacting Maricopa Animal Control today to file a report as well.

Sadly enough, my customer has a $6000.00 vet bill from this attack and still does not know if her dog will survive today.   While the pits who attacked her dog could be BACK at the owners home with NO responsibility?

The concern of course now is for LOCAL SCOTTSDALE residents to BE AWARE of these 2 pits who will more than likely ATTACK again.  Please let your media contacts know of this pit attack pattern at Chaparral park.

NOTE: One lady at the park warned my customer “Get outa the park. The same dogs are who attacked last week are here.”  Before she could react – the fight happened.

Here is what my client wrote me: (warning it is graphic and hard to read)

As we walked around the lake a woman approached us carrying her dog and suggested that we not continue because there were 2 pitbulls loose, owner not present, a little way away. I could see them off in the distance.  She said she knew the owner and that one of the dogs has killed a dog before.  So I turn around and we were headed north to return to my car.  The woman had the police on the phone and was reporting the dogs.  Next think I knew the dogs ran up behind us and grabbed Sydney.  One of the dogs held her down with a tight bite over her back.  A lot of people ran to our aid but we could not get the dog to release Syd.  A couple pulled up on Hayden next to the path and brought a crowbar.  Someone used it to get the dog to release Syd. I scooped her up and this wonderful couple pulled me into their car and whisked us off to emergency as I held her side to keep her insides in.  She had to be in so much pain but never made a peep.  They took xrays of her back and her spine looks good.  She is in surgery at the moment.  She has some really bad puncture wounds, so they are opening her up and exploring everything to be sure her insides are okay.  A police report has been filed and I’m also suppose to contact Animal Control tomorrow.  This is so horrible – she was doing so well on the walked today – she will never get over this.

Thanks for helping spread the word!

Mark Siebel, Owner
DOGGIE STEPS Dog Training
“A Good Dog = A Trained Owner”
#602.318.0122
http://www.doggiestepsdogtraining.com/index.html

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UPDATED #2  2:30 Tuesday May 18th – Update from Syd’s Mom…..

From Sidney’s Mom to Mark, from Doggie Steps Dog Training

Thank you Mark.  This was a horrible tragedy to see happen to your beloved pet.
I just picked up a copy of the police report and it is a frightening account of last nights attack.  The owner lives in a townhouse that opens to Chaparral Park on the southern end of the lake.  He has “Vicious Dog” signs on his front door and rear gate. He was under court order from the July 2009 attack that nearly killed a dog in the park to keep “Dopey” on a leash and muzzled.  Dopey killed a poodle in December 2009 while on leash.  Unfortunately the poodle was not leashed and got too near Dopey and the muzzle came off.  And yet, the owner still left his front door open yesterday evening for Dopey to escape the house and attack Sydney . Sydney ’s estimated vet bill has now reached a little over $11,000.00.  Dopey got to go home and my dog is suffering at the vet and may not survive.  I cannot afford this expense but I have to try to give her a chance, and I feel pretty certain that Dopey’s owner will not be held accountable for it.  Animal Control and the Scottsdale Police Department have been wonderful and are working hard to right this wrong.  Because of Sydney ’s attack, Animal Control obtained a court date on May 25^th to deal with Dopey; the court was unwilling to deal with the issue after the poodle’s death – if they had, Sydney would still be her   active, silly self today.   Thanks again Mark.  I’ll keep you posted on Sydney . – Pamela

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UPDATE #3  MAY 19TH-3TV and Az Republic Pick up the story

If you are interested in learning how to help prevent dog fights or protect your dog if it happens, ex Animal Control Officer and Owner of Elite Pet Care, Sarah Gorman explains how to do this on her blog here: http://thedogcareexpert.com/

Here is the video update:

Arizona Republic Article - http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2010/05/19/20100519scottsdale-dog-attacked-by-dog-abrk.html

3TV link to article and videos- http://www.azfamily.com/home/Pit-bull-involved-in-attacks-in-the-past-pounces-on-smaller-dog-in-Scottsdale-94299294.html

UPDATE #4 – Elaborate with the Scottsdale PD (FACTS of the case)

UNCUT Interview by 3TV with Scottsdale PD:

Press the COMMENTS link to read updates from eye witnesses and Sydney’s Mom’s updates each day.

TO RSVP FOR THIS EVENT GO TO:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=106923199348963&ref=ts

If you lost a dog in Scottsdale, Az, or anywhere for that matter it could be a really scary time.  Holding back the tears, you are crazed with what you should do. Time is of the essence and it is time to kick it into high gear to get the word out to everyone you know. Here are some tips to consider if this horrifying occurrence ever happens to you.

1. Immediately start posting on websites like: www.findingfido.com, www.petfinder.com, www.craigslist.com
2. Contact the local vets, groomers, and pet shops in your area.
3. Contact guard gates if you have them in your community.
4. Announce it on your Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin. These days you can really get your alert to spread virally.
5. If you are a client of Bella’s House & Pet Sitting contact us and we will help get the word out for you. You are a part of our family and we want to help. We will help put the word out on our social media and help you hang fliers.

Time is of the essence in these situations. To ensure that your pet IS returned to you safely please consider micro-chipping them. If your pet IS micro chipped confirm that your correct information is on record and that the company is still in business