April 2007

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" rowspan="2" width=210 BGCOLOR="#99CC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="03f8dfc3.jpg"> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=82 BGCOLOR="#CCCC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="0408dfe1esnpes.jpg"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>Greenbelt Kennels</B></FONT><B>     </B><B>|</B><B>     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Greenbelt Kennels"><U><B>home</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id57.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="November 2006"><U>November 2006</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id55.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="December 2006"><U>December 2006</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id60.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="January 2007"><U>January 2007</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id58.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="February 2007"><U>February 2007</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id59.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="March 2007"><U>March 2007</U></A>   |   <B>April 2007</B>   |   <A HREF="id63.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="May 2007"><U>May 2007</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id64.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="June 2007"><U>June 2007</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id65.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="July 2007"><U>July 2007</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id66.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="August 2007"><U>August 2007</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id68.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="September/October 2007"><U>September/October 2007</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id72.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="November 2007"><U>November 2007</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id79.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="December 2007"><U>December 2007</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id81.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="January 2008"><U>January 2008</U></A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" height=398 colspan=2 BGCOLOR="#CCCC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="0408dfc3.jpg"> <div> <I>April 2007</I></div> <div> <B>Greenbelt Kennels</B></div> <div> <B>Waggin' Tails Doggy Day Care News</B></div> <div> April, 2007</div> <bR> <div> Well, it's official: Spring has arrived. (We can tell we're in Iowa because we've worn shorts <I>and then winter coats</I> in the same month.) In the last issue we announced a <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" ><B>St. Patrick's Day Contest</B></FONT>. The pooch in the best <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" ><B>costume</B></FONT> on Friday, March 16, would win three free trips to the dog park or, for those who don't go, a free day of day care.</div> <bR> <div> Zoey, a black lab and our resident fashion plate, wore a cute <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" ><B>shamrock</B></FONT> collar on Thursday, March 15 (but didn't attend day care on the 16th). Honey, a yellow lab and our first-ever day care “student,” wore her usual green harness. And that was it. In other words, the contest fizzled. Owner Jean Brown will award <B>Zoey</B> one free dog park trip (but not the full prize because she wasn't there on the official contest date). And Jean wants to know: Are you interested in these kinds of things in the future? What sorts of contests or special happenings would you and your dog like to participate in? </div> <bR> <div> Meanwhile, we've pulled together a timely mix of articles on important dog-related topics-<B>please review the information on the new </B><I><B>Salmonella</B></I><B> warning for dog chews and on the ongoing pet food crisis</B>. <B>Yesterday several brands of dog biscuits were recalled.</B></div> <bR> <div> We've also tucked in some fun and just plain interesting articles. We strive to include something for everyone each month. If you have ideas, suggestions or even complaints, don't hesitate to contact Kellye Crocker, Newsletter Editor and Cosmo's “Mom,” at <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#009900" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="mailto:kelcrocker@mchsi.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:kelcrocker@mchsi.com"><U><U>mailto:kelcrocker@mchsi.com</U></U></A></FONT> or 278-5658.</div> <bR> <div> <B>In This Issue</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG SRC="19201010.png" border=0 width="1" height="1" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Ask Jean</B>-Owner Jean Brown answers: How many dogs come to day care?</div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" ><B><IMG SRC="19401010.png" border=0 width="1" height="1" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Breaking News:</B></FONT> <B>FDA Pet Chew Warning</B>-Puppy and dog chews may be contaminated with <I>Salmonella</I>.</div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="19601010.png" border=0 width="1" height="1" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Pet Food Recall Expands</B>-Twenty-two brands of dog biscuits, including Wal-Mart's Ol'Roy, are recalled. Stay up-to-date on this dangerous and still-developing situation.</div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="19801010.png" border=0 width="1" height="1" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Tainted Food Effects</B>-At least one Des Moines dog's death has been attributed to contaminated food.</div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="19a01010.png" border=0 width="1" height="1" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">What are You Feeding Your Dog?-</B>The recall raises questions.</div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="19c01010.png" border=0 width="1" height="1" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Pet Waste Q & A</B>-Our resident expert, Kennel Manger and Scooper Troopers Owner Brandon Roth, gives us the scoop on poop.</div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="19e01010.png" border=0 width="1" height="1" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Meet the Staff</B>-Ann Cofield is your dog's new friend.</div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="1a001010.png" border=0 width="1" height="1" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Breed Spotlight-</B>Golden Retrievers</div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="1a201010.png" border=0 width="1" height="1" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Golden Friends-</B>Seven dogs to make you smile.</div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="1a401010.png" border=0 width="1" height="1" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Dogs in the News</B>-Abused Iowa dog feels the love; a Golden Retriever saves his owner's life; an unusual way for to relax with your pup.</div> <bR> <div> Ask Jean: How many dogs come to day care?</div> <bR> <div> A little more than 100 are registered for day care, with an average daily attendance of 30 to 35. The “day care kids” range from an 111-pound Rottweiller to a four-month-old Springer Spaniel-with seemingly everything on four legs in between. We also have another 30 dogs that join in day care when they board with us.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Breaking News:</B><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B> FDA Pet Chew Warning</B></FONT></div> <bR> <div> In an incident unrelated to the ongoing nationwide pet food recall, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration yesterday warned consumers not to use American Bullie A.B. Bull Pizzle Puppy Chews and Dog Chews manufactured and distributed by T.W. Enterprises in Ferndale, Washington. The chews may be contaminated with <I>Salmonella</I>, which can cause serious infections in dogs and cats. If cross contamination occurs, it can be dangerous to people, too, especially children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems.</div> <bR> <div> The FDA's press release also says: Pets with <I>Salmonella </I>infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. <B>Well animals can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. </B>If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian. Read the full release here: <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#009900" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/NEW01600.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/"><U><U>http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/NEW01600.html</U></U></A></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Pet Food Recall Expands</B></div> <bR> <div> Also yesterday, Alabama-based Sunshine Mills issued a voluntary recall of several brands of dog biscuits, including Wal-Mart's Ol'Roy. The treats could possibly contain melamine, which is used as a fertilizer in Asia and is involved in the production of plastics in other countries. The FDA discovered the potential problem as part of its investigation into melamine-contaminated wheat gluten in recalled pet foods. (For more information on other specific biscuit brands that were recalled, see www.sunshinemills.com.)</div> <bR> <div> Since Menu Foods recalled 60 million cans and pouches of wet dog and cat food last month, news about tainted pet food has been scary and confusing-and the situation continues to worsen.</div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >Yesterday Reuters reported that Canada-based Menu Foods had expanded its recall to products with earlier manufacture dates and to 27 more brands sold in the United States, Canada and Europe. Read the story here </FONT><A HREF="http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/48449.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/"><U><U>http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/48449.html</U></U></A><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >. For a list of Menu Foods brands that have been recalled, visit</FONT><A HREF="http://www.menufoods.com/recall/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.menufoods.com/recall/"><U><U> </U></U></A><A HREF="http://www.menufoods.com/recall/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.menufoods.com/recall/"><U><U>http://www.menufoods.com/recall/</U></U></A><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> Menu Foods' initial recall included 42 cat foods and 53 dog foods, including products from Eukanuba, Iams, Science Diet and Hy-Vee brands. Other manufacturers have joined in. The recall has since expanded to dry food and treats. Late last week, for example, Del Monte Pet Products said it was voluntarily recalling several items, including Gravy Train Beef Sticks, Jerky Treats and Pounce Meaty Morsels, as well as others sold under private labels.</div> <bR> <div> For the latest information, visit the FDA's website at www.fda.gov <<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#009900" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.fda.gov/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.fda.gov/"><U><U>http://www.fda.gov/</U></U></A></FONT>> . You can find press releases in the center under “FDA News,” but for a more complete overview, click “Pet food recall” on the Hot Topics column on the right.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Related Reading:</B></div> <bR> <div> € Christie Keith, a contributing editor for Universal Press Syndicate's Pet Connection, brings up several scary and important issues-including the lack of any systematic way to report and track pet illness across the United States-in an article titled “Bigger than you think: The story behind the pet food recall” for SFGate.com, the online home of the San Francisco Chronicle. Read it here: <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#009900" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/g/a/2007/04/03/petscol.DTL" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cg"><U><U>http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-in/article.cgi?file=/g/a/2007/04/03/petscol.DTL</U></U></A></FONT></div> <bR> <div> € Late today, the April 15 issue of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association appeared online. The lead story looks at how vets are responding to the recall. <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#009900" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.avma.org/onlnews/javma/apr07/070415b.asp" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.avma.org/onlnews/javma/apr07/"><U><U>http://www.avma.org/onlnews/javma/apr07/070415b.asp</U></U></A></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Tainted Food Effects</B></div> <bR> <div> The contaminated pet food has caused kidney failure in cats and dogs. Contact your vet immediately if you notice symptoms such as loss of appetite, lethargy and vomiting.</div> <bR> <div> Fortunately, Jean hasn't heard of any day care dogs that have gotten sick from eating bad food. Last week The Des Moines Register ran a story about a 2-year-old English bulldog, Harley, who died despite a month of medical attention that included blood transfusions. His owner blamed tainted Iams food. A person posting a comment to the story on the Register's website said that his/her Pomeranian, Lokee, had also died as a result of tainted food. You can read the story here (comments below the story): <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#009900" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbca.dll/article?AID=20070330/NEWS/703300377/1001/NEWS" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbca.d"><U><U>http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070330/NEWS/703300377/1001/NEWS</U></U></A></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>What Are You Feeding Your Dog?</B></div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >The recall is particularly troubling because it involves several respected, expensive and best-selling brands that received ingredients from other countries. Jean recommends Great Plains Premium Dog Food, which is manufactured in Iowa with local ingredients. (See </FONT><A HREF="http://www.greenbeltkennels.com/id118.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.greenbeltkennels.com/id118.ht"><U><U>http://www.greenbeltkennels.com/id118.htm</U></U></A><A HREF="http://www.greenbeltkennels.com/id118.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.greenbeltkennels.com/id118.ht"><U><U> </U></U></A><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >for more info.) “I just feel that it has to be safe because they're not getting any products outside of the state or country,” she says.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> This article by Kim Campbell Thornton for MSNBC addresses consumer concerns about pet food: www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17845205/ <<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#009900" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17845205" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17845205"><U><U>http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17845205/</U></U></A></FONT>> . (You'll also find links to several other related stories.)</div> <bR> <div> <B>The Scoop on Poop</B></div> <bR> <div> When all of that snow melted recently, many of us were surprised to see the huge amount of “offerings” our dear dogs had deposited during the winter. For “the full poop” on clean up, we turned to Kennel Manager Brandon Roth, who takes care of Greenbelt's pet waste and operates the private business Scooper Troopers with his wife, Camille. The newlyweds even traveled to Las Vegas in January to attend the Fourth National Pooper Scooper Convention.</div> <bR> <div> Q. Brandon, what's the best way for people to get rid of dog poop in their yards if they're going to do it themselves?</div> <bR> <div> A.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT>There are many different types of pooper scoopers that they can buy at a local store such as Petco or Petsmart. Try to buy a sturdy set that won't wear out quickly (preferably made of metal). Line a 5-gallon bucket with a 13-gallon trashcan liner. Just double bagging it and putting it in the trash is acceptable. </div> <bR> <div> Q. Why shouldn't they just leave it in the yard?</div> <bR> <div> A.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT>The number one myth about dog poop is that it is good fertilizer! Some important environmental agencies actually label it “hazardous waste.” Dog poop is protein-based, unlike pig or cow manure. It kills the grass. Health concerns are a big issue when owners leave dog waste in the yard. If left to fester, it can cause contamination to groundwater and soil, not to mention all of the contaminants from tapeworms, hookworms and <I>Salmonella</I> (just to mention a few). With Scooper Troopers on the job, our clients feel safe letting their loved ones enjoy the yard.</div> <bR> <div> Q. What services does Scooper Troopers offer?</div> <bR> <div> A. We have a variety of plans to meet everyone's needs. This spring, we've been doing a lot of one-time cleanings. Most dog owners don't pick up very well over the winter and when the snow melts, they're just not looking forward to cleaning up months' worth of poop. One-time cleanups start at $40 for the first four gallons of dog waste removed and $10 for each additional four gallons.</div> <bR> <div> Ninety percent of our clients set up a once-a-week schedule. The price for one visit each week is $14 for one dog, $16 for two and $18 for three or four dogs. An initial cleanup fee of $30 for the first four gallons removed and $10 for each additional four gallons is charged on the first visit (due to accumulation). We make it easy for our clients by sending them an invoice on the first of each month, due by the 16th.</div> <bR> <div> Q. How do you clean it up?</div> <bR> <div> A. C'mon . . . I can't give away ALL our secrets! We use a variety of tools, depending on the consistency. We disinfect our tools and shoes in between each cleaning to avoid cross contamination. At home, people can use a bleach/water solution to clean their tools.</div> <bR> <div> Q. What do you do with all of that . . . stuff?</div> <bR> <div> A. Since starting our business, we've been so blessed to meet Jean Brown, who owns Greenbelt Kennels. We're able to dispose of all our waste at her facility because it's a kennel. At some point soon, I will be looking into renting a full size dumpster to handle all of our “product.” </div> <bR> <div> Q. You provide services for homes and businesses? What about apartments?</div> <bR> <div> A. We serve residential and commercial clients. Apartment owners have found that when hiring a professional to come in on a regular basis and clean their grounds, everyone is much happier. When we break it down to a per-unit price, our fee is very minimal for the individual renter. We are slowly gaining commercial clients and are planning on marketing to them more after our spring rush is over. </div> <bR> <div> Q. How did you get involved with Scooper Troopers? Is it a franchise?</div> <bR> <div> A. No, it is not a franchise. My wife and I created Scooper Troopers. We've always wanted to be our own bosses. We've found a big need for our service here in the Des Moines area and are happy to serve our customers. We're really excited about the growth we've seen this spring.</div> <bR> <div> Q. Are you and Camille the only employees right now?</div> <bR> <div> A. Yes. Somewhere down the line we're going to have to hire employees. Probably on a part-time basis to begin with and then, eventually, we hope to run multiple crews all over the Des Moines Metro. </div> <bR> <div> Q. When did you start the business? Why did you want to?</div> <bR> <div> A. We started in June of last year. I wanted to start this business because I was already sick and tired of sitting behind a desk for a living. After three years in the mortgage industry (and just two months after starting Scooper Troopers), I left my job to start scooping poop! Camille is really excited about leaving the corporate world as well. That will be happening sometime soon.</div> <bR> <div> For more information about Scooper Troopers-which claims “We're #1 at picking up #2 in Des Moines”- talk to Brandon or Camille or visit their website at <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#009900" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://scoopertroopers.biz/Scooper_Troopers_Home.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://scoopertroopers.biz/Scooper_Troop"><U><U>http://scoopertroopers.biz/Scooper_Troopers_Home.html</U></U></A></FONT>.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Meet The Staff</B></div> <bR> <div> Ann Cofield has joined the Waggin' Tails dog park crew. She usually accompanies the day care “kids” to the park twice a day. “Who can think of a better job?” she asks in her sweet Atlanta drawl. “My friends don't believe me when I tell them what I'm doing.”</div> <bR> <div> Ann's dog, Daisy, is a Golden Retriever-our breed of the month-who works as a therapy dog, visiting Wesley Acres retirement community, where she is popular with residents. “They pet her, and she does tricks, and they give her treats,” Ann says.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Breed Spotlight: Golden Retrievers</B></div> <bR> <div> Beautiful, lovable Golden Retrievers are one of the world's most popular family dogs. At Greenbelt, where more than 50 breeds and mixes mingle, Golden Retrievers are the single most-represented breed.</div> <bR> <div> These sweet-tempered dogs get along with everyone, and are especially good with children. Day care works well for them because they like other dogs, need daily exercise and are happiest when around people. Goldens can become mischievous if left alone for long periods.</div> <bR> <div> Goldens hail from Scotland and England, and trace their ancestors back to yellow retrievers, spaniels, setters, Newfoundlands and possibly even Bloodhounds. They were first shown in England in 1908 as Golden Flat Coats.</div> <bR> <div> These sturdy, medium-sized dogs also are intelligent, trustworthy and natural people-pleasers. They sniff out drugs for the police, assist the disabled and give love as therapy dogs. They're also great swimmers and hunters and perform well in obedience and agility competitions. The first three dogs of any breed to achieve the AKC Obedience Champion title, starting in 1977, were all Golden Retrievers.</div> <bR> <div> Sources: dogbreedinfo.com, akc.org; Golden Retriever Club of America (<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#009900" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.grca.org/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.grca.org/"><U><U>http://www.grca.org/</U></U></A></FONT>)</div> <bR> <div> <B>Our Golden Friends</B></div> <bR> <div> The Golden Retrievers at Waggin' Tales are “all over the map” in personality, according to Jean. “They're all loveable,” she says, “but they truly range from bounce-off-the-wall dogs to extremely sedate and reserved.”</div> <bR> <div> We asked some day care Moms and Dads to dish about their Goldens:</div> <bR> <div> Mike Pagano says his dog, <B>Charlie</B>, “radiates happiness wherever he goes.” “He looks forward to day care where he can run and play and connect with his `friends,'” Mike says. “He is loyal and beautiful and proud, and he emits much love. I am lucky to the be the recipient of that love.”</div> <bR> <div> Mary Wright says 4-year-old <B>Abby</B> is energetic and craves attention. “She loves Elena (and anyone that cares to pet her),” Mary says. “She was born with a dark patch of hair on one of her ears and a personality to boot. She loves to carry her leash around in her mouth when it's time for a walk or to go home.”</div> <bR> <div> Abby enjoys playing, but makes up her own rules for fetch, Mary says. “She runs after the ball and gets it but doesn't want us to take it from her unless we chase her,” she says. “She has an obsession with her KONG at home and carries it around in her mouth, along with any other toy she can fit in there, all the time. We love her to death, and she loves doggy day care.”</div> <bR> <div> <B>Frankie</B>, 1 1/2, is pretty, smart and kind and loves people and other dogs, says “Mom” Lindsay Kane. “I got Frankie as a puppy,” she says. “It was love at first sight. She just came right up to me, sat down and looked up. I knew she was the one. It has been so wonderful to have her. Even my nephew, who is 2, almost wets his pants when we go to visit because he gets so excited to see her.”</div> <bR> <div> Frankie licks her nose when she hears the name of one of her favorite treats: biscuits. “She loves to play in the water, go to the dog park and find new things in the back yard,” Lindsay says.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Daisy</B> just turned 2 but hasn't left that energetic, excited puppy stage, according to owners Brad and Susan Harris. “Her nickname is `crazy' Daisy,' if that says anything,” they say. “Daisy was the `wild' puppy in the litter, and we absolutely adore her. Day care has been a godsend and, as long as we get her to the dog park at least three days a week, she is the sweetest, most endearing dog. She makes our family complete.”</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sitka</B>, who turns eight on April 12, is a loving companion who likes to romp at the dog park, play Frisbee and hang out upstairs at daycare with the smaller dogs, “Mom” Anne Lund says. “I think she's pretty calm, pretty laid back. She does bark when she hears things outside, especially if it sounds like a footstep. But after the door opens, she's a friend to all,” Anne says with a laugh. “She's very easy to train as long as there's food involved. Of course, I'm pretty much like that, too.”</div> <bR> <div> A former day care regular, <B>Henry</B> returns to play when he boards at Greenbelt Kennels. “Henry will be six this June. He's a happy boy who has yet to grow up,” says “Dad” Jim Aldridge. “He loves people, especially his family, and his toys. Henry started attending day care as a puppy and now stays home most days with his buddy, <B>Sophie</B>. Henry and Sophie very much look forward to playing with the day care dogs when they board at the kennel.”</div> <bR> <div> Sophie will be four this fall. “She's the alpha dog in our house,” Jim says, “even though she's younger and weighs 20 pounds less than Henry. She loves to chew up Henry's toys when she's in the house and is constantly `hunting' when she's outside. Henry and Sophie are important members of our family, and we feel fortunate that Greenbelt Kennels is available to take care of them whenever we travel.”</div> <bR> <div> <B>Dogs in the News</B></div> <bR> <div> € <B>Love flows to abused Iowa dog. </B>Iowans and other animal lovers have sent 200 cards and $14,000 to an Oskaloosa shelter to help Kane, an 11-month-old chocolate lab, who suffered a broken pelvis, fractured femur and crushed teeth after allegedly being beaten with a frying pan. The money will cover his medical bills. In an article in the Sioux City Journal, Gabby Evans, director of the Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter, said Kane was living with a foster family and doing well. “He's very, very, happy,” she said. “He hasn't lost his spunk.” <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#009900" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.siouxcityjournal.com/articles/2007/03/28/news/iowa/6c0e0b79859d502b862572ac000f0ca9.txt" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.siouxcityjournal.com/articles"><U><U>http://www.siouxcityjournal.com/articles/2007/03/28/news/iowa/6c0e0b79859d502b862572ac000f0ca9.txt</U></U></A></FONT></div> <bR> <div> Here's a story about Kane from The Register: <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#009900" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=20070325/NEWS/703250034/-1/archive" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pb"><U><U>http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070325/NEWS/703250334/-1/archive</U></U></A></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>€ Golden Retriever performs Heimlich.</B> In keeping with our Golden theme this month, we bring you Toby, a 2-year-old Maryland dog who's been credited with saving his owner's life. Debbie Parkhurst, 45, says she was choking on a piece of apple and believes Toby became aware of the problem when he saw her beating herself on the chest. She told the Cecil Whig: “The next thing I know, Toby's up on his hind feet, and he's got his front paws on my shoulders. He pushed me to the ground, and once I was on my back, he began jumping up and down on my chest.” See a photo of Debbie and Toby and read about them here:<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#009900" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0x2833.261702.00.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0x2833.2617"><U><U> </U></U></A><A HREF="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0x2833.261702.00.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0x2833.2617"><U><U>http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,261702,00.html</U></U></A></FONT>.</div> <bR> <div> € <B>Doggie Yoga</B>. In Seattle, canines and their humans hit the mats for a 40-minute yoga class. How long before this trend hits Des Moines? <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#009900" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://usatoday.com/news/offbeat/2007-04-03-doggie-yoga_N.htm?POE=click-refer" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://usatoday.com/news/offbeat/2007-04"><U><U>http://usatoday.com/news/offbeat/2007-04-03-doggie-yoga_N.htm?POE=click-refer</U></U></A></FONT></div> <bR> <div> Thanks for spending time with this month's newsletter. It's fun to look for topics and stories that we feel will be helpful or interesting to you. Remember, if you miss an issue or want to read an earlier one, Jean has them archived on the website: <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#009900" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.greenbeltkennels.com/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.greenbeltkennels.com/"><U><U>http://www.greenbeltkennels.com/</U></U></A></FONT>. Thank you for sharing your precious dogs with us at Greenbelt Kennels. They really are a joy.</div> <bR> <div> Until next month,</div> <div> Kellye</div> <div> Newsletter Editor/Cosmo's “Mom”</div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>