Pet food recall: Transcript, news and open thread
By Christie Keith
May 10, 2007
- If you have a sick pet or a question on your pet’s health, call your veterinarian.
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- If you want to report a sick or deceased pet, click here.
I have the link to the transcript of today’s FDA/USDA media conference.
I’m going to read it and update this post with comments, but for now, I need to walk my dogs, who say I’ve been neglecting them shamefully, see photo for how my dog Kyrie suffers.
Be back soon, in the meantime, let me know what you think:
Gina update: I was listening in, and of course the “numbers” part really interested me, as it’s still a lot like reading tea leaves to figure it out. I thought I heard Dr. Sundloff say the “number are substantial,” but I was multitasking so I had to wait for the transcript to be sure.
I heard right:
DR. SUNDLOF: Thank you, Rob. Everything that Mr. Rogers said is correct but I don’t want to leave the miss-impression that FDA thinks there are 9,000 deaths in pets associated with this outbreak. We have received over 18,000 calls. Of those approximately 8,000, or half of those, have been actually entered in. That is, operator took the calls, and then those have to be entered into our system. And of those 8,000 approximately half of those are people that have reported deaths but a lot of these have not been, in fact very few if any have actually been substantiated as to the cause.
A lot of these were from very concerned and distraught pet owners and may or may not have been associated with the pet food, and we just don’t know at this point. We are working with our professional colleagues in the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Association of Laboratory Animals Diagnosticians. Those are the people that are doing actually the autopsy work on many of these pets, and with some of the larger hospital networks like Banfields Pet Hospital to collate all the reports that have come in develop criteria on whether or not the pet food was actually the cause of the death, and then coming up with a final determination of what we believe to be the true prevalence of death and injury associated with the pet food.
That will not be available for some time, probably not until the fall until we can actually really evaluate all the data that has come in, not just to FDA but to other organizations as well and numbers are substantial. Again this is just going to take a matter of time until we feel we are comfortable in making some kind of assessment.
Emphasis mine. Of course, we will never, ever know how many pets died. There’s no coroner for pets, and no CDC for animals. Looking at the amendment to the FDA appropriations bills that passed the Senate, there never will be — the language is about working with professional organizations, not with government agencies. And professional organizations are for protecting the profession and the members, which may not serve pets or their owners.
In any case, most of the animals who died before the March 16 recall will never be able to be confirmed. They are long gone, and so in most cases is the leftovers from the food they ate.
I hope when the FDA comes out with their final numbers — months from now, when they figure we’ll all have moved on anyway — the count will be not of those animals who could be confirmed for a certainty, but also those it’s reasonable to assume died before anyone knew what the problem was.
Honestly … I’m not holding my breath.
Also: The Chicago Tribune is naming the company the FDA refused to reveal in the media briefing today. Not news here: Christie broke this story two days ago.
Now we just wait for the after-business-hours recalls tomorrow, I guess.
Update from Christie:
Okay, back from walking the dogs, who wave at you all.
In the transcript, David Acheson says:
Firstly, with regard to imports, all vegetable protein products imported or transshipped from China cannot come into the United States unless they’ve been tested for melamine, cyanuric acid, or other melamine-derived compounds. So those products are not allowed into U.S. commerce until they have been shown to be safe.
First, by saying they cannot “come into” the US without being tested, does this mean they have to be tested before they arrive in this country?
Also, this conflicts somewhat with what the import alert describes as the procedure, which I quoted before but will quote again here:
In order to adequately assess whether a manufacturer has the appropriate controls and processes in place to ensure the quality of the product being produced, the firm or shipper must provide the following information:
1. Documentation showing that a minimum of five (5) consecutive entries have been released by FDA based on third party laboratory analyses using FDA recommended methods and that all shipments did not contain the presence of melamine and/or melamine analogs.
AND
2. Certificate, such as from AQSIQ (Christie’s note: AQSIQ is a Chinese agency), indicating that an inspection of the manufacturer was conducted and adequate controls are in place. Information should also include:
a. Copy of the inspectional reports and compliance status of the manufacturer.
b. If products were sampled during the course of the inspection, test results indicating that the products are free of melamine and/or melamine analog.
Note also, these responses to a reporter from Dr. Rogers, bolding mine:
The caller asked about what sampling we’re going to be doing of bulk products from China. Let’s clarify. The country-wide import alert, which is 99-29, is a countrywide import alert for bulk vegetable protein products from China for which all of those shipments are screened for and targeted 100 percent sampling. That puts the burden on the importer or ultimate firm to demonstrate that the product does not contain melamine or related compounds to the agency. And of course there would be some verification by the agency on that supporting data.
Rogers then goes on to address the problem of products that originated in China but came to the US via some other country – and it sounds to me like those are NOT being currently held or inspected:
That is different than from our assignment that has both an import and a domestic component. From the import perspective, we’ll be looking at ports of entry for bulk vegetable protein shipments from other sources to determine whether or not it is possible that those products would be transshipped, ultimately coming from Chinese origin. Some of those shipments will also be samples, but we’re also going to be looking at the consignees and the domestic arena who receive those products and targeting those for sample and inspection as well.
So, Richard Knox of NPR apparently wondered about this whole thing, too; bolding is mine:
OPERATOR: Next question is from Richard Knox of NPR.
REPORTER: Hi. Thanks very much. With regard to the import alert on vegetable protein imports from China, can you tell me the volume of shipment involved and what proportion are being released or held or for testing? And second, is FDA testing these vegetable protein imports, and if not who is? And what have the test results shown so far?
DR. ACHESON: Let me answer some of that and again ask Michael Rogers to fill in the holes when I leave them. I want to emphasizes the import alert is 100 percent. It is stopping every vegetable protein concentrate from China, period. That’s what it’s going to do. To get that stuff released, the company has to come to us, the FDA, with validated tests, paperwork, assurances, and they can be of various types, but we review it on a case by case to say yes, this material that’s held is okay, free of melamine and melamine-related compounds, and it may proceed. That is the import alert.
So, no testing done by the FDA, and apparently in some cases there may be no testing at all. I emphasize “may be,” as I haven’t confirmed that with FDA yet. Acheson continued:
The sampling assignment is a little different. That is a situation in which we typically target foods of concern, and right now we’ve got 100 percent sampling assignment on pet food. The assignment on the animal feed is pending. We have 100 percent sampling on the pet food that might contain melamine. That means that we take the samples and process them through our labs, so there’s a difference between the two.
Folks, I’m exhausted and am going to pick this up tomorrow.
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http://tinyurl.com/3hqst
Comment by Steve — May 10, 2007 @ 7:04 pm
Comment by Steve — May 10, 2007 @ 7:04 pm
http://tinyurl.com/3hqst
That’s a beautiful Maine Coon cat. I had a beautiful Maine Coon cat until 5 weeks ago. Poison in Nutro pouches cat food killed him.
Comment by MFEMFEM — May 10, 2007 @ 7:08 pm
Comment by MFEMFEM — May 10, 2007 @ 7:08 pm
Hang in there. We’ll win. If it’s the last thing we do.
Comment by Steve — May 10, 2007 @ 7:12 pm
This is quoted from the Nutro page on Petfood Direct on-line store:
“Please note according to Menu Foods, none of the pet illnesses or deaths reported were related to any of Nutro’s products and that Nutro has received no case reports of illness or death related to this recall. Futher, no Nutro dry foods, biscuits, or treats are affected.”
*** Notice they did not mention cans or pouches.
Comment by Kathi — May 10, 2007 @ 7:42 pm
Because Nutro refuses to take any responsibility, I will continue to tell as many people as I can not to buy any of their products.
Comment by Kathi — May 10, 2007 @ 7:45 pm
Comment by Kathi — May 10, 2007 @ 7:42 pm
Liars
Comment by Steve — May 10, 2007 @ 7:45 pm
I can see the fall report from FDA:
“It has been confirmed, only 16 pet deaths are a result of the recalled pet foods. All other cases were natural or non-confirmed deaths.”
Comment by Kathi — May 10, 2007 @ 7:55 pm
Just a note that some emails do get responses.
I did receive a letter back from Peter DeFazio,US House of Representatives from Oregon thanking me for my email about my pet’s death. It included the FDA’s phone number for this area and Menu’s FAQ pages. He did say “several members of the US House & the US Senate are drafting leg. addressing food safety for humans & animals”. I didn’t get any new information but at least someone from his Eugene, ORegon office did respond with a letter. It took over a month however.
Comment by Cathy B Oregon — May 10, 2007 @ 8:01 pm
I informed Nutro when my beautiful six year old cat became ill. I notified them when he died. I notified their reps at a pet show and told them about the non-responsiveness of their headquarters and was promised that they would get back to me immediately. I guess they lost my information? Several weeks late they sent me a form letter insurance claim for the “dog” they said I notified them about.
My pet companion was a sweet, gentle six year old cat who was the joy of my life. He was in horrible agony before I had to put him to rest forever. Nutro betrayed me and I will never touch another of their products. Nutro MaxCat Gourmet Classics Adult and Nutro Natural Choice Complete Care pouches. My best friend is gone. I will never be able to look into his gentle, loving eyes again. He ate the contents of Nutro pouches, he died.
Comment by MFEMFEM — May 10, 2007 @ 8:11 pm
Comment by MFEMFEM
My thoughts are with you in the loss of your sweet companion.
I second Steve’s comments — I’m in this fight for the duration. I’ve been told it was useless; a waste of time and some even laugh at me. Don’t care anymore.
I have a home-based business and lost my biggest client recently. I’ve got time.
They can never make up for the horrible tragedy that has occurred, however, someone should show some ethics and morals and take responsibility.
Both my dogs got sick during a 2 month period starting in January. Their illness was sporadic, but I still believe it had something to do with the food.
Comment by Donna — May 10, 2007 @ 8:30 pm
One thing that should be asked of one of the Holistic vets is if cranberry juice would help for the long term, for the pets who were ill but recovered. It may be hard to get down on cats but fairly easy on most dogs.
Comment by Robin — May 10, 2007 @ 8:43 pm
Wow - what a cat. Makes my Maine Coon look like a dwarf. Can I ask how many lbs he/she is??
Impressive!
Comment by Jenny — May 10, 2007 @ 8:52 pm
Our dogs were being fed Nutro dry, weren’t sick but I was not getting a good feeling after calling and emailing them so I dove head first into making their dog food (which they LOVE!!). Call and email your government representatives. Obviously tighter regulations are needed on imported products that are going into the food chain. Human and animal, domestic and agricultural. HOWEVER had thorough inspections been in place at the pet food manufacturing plants this could have been caught much sooner. I have called and emailed the FDA and food companies. They have responded but have only very vague responses to offer. Thank you all at Pet Connection for your hard work and to Senator Durbin for his efforts as well. We must let them know we won’t quit until they do the right thing.
Comment by Anna S. — May 10, 2007 @ 8:59 pm
Hi everyone!
Over the last 5 days, I’ve been working on a site — a bulletin board. This site will have a lot of links & information for contacts regarding the pet food recall & truth-in-labeling.
I haven’t been able to put it together as quickly as I hoped. (Still have that room addition we’re working on - sigh!)
Anyway, it has enough info on it now that it may help a few people find sources & resources.
There are plans for a lot more links. I have it in sections & hopefully easy to locate info.
When you have time — check it out:
http://www.TruthInFoodLabeling.com
:)
Comment by Kat — May 10, 2007 @ 9:08 pm
9:48p here pacific and Itchmo’s blog seems to have gone AWOL:
“Error establishing a database connection
This either means that the username and password information in your wp-config.php file is incorrect or we can’t contact the database server at localhost. This could mean your host’s database server is down.
* Are you sure you have the correct username and password?
* Are you sure that you have typed the correct hostname?
* Are you sure that the database server is running?
If you’re unsure what these terms mean you should probably contact your host.”
Anyone else experiencing this problem accessing Itchmo’s blog? Forums seem to be fine tho.
Weird.
Comment by Ally — May 10, 2007 @ 9:52 pm
Itchmo’s seems to working now at 12:04 am CDT. I did have a problem just a little while ago though.
Comment by Mary Smith — May 10, 2007 @ 10:05 pm
Someone has been naughty and is getting called to the main office:
http://www.businessweek.com/gl.....144781.htm
Comment by Palomino — May 10, 2007 @ 10:05 pm
Are there other pet owners who suspect that Gravy Train {dry} dog food may have made their dog sick? I am concerned because although Del Monte has recalled some foods, this is not one of them, but another maker { I think Menu} has reported some cross contamination with their foods, which led to them making additional recalls of other products.
I have a belief that Dry Gravy train killed my dog.
I have sent 3 e-mails to Del Monte asking them to unequivocally state that this food did not kill my dog, but have received only a “form” letter in reply.
Comment by peter — May 10, 2007 @ 10:06 pm
“That puts the burden on the importer or ultimate firm to demonstrate that the product does not contain melamine or related compounds to the agency. And of course there would be some verification by the agency on that supporting data.”
isn’t that about the same as it was?
and i like how they have animal feed testing pending . . . but they want to assure us the pet food will be safe . . . ummk!of course we are supposed to forget that on Tuesday they told us they just started holding last week, so who knows what came through the prior 6 wks . .
Comment by straybaby — May 10, 2007 @ 10:55 pm
Comment by peter — May 10, 2007 @ 10:06 pm
Peter,
Sorry for your loss. I don’t know anything about the food you mentioned. However, you may want to look at some of the other websites. The link above to
http://www.TruthInFoodLabeling.com (a new site)
http://www.pnv2.com
http://www.itchmo.com
check their discussion boards
Hope this helps.
Comment by Donna — May 10, 2007 @ 10:59 pm
Sorry if this has already been posted, but this site came through one of my rescue groups this morning. It has a lot of information and addresses for sending e-mails to congress:
/www.defendourpets.org/links.html
Comment by Amara — May 11, 2007 @ 4:48 am
I have talked to Nutro at corporate several times, was informed they did not check the dry food - Nutro Max Puppy for contaminants but are checking the new food only being manufactured of dry food. Two days ago, was on Tizwhiz, had one of our dogs get sick, excessive bloating, vomiting, slightly enlarged heart, slight congestion in the lungs, temp 104, immediately was taken to our wonderful vet, was treated and the urine sample is in the laboratory. Looked like blood and crystals in the urine, await the lab results. Now have collected urine samples on all the dogs and taking in today, 4 of them had been on NutroMax. Two of the 4, were sick the first part of April, one had a staph infection - UA C&S, not picked up on a regular UA, the blood work was OK except for the cholesterol which was off the scale, a she now has crystals > Note, I found a website that indicates that there will be either a bacterial or staph infection in the urine associated with stones/crystals that substantiate this finding, appears to have small crystals now will await the lab findings. The other dog had started vomiting and not eating, another trip to the vet with a urine sample showed Mild Struvite crystalluria - Triple 3-A,M,P, treated with meds. Have been giving her raw dark meat and her urine looks better as well as her coat. Called the FDA, if I want the food checked will have to send to a laboratory myself, as they will have to send out also and will cost them money, so will have to do it ourselves. Asked if this was the early signs, they offered no information regarding early signs, basically only pets that had died or were deathly ill. Will fax all the lab findings, symptoms, etc to them when I get the results. However, he was nice to take the information on the food and supplements. Question, regarding HIPAA regulations, does that also pertain to our medical records for our pets for release of medical information to another party? Therefore, has the dog food consisted mainly of grain, cereal by products, insufficient protein and other contaminants that is affecting the health, including immune systems, kidneys, digestive, etc of our pets due to poor nutrition????
Comment by JJ — May 11, 2007 @ 5:25 am
Comment by JJ — May 11, 2007 @ 5:25 am
HIPAA has no application to pets to my knowledge.
Comment by slt — May 11, 2007 @ 5:27 am
Peter-
So sorry about your dog! I haven’t heard anything about Gravy Train dry, but I would definitely report any suspect food-related concerns to both the FDA and the company (if you haven’t already).
Additionally, if you still have any of the leftover food, you could always have it independently tested by one of the labs to see if it contains any of the substances associated with the recall.. though it might be a bit pricey. (I don’t know what they’re charging, as I didn’t have any food left, just empty pouches.)
Comment by Gwen — May 11, 2007 @ 5:28 am
re: my post i had on the other day about my cat getting seriously ill after eating innova dry cat food cat was diagnosed with a serious systemic infectionbacterial my vet still does not know where my cat got it from but it could be from food vet said thankyou for all your prayers my cat is feeling better but is still very tired we recieved our email info from natura about returning 1 cup of food to them to be tested they said it will take about 3 weeks! i hope they give me honest results!
Comment by linda k — May 11, 2007 @ 5:55 am
Comment by linda k — May 11, 2007 @ 5:55 am
All paws crossed here for a good outcome for you and your kittycat.
Comment by slt — May 11, 2007 @ 6:06 am
Can someone tell me where I can find the latest death toll numbers (per petconnection)??
I usually got those updates from Howl911 and I know Nikki isn’t able to update right now but I was just curious how much it had jumped from the end of April.
Comment by Jen — May 11, 2007 @ 6:17 am
Comment by linda k — May 11, 2007 @ 5:55 am
Sending good wishes for your cat (and you)!
My dogs are on Innova dry. I had problems with them in January, but it was sporadic so difficult to trace. This was prior to recall, but kept calling asking if there were formula changes - answer: no. Purchased two bags last week and there are black specks in the kibble. Got the form to send to their testing lab after 3 days. Will probably send to their lab and send one on my own. Keep us updated.
Comment by Donna — May 11, 2007 @ 6:37 am
Several years ago, I fed Purina Pro Plan. I brought home two different varieties one night. One 40# bag had cat food kibbles mixed in. The other bag had food coated with a white substance and the dog I was feeding that variety to wouldn’t eat it. I wrote a letter to Purina explaining what I had found and mailed it along with a sample of food from each bag. Never heard a single word in response. I’m glad to hear that some companies are at least taking customer complaints more seriously now.
Comment by slt — May 11, 2007 @ 6:45 am
Comment by Jen — May 11, 2007 @ 6:17 am
The death count is usually on the home page on this site, but it’s not posted today. Click HOME at the top.
Comment by Kat — May 11, 2007 @ 6:46 am
Article about China’s agriculture problems; it’ll make you sick.
It really really hope this is not where the wheat flour came from.
http://www.asianews.it/index.p.....amp;size=A
Toxic environment: soil with heavy metals and cancerous fish
05/11/2007 12:11 CHINA
“China’s Ministry of Land and Resources admitted that more than one-tenth of farming land was poisoned by pollution and that each year approximately 12 million tons of grain were contaminated by heavy metals and had to be destroyed”
Comment by Peggy (AKA: Big Fat Momma Cat) — May 11, 2007 @ 6:47 am
Comment by Donna — May 11, 2007 @ 6:37 am
About a month+ ago there was someone on here stating they had black flecks in canned food.
Comment by Kat — May 11, 2007 @ 6:48 am
Here’s the link for the count: http://www.petconnection.com/recall/
Comment by Kat — May 11, 2007 @ 6:50 am
Linda K.,
I just bought our new cat Evo by Natura. Do you know of any other cats who have become ill as a result of Natura products? Our previous cat died after eating Hills’ Prescription c/d dry food.
Someone please advise what I should feed the new cat that will be safe for her to eat. I thought Evo was supposed to be one of the best as well as safest available.
Comment by Janice — May 11, 2007 @ 6:50 am
Sooooo——-in other words——Our Protein products are OK, cuz we have the word of the Chinese companies that they have tested and the paperwork says it is OK!! I’m sure the Chinese wouldn’t forge documents——Nahhhh!!!
Comment by Elaine — May 11, 2007 @ 6:55 am
Comment by Elaine — May 11, 2007 @ 6:55 am
It seems the term FDA likes is “mislabeled”. ;-/
Comment by slt — May 11, 2007 @ 6:59 am
I think I went permanently cross-eyed reading the transcript! So many words——no new information—-so much BS!!
And didn’t you like how they said their main job was to inform the public (keep the unwashed masses from revolting)
Comment by Elaine — May 11, 2007 @ 7:05 am
the natura food that my cat got sick after eating is the red bag the regular innova dry cat food not the evo i have been feeding my cats evo dry since the recall with no problems i have three other cats one other one threw up and now seems fine and the other two are fine thank GOD! the one who got sick ate a great deal of the food the others just a little bit i had to buy that food because my pet store was out of dry evo when i put it out in the dishes the other cats did not seem to like it much and only ate a little i have only heard of a couple of people having problems with the innova dry dog food i would like to find out to if any one has run into any problems with innova dry cat food red bag!
Comment by linda k — May 11, 2007 @ 7:08 am
I posted a question about a month or so ago asking if anyone knew anything about this canned prescription food….a friend is feeding her cat a vet prescription canned food…..with black flecks in it. I told her not to feed it to her cat but her only other choices are SD & Purina (I think these cans are RC). Her vet said he wasn’t sure what the flecks were but when he contacted RC, they claimed it was burnt something or other. Sorry, don’t believe it.
Her cat is still alive but she’s feeding just a tad of the canned stuff plus homemade.
I tried Canidae but noticed white stuff in the bag so I brought it back….have since learned that it’s normal (sort of looks like salt sprinkled over the kibble). I have never used Innova so I don’t know about black flecks but I’d check with company. They are swamped with calls/emails so give them a little time to get back to you. In the meantime, perhaps you should try something else. I won’t use anything that looks odd to me.
I have a little sample bag of Innova that I forgot I had so I just went & looked…..don’t see any black flecks but it looks like it has the same white stuff as the Canidae had. Just as a point of interest, Canidae eventually got back to me & said the white stuff is normal, something about separation during shipping.
Comment by JanC — May 11, 2007 @ 7:08 am
Crank up the coffee and lets get busy.
Comment by Steve — May 11, 2007 @ 7:12 am
Article link below with some interesting twists and turns in dealing with China.
“Importers’ dissatisfaction with Chinese pre-shipment agreement”
http://tinyurl.com/25ezh4
Comment by Aunt Granny — May 11, 2007 @ 7:19 am
Go get ‘em, Steve!
Comment by Peggy (AKA: Big Fat Momma Cat) — May 11, 2007 @ 7:28 am
Comment by JanC — May 11, 2007 @ 7:08 am
” it was burnt something or other.” Personally, I don’t believe that story.
The flecks in this kibble are very hard. I soaked the kibble in warm water long enough to completely soften it. Then took my finger and pressed through it. These fleck remain hard. I have also seen the white specks in the food, but sometimes they are more prevalent than other times. However, I have also seen objects, very thin, very brittle, that stick out of the kibble about 1/8- 1/4 inch.
Comment by Donna — May 11, 2007 @ 7:31 am
Is that a picture of your dog Christie or Gina? Sure is pretty and looks like a sight hound. One question, do they howl like a coonhound or do they mostly bark with no rooo rooo howling?
I went to a dog show in Nevada City and was mesmerized by the beauty of Afghan Hounds - I took lots of photos and today think they are so graceful and lovely. And the picture here looks like it could be an Afghan. I thought it was Gina’s dog but now I’m confused - oh, and what is the dog’s name?
Comment by Linda — May 11, 2007 @ 7:32 am
someone was just on itchmo forum had trouble with innova dry dog food found black specks in it pets had gotten sick
Comment by linda k — May 11, 2007 @ 7:34 am
I am just so confused at this point I don’t know what to feed my cats. All are on dry but I have to buy wet food for one of them because she had to have all her teeth extracted (she was a rescue who did not get any dental care). I have been feeding her Solid Gold Tuna but now come to find out that is made in Thailand. She will eat that but all she wants is Fancy Feast and I won’t feed her that. HELP!!!!!!
Comment by Lois C. — May 11, 2007 @ 7:35 am
Update on my letter writing campaign. I am beginning to write grocery chains, restaurants, and specific food manufacturers (that use wheat gluten). Asking grocers to confirm their safety guarantee for chicken, pork, dairy. Asking restaurants about safety of the meats and dairy products they serve. Asking manufacturers about the use of wheat gluten in their products.
Pour me another cup of coffee.
Comment by Donna — May 11, 2007 @ 7:39 am
The picture is one of Christie’s dogs, Miss Kyrie Borzoi.
I don’t think she barks much at all.
My dogs (three of the four) are at the bottom of the page, second image in from the left. Second image from the right, by the way, is Jack the cat, who lives with Henry, the Black Dog of Black Dog Studios, our Web folks.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — May 11, 2007 @ 7:41 am
Comment by Janice — May 11, 2007 @ 6:50 am
Janice,
I appreciate Linda K telling us about her cat getting sick after eating Innova cat food (red bag). I’ve been feeding my cat Innova Evo dry food for several months and he’s doing fine. I’m combing the blogs for other info on Natura products and have only seen one other problem with Innova, and that was dog food (red bag).
It’s so helpful when people pass along their pets’ experiences so we can be alert. I’m not taking my cat off Innova Evo at this time, but I also feed him organic ground beef which he likes. Since being on this combination, he’s lost some weight, which he needed to do, his fur is soft and shiny, and he’s content, not pestering me for food frequently.
He didn’t look this healthy when I fed him Wellness canned chicken with his kibble. Stopped that when I learned they were manufactured by Menu Foods.
I’ve read other postings by people whose cats are doing well on Innova Evo, especially those who have been on it long term.
Comment by Maureen — May 11, 2007 @ 7:48 am
Who the heck is propping up this worthless investment. Just let it collapse to it’s true worth already. ZERO!!!!
http://finance.google.com/fina.....lient=news
Comment by Steve — May 11, 2007 @ 7:51 am
Comment by Steve — May 11, 2007 @ 7:51 am
I guess the answer to that would be the MANY pet food companies still doing business with Menu (whose products I won’t buy).
Comment by slt — May 11, 2007 @ 7:54 am
Comment by slt — May 11, 2007 @ 7:54 am
Probably Luba pumping the stock trying bait some suckers.
To bad it’s not working.
Comment by Steve — May 11, 2007 @ 7:58 am
Maureen,
Thank you for the information about Evo. Do you cook the organic ground beef? I have considered raw feeding, but have been a little hesitant. Any advice is welcomed.
Comment by Janice — May 11, 2007 @ 7:59 am
I have to take my dog to the vet and put her down in the morning. And the cat is not getting any better.
I think this disaster may have taken ALL my pets.
It has destroyed my home.
I fear I will wait to long and make them suffer to no purpose.
I fear I will put them down too soon and lose the chance to maybe save them because if we had known what was wrong and how to treat it maybe at least one of the two I put down on March 17th could have been saved.
I greatly fear I will lose my mind.
There just isn’t any way to make this funny anymore.
Comment by E. Hamilton — May 11, 2007 @ 8:00 am
Comment by E. Hamilton — May 11, 2007 @ 8:00 am
I’m so sorry, I didn’t realize your dog was so ill. Will keep a good thought for you and your pets.
Comment by slt — May 11, 2007 @ 8:02 am
Hawai’i pet owners filing suits against Menu Foods
Honolulu Advertiser, HI - 2 hours ago
Two lawsuits are expected to be filed today against pet food manufacturer Menu Foods, which allegedly brought tainted pet foods into the market.
Thomas Grande of Davis Levin Levingston Grande and Emily Gardner, attorney at law, said they will announce the lawsuits at a news conference today at their office on Fort Street.
Plantiffs include Hawai’i consumers who fed their pets Menu Foods’ tainted wet pet food in cans and foil pouches with brands names such as Iams and Eukanuba.
According to a news release, the suits include multi-party personal injury suit for pet owners who suffered the death or severe illness of their pet, filed by Gardner, and a consumer class action suit against the manufacturer for Hawai’i consumers who purchased tainted pet foods.
In attendance to discuss what happened to their pets will be families whose pets died after eating Menu Food items.
The news conference starts at 11 a.m
Comment by Steve — May 11, 2007 @ 8:03 am
Oh Elizabeth … I KNEW something was going on with you. This is awful, awful, awful … no way to sugar-coat it. I am so sorry, and I know we all are.
There is nothing now that will make you feel better, I know.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — May 11, 2007 @ 8:04 am
TORONTO (CP) Menu Foods Income Fund says it won’t meet the May 15 deadline to file its interim financial statements for the first quarter.
The company, at the centre of a massive recall due to tainted wheat gluten imported from China, said in a release late Thursday the delay is due to discussions with lenders concerning additional financing to fund, among other things, product recalls.
Comment by Steve — May 11, 2007 @ 8:05 am
E. —
I can’t even find the right words to convey how sorry I am to read about your dog. Since you told me, I have continuously held hope while sending scads of positive energy your way. I wish I could be there in person to offer a shoulder and support.
My heart is with you.
~ally
Comment by Ally — May 11, 2007 @ 8:09 am
Friday, May 11, 2007
Hawai’i pet owners filing suits against Menu Foods
Advertiser Staff
Two lawsuits are expected to be filed today against pet food manufacturer Menu Foods, which allegedly brought tainted pet foods into the market.
Thomas Grande of Davis Levin Levingston Grande and Emily Gardner, attorney at law, said they will announce the lawsuits at a news conference today at their office on Fort Street.
Plantiffs include Hawai’i consumers who fed their pets Menu Foods’ tainted wet pet food in cans and foil pouches with brands names such as Iams and Eukanuba.
According to a news release, the suits include multi-party personal injury suit for pet owners who suffered the death or severe illness of their pet, filed by Gardner, and a consumer class action suit against the manufacturer for Hawai’i consumers who purchased tainted pet foods.
In attendance to discuss what happened to their pets will be families whose pets died after eating Menu Food items.
The news conference starts at 11 a.m
Comment by Steve — May 11, 2007 @ 8:09 am
e. i am so sorry to hear about your dog and cat my prayers are with you!
Comment by linda k — May 11, 2007 @ 8:18 am
OMG E.,
I am so terribly sorry for what you have already lost and what you are going through today. I hope it is of some comfort to you that anyone can tell by the myriads of previous posts that you are in a community that truly cares about you and your family. Sending peace your way in hopes that someday you will be able to feel it again.
Sincerely,
Amara
Comment by Amara — May 11, 2007 @ 8:21 am
Comment by Janice — May 11, 2007 @ 7:59 am
Janice,
I do cook the organic ground beef, but less and less than I did at first. I am blessed to have a good butcher nearby so I know he grinds it fresh when I purchase it. It’s not very fat so I do include some of the juices in Tigger’s bowl. (You might need to include a little organic low salt broth to encourage your cat to try this.) I feed the dry Innova EVO in a separate bowl and at a different time. He likes a little finely chopped steamed broccoli too.
I did try slowly switching him to fully homecooked and added a powdered supplement (which had a lot of chicken meal). On the second day, he vomited a great deal, so we’re back to half kibble/half meat and he’s doing fine. I’m stewing a chicken today and will try that. He’s not been crazy about cooked chicken, so I’ll try some of the natural broth with it later today.
If I lived in a house instead of a small apt., I’d feed raw or at least try it. But I have 2 dogs too and can’t face the sanitation aspect of raw for all 3. They always get some food outside their bowls…
Comment by Maureen — May 11, 2007 @ 8:22 am
Comment by E. Hamilton — May 11, 2007 @ 8:00 am
So sad to hear that news. Our thoughts are with you and your precious ones. My heart aches for you and all the others who have lost a companion.
This is what makes me continue this crusade - speaking for those who need a voice and their parents who have agonized so much on this devastating journey.
Comment by Donna — May 11, 2007 @ 8:26 am
Miss Kyrie Borzoi sure is pretty. Gina, your dogs look very stoic and intelligent in the photo below. They look like labs??? All the pets in the photos are so “soulful” - I suppose that’s why they touch our hearts so much.
E. Hamilton, I’m sorry for your loss and the heartbreaking decision you are forced to make. Tragic barely touches the pain and senselessness of this terrible hand that has been dealt, not only to you, but to so many others. There is no easy way through this firery trial you must endure. You are in my prayers.
Comment by Linda — May 11, 2007 @ 8:39 am
E - I am SO sorry. {{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}
Comment by Kim — May 11, 2007 @ 8:46 am
Comment by E. Hamilton
I’m so sorry to hear your sad news. I keep hoping this nightmare will come to an end. :(
Comment by Maureen (Lilly and Lucy's mom) — May 11, 2007 @ 8:46 am
To E. Hamilton: I’m so sorry for what you are going through. We’re here for you, and we’ll get you through this.
Comment by petlover — May 11, 2007 @ 8:55 am
E. I am so sorry. My heart aches for you. My prayers are with you. I am mad as hell along side you.
One thought carries me through this on a regular basis, all these cats and dogs are heroes. Each and every one of them.
Comment by Maudigan — May 11, 2007 @ 8:56 am
E. Hamilton - I would simply go mad with grief in your situation. I have no words to console you, as it is horrific what you are experiencing.
I will hope and send all my most positive thoughts that you will eventually find a way to come to terms with the tragedy life is dealing you and find some peace of mind at some point in your life.
Comment by TC — May 11, 2007 @ 9:07 am
This “statemnet” from nutro ,is the sort of crapt that’l drive ‘em out of business.
i to used to feed their garbage , and now,
after all the dead pets that ate their food
i can honestly say not only have they set me against the product, but i WILL tell everyone
what sort of company they are?
i am sure that any company with a blatant disreguard of their clients WILL be out of
business shortly..
Comment by johnypaycut — May 11, 2007 @ 9:09 am
E. - Oh, how horrible! I am so very sorry!!!
Comment by Kat — May 11, 2007 @ 9:23 am
*** !!! GROUND BEEF RECALL !!! ***
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/PDF/R.....elease.pdf
MINNESOTA FIRM RECALLS BEEF TRIM DUE TO POSSIBLE
E. COLI O157:H7 CONTAMINATION
WASHINGTON, May 10, 2007 – PM Beef Holdings, LLC, a Windom, Minn., establishment, is voluntarily recalling approximately 117,500 pounds of beef trim products used to make ground beef, due to possible contamination with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.
The trim was produced on March 27, 2007 and was shipped to distributors and retail outlets in Arizona, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Virginia and Wisconsin. Because these products later became ground beef sold under many different retail brand names, consumers should check with their local retailer to determine whether they may have purchased any of the products subject to recall.ion.
Comment by Kat — May 11, 2007 @ 9:25 am
Maureen,
I too have been feeding innova evo.. my cat is healther than ever? i am pleased with the food.
here’s a funny story about a feral cat , and evo canned.. my cat wouldn’t eat the canned , so i gave it to my feral who’s always hanging out nearby? the next morning i walked out my door, and was greeted by a sight i swear i’l never forget, the feral was waiting, he looked like he’d been on steriods ?? i now call ‘em
“barry” (after b.bonds).amazing stuff!
(i’ve been feeding a whole batch of different
food since 3/16. timber wolf organics serengeti
is popular? evo is a standard now ..
Comment by johnypaycut — May 11, 2007 @ 9:28 am
E. Hamilton:
I rarely post here, but have been here since the beginning. I have enjoyed and appreciated all of your comments. Please know that you and yours are in my prayers. I will have to leave now as I can no longer read the screen. My tears for you have blurred my vision. I hope that you can find the peace that you so deserve….Karla
Comment by Karla T. — May 11, 2007 @ 9:32 am
Hrmm…….interesting link posted at Itchmos forums:
http://www.petfoodindustry-dig.....607/?pg=69
I’m still perusing it to see how best to make use of this source.
Its from the PFI showing who supplies the ingedients to pet food manufacturers.
Comment by Ally — May 11, 2007 @ 9:35 am
Lois ,
I to have a recovering “fancy feast” addict?
the soild gold is ok.. the tuna’s not tainted.
also try Tiki , another fishey food. cats like it. these foods are made in taiwan , it’s not
communist china? you need to research the companys.. i avoid purina as it’s got way to many guletins , and by-products..
Comment by johnypaycut — May 11, 2007 @ 9:39 am
E. Hamilton,
Your posts have always reflected well the anger we all feel in what has befallen our dogs and cats — and us, who feel helpless. No wonder you’re so angry…I send my prayers for you and your dear dog and cat. This is overwhelming for you and I join everyone else who feels so terribly sad for you and yours. Words are so inadequate…
Comment by Maureen — May 11, 2007 @ 10:04 am
E.
You have my hearfelt prayers and tears for your whole family. Words cannot convey how sad I am for you. Please know that all of us are here to be a shoulder if we can.
Sharon
Comment by Sharon — May 11, 2007 @ 10:11 am
E. Hamilton,
I am so sorry for what you are going through. The hardest thing in the world is trying to determine whether/when to put our beloved friends to rest. My late dog and cat both told me in their own special way when it was time.
Thoughts are with you.
Donna Z
Comment by Donna Z — May 11, 2007 @ 10:14 am
Comment by johnypaycut — May 11, 2007 @ 9:28 am
Great story about your feral cat Barry loving Evo canned food the first time he tried it. I read something yesterday about cat’s being attracted to high protein food (mice, rats?), high in amino acids. Evo being no grain and high protein must have caught his attention!
Comment by Maureen — May 11, 2007 @ 10:24 am
E. I just got in and checked the blog. So sorry for your loss. I’ll hold you and yours in my prayers.
Comment by Margaret Bridge — May 11, 2007 @ 10:26 am
Nutro’s interests and behaviors are as self-centered as Menu’s. It was Nutro Chicken & Liver Kitten pouches that killed my Oliver back in February. He got so sick so fast, it was less than a week from onset to death; it was horrible. It broke my heart then and continues to burn today.
Each new revelation deepens the complicity of EVERY company involved, from China to Menu to the brands, and including the FDA, etc. for their efforts in protecting those businesses. Every minimization of the severity and size of this scandal is a rejection of the value of our furry companions (not to mention, flies in the face of common sense). Oliver’s value to me was incalculable, and every denial of that is a lash against an open wound. And that this is all for monetary gain is a total horror.
I’ve never been so frustrated or felt so helpless as I do right now. I’ve written the letters, I’ve sent the emails and, of course, I no longer purchase from Menu or Nutro, but it all seems so hopeless, so useless. Furkids are still dying, while it’s “business as usual” in corporate America.
E., I am so very, very sorry for your losses. My compassion and prayers are with you.
Comment by A.C. — May 11, 2007 @ 10:34 am
Poor E. I’m sorry, too. There’s no words, Only tears and heartache. Poor doggie, pity all of them. Poor things gotta lose their lives. Can’t see to type, face and shirt soaked with tears.
Sorry, so very sorry…
Comment by Peggy (AKA: Big Fat Momma Cat) — May 11, 2007 @ 10:37 am
I appreciate all the kind thoughts. I have not posted much before on the details because this was not MY tragedy, it was a devastating loss for all of us.
And the entire country is safer on the back of all our uncounted dead canaries, several of which used to be alive in my home. And are still alive in what is left of my heart.
They may not mean much to the FDA but they very much mattered to me.
That three week delay that made Menu Foods so much money? It cost me everything.
I could not participate in the debate over this food or that food because I felt that ALL foods failed the pets. Have you seen any announcement of the symptoms to watch for on national TV YET?
Yeah, I haven’t either.
I cannot look at my sick cat and do it without seeing the hundreds more that suffer, some with pet owners who do not even know what is wrong today. Or may feed the poison tomorrow. My kitty will suffer until the day I end his pain, he was a young cat, just 3, and now will be old and in pain for the rest of his life.
Or until the loving hand that fed him expensive poison has the courage to do the right thing.
It will not be a brave hand that makes that call to the vet, it was not a brave hand that made the call today, it was my hand that fed them poison, my hand that signs the paper to end the torment and my hand that will smooth the grave dirt and open the door to an empty house.
I have sick to tend and tomorrow there will be dead to bury and my grief will not wait for the FDA to declare it official.
It would really have been a kindness for the country I loved so much to just kill me without twisting the knife daily for two months but it appears that kindness, like truth, is in shorter supply than cheap poison.
Comment by E. Hamilton — May 11, 2007 @ 10:59 am
Ms. Hamilton,
I can’t come up with the words to say how sorry I am about your sick and dying pets. Your comments have been a powerful testimony to the shock and anger we all feel, and I think I am not alone is saying how much you are admired and respected. I know I am not alone in saying that we all weep and grieve with you. Friends in cyberspace can be a mighty source of support, but I hope that you have a few real-life friends who will hold you up through this latest misfortune.
Sincere wishes that your beloved dog passed peacefully, and with awareness of the love you had for her, and hope for your cat’s improvement and recovery.
Comment by cerridwen — May 11, 2007 @ 11:02 am
sorry E. I’m so sorry.
Comment by Cynthia — May 11, 2007 @ 11:11 am
“Out of 125 samples of a group consisting of wheat, oats, corn, corn byproducts, corn plants and corn silage only two wheat samples did not contain any of the toxins analysed.”
yuck
Natural Occurrence of 16 Fusarium Toxins in Grains and Feedstuffs of Plant Origin from Germany
http://www.springerlink.com/co.....11n20k675/
Comment by shelly — May 11, 2007 @ 11:12 am
Comment by E. Hamilton — May 11, 2007 @ 8:00 am
E
I am so sorry…I’m sitting at my desk just crying for you and your pets. You know there are no words of comfort that help. I only have words of advice. If you let this tragedy ruin your life, Menu Foods will have claimed yet another victim. Most successful causes are born of pain. Grieve, then use your anger positively. Make your loss count. Help lobby for change. You can make a difference.
Now I have to go tell a long time patient that she has breast cancer. And I’m already crying. This day sucks.
Comment by Joyce — May 11, 2007 @ 11:22 am
Comment by E. Hamilton:
“It will not be a brave hand that makes that call to the vet, it was not a brave hand that made the call today, it was my hand that fed them poison, my hand that signs the paper to end the torment and my hand that will smooth the grave dirt and open the door to an empty house.
TO ANY “PLANTS” READING THIS….
(FDA, Pet food companies, etc.)
Read the above. Print it out. Tape it to your wall directly in front of you & your forehead. Copy it in memo form to all your employees. Read it AGAIN.
Maybe, just maybe……the dim lightbulb that has been your brain for the past 8 weeks and longer (because we ALL know this goes back much further)……will FINALLY grasp the heartache & pain and UNECESSARY DEATH & SUFFERING your mess has caused.
We aren’t crazed bloggers believing conspiracy stories being spread on the internet. We are bright, intelligent, caring pet parents who are taking advantage of the vast tool the internet provides. Deal with it. The internet is here to stay and it SHOULD have you quaking in your boots & your bowels quivering ad nauseum.
If you don’t have tears pouring down your face after reading E. Hamilton’s words quoted above, you can’t possibly be human.
Get all that? Good. You will have to live with the TRUTH the rest of your unnatural lives. We are beyond extending mercy. Do the right thing and stop the lies. Come forward with the truth before more pet companions have to needlessly die. Our fur kids may have no voice, be WE most assuredly DO.
TO ANY REPORTERS PRESENT:
Copy E.’s heartwrenching words and do whatever you have to do to get it printed on the front page of your newspapers. There are far too many people who still don’t know or get it. You have the power to get the TRUTH out there & SAVE LIVES.
Comment by Ally — May 11, 2007 @ 11:40 am
“Purchasing and Ingredient Registration List”
http://www.afia.org/Events/PIS....._List.html
Comment by shelly — May 11, 2007 @ 11:51 am
Thanks to johnypaycut for the info on Tiki. I will look up the information on it.
To E. Hamilton - Words cannot express how terrible I feel for you. This is SO not fair. I am running myself crazy trying to find safe food for my pets to eat. What you must be going through is gut wrenching. My sympathies to you at this awful time.
Pet food industry - listen up! Dogs and cats are dying out here daily due to contaminated food - aren’t you reading all these messages? Why don’t you for just once forget about your pocketbooks be honest with us - help us out as consumers as to the safety of your products.
Comment by Lois C. — May 11, 2007 @ 12:02 pm
E. ~
I wish I could take away your pain. I’ll have you and yours in my prayers. Please know you are very loved here, and I’ll be thinking about you.
Comment by shelly — May 11, 2007 @ 12:09 pm
For those of you who are making homemade pet food there is a book you can buy from Amazon for about eleven dollars by Dr Pitcairn DVM that has detailed recipes and information for dogs and cats. It gives calore charts and balanced recipes. The problem I have is that only one of my dogs likes the food. The other one would like the garbage commercial food.Dogs need a certain calcium phosphorus ratio to have healthy bones so if you feed only meat or meat and oatmeal for a length of time it may affect their bones so don’t leave out the calcium supplement.
Comment by Julie — May 11, 2007 @ 12:22 pm
E…..I read your post & had a good cry. Guess I’ve been holding it in for a while now. Can’t even put into words how much I hurt for you. Wish I was there to give you a hug…..or go to the vet’s office with you to give you support.
Ally…..your post to the PF trolls or FDA morons was right on. You go, girl. Two bottles of tequila for you, hold the worms……
Comment by JanC — May 11, 2007 @ 1:16 pm
JanC - I’ll take the tequila….and the worms.
I needed to get that post above out of my system. If I read one more letter from a pet food company or any other “official” caution inferring the internet is not a good source for info, I’ll go postal. Most of us present are intelligent enough to know how to discern fact from fiction.
Even though I haven’t known E. Hamilton very long, I consider her a friend. We’ve shared communication off-blog allowing me more insight into her as a person. She is the “real thing”. I consider many others here as I would a friend as well. We are living this bear of a beast tragedy together. I wish we’d all met under different circumstances but this is our reality and somehow, I hold onto the hope we can turn things around to being a positive. Sharing our thoughts, concerns and pain, is a start and a very powerful one at that.
Comment by Ally — May 11, 2007 @ 1:32 pm
E. I am so worried about you!
PLEASE HAVE A GOOD FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER GO WITH YOU TOMORROW…and stay with you for awhile.
You need someone to be with, during this tragic time. Maybe there’s someone from this blog in your area?
I’m in South Texas area. I’ll meet you, if you are in my area. I think everyone here would probably agree. Please find someone.
Comment by Kat — May 11, 2007 @ 1:32 pm
E. Hamilton, my heart goes out to you. I can only imagine how you must feel, losing an entire pet family due to this tragedy. My thought are with you and your pets.
Comment by catlover — May 11, 2007 @ 1:45 pm
No worries, not only do I have friends but I have friends with cameras, far braver than I can ever be, to do the REALLY hard parts for me.
They have filmed the suffering and now the end of the suffering and the necropsy. Every nasty hour.
My dog, her name is Folly, has been filmed these last few weeks, since I could prove what was killing her, I have documents for every pet food purchase made in the past two years. Beneful , that is the name of what killed her. It was Beneful, by Purina, that ended her life.
She was fine and playful and a happy dog, until I gave her poison called beneful. It killed her and I have the proof. That proof is available to all class action attorneys who file an action against Purina, at no cost.
Samples too.
Comment by E. Hamilton — May 11, 2007 @ 1:51 pm
E.
I just read your post. I am so sorry for your loss. My heart is with you.
Do not blame yourself. You did not know what was in that food. It is not your fault.
Take comfort in knowing we are all there with you, holding you and shedding tears with you.
Katie
Comment by Katie — May 11, 2007 @ 1:58 pm
I know this doesn’t change a thing E. but we are all crying for you now.
Comment by Cynthia — May 11, 2007 @ 2:00 pm
quote: Or until the loving hand that fed him expensive poison
Comment by E. Hamilton — May 11, 2007 @ 10:59 am ———end quote———
E.,
don’t go down that route. It was not your fault!
You did not feed them poison, you fed them what you thought was healthy food.
You did not know - nobody of us knew.
Now we know, and it has changed us and that in turn will change the world around us. This change will save countless animals and humans.
I feel your pain and anger and desperation - be proud of it: only if you are able to love deeply enough you hurt that much.
Every tear you cry shows the kind of human you are.
Thank you.
Comment by MaKo — May 11, 2007 @ 2:01 pm
Mako - extraordinary reply to E.
Thank you for expressing so well that which I could not.
Comment by Ally — May 11, 2007 @ 2:05 pm
The weasels had the one thing right, I AM lucky, I was lucky in the pets who came my way, lucky in the friends who did not miss a stride when I asked that they pee in a cup or film the agony of my dying dog or weep with me when the end came.
Those friends, and you internet friends, will see me through.We all need to help each other through a rough passage.
What we will all see on the other side of this pain will be a better day, it has to be, there are no worse.
Comment by E. Hamilton — May 11, 2007 @ 2:35 pm
E.Hamilton… My dogs were on Beneful until Feb. They started vomiting on it & I took it away. I am convinced we were grazed by the melamine bullet & lived to tell about it.
My big dog, Simon used to suffer from seizures off/on for a year. He’s had no seizures since I took it away. I made the mistake of switching to IAMS, just prior to the recall. That was the last bag of either (or bag of anything) they’ve been given.
I am sooooo sorry for you & your “kids”. May it be peaceful for them soon. I feel so badly.
Comment by Kat — May 11, 2007 @ 4:20 pm
E…we all do the very best we can, each & every day. You did the best you could, by giving the best food you thought for your loving pets. We all do that. It is not your fault, it is none of our faults. We were deceived by supposedly trustworthy companies. None of the companies have had this type of problem. This is unprecedented.
Your “pet” family knows you loved them. I’m certain they had a very loving & good life shared with you. They were very lucky.
Comment by Kat — May 11, 2007 @ 4:31 pm
E..so very sorry. Can’t even begin to imagine your pain.
Comment by VJ — May 11, 2007 @ 5:06 pm
E…Just read the posts and am so sorry for your losses. I wish everyone would be an “E” even for just a short while.
Comment by Nabiya — May 11, 2007 @ 5:52 pm
For E:
I wish I could say something to help you cope with the loss of your beloved pets. There are no words to express what we are all feeling. I am so, so sorry . . .
Comment by dottie — May 11, 2007 @ 7:04 pm
E. I don’t know you but I feel your pain so deeply. I lost my wonderful companion cat T.C. in March because of this awful thing. He was my constant source of joy and everywhere I see something that reminds me of him. I pray that you will find peace some day just as I am trying to. I am doing a little better now after 6 1/2 weeks but the pain is still very real. May God Bless you and help you through this painful period.
Comment by Linda Tsatskowski — May 11, 2007 @ 7:05 pm