NORFOLK, VA – Over the course of the last few weeks, pet owners have heard all kinds of reasons why their pet’s food might be tainted. The problem is, none of the specialists in the area seem to agree on the cause. Now it appears that the original pet food recall, which included some 60 million cans and foil packs of food from Menu Foods, may not have been extensive enough. Evidence indicates that the same contaminate found in poisoned wet food may also be found in the dry food products of an as yet unknown vendor.
Early reports from Menu Foods, the Ontario based company responsible for the initial pet food recall, was that there was a problem with the wheat gluten. This appeared to make sense because a similar problem was responsible for an earlier pet food recall in 2005. At that time, Diamond Pet Foods, a Missouri based company, recalled many varieties of its food when it found aflatoxin in the products. Aflatoxin is a poison produced by fungi that grows on grains of the type typically used to make wheat gluten, the thickening agent for gravy of wet pet food cuts.
On Friday, March 23rd, however, during a press conference, other experts stated that rat poison was the culprit responsible for the most recent string of cat and dog deaths. According to the New York State Food Laboratory, they found 40 parts per million of aminopterin in the food samples provided by Menu Foods. The use of aminopterin is not allowed in the U. S. except for research purposes because the drug is known to cause cancer and birth defects in humans. Other countries, however, continue to use the substance in rat poison.
Experts were quick to agree, however, that it is highly unlikely that the chemical would be used to spray a crop against rodent infestation. At the time of the March 23rd news conference, the FDA had yet to complete its research into the matter, although they were continuing to focus on the food’s wheat gluten. On Friday, March 30th, the agency finally announced that it believes that melamine – – a product used to make plastics – – may be the likely cause of the pet deaths. It has been found in both the pet food itself as well as in the wheat gluten.
The FDA went on to say that they could not confirm any earlier statements regarding rat poison. Cornell University scientists also report finding the chemical, which is sometimes used as a fertilizer in Asia, in the urine and kidney of one cat that died after eating contaminated wet food. Other reports released indicated that melamine-contaminated wheat gluten was also shipped to an unnamed company that manufactures dry pet food. The FDA is attempting to determine if that product, imported from China, has yet been used in the manufacturing of any dry foods.
Animal rights advocates are now up in arms, calling for an expanded nationwide recall of dog and cat food to include dry varieties as well as wet. Norfolk, Virginia-based PETA urges the FDA to recall any food – – wet or dry – – which has received a customer complaint tied to a sick pet suffering from the same symptoms as the animals that have already died. They also want autopsy reports on any animal believed to have died as a result of the recent poisoning. FDA representatives admitted that they do not yet know how many of the 8,000 complaints they have received are specifically related to dry pet foot versus wet.
Menu Foods has yet to return calls to PETA requesting the same kind of information regarding complaints received by that company and any ties to dry pet food. The Veterinary Information Network claims that at least 471 cases of pet kidney failure have been reported since the recall, and more than 100 pets have died. However, it is anticipated that realistically pet deaths may well number in the hundreds by the time all reports are reviewed and tabulated from veterinarians across the country. Both PETA and individual pet owners are calling for a definitive answer regarding these animal deaths as soon as possible.
Most are also demanding prosecution if the probe turns up any indication of purposeful wrong doing. . If you have ever wished that you could talk to your pets, you need to meet Pet Communicator and Healer Irma Deinz. Irma originally thought she would have a legal career. She majored in political science from DePaul University. Went on to become a para legal and to sit for the law school exam (LSAT). But all along her heart and intuition told her she had a different calling. Irma had always known that she had an intuitive spirit. She could feel the needs of others and surprisingly she could understand the needs of animals.
Trained in Quantum Touch Irma had amazing success offering clients healing. One day she discovered a class that would heighten your natural ability to understand animals through intuition. Irma found she excelled at this. Pet owners bring Irma a picture of their animal. Irma says that in person sessions can be distracting for the pet; who often wants to play instead of talk. Using the picture, Irma contacts them on a psychic level. The pet is then able to answer questions, show Irma the home and surroundings as well as suggest needs. Most owners contact Irma because a pet is having behavior problems.
Animals who don’t listen, that suddenly have house training issues or who become aggressive are likely clients. One owner asked her per, through Irma, why it wasn’t using the litter box. The cat explained that it didn’t like sharing with the two other cats because the litter box was dirty. The owner admitted that there were multiple cats and that she neglected to clean the box as often. The owner did start changing the litter more often and the cat’s behavior changed. In another instance, the owner asks why her dog is suddenly going to the bathroom in the house.
The dog shows Irma that it is telling or trying to tell someone to let it out by going to the door and barking. No one is listening. The pet owner nods and responds that yes that makes sense. He had been later getting home than in the past. He just hadn’t realized that it was enough to cause the dog to give up going to the door. Some owners are concerned that a pet isn’t feeling well. In this case, Irma can look at the cat’s physical body. She says she sees glowing in effected areas. For one dog Irma identified that it’s stomach was unusually sensitive. That the animal would feel better with a change of diet.
The owner confirmed this and later thanked Irma for alerting her to the pet’s needs. In some cases owners who have adopted animals from shelters want to know more of the pets history. Was there abuse or neglect? Knowing this can assist the owner in making the pet feel relaxed and loved. Irma shares with them the pictures of the past that the animals tell her. They make their needs known. On occasion Irma has acted as a Pet Medium. She has the ability to talk to the deceased. In this way owners can understand that their pets are happy now and out of pain. Irma confirms details of their lives.
She shares with owners that the pets understand the choices made and that they were at peace with their passing. Irma works out of the Golden Harvest Holistic Center. She offers training and individual sessions. In an individual session the owner asks questions then Irma lets the animal speak to her. She charges $35 for a 30minute session. Irma offers her services online. In this case the owner sends a digital picture of the pet for Irma to focus on. Contact Irma Deniz at P. O. Box 716, Streamwood, Illinois 60107-0716 630-253-9264 irmadeniz@aol. com http://www. dreampossibilities. com/contact. html
The Shenandoah Valley, which is located about two hours Southwest of Washington D. C. , is a popular tourism area of Virginia. There are plenty of activities to choose from, whether you are interested in seeing Luray Caverns, driving on Skyline Drive, or skiing at Bryce Resort. This is why people flock to this area year round, and the views are amazing. Situated in the Blue Ridge Mountain Line, and with elevations reaching up to near 3000′, it is possible to see fifty plus miles on clear days. The massive amounts of Pine Trees deliver unbelievably fresh air, and it is easy to forget pressures at work and home while vacationing here.
If you enjoy the great outdoors, there are few places that offer what this area delivers on. This is a wonderful spot to take a family, and there is a hotel that will allow your pet to stay with you. The Sky Chalet is located in the town of Basye, off of route 263, which is connected to Interstate 81. It is a family run bed and breakfast, run by a husband and wife team of Ken and Mona Seay. A lot of their business is in the winter season, when nearby Bryce is open, but they remain busy during the summer months as well. They are friendly, and reserving a room with them was a simple process.
This couple lives on site, in their house which is approximately 50 yards from the large cabin, where all of the rooms are located. My wife and I decided to rent their small suite, which is called the Mountain Getaway Room. The cabin is a bit old, but it has been renovated recently. The room was on the first floor of the building, and was rather small, with the bed taking up a majority of the space. Mirrors were on the walls of the room, which gave it an appearance that was both romantic, and a bit on the tacky side.
A huge window with curtains, offered a view that can only be described as a “little slice of Heaven. We totally loved seeing the mountains and valleys in front of it, and this was among the best sunsets we have ever seen. This panoramic view reminds you that life is good, and that the beauty of nature is well worth spending time in. I can only imagine what the views are from the floors above. The bathroom was really small, and I’m convinced that it used to be a storage closet. If you want to take a hot shower, the water pressure from the head is incredible. It really gets your attention, and hot water is dispersed immediately.
They certainly did not cut costs here, and the complimentary soaps and shampoos were of high quality. Towels were nicely laid out, and all supplies were properly stocked. The main room was average at best, and I think that the Sky Chalet’s advertising of “Four Star Quality,” is a bit inaccurate. Perhaps they mean for the Shenandoah Valley, as this hotel in a major metropolitan area would be average at best. Don’t expect a television here! We did not get the continental breakfast delivered, as we left early to go skiing. This is offered to all customers, and pets are allowed to stay.
Having this option is a major relief for many families, and they are permitted to be left alone as long as they don’t bark or cause other customers any hardship. Each morning, they are given a special treat during breakfast time. If you enjoy taking Fido for a stroll, there are lots of trails nearby, and the hill has plenty of off leash areas to have fun in. The primary reason to visit here, is because they allow pets, and the views are spectacular. There is something special about waking up, and breathing in clean, mountain air. Enjoy sitting with a cup of coffee, and watching the Sun rise.
Prices are reasonable, with the small suite costing $75 a night. If you have a large family or group traveling, consider one of their six bedroom suites. These cost $535 a night, and this would be a good place for a reunion. I liked this place, and I would recommend the Sky Chalet, even with its minor shortcomings. Its great for a romantic getaway, or for a sabbatical away from work. You can reach the staff or reserve a room at 1-877-867-8439, or look at their website at www. skychalet. com. Their mailing address is 259 Sky Chalet Lane Basye, VA 22810.
