Nutro guilty until proven innocent

FDA’s Laura Alvey, deputy director of communications with FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine denies investigation into NUTRO Foods. Freelance journalist Lisa Wade McCormick a reporter for Consumer Affairs stands by her story that an anonymous FDA source confirmed an investigation exists. Consumer Affairs Editor in Chief James R. Hood said in an interview with Veterinary Information Network (VIN) that “where there’s smoke there’s fire” and they have received upwards of 640 consumer complaints about NUTRO pet food.  From web-site ‘http://news.vin.com/VINNews.aspx?articleId=12735

I will continue to follow this story to see if there is any substance to the claim by Consumer Affairs. Unfortunately I and many others are not going to give NUTRO another chance to cause illness in my pet.

Lure Coursing with Cailean

This past Saturday the most beautiful day yet this year we took Cailean with 3 deerhound friends to Youngstown New York for the Lake Country Lure Coursing event.

The day was one of record breaking temperatures (27 Celsius) and a nearly gale force wind.

This was Cailean’s opportunity to be certified, while we hoped she would take to chasing the lure and not the other dog, or cut across the field.

All the other dogs waited peacefully in the van, did Cailean? Course not. Silly to imagine that Miss Biz could relax and wait for her turn to run. She was as excited as a 4 year old child going to the circus. I wanted to take her for a run and find a place to throw the ball (which she loves) but didn’t want to wear her out on such a warm day.

We have had a couple of practice runs which were pretty good. I am happy to report that our Cailean ran really well and is now certified to run ASFA, but we all thought that she was a little intimidated by Pat Wolfe’s “Oban” a big and very fast male deerhound that she was running with. Whether she could have passed him was unclear she did seem to hang back a bit. Hopefully our first race in Uxbridge will be as much fun.

I was truly impressed by the keen focus of the dogs on the lure. Most of the dogs were out for the first run of the season. It was truly fascinating to see all dogs on the side line riveted by and straining to be part of the action on the field. We got some great video and I hope to get it posted here soon.

I am very appreciative of the kindness of the LCLC organization, especially Laurie Soutar who was very patient and helpful. Thank you all. Special thanks to “Lady Bug” the Afghan Hound who ran with Vesper, “Marcus” for running with Legacy and “Oban” for running with Cailean.

Jenya Campbell's coursing hound

NUTRO Foods under FDA investigation

This week the consumer watch dog (no pun intended) group Consumer Affairs. Com (CA) broke a story on NUTRO Products Inc., stating that the (FDA) confirmed to Consumer Affairs that there is a probe after denying (CA) access to complaints and lab test documents under the Freedom of Information Division.  (CA) has received hundreds of complaints nationwide from consumers who claim their dogs and cats have become ill after eating NUTRO.  NUTRO denies any investigation is underway. Meanwhile nervous pet owners are anxiously waiting to hear more.