First Lawsuit Filed Against Diamond Pet Foods

On the heels of an ever-growing Salmonella-related recall, Diamond Pet Foods now faces a lawsuit: the first of many?

The Diamond Pet Foods recall debacle just got worse.

The first lawsuit against Diamond Pet Foods and Costco stores was filed on Monday for damages caused by Salmonella-tainted pet food.

Dog eating dry food by Shutterstock.com

According to the Food Poisoning Bulletin, the law firm of Pritzker Olsen filed suit "in the US District Court, District of New Jersey (case number 3:12-CV-03127-JAP-LHG) on behalf of an infant who was hospitalized with a Salmonella Infantis infection" allegedly related to Kirkland Signature Super Premium Healthy Weight Dog Food formulated with Chicken and Vegetables. 

The food was part of a nationwide recall that has expanded since April 6 to include an ever-growing number of Diamond products.

According to the complaint, the child "began experiencing symptoms of food poisoning, including severe diarrhea, fever, loss of appetite, and pain, on or about April 11. He was admitted to St. Peters University Hospital in New Jersey, where he was treated for salmonellosis. The bacteria cultured from the patient proved to be the same rare genetic subtype found in other human and product samples associated with the outbreak and recall," FPB reports.

Thermometer by Shutterstock.com

The food that allegedly sickened the baby was manufactured in a South Carolina plant that was found to be in violation of several food-safety laws, including maintenance problems, damaged equipment whose dents and gouges could harbor microorganisms, and an absence of hand-sanitizing facilities in necessary locations.

An FDA inspection on April 12 led to an official statement that the company was not taking “all reasonable precautions to ensure that production procedures to not contribute contamination from any source.”

Fourteen people in the US and one in Canada have been sickened by the recalled pet food, according to FPB. As for how many dogs have been sickened, "pets are rarely tested for gastrointestinal bacteria, making it impossible to estimate the number ill from the outbreak. Regardless, the FDA does know of two clinically confirmed Salmonella infections in dogs from the same household where they were served a recalled brand," explains Food Safety News. "The latest CDC update on the outbreak reports that illnesses that occurred after April 13, 2012 may not yet be reported, and investigators do expect more illnesses."

Sources: Food Safety News, Food Poisoning Bulletin

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We Wondered When This Would Happen: First Class-Action Lawsuit Filed Over Chicken Jerky

"Who in their right mind would feed something to an animal that has an FDA warning?" distraught owner of dead dog asks.

We've been writing about the potential deadly effects of chicken jerky made in China for years. Every time we do, we're deluged by readers who share their own heartbreaking tales of their own dogs who have either died or been made extremely ill from the jerky treats.

So the news from Chicago of the first class-action lawsuit against a couple of jerky-related companies isn't a big surprise. The only surprise is that it didn't happen sooner.

Chicago-area resident Dennis Adkins has filed the federal lawsuit against Netle Purina Petcare (makers of Waggin' Train chicken jerky) and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., where he bought the treats. He says his Pomeranian died of kidney failure shortly after he started feeding them to her. His other Pom, who did not get any of the treats, was perfectly fine.

Last fall the FDA cautioned consumers -- and not for the first time -- about feeding their dogs chicken jerky products (also sold as chicken tenders, strips, or nuggets) made for dogs. "In the last 12 months, FDA has seen an increase in the number of complaints it received of dog illnesses associated with consumption of chicken jerky products imported from China," the advisory stated. In 2007 the FDA put a cautionary warning on the products.

Adkins said he had no idea about this, and that he never would have thought of looking on the package for a warning. His suit claims that Nestle Purina was aware of more than 500 cases of dogs dying or becoming extremely ill after eating chicken jerky treats made in China.

"Who in their right mind would feed something to an animal that has an FDA warning?" Adkins said in a Chicago Tribune story. "I would not buy the product."

The federal lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages for people who believe their dogs were harmed by the treats. It also calls for an end to the sale of the treats.

Nestle Purina is not going to take this sitting down. "We believe the claims made in the suit to be without merit and intend to vigorously defend ourselves. We can say that Waggin' Train products continue to be safe to feed as directed," a Nestle spokesman said.

The suit could expand to include other companies. Because the FDA has not yet found any reason for the illnesses, it may be a tough one to win. But who knows what will be found out during proceedings. It will be an interesting and important suit. I'll keep you posted.

Sources: Chicago Tribune, Bloomberg

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A Fun First: Music Arranged for Dogs Makes Billboard Classical Chart!

Roll over, Beethoven! An album arranged for dogs — yes, dogs — has won a coveted spot on the Billboard Classical Music Chart. It’s the first time this has happened, and Dogster has the news before any other news outlet! (I’ll tell you why in a moment.)

Through a Dog’s Ear: Music to Calm Your Canine Companion, performed by Dogster favorite Lisa Spector, ranks at #19 on the chart this week. The album is the first in a series of solo piano recordings clinically demonstrated to calm the canine nervous system. The music has been selected and rearranged to help dogs suffering from anxiety issues.

Judging by big sales, it looks like there are a lot of doggies who need calming these days. In fact, when we ran our interview with Lisa a couple of years ago, Dogsters were abuzz over this music.

OK, so here’s why we have this news a little bit before pretty much anyone else. By coincidence, I just wrote a story for a publication called San Francisco Classical Voice about how music can calm dogs. It came out yesterday afternoon, so I’ve been in touch with Lisa a great deal before its publication date, and I was “right there” when she got the news.

I think you’ll really like the article. I can’t “reprint” more than a couple of paragraphs here, so come see the full article at San Francisco Classical Voice to learn about not only the Through a Dog’s Ear music, but about music and its power to help dogs chill. I’d love it if you could leave a comment there with your experiences or thoughts, because they could use the voices of some dog lovers.

Little Red

Here’s how the article starts:

Little Red, a pit bull with a tender soul, spent the majority of her first five years chained to a car axle that was planted in the ground at Michael Vick’s notorious Bad Newz kennels. Her only respite from the elements was when she had puppies, or when someone needed a bait dog to test the violent propensities of other pit bulls.

She is scarred inside and out. Her teeth were filed down so she could not have defended herself if she tried. When she was rescued in the 2007 raid on the Smithville, Virginia, dogfighting ring, and placed with Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, she was so fearful that she wanted only to hide — from people, dogs, the world.

Click here for the rest.

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Cool News: World’s First Dog with Four Bionic Limbs

Naki'o with his four bionic paws

Bionic man, meet the bionic dog. Naki’o is reportedly the world’s first dog to be fitted with four bionic legs. He gets along on them super well, and is able to run, jump, and even swim.

The poor pooch had a rough puppyhood. IncredibleFeatures.net reports that his family abandoned him and his siblings as very young pups when they moved from their foreclosed Nebraska home. With their dog mother dead, and a very harsh winter, the pups were malnourished and barely surviving. A weakened Naki’o apparently stepped in a nearly frozen puddle in the basement of the home and couldn’t move.

The bionic man: A prototype?

Someone found the red heeler pups when they were a mere 5 weeks old, and took them to an animal rescue center. Nakio’s paws were slayed by frostbite and veterinarians had to amputate. He was left with four stumps. When they healed, he was able to walk around on them for a while, but as he grew it was too much, and he could only crawl around on his belly.

Veterinary technician Christie Tomlinson adopted him, and raised funds to get him fitted with two prosthetic rear legs. They worked out so well that OrthoPets decided to give him two more limbs free of charge.

“We wanted Naki’o to enjoy his life to the fullest,” said OrthoPets co-founder Martin Kaufmann. “We wanted him to run as fast as he could, to be able to hold a bone to chew. This breed of dog needs to run, jump and hike big mountains. I knew having the best quality of life possible would also prolong his life greatly.”

These prosthetic limbs are anything but peg legs. They’re high-tech wonders constructed to mimic a dog’s natural legs. Check out this short video of Naki’o below, and see just how well this amazing dog is doing with his super cool new set of gams. For some great pics of Naki’o, check out this IncredibleFeatures.net page.

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New tool for fighting feline pain is first in class

Last week, word hit the street that Novartis Animal Health received FDA approval for an oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for use in cats — the very first such medication for felines.

This is great news. Cats have traditionally been the also-rans in the world of veterinary pharmaceuticals — an afterthought, if thought of at all. I have been a practicing veterinarian for 25 years, and continually frustrated at how few medications get into my hands are approved for use in cats. So my response to this news is, huzzah!

The chemical name of the new drug is robenacoxib, and the trade name is Onsior.

It’s important to understand the context in which this product is approved. From the document in the Federal Register, it is approved for “control of post-operative pain and inflammation associated with orthopedic surgery, ovariohysterectomy, and castration in cats weighing at least 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg) and at least 6 months of age, for up to a maximum of 3 days.”

Always best to start with the precise verbiage associated with the approval of such a product. Looking carefully at the language of this approval, it is a fairly narrow application — an oral formulation, around surgery, only for 3 days, cats must be at least 6 months old and weigh at least 5.5 pounds. The recommended dose is 1 mg/kg given once daily, and Onsior comes in a 6 mg tablet.

From the information I could find, the tablets are not designed to be split, though I need to confirm that detail. Limitations aside, this is the very first oral NSAID made available to veterinarians specifically licensed to use in cats as part of a post-operative pain management regimen.

I’ll take it, restrictions and all.

The licensure process means that we have data demonstrating both efficacy and safety in the target specie (the cat). It also opens the door for ongoing research into using this drug for other painful conditions in the cat such as trauma or wounds, and the biggie, osteoarthritis.

Is this the “magic bullet” for cats? Nope. No such thing. As with any pharmacologic tool in our “pharmatarium,” Onsior demands the same respect as any other NSAID. Common sense cautions for the veterinary practitioner considering this medication include not using this (or any NSAID):

in a cat with GI ulcersat the same time as a corticosteroidwith another NSAIDfor a cat who is dehydratedfor a cat with impaired kidney, heart, or liver function.

These precautions fall into the category of advocating for what is best for the patient, and looking at the condition of the whole patient before making a decision.

Perhaps this approval will open a door for more scrutiny and attention to what else our feline companions need to enhance their health, wellness, and comfort.

What do other cat-lovers think?

Photo credit: Dr. Robin Downing

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Becoming Dr. Dolittle: Your First Lesson in Dog Sign Language

Last week I ran a post by animal sign language expert Sean Senechal on the importance of being able to really communicate with your dog. She has taught her dog and many others sign language, and her dog may have even helped save her own life recently when she was able to point to an “ouch” spot that was cancer. Today, Senechal, founder of AnimalSign, and author of the book, Dogs Can Sign, Too!, gives Dogster readers a primer in doggy sign language.

Maria Goodavage

____________________________________________

Imagine being able to ask your poodle, Who’s at the door? and having her respond, Katy. Or asking your golden retriever, What do you want? and him responding, Water. Or asking your Border collie, Which toy do you want? and getting the response, Stick.

Sean Senechal and a friend who can converse with her

If you’ve ever wondered what dogs would tell us if they could, now you can find out. The K9Sign system teaches dogs to communicate TO us-making it a first in dog training and communication approaches. My book Dogs Can Sign, Too! is the first book dedicated exclusively to the K9Sign system for teaching dogs to communicate to their humans using a learned gestural vocabulary. (Previously, I wrote AnimalSign To You. Signing Is Not Just for Primates Anymore, which focused on both horse and dog.)  Sample K9Signs range from general concepts, such as Food or Play to identifying special treats, such as Liver or Cheese and specifying a favorite toy, such as Ball or Frisbee. Signs also include useful questions such as Who’s that? or What type? to naming a particular friend or family member, or even indicating a stranger.

Learning K9Sign is a fun, challenging, and rewarding experience for both you and your dog that is sure to deepen the human-canine bond, while expanding our ideas about interspecies communication. So, how do you get started teaching K9sign? Much like babies learn to Baby Sign, toddlers learn simple language, of Koko learned Gorilla Sign, dogs can learn K9Sign. I incorporate learning theory and protocols (many in applied behavior analysis used with children with speech-delays), operant conditioning principles, and lots of positive reinforcement, molding, modeling, and imitation.

Before you attempt to learn K9Sign, both you and dogs should have some skills. You should be observant of your dogs moves and know how to give feedback. I use a guided system which uses  Ya,..Yeah…Yes!  You should be agile with clicker, or the next best marker words, Yes or Good. You should know how to give a reward, quickly.  All together you should be able to spot the behavior you want, mark it, and then reward your dog. Behavior -> Yes à Click à Reward. Your dog should know how to attend to you when you call her name. She should understand and adjust her behavior from the feedback you provide. She should wait for you to deliver the treats, rather than grab them.

Starter K9Signs:

You should start teaching the fun and easy signs that are meaningful to your dog. This way you get her attention and buy-in, assuring success in the first signing lessons. The more fun and successful the first signing lessons, the more your dog will want to learn other signs.

"Food" - a move of the left front paw

The steps for teaching K9Signs involve 1) teaching the move, 2) getting it on cue, and then 3) teaching the meaning. (In my book, I explain how to test the sign.) The K9Signs Play or Food are usually the easiest to start with. Below, I guide you through simplified steps. (I explain much more in my book and deal with some typical issues that arise). View some K9Signs on here and here.

PLAY: Teaching the K9Sign Play is a great sign to start, since your dog probably already knows the move and the meaning. You just need to get it on cue. The move is the play bow, where the dog pounds with her front paws to the ground, while her hind is up, tails wagging. Starting with this sign affirms and clarifies to your dog that you are really listening and that you will clearly respond when your dog communicates. (You probably already do this to some degree, but you will exaggerate your message in this lesson.)

The Play Lesson Steps:

1. Have a play toy within reach.

2. Inspire your dog to sign Play. Do this by performing the play bow yourself—playfully dropping your hands (with toy) to the ground.

3. After your dog play bows reliably, get it on cue. Entice your dog to sign Play, but just before she actually signs it, you say to her, Sign Play. Repeat this sequence several times.

4. When she signs Play, you immediately imitate the sign back, and say Yes! Play à Clickà, then reward by playing with her.

FOOD:  Teaching the K9Sign Food is easy because the move is common, getting it on cue is simple, and the reward IS the meaning–the food itself.  The move involves the dog lifting (in any way) her left front paw.

The Food Lesson Steps:

Specific FOOD sign for Carrot (some people have asked for this specific sign). Left front leg

1. Have some plain, generic, food treats. These should be desirable, but not the most wanted (which you’ll name at some later date).

2. Show the food, and inspire your dog to lift her left leg (any way, any intensity).

3. When she does, say Yes! — then Click — Reward with the food.  Repeat this sequence several times. until your dog lifts her foot on seeing the food.

4. Get this move on cue. Entice her to sign Food (show the food), but just before she fully signs it, you say, Sign Food. Repeat this sequence several times until you can say Sign Food, and she does.

5. No need to teach the meaning formally, that is already done!

For the first week, when your dog signs Play or Food, say Yes and give her what she asks for quickly. Don’t worry about the possibility she will be signing Play or Food all the time.  After the first week, when you don’t want to be a playing all day or be a food slot machine, just say Later, and then do something else. With repetition, she’ll get the meaning. In my book, I explain in more detail how to teach Later.

You’ve been started!  I hope you and your dog eagerly await learning more signs.

How You Can Learn More

My website, AnimalSign.org, has a great deal of information.

My book, Dogs Can Sign Too: A breakthrough method for teaching your dog to communicate to you, explains the background, foundations for, and history of K9Sign. It also includes a how-to section with 25 K9Signs and elaborate instructions on how to teach each sign. Each sign includes tips to help you get through typical challenges and milestones.

I offer workshops/seminars which you can attend and/or host in your area. Several are scheduled in April/May in the North/South Monterey Bay Area. These cover topics on  K9Sign: the Foundation Signs and Teach Your Dog to Tell You Where She Hurts.  Check my website for events often.

WORKSHOP EVENT: Teach Your Dog to Tell You Where She Hurts.  Santa Cruz, Ca April 23, 2011 2-6 pm.

WORKSHOP EVENT:  K9Sign: the Foundation Signs in April or May in the North Bay Area. 2-6 pm. Stay tuned.

I offer Live/Interactive TELESEMINARS for those who can’t make it the live worshops.

TELESEMINAR EVENT: How to Teach Your Dog to Communicate Better on April 23, 2011 at  9 -10:30 am.  Telespace is limited, so sign up soon, then call in to listen and ask questions.

For those wanting more individual guidance I consult by telephone, and provide private coaching in person (in your home).

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Nation’s first animal trauma center opens

Tracking veterinary school advances gives us clues to what the future of veterinary medicine might be. Big news, then, out of the University of Minnesota. UMN’s Veterinary Medical Center is opening the country’s first animal trauma center. From a university press release:

According to board-certified veterinary criticalist Dr. Kelly Hall, the hope is that the University of Minnesota’s new trauma center model will be adopted by other large veterinary medical centers and teaching hospitals across the country, creating a network that will work collaboratively to continually develop methods to improve trauma patient care.

“By working collaboratively with leaders in the veterinary trauma field throughout the country, advancements in trauma care will be shared between centers rapidly, assuring the most severely injured patients have access to the most advanced therapies,” Hall said.

Like human trauma centers, the Animal Trauma Center will also provide leadership in education and research. The Animal Trauma Center designation reflects a depth of resources as opposed to just an ability to deliver medical care.

Let’s see more of these to come in other parts of the country!

Prop B to be reversed: We kept close track of Missouri’s Proposition B in November. Though it passed with 52 percent of the popular vote, the state Senate is now watering it down in a big way. Business Week reports the legislature is concerned Prop B will destroy the state’s dog breeding (read: puppy mill) industry.

Missouri has about 1,400 licensed commercial dog breeders, according to the Missouri Department of Agriculture. They amount to a $1 billion industry that employs thousands of people and spends millions of dollars annually on dog food, veterinarian services and utilities, said Sen. Mike Parsons, R-Bolivar, who is sponsoring the legislation reversing parts of the voter-approved initiative.

[...]
The Senate bill would strike a provision in the voter-approved initiative that limits businesses to owning 50 breeding dogs. It also would roll back various requirements on the dogs’ living conditions. For example, it would replace a mandate that water bowls remain free of debris, feces or algae with a general requirement for water to be provided in a safe container. Parsons had argued that, under the ballot initiative, breeders could be jailed if dog dropped a piece of food in its water bowl.

Specific language mandating that dogs have sufficient space to lie down or turn around in their cages? That’s being struck down. Plus more. Maybe the “Show Me” state could show some concern over the dogs forced to live their lives in these places?

Iditarod update: The 2011 Iditarod Sled Dog Race is underway in Alaska. Defending champion Lance Mackey’s team is seriously depleted, and two other teams have already withdrawn. Thanks to AP and the Anchorage Daily News for the updates.

Caution on Easter rabbits: Easter is April 24. For those considering buying a rabbit as an Easter gift, please don’t, unless you’ve thought it through very carefully. The House Rabbit Society gives you a few points to keep in mind.

Rabbits are not “low-maintenance” pets, and are a poor choice as a pet for children.They have a lifespan of 10 years and require as much work as a dog or cat.Your home must be bunny-proofed, or Thumper will chew cords and furniture.Rabbits must be neutered or spayed or they will mark your house with feces and urine.They should live indoors, as members of the family.

Perhaps it might be better to consider the Make Mine Chocolate campaign. That’s right, I’m urging you to support your local chocolatier. You could send me some, too. Dark, please.

Work out with your dog! A fun iVillage slide show to remind you about the importance of getting enough exercise for your pooch – and yourself. Stay tuned for a post later today from me on the topic, too….

Caring for Cara: Do you read Covered in Cat Hair? Robin’s tale of the enduring struggle of monitoring her cat Cara’s ongoing health issue is exhausting, scary, and at the same time, it leaves me with lots of hope.

Al fresco in Poe’s back yard: Now here’s some legislation I can get behind. The state of Maryland is considering a bill to allow dogs to accompany diners in outdoor venues. Ever had fresh Chesapeake stone crab on a warm summer night in Baltimore? It’s worth trying, trust me. (thanks, NBCWashington)

Irony – Ur doin’ it right. Finally, a Thursday chuckle. Enjoy.

see more Lolcats and funny pictures,

Note: The news wrap is taking a short hiatus. You’ll be hearing from me plenty over the next week, but most of it will be from Global Pet Expo 2011 in sunny Orlando. I’ll be joined by a Pet Connection posse: Ericka, Gina and Dr. Becker. Plus, a cameo appearance by our own Dr. Tony. Hmmm, Dr. Becker, Dr. Johnson and yours truly in the same place? This could be fun (or dangerous, take your pick).

I always like to hear from readers, especially if you have tips, and links for interesting stories.  Give me a shout in the comments, or better yet,send me an e-mail.

Photo credit: UMN ATC screenshot courtesy KARE11.com. MMC logo, makeminechocolate.org.

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California gets new First Dog

Last week I told you about the new cat at 10 Downing Street. Today, much bigger news.

Along with a new/old governor, the Golden State has a new First Dog. Welcome to Sutter (you gotta love the name), a Pembroke Welsh corgi. Governor Jerry Brown and First Lady Anne Gust Brown are happy to have 7-year-old Sutter in Sacramento after losing their previous dog, Dharma, last year. The Los Angeles Times reports that Sutter is already on the job.

“He finds all the extra food lying on the floor in the office,” Gust Brown told the Sacramento Bee of Sutter’s job duties. “He barks at anyone, he gives snuggles, he warms up the Republicans.” Beyond Republican-warming, his hobbies include herding and accompanying the Browns on jogs.

Corgi fanciers know the breed, famous for their appetite and their herding talent, is a longtime favorite of Queen Elizabeth II. Her Majesty has owned and bred Corgis since she was a teenager. If you are active on Twitter, you can follow Sutter @SutterBrown.

A mess in Memphis: There is no other way to say it – the Memphis Animal Shelter is broken. Shirley at YesBiscuit will give you the latest. The shelter’s director is definitely a piece of work.

Tell eBay to do the right thing: Technically, live animals cannot be sold on eBay. Unfortunately, all bets are off when it comes to their classifieds. That means that puppy milling scum have an unfettered avenue to do, and sell, whatever they want. You can support Change.org‘s petition to shut down this blatant loophole.

A true hero: James Campbell leases a kennel housing greyhounds. The kennel sits adjacent to the Derby Lane track in St. Petersburg, Fla. Last week, in the middle of the night, he was alerted by security that the kennel was on fire. A total of 46 greyhounds were trapped inside. Mr. Campbell rushed to the kennel and rescued the dogs — all of them. Meanwhile, the place was quickly burning to the ground. From the Tampa Tribune:

“It didn’t matter to me how much flames, how much smoke,” said Campbell, a father of three. “I was going in. I was getting my dogs.”

“I put them right below my kids,” he said. “Without thinking, I went in.”

There were 46 greyhounds in 46 crates stacked two high, with names such as JR’s Boy and Backwood Omar. As the fire crackled to life in the back of the kennel, with flames he described as 20 feet high, Campbell started quickly, but methodically, rescuing the dogs.

He unlatched the crate on top, helped the dog out, unlatched the crate underneath it, let that dog out. Then he went to the next stack, working down a row. Some of the dogs appeared to be oblivious to the peril, wagging their tails and staying close to Campbell rather than escaping through a side door into a penned area outside, he said.

“They still wanted to play,” he said. “They didn’t act any different. I’m not sure they were even aware of what was going on.”

Others were more easily led – or went on their own – to the penned area outside.

The fire department’s preliminary investigation points to the kennel’s HVAC system as the fire’s probable cause. (Tip of the cap to Cathy A.)

ASPCA-PetSmart partnership: In an ongoing effort to expand services across the country, ASPCA is putting clinics in place to assist with supplying ID tags and collars in selected communities. The project is underwritten by a just-announced $115,000 grant from PetSmart Charities.

Annandale’s gone to the dogs: Annandale, Virginia, just inside the Beltway, is a lovely place to raise a family. Ms. Beatha Lee relocated to Annandale from her previous home in Maine, and was nominated for the presidency of Annandale’s Hillbrook-Tall Oaks Civic Association.  Ms. Lee was elected easily. However, as the Washington Post tells the story, Ms. Lee will have some difficulty chairing meetings. It isn’t that she’s particularly old, it’s just that Beatha Lee is a Wheaten terrier. (Thanks, Susan)

Two unforgettable photo essays: In light of the Whistler massacre, how about a look at some sled dogs (thanks, Ericka). Next, as we wrap up coverage of Westminster, a final look at the doings in Manhattan, courtesy of the Boston Globe‘s Big Picture. Oh, and by the way, PawNation would like you to know positive reinforcement training is the norm at Westminster.

Remember the Ramones? They got the lyrics wrong. If this tune gets stuck in your head the rest of today, you’ll be in good company. Happened to me, too. Blame Animal Friends.

Turtle vs. kitteh: Ericka sent me this one, too. Tough little turtle, there. Liz, are you sure this one isn’t yours?

Engineer’s guide to cats: I neglected to ask Patti S. if she was an engineer when she forwarded this video, but now I feel much more enlightened.

I always like to hear from readers, especially if you have tips, and links for interesting stories.  Give me a shout in the comments, or better yet, send me an e-mail.

Photo credit: Sutter, Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times. James Campbell, Chip Osowski/TBO.

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Wilderness First Responder, 2nd: A Text for the Recognition, Treatment, and Prevention of Wilderness Emergencies

MOUNTAIN BIKING 3RD

Price: $34.95

Click here to buy from Amazon

Dog Whisperer With Cesar Millan - The Complete First Season

If you think your dog has behavioral problems, you'll feel better after watching 10 minutes of Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan's hard-luck cases. The smashing success of Millan's National Geographic Channel series is due partly to that feeling of relief--that no matter how bad your own dog's behavior, by and large, it's not nearly as bad as Millan's clients'; it's kind of like Nanny 911, but with dogs. Millan is also a telegenic, confident animal handler, whose basic message is reinforced in virtually every case: Don't treat your dog like a human; treat him like a dog, and be the alpha dog of your own household/pack. This canine golden rule applies to all kinds of doggie nut jobs: crazy little Chihuahua NuNu, who bites everyone but his owner; big sweetie-pie Great Dane Kane, whose puppy mishap sliding on a slick floor has made him terrified to walk on tile or linoleum; Brooks, who spins in circles trying to re-create a game involving looking for a laser light; and Maya the pitbull mix, who's sweet-tempered enough to let a kitten "nurse" on her nightly, but who tears apart her household a dozen times a day. One of Millan's most amazing success stories in this 26-episode series involves Churchill, a Rottweiler-shepherd mix who's docile and loving at home, but literally tries to attack all other dogs and even bites a neighbor, thus ending up on the brink of doggie death row. But within 15 minutes, Millan's calm confidence, and gentle but firm application of tugs on a well-angled leash have Churchill passing and sitting near a strange dog placidly.

Extras include some outtakes, footage of Millan's beloved wife and kids, and a hilarious "audition" tape, in which owners with their unhinged dogs are telling an off-camera producer why their pet should be considered for the show. All the while, the dogs are pacing, whining, refusing to budge and otherwise providing a lot of unintended amusement. --A.T. Hurley

Price: $29.98

Click here to buy from Amazon