Interesting thread; I guess I get pessimistic easily; especially with the economy, world happenings, etc. But being in the dumps is no fun, and it's important to laugh and think about the good things in life. I'm spending more time walking my dog lately, talking with her and sharing stories. Spending more time with DH. Trying to find my "kinder" side. I agree one has to be realistic.

Katie

I wish along with naming cabinet members and supreme court picks; they would sign an oath saying they would be honest not ever lie to the American public. Also sign off on not accepting kick-backs from anyone. And, I'd like to feel they aren't hiding anything in the corner of a dark closet.

I'm not accepting of Howard Dean for FDA - he's been around a long time; he's never taken a stand on bad food, drugs,toys, etc. unless it helps his image. I would like to see someone in charge of the FDA who has no ties, has rec'd no kick-backs or relationships with global business. Someone who has always put the American people first.

Katie

Carol, the pictures are great! I can't believe how big he is getting. Lucy and Jack look so content and happy with one another.

Thank you for the good feelings those pictures bring.

Katie

I feel so sad for his wife and family.  I didn't know about the tabloid stories. I keep hoping politicians will clean up their act.

Katie

3 catkidneyfailure; I agree with you. We have to become the squeaky wheel that doesn't go away. Keep asking questions and demand answers. If we have food problems call and demand action from the FDA and make sure other pet owners are aware of our experiences.

Katie

I wonder what "component" was inadvertently used?? and interesting that they said the food tested negative even though there is salmonella???  I don't understand, if it were something in the food prior to heating seems it should be killed and if it was put on after heating than it should test positive. I guess I don't understand -

Katie

I hope kaffe is doing better today.  Hope blood test results provide some answers and quick treatment.

Katie

Saying prayers for Marshal to recover fully. 

Katie

Offy, sending healing thoughts for Scooter.  I second the use of clindamycin. Worked very well for a dog we had that had a broken premolar.

Katie

Thank you Itchmo for getting us back online.  Went out here on Friday evening; made my day having it back this AM!
Withdrawl symptoms were getting really bad..... now I can be happy for the rest of the day!

Katie

Dennis,

If I remember correctly Mr. Asbashi, Tony Resko (sorry for the spelling) and Mr Obama had social ties. I believe the Sun-Times had an article awhile back about the meetings between them.... so far it has gotten very little press notice.

While I wish we could start over... we're stuck with the winners of the primaries. Any vote not given, will allow Obama to be elected. And, it scares me to think of the people he will surrond himself with; they may not be in the open but in dark corners. How I look at McCain, he will be a one term president (his age) and that may allow him to not owe anyone and be the "maverick" he once was.

Katie

I hope Consumer Affairs continues to follow the problems with Nutro and also hope that Dr Hille is able to find a lab to test the dogs food.

5cat mom, I'm wondering the same thing, based upon:" Dr. Calley Hille suspects that food may have played a role in the recent death of one of her client's dogs — a 13-year-old German Shepherd named Elvis.

That healthy dog, she said, died one week after his owner switched him to Nutro's food with glucosamine. And he showed worrisome symptoms immediately after he ate the food"

She specifically mentions food with glucosamine... I'm not sure if all pet foods with glucosamine also contain chondrotin sulfate?

And, I don't understand why the FDA isn't releasing info. especially since there is a FOI form from CA? or are they going to cry it's an ungoing investigation..

It sure doesn't surprise me that people who noticed problems and immeadiately started feeding a different food saw improvement; it's like deja-vu all over again.

Katie

Not in favor for more money to the UN. Not happy with either candidate. When the time comes; will vote for McCain because I do not trust Mr. Obama. I keep asking myself; why does George Soros want him to be president so badly..than there is Warren Buffet who has drained this country dry to make billons for himself and now he has moved on to the countries of Brazil, China, etc.  I get the feeling; Obama will be whatever and whomever the button pushers want him to be.  I hope that the "old maverick" McCain will come forward.

Katie

American taxpayers need to realize that both parties are at fault, and have been for a long time. The Congress lives for pork barrel spending to keep their jobs - looks good "back home".

Dennis, today it is war spending..making the defense contractors rich, tomorrow if we aren't spending on a war we will be making another "sector" rich.  No one cares about the taxpayer - didn't you know: we have never ending pockets.

Katie

"FDA does not believe raw meat foods for animals are consistent with the goal of protecting the public from significant health risks, particularly when such products are brought into the home and/or used to feed domestic pets."

Guess the raw meat I purchase to feed both my pet and myself is safe; it's only if I make that purchase to feed my pet? So if I understand their statement correctly.. I am exposed to a significant health risk only on the days when I buy meat for my pet. I am so glad they clarified that for me.

So leaking raw meat packages on the meat counter, in the shopping carts, over the market floors, on the conveyor belts, in the hands of baggers and cashiers, on the home counter tops, in the home sinks, on the dishes, in the refrig, in the freezer; presents fewer problems than the "significant health risks, particularly when such products are brought into the home to feed domestic pets"; thank you FDA, I feel so much safer now!

Katie