Kroger Pet Food Recalled for Aflatoxin Poisoning, Health Risks

Kroger announced on Tuesday that it is voluntarily recalling many of its Kroger, Old Yeller and Pet Pride dry dog and cat food varieties because they could contain aflatoxin. Aflatoxin is a naturally occurring chemical by-product that is toxic. Aflatoxin grows from the fungus Aspergillus Flavus found in corn and other crop foods used in pet food production.

Kroger stores are located in the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. Other stores within the Kroger food network that are affected by the pet food recall include: Dillons and Gerbes stores (Kansas and Missouri): Baker's stores (Nebraska); Food 4 Less stores (Nebraska, Illinois and Indiana and the Chicago area); and Jay C, Hilander, Owen's, Pay Less and Scott's stores located in Illinois and Indiana. Kroger affiliate stores not affected by the pet food recall include: Fred Meyer, King Soopers, Fry's, Smith's, QFC, City Market, Foods Co., Ralph's and Food 4 Less stores in California and Nevada.

Pet foods have a sell by date of Oct. 23-24, 2011. Visit the FDA website for specific UPC code details. Pet foods included in the Kroger recall are:

Pet Pride Cat Food - 3.5 # package
Pet Pride Cat Food - 18 # package
Pet Pride Tasty Blend Poultry and Seafood Cat Food - 3.5 # package
Pet Pride Tasty Blend Poultry and Seafood Cat Food - 18 # package
Pet Pride Kitten Formula - 3.5 # package
Old Yeller Chunk Dog Food - 22# and 50# packages
Kroger Value Cat Food - 3 # package
Kroger Value Chunk Dog Food - 15# and 50# packages

If you have purchased any of the Kroger pet foods included in the recall, or store brand pet food from any of the stores listed, stop feeding it to your pets. Remove and discard uneaten portions. You should contact Kroger immediately, either by phone at (800) 632-6900 or on the Kroger Pet Food recall assistance website here: http://www.kroger.com/recalls. You will need your sales receipt. You can also return unused portions of pet food to Kroger stores where you purchased the product for full refund.

Parents and children are urged to keep a close eye on pets. Look for these symptoms, especially a combination of these symptoms: lethargy, sluggishness, refusing food, yellowish color in gums or eyes and severe diarrhea, especially diarrhea with blood, this can indicate poisoning from aflatoxin. Yellow eyes and gums are a sign of liver or kidney problems. Cornell University offers information and data on Aflatoxin. Aflatoxin is a potent carcinogen for humans and animals. Just as with human illnesses, the very young, very old and pregnant animals typically suffer the worst. Pets with already compromised health will be more susceptible, too. Make your pet as comfortable as possible. Contact your veterinarian immediately. Here are some helpful articles for treating a cat or dog who has been poisoned with Aflatoxin.

Marilisa Kinney Sachteleben, a 10-year veteran homeschooler, has nearly three decades of experience as a special needs and general education teacher. She has created hundreds of themed units and lesson plans on everything from ancient Greece to biodiversity to personal finance to poetry. She holds a BS in psychology and a degree as Dr. Mom from the university of life. She writes about parenting for the Yahoo! Contributor Network.

Source:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ac/20101221/bs_ac/7449980_kroger_pet_food_recalled_for_aflatoxin_poisoning_health_risks_1

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Introducing Curly Tail Wines!

Curly Tail has teamed up with Benefit Wines to offer our supporters a chance to help our rescue pugs! With each bottle you purchase - Curly Tail receives a portion of the proceeds as a donation.

Choose from our Curly Tail Cabernet, Smiling Chardonnay, Mopshond Merlot, Pug Valley Pinot,Snorting Sauvignon, or Sophia's Sparkling Wine!! Choose one, choose them all!!

Makes great holiday gifts for any animal lover!


Great wine for a Greater Cause!


Close up of wine labels:

Visit the Curly Tail Wine Store
www.benefitwines.com/curlytail

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Pre-Order your 2011 Curly Tail Pug Rescue Calendars!!

.....featuring all of our contest winners, finalists, and forever foster pugs!



To order your 2011 Curly Tail Calendar, just click the following Paypal button:

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Historic moment in the fight against Puppy Mills! Prop B was passed!

from the ASPCA press room

Dogs Win Big on Election Day with Historic Victory in Missouri

Fed up with their state’s reputation as the Puppy Mill Capital of America, Missourians hit the polls on Election Day to declare that enough is enough! On Tuesday, November 2, voters in the Show Me State passed the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act, which appeared on their ballots as Proposition B. (Although policy reform is most often generated through state legislatures, Prop B was a citizen-supported initiative). It is an incredible victory, and one we hope will send a strong message to the governments of other states—namely, that the public wants better conditions for puppy mill dogs, and will take on the task of changing the law themselves if elected officials fail to act.

In the last three years, 15 states, including major puppy mill states such as Iowa, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania, have passed laws to crack down on puppy mills. However, in no other state were the stakes higher for puppy mill dogs than Missouri.

Missouri’s weak laws regulating commercial kennels have made it a haven for substandard breeders. As home to one-third of all the commercial dog breeding facilities in the U.S.—as many as the next three largest dog breeding states combined—Missouri supplies more than 40 percent of all puppies sold in pet stores nationwide. No matter where you live, there’s a good chance that the puppies in the window of your local pet store came from a Missouri puppy mill. Implementation of the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act will provide welcome relief to tens of thousands of adult breeding dogs—not to mention the approximately one million puppies born in Missouri kennels every year.

The new Missouri law, which becomes effective in one year, requires that dogs at these large-scale facilities be provided with sufficient food and clean water, regular veterinary care, adequate housing and space, and access to regular exercise. And with passage of Proposition B, Missouri becomes the fifth state—joining Louisiana, Oregon, Virginia and Washington—to create a limit on the number of intact, adult breeder dogs a commercial dog breeder may keep.

“Tuesday’s passage of Proposition B reflects a landmark achievement in the ongoing fight against animal cruelty,” says ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres. “We are proud to have worked diligently on this campaign, and we celebrate this victory alongside the caring citizens of Missouri. The ASPCA is committed to working with local animal welfare groups to help breeders transition to the new humane standards and find loving homes for any displaced Missouri breeding dogs.”

The ASPCA wishes to thank our supporters all over the country for helping us advocate for Proposition B to your friends and family in Missouri. This victory is the culmination of 18 months of work for the ASPCA and our partners in Missourians for the Protection of Dogs, and it is proof that when we join together to use our voices for animals, we will be heard!

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Blue Buffalo Pet Food Recall

ASPCA Alerts Consumers About Blue Buffalo Pet Food Recall

Advises Pet Owners to Discontinue Affected Product Use Immediately

October 8, 2010

NEW YORK—The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) was notified today about a voluntary pet food recall issued by The Blue Buffalo Company. The affected products include Wilderness Chicken Dog food, Basics Salmon Dog food and Large Breed Adult Dog products. Recent reports have indicated that these recipes may contain higher levels of Vitamin D, which can cause hypercalcemia, a serious, if not fatal illness in dogs.

Blue Buffalo products are widely distributed at pet specialty stores as well as other retail and wholesale outlets. Additional information regarding the Blue Buffalo pet food recall can be found at http://bluebuffalo.com/news/vitamin-d-voluntary-recall.shtml.

“The ASPCA advises concerned pet owners who use Blue Buffalo products to contact the company with any questions related to their products and monitor their pets for signs of illness,” says Dr. Camille DeClementi, Veterinarian and Senior Toxicologist at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. “Should pet owners notice symptoms such as increased thirst, urination, stomach upset or loss of appetite, they should consult their veterinarian or contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for help.”

Hypercalcemia is a serious illness that affects the electrolytes in the body and can disrupt normal organ function. Serious cases can result in acute renal failure and cause damage to the heart or central nervous system. Coma and death have occurred in untreated cases.

“The ASPCA strongly advises pet owners to discuss any potential symptoms with their veterinarian and not to diagnose or treat their pet at home,” adds Dr. DeClementi.

Veterinary professionals can find additional information about hypercalcemia in dogs at www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/hypercalcemia.html or www.avma.org or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435. A $65 consultation fee may apply.

Related cases may be reported to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) through their web portal at https://www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov/fpsr/WorkflowLoginIO.aspx?metinstance=0BE019FB3B40EF9AF2E847B6A5720CD71A56C11D

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1st Annual Curly Tail Calendar Contest!!

Let the Voting Begin!!

You may now click on the 3 VOTE links in the left sidebar (and below) to cast your votes:

VOTE - Group 1
VOTE - Group 2
VOTE - Group 3

Be sure to send the links to all of your family, friends, and coworkers! The pug photos with the most votes will appear in our 2011 Curly Tail Calendar!!

How it will work:

1. Starting today, October 4th, qualified photos are now posted at the Curly Calendar Contest pages - Just click on the links in the sidebar for Groups 1-3 to see all the entries and cast your votes
2. The voting begins by locating your favorite pics and vote away!
3. Each vote will cost $1.
4. You can vote as many times, for as many photos, as you would like to see in the calendar.
* ie/ if you wanted to vote for "Puggy" – you would send in $10 that will be 10 votes for Puggy.
5. Voting will take place over a 3 week period.
6. Week 2, we will take the top voted for pugs and break them down into groups of 5 pugs per Calendar Month & voting continues.
7. Week 3, we will narrow down each month's top 5 down to the top 3 pugs
* At the end of week 3, the pug pics (within each Calender Month with the highest vote wins)
8. We are still deciding about the cover of the Calendar: Logo vs. Pug Picture Winner

Best of luck, you are all winners in our book!

Visit our homepage: curlytailpugrescue.org for more details!

~ The Curly Crew

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Carly and Mugsy

Late on Friday night Curly Tail received a frantic email from a woman who had just purchased two Pugs off of Craigslist. As she put it, she and her family had been "taken on a very expensive ride."

They replied to an ad stating that the owner of two Pugs had no place to live and needed to find a place for her two pugs immediately or else she was going to leave them behind. The well intentioned purchaser received very misleading photos of Mugsy and Carly. The Craigslist seller met her family with Carly and Mugsy in a parking lot. It was explained to us that "once she (the seller) got our money, she jumped in her car and took off."

The distraught email we received said this pair had to be moved immediately because the new owner could clearly see they were in desperate need for major medical care and this was not what she was expecting. She was hoping to purchase 2 healthy pugs and was in for the shock of her life.






This is a classic example of the dangers of purchasing pets from Craigslist! Ads are misleading and you simply never know whom you are really dealing with!


Carly: 3 year old Carly is sadly in far worse shape than Mugsy. We are pleased that she does not have mange however, what was described as "sensitive skin" is actually a very serious skin issue. This is the result of long time neglect & horrific living conditions. Carly's skin is literally peeling off with infection. She is covered in open sores & oozing wounds from infection. She has elephant skin covering her ears, stomach and limbs. Her whole body is swelled from inflammation and her ears & eyes are oozing with infection as well.

For the full story on Carly and Mugsy and to find out how you can help, visit the Curly Tail Website now.

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Curly Store is now accepting Orders!

We are thrilled to announce that our Curly Tail Store is now open for business!

Visit our store today and see the nice selection of Curly Tail merchandise include: Baseball caps, T-shirts, Glasses, Mugs, Tote Bags, and more!

Most importantly that 100% of the proceeds from the Curly Store cover our product costs & the rest goes directly towards the medical needs of our rescued pugs. So be styling this fall in some Curly Gear and help a little puggie out too!

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Curly Tail Pugs of Summer Giveaway Contest......and the winner is....

We wanted to thank everyone again for joining in our first online giveaway contest which was a great success!

Thanks to your participation we raised $931 for our Curly Pugs of Summer campaign!!

Curly Tail is THRILLED to announce that the winner of our Online Giveaway Contest is……………Drum roll please………Allison Carmello!!!

And just to show you how truly amazing, wonderful, generous, and sincere our supporters are – we wanted to share with you that the Allison decided she did not want to keep the cash prize for herself, she wished to donate it back to the rescue for some much needed pug supplies!!

At Allison's wish, Curly Tail will be using the prize money to purchase dog harnesses and leashes for our rescue pugs.

Thank you so much Allison!!

And…because the contest was such a success we decided to issue a runner up prize which goes to Chris Cooper - who will receive a Curly Tail Pug Rescue mug from our Curly Store!


Thanks again and stay tuned for more fun and exciting contests in the near future!

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Sucess Story: Brenda and Pepp!!

Brenda



Pepp

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Curly Tail Pugs of Summer Online Fundraising Raffle!!

We are very excited to announce the first of many to come Curly Tail Online Fundraising Campaigns!

Your help and participation is the key to our success!

This is your opportunity to provide some much needed help to our Curly Pugs of Summer and at the same time have a chance to win a fun prize!

Curly Tail has partnered with CSNStores.com to offer our supporters the chance to win a $40.00 giveaway at any of their 200 sites!

If you are not already familiar with CSNStores.com they have an incredible array of products in over 200 categories. Anything you could ask for from mountain bikes, toys, Dutch Ovens, and of course, Pet stuff. You can find just about anything you need and many of their items have free shipping!

Here is how it works:

Anyone who donates (any amount, even $1.00) to our Curly Pugs of Summer campaign for the next 5 days 7/26 – 7/30 will be automatically entered into a drawing to win the prize!

To donate – simply click on the Curly Pugs of Summer Chip-In Widget below to make your donation.


The winner will be chosen and notified on Monday August 2nd.

We will contact you by email with instructions on how to redeem your online coupon which you can spend on any item from CSN’s 200 sites!

We would like to extend a huge thank you in advance to everyone who participates in this raffle. It is with donations from all of you that we can continue to help the numerous pugs in need.

Best of luck!!
~ the Curly Crew

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Graydon finds his forever home!

Graydon is a senior gentleman with a heart of gold. He came into Curly Tail as a NYC ACC shelter pull. His background is heart breaking, but his new life’s journey is wonderful!!!

To read about Graydon's background, please visit: Graydon's Leaving Long Island story.

Here is Graydon in his new forever home!

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Success Stories: Lola, Bridget, Hercules, Henry

Lola



Bridget



Hercules



Henry

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Curly Pugs of Summer - UPDATE 7/16/10

This week we bring you the story of Frankie, a sweet nine your old male who was a stray picked up by Animal Care and Control in NYC. ACC contacted Curly Tail letting us know they had a Pug in need of immediate medical attention for a melting corneal ulcer in his left eye – a very critical condition that is also extremely painful. Hours later Frankie was at Dr. Solmon’s where his eye was treated 24/7 - as there was a possibility his eye would need to be removed if its condition did not improve.








We’re happy to report that Frankie’s time at CVC – a total of EIGHT days of around the clock pain management and hourly applications of eye meds – was a success! Frankie did not have to have his eye removed!

Once in stable condition, Frankie was then neutered and also had a dental – during which ten teeth were extracted due to extreme dental disease. Now pain free, Frankie is safely at his foster home and loving life in Curly Care!



Your contributions make it possible for Curly Tail to provide the extensive and costly medical care needed by so many Puglets. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ONGOING SUPPORT!

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Merrick Pet Care Recalls Beef Filet Squares 10oz Bag (Item #60016 Lot # 10084TL7 Best By March 24, 2012) Because Of Possible Salmonella Health Risk

Company Contact:
Customer Inquiries: (800) 664-7387
Other Inquiries: James Witcher, COO (806) 322-2806

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 2, 2010 – Merrick Pet Care, Inc. of Amarillo, Texas is recalling 86 cases of its 10oz “Beef Filet Squares for Dogs” pet treats (ITEM # 60016 LOT # 10084TL7 BEST BY MARCH 24, 2012) because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products. People handling the treats can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the chews or any surfaces exposed to these products. Consumers should dispose of these products in a safe manner by securing them in a covered trash receptacle.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers immediately.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian immediately.

The Beef Filet Squares were shipped to distributors and retailers throughout the US. These individuals have been notified and have activated their recall procedures.

The treats are sold in 10oz plastic bags marked with “Lot # 10084TL7 Best By Mar 24, 2012” on the top of the bag and on a sticker applied to the bottom.

No illnesses have been reported to date. FDA collected a surveillance sample of “Merrick Beef Filet Squares for Dogs” (lot #10084TL7) which were purchased from a retail store. The sample tested positive for Salmonella.

Consumers who have purchased 10 ounce packages of “Beef Filet Squares for Dogs” are urged to return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-664-7387 M-F 8:00 – 5:00 CDT.

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Natural Balance Pet Foods RECALL

Recall -- Firm Press Release

FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.
Natural Balance Pet Foods, Inc. announces a voluntary recall of Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Chicken Dry Dog Food Due to a Possible Health Risk

Contact:
Customer Service (800) 829-4493
Media Contact: Daniel Bernstein (310) 902-2554


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- June 18, 2010 - Natural Balance Pet Foods, Inc., of Pacoima, CA, announces a voluntary recall of Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Chicken Dry Dog Food with the "Best By" date of June 17, 2011, in 5-lb. and 28-lb. bags because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

No illnesses have been reported to date. The recall notification is being issued out of an abundance of caution based on an isolated instance in which a product sample with a "Best By" date of June 17, 2011, had a positive result for Salmonella in a random sample test conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This product was originally manufactured on December 17, 2009, and is the only Natural Balance product being recalled.

Salmonella can affect animals and there is a risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products. People handling dry pet food can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with surfaces exposed to this product. This product was manufactured on December 17, 2009.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

Recalled products were only distributed in pet specialty stores in the states of Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

The only product affected by the recall is the Sweet Potato & Chicken Dry Dog Food with the "Best By" date of June 17, 2011, product information as follows:




Consumers who have purchased Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Chicken Dry Dog formula with the "Best By" date of June 17, 2011, are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. A separate letter and instructions will be forwarded to all relevant Natural Balance customers.

For additional information, please contact Natural Balance Pet Foods Customer Service at (800) 829-4493 (8am – 5pm, PDT) or by visiting www.naturalbalanceinc.com.

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Important! Summer Pug Tips

With summer almost upon us we ask that everyone please make sure your Pug does not become exposed to extreme temperatures for any duration of time. Anything over 80 degrees can begin to add stress to a seemingly healthy Pug's sensitive breathing and can create a life-threatening situation.

You can follow these simple rules to keep your pug cool and healthy during the warmer months.

SUMMER PUG TIPS:

1. Always have cold water available for your pug.
2. If you pug overheats (even in the house if you do not have AC, you can use a cold wet/water soaked towel or blanket to drap over them and have them sit/lie down in front of a fan.
3. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER leave your pug alone in the car during warm months (not even for a 5 minute, quick run into the convenience store).
4. When walking your pug, try do so early in the a.m., OR later at night when the sun has gone down.
5. When outside, if possible try to keep your pug in the shade.
6. If at a meet up or other event and no shade is present, continually monitor your pug and make sure they take breaks from playing.
7. As cute as outfits are, dressing your pug in hot weather can contribute to them overheating.

Signs and symptoms of heat stroke:
Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy panting, hyperventilation (deep breathing), increased salivation early then dry gums as the heat prostration progresses, weakness, confusion or inattention, vomiting or diarrhea and sometimes bleeding. As the condition progresses towards heat prostration or heat stroke there may be obvious paleness or graying to the gums, shallowing of the breathing efforts and eventually slowed or absent breathing efforts, vomiting and diarrhea that may be bloody and finally seizures or coma. Temperatures above 105 degrees Fahrenheit are dangerous!!

What to do in case you suspect heat stroke:
If you dog shows signs of serious distress from the heat it is best to cool him/her immediately with cool or tepid water rather than really cold water. If ice packs are available they can be applied to areas where circulation is very good, such as the "armpits", inquinal region, or neck. Blowing air over her with a fan as you cool him/her off with water can be helpful. As soon as he/she seems to be gaining some comfort proceed to your vet's. Dogs who suffer from heat stroke can develop delayed complications that are really serious, including death, if they are not properly monitored and cared for.

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Success Story: Flannery!

You all remember Flannery, our one little survivor from Clementine's litter.

Flannery was adopted on 3/31/10 after being born into rescue on 10/07/09 to Clementine, one of our puppy mill rescue dogs. To read about their story, check out our site at www.curlytailpugrescue.org.

Drea fostered little Flannery, who needed 24hr supervision for the 1st two months of his life. Working with other volunteers they provided round the clock care ensuring Flannery was safe until he turned into a real puppy! And that he did!

Flannery has grown into an amazing pup who is well socialized, loves life, all puppies & people alike. He can give kisses a million licks a minute and that is his favorite thing to do.

Flannery's adoption has been in the works since November. It has been a long road but this epic puppy's story had quite an epic ending. From the pictures, you can see that Flannery (the happiest most lovable playful puppy on the planet) is with a super silly fun loving man who had been committed to Flannery, TRULY committed to rescue & working with curly tail for several months.

Flannery now lives on the water in San Fransisco with his new dad & his very own private dog run! He has the best life we could have ever hoped for. This is truly a pug puppy fairytale! Yeah for Flannery! May you have a long, happy life with your new dad.

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Pug Fiction Trailer

Please note - Adult Viewing Audiences Only - this trailer (& DVD to come) is R rated. The dialogue/voice over is directly from the original film. ***17yo and older or with parental supervision***Thank you!

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Horray for Hercules!!!

Wonderful News! Our dear Hercules has found his forever home!

Hercules background: Hercules was an owner surrender. He is blind and deaf, and his elderly owners own medical needs found her unable to care for him anymore. She was devastated to have to give him up, but ultimately, she knew that curly tail could provide him with t...he love, care, affection, and that all of his needs would be met.

Hercules new family is amazing. They already have a 12 year old deaf and
hard of seeing pug, (Simon), so they're very used to some of Herc's needs. They live in a home with a really open floor plan and his new parents both have very flexible schedules - so someone is usually home. But this is a the best part - they have a 2.5 year old who totally understands and gets how careful she needs to be around Simon and also around Hercules when he joins their family. She usually does her own thing and is just excited when she sees Simon. She only gives him "pretend hugs" because she knows she has to be very very gentle with him :)


Kristin said, "Hercules adoptive mom is truly the warmest most compassionate person ever. as are her husband and daughter." The daughter started crying when Kristin was showing Hercules adoptive mom how to put eye drops in his eyes, and asked "does he have a boo boo,?" she said crying and sad for Hercules. With each pet, she gave to him, she would say.... "gentle for hercky." Really, does it get any better than that!! We are so happy for Hercules . . thanks to everyone who has helped him get here!

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Home for Hercules!

Dear friends and supporters,

We have an emergency situation with our sweet Hercules and are putting out an ALL CALL rally to help him.

Hercules is our sweet older boy whose elderly owner was no longer able to care for him. Herc is blind and hard of hearing, however he is potty trained to use his training pads in the mornings and he also eliminates on his daily walks outside.

He has become very attached to his foster mom and loves the security of being near her at all times. Unfortunately Herc’s her living situation has changed and she will no longer be able to keep Hercules.
Our current temporary foster homes are filled to the brim and Curly Tail fears moving Hercules into another “temporary” home will break this sweet boy’s spirit.
We are putting an all call notice out to try and find Hercules a Forever Foster home to avoid having to move him again.
Because Hercules is blind and deaf it takes him a long time to acclimate to his surroundings and we do not want him to move again only to lose another home.

Can you find it in your heart to take this sweet boy in and let him live out his Golden years with the peace and love that he so deserves?
Herc would do best in a one level quiet home where his warm human is around often to comfort him.


Please contact Jill with inquires regarding Hercules jill@curlytailpugrescue.org

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Stabilizing Sammie

Upon intake to his foster home Sammie was on 5 units of insulin after every daily meal. Sammie's insulin levels were never correct because of the Cushing’s syndrome, which made him go from too much insulin, leading to seizures or not enough insulin leading to hypoglycemia where he would be weak and stumbling around. Sammie also had chronic diarrhea which led him to be undernourished and skeletal. Once the Cushing Syndrome was confirmed, Curly Tail had to handle the fact that it could be dealing with one or two possible scenarios:

Scenario A.

Primary Cushing syndrome where there is a small tumor on his pituitary gland that is manageable with medicine

Scenario B

Secondary Cushing syndrome where there are tumors on the adrenal gland and is almost always malignant.

Further tests were performed: Sammie's first test was a cortisol stimulation test to confirm the diagnosis of Cushing’s syndrome. Sammie had to have three different shots staggered throughout the day and his levels of cortisol needed to be measured. Unfortunately the test did not go well and Sammie had to spend the night in the hospital. During that visit he also had his glucose levels checked.

This latest visit was very costly at upwards of $1000. They confirmed the diagnosis of Cushing’s syndrome and as a next step he will need an ultrasound to determing if his Cushing’s syndrome we are dealing with are the Primary or Secondary scenario’s noted above.

We will know more about Sammie’s diagnosis and prognosis shortly. Please stay tuned..

In addition to his diabetes and Cushings, Sammie also has cataracts in both eyes which have left him virtually blind.

Thank you for all of your support! It is only with the kindness, compassion and generosity of supporters like you that allow us to be able to help pugs like Sammie who would otherwise be facing grim alternatives.



Future updates and posts can be found on his personal rehab page: Stabilizing Sammie

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USA: Help Make Pet Care More Affordable--Support the HAPPY Act!

H.R. 3501—Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years (“HAPPY”) Act
Sponsor: Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI)
ASPCA Position: Support
Action Needed: Write to your U.S. representative today to urge him or her to support and cosponsor the HAPPY Act, H.R. 3501.

U.S. Representative Thaddeus McCotter has introduced the Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years (“HAPPY”) Act, legislation to allow individuals to claim tax deductions for qualified pet care expenses. The bill would allow any taxpayer who legally owns one or more domesticated animals to take an annual income tax deduction of up to $3,500 for pet care expenses, including veterinary care costs.

Go Here to sign the petition and please spread the word!

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Rick Springfield Supporter of Curly Tail Pug Rescue!

Springfield is best known for his now classic #1 song, Jessie’s Girl, his role on ABC’s drama General Hospital and a twisted version of himself on the Showtime hit series Californication.

Mr. Springfield is a dog lover and supporter or rescue and Curly Tail in particular. Please visit his website to see our web banner there, updates on his dog Gomer & new album.....Venus in Overdrive.

Rick Springfield and his every faithful dog, Gomer.

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Pugs and Kisses Event Brewster New York!

Please join us for those of you in the Putnam Country area on February 13th for our first annual, Pugs and Kisses event!

Curly Tail will have a kissing booth on hand and some of our special pugs will be offering kisses for a $1.00 donation. All proceeds go to help the Curly tails!

Hope to see you there for this fun family event!!

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