Thanks for the suggestions!

Anyone have a recommendation for a dog shampoo that is organic and does not contain sodium lauryl sulfate? 
Thanks,
Donna C

After reviewing the court documents again, it appears the State AG Dept. went direct to the store where the original tested product was purchased to secure additional samples to test. These samples also tested positive for potato toxins.  It states on the form the product was on the front sales shelf and was received from the store asst. manager.  Thus, these tests would have been done on product following the "legal chain of command."
Donna C

Have Pet Connection’s writers ever acknowledged that other toxins have been found – aminopterin, acetaminophen, chaconine and solanine? 


I think the pets and pet owners took an even bigger hit.

It was during this time a year ago that both my dogs were sick.  The helplessness one feels when a pet is ill and the answers have not yet been found is horrific.  Yet, what was even more devastating was the look in my dogs’ eyes.  The longing seen in the depths of their souls - refusing to eat, hurried visits to the yard, not wanting to play, simply not their normal selves, full of energy and mischief.  We had an idea, but we believed and trusted a company who sold a product to us.   We learned a difficult lesson.   

Thank you – I thank three special friends who have been an incredible source of information, hope, comfort and encouragement.  One was a partner in research, sharing thoughts and ideas during long conversations and daily emails. This person challenged me to raise the level of my research higher than I ever thought possible.  They also had pets stricken by this tragedy and experienced the pain of losing a pet.  One is an industry professional who shared their expertise, time and concern -- an expert who became a friend.  One is a fellow pet owner who walked the same path as I did, tending their ill pets while looking for answers and concerned for the future impact on our pets' health.  They are forever special friends. 

A special thanks goes to Itchmo’s Ben and Emily, who provided a place to get the most realistic picture of what was really going on from those most closely involved.  Itchmo continues to be the place to share and watch.  I thank those members who have given support when times were tough; even though I shall never see your face, I have truly seen your heart.

I admire those on Itchmo who are gifted with the ability to search and find the information we need and deserve.   We should strive to continue our good work to make this industry nervous with the knowledge we are learning more and watching them very closely. 

And even the pet food company.  In some strange way, if it were not for our issues with the pet food and the lies surrounding it, I would never have known what I was really feeding my beloved dogs.  I am thankful my dogs are here with me and thankful they now enjoy home cooked meals.  Now I know they eat the same quality foods I eat, prepared the same way I prepare my own meals.  Now I know there is something healthy and nutritious in the dogs’ bowls. 
DonnaC

Has anyone heard anything else regarding the potato toxins?  It’s interesting that this manufacturer has 3 dog food brands and 3 dog treat brands that have tested positive for potato toxins, with fairly significant numbers. 

I know in the past there were continued attempts from various companies to discredit the findings of a private accredited laboratory, but how do they refute the findings of a State AG Dept.? 

I don’t get hung up on the amounts found, what's important is that something was actually found. A small amount, a trace amount and anything else not yet detected made my dogs very sick. 

In regard to the “half-life” of drugs, there are several factors that should be considered.  When looking at how long a drug stays in the body, you have to consider the drug, the person/animal that consumed it, their metabolic rate, body mass, age, overall health, etc.  The link posted mentioned that a drug molecule can have several fates.  It can be eliminated from the body or translocated to another body fluid or destroyed. 

This raises several questions:
1.  What happens when it is translocated to another body fluid? 
2.  How long does it remain there and what impact does it have on cells, organs, etc.?   
3.  What happens when that specific drug is mixed with another drug(s)?  What “drug cocktail” would be found in the public water? 
4.  If you or your pet were given a prescription from the doctor/vet, how would you possibly know what it might mix with in public water? 
5.  How many ways do we use drinking water in our everyday life and how would that impact the “minute levels” theory – drinking water, water used with cooking, water used with prep of commercially prepared foods, water used with livestock, water used to brush teeth, etc. etc.

This issue rates right up there with the FDA’s dilution theory from the pet food recall.
DonnaC

You have to wonder if this really is "off topic".  If public water suppliers are being used in the production process for pet foods then in some way it may have an effect on the quality, safety of the pet foods -- not to mention human foods. 

Interesting story and very disturbing.

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hGsoyElv4ZL879LW6z2aZS0Pix7AD8VA14500

Thanks.  Haven't been too far away. Continuing my own research.  Just had a need to protect my dogs and myself.

FYI -

Food Network, Sat., March 8, 9:00pm
"Rachael Ray Feeds Your Pets
This hour-long prime time special combines two of Rachael Ray's greatest passions: food and animals.
Rachael prepares three homemade recipes for her beloved dog, Isaboo, who gobbles them right up!
Rachael Ray Feeds Your Pets entertains and informs as it brings practical advice about safe and nutritious food for your pets."

I recall a discussion earlier regarding All-Clad cookware.  I was looking at purchasing some All-Clad, with specific interest in the fry basket/pan to use with blanching.  Much to my surprise I did an on-line search for the fry basket and one website stated "Made in China."  I wrote All-Clad regarding where their products are produced.  In case you are interested, here is their response:

"We thank you for your email via All-Clad.com.
The majority of our cookware is being produced in Canonsburg, PA and, this location produces only bonded cookware. There are some components, primarily those that do not require bonded construction, which are sourced from China."

Donna

Straybaby,

I believe solanine and chaconine can occur in any white potato.  It can be in the leaves, tubers, and fruit.  When the tuber is exposed to light it increases the glycoalkaloid production. It can also happen with mechanical damage.  The green color is a defense mechanism for the potato; which is actually chlorophyll and is harmless.   Yet, it also is an indication of increased levels of the solanine and chaconine. 

I have seen the green coloring with red potatoes. 

I don't think these toxins are found in sweet potatoes. 

Donna

Offy,

I am certain that Geneva knew during her time with you, just as she is most aware now, that you gave her all the love your heart could possibly give, you cared for her with great tenderness and compassion and exhausted any and all resources to help her regain her health and have a good quality of life.  I know she touched you deeply and there is no doubt that you touched her in the same manner.  Her spirit is with you every moment. 

I also think that through your quest to find answers for Geneva you have helped so many people on this forum and other forums.  You have an incredible gift for research and putting the pieces together and have done so much with no other motive than to help our pets have healthier lives. 

Geneva is smiling!

Donna

Thanks, Geff.

dc