Your daily news bit

The Hartz Mountain Corporation is voluntarily recalling one specific lot of Hartz Naturals Real Beef Treats for Dogs due to concerns that one or more bags within the lot may have been potentially contaminated with Salmonella.  Hartz is fully cooperating with the US Food and Drug Administration in this voluntary recall.

Hartz Mountain Corporation is recalling 74,700 8-oz bags of Hartz Naturals Real Beef Treats for Dogs, lot code BZ0969101E, UPC number 32700-11519, which were imported by Hartz from a Brazilian supplier, Bertin S.A., and which were distributed to a number of customers in the United States.  While regular testing conducted by Bertin (prior to shipment to the US) did not detect the presence of Salmonella in any packages of this product, random sample testing conducted by FDA did indicate the presence of Salmonella.   Hartz is aggressively investigating the source of the problem.

Although Hartz has not received any reports of animals or humans becoming ill as a result of coming into contact with this product, Hartz is taking immediate steps to remove the product from all retail stores and distribution centers.  Dog owners having purchased this product should check the lot code on their bag, and, if the code is not visible, or if the bag has lot code BZ0969101E imprinted thereon, they should immediately discontinue use of the product and discard it in a proper manner.

Consumers can contact Hartz at 1-800-275-1414 at any time with any questions they may have and for information on how to obtain reimbursement for purchased produc

You may already know that Sarasota In Defense of Animals shelters dogs, cats. pigs, goats, horses and reptiles who have been abandoned, neglected or abused. With tough times for non-profits, Sarasota Defense of Animals has been particulary hard hit.  Sunday at Sassy’s – you can help, come out and treat yourself to a pedicure or hair cut and a portion of the proceeds will benefit this essential shelter in our area.

Raffle?  Silent Auction?  Food?  Yes!!!  Face Painting and an Animal Fashion Show at 3:30.

Sassy is located at 209 Beach Road in the Foxy Lady.  Call 941-349-6525 for more details.

Last night, students with their dogs, trainers, staff members and supporters were welcomed at an Open House at the new facility. The spacious new quarters has large training rooms and a delightful new gift shop with specialty collars, pet futons, gourmet treats and many other doggie items.

The center plans to offer a number of activities in the future including, Ask the Trainer, Ask the Guide Dog User, Hands On Health and Wellness, Proper Care of Dogs, designed for children, and many other programs. On Saturdays, once a month, doggie hugging sessions are planned, as well.

With the new facility in this highly visible area,  it hoped that  more people will become aware of the Southeastern Guide Dog organization and benefit from their services. Individual families and groups are welcome to stop in and see the puppies, buy a gift, speak with a trainer or register for one of the workshops. Hours are Monday through Friday 10 to 5 and Saturday 10-2.

Click on the little arrow below for our slideshow

Late August in Florida can be brutal just for walking around the block much less, weaving,  running and jumping.  This NADAC trial hosted by the Calusa Dog Club of Southwest Florida was held at the Turner Agri-Civic Center in Arcadia, Florida on August 28th & 29th.  If you are interested in learning more agility, check out this story.  It’s all about dogs – having fun.

The FSU/Asolo Conservatory and Animal Rescue Coalition seek doggie divas and Shakespeare hounds to audition for the role in a Shakespeare play.

Calling all canines, doggie divas and Shakespeare hounds! Does your pooch have star quality? Is he or she a fan of Shakespeare? The FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training, in collaboration with The Animal Rescue Coalition, is holding auditions on Saturday, September 18, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., for the role of “Crab the Dog” in Shakespeare’s The Two Gentlemen of Verona.

The winning dog will need to be available for rehearsals beginning October 28. The production runs November 2-21, 2010. Auditions will be held at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. An audition is required. To schedule your audition, please call 941-359-5700, Option 1, Ext. 3636, or email Debi Schalch. The deadline for audition reservations is September 13.
What kind ofstar qualities does your pooch need to play “Crab”?

“We’re looking for older dogs with a wizened and deadpan sense of humor,” says Greg Leaming, director of FSU/Asolo Conservatory and also director of this production.

“They should be docile and responsive to commands,” says Leaming. “Some knowledge of tricks is a plus but all dogs will be considered. Any interesting dog can and should audition; my thoughts on the right dog can be swayed by a really good audition!”

Leaming reminds doggie parents that their canine must have proof of vaccination and be dog- and people-friendly. All dogs will need to be on leash during the audition process. FSU/Asolo Conservatory students will be on hand to meet and greet humans and pet canines-and to ensure enough fresh water and doggie treats are available.

This event is a collaboration between the FSU/Asolo Conservatory and The Animal Rescue Coalition (ARC). The Conservatory will direct a portion of proceeds of season subscriptions sold that day to ARC. A special subscription offer of $100 for all four Conservatory plays will be offered to anyone who shows up that day.

“ARC is delighted to collaborate with the Asolo Conservatory in an effort to find the perfect canine star for this Shakespeare play,” says Ed Sarbey, ARC’s founder and board president. “We’ll have representatives from ARC and other animal groups on site, as well as dogs who need adoption. We hope anyone who cares about finding companion homes for needy dogs and cats will come out that day and show their support for ARC and the Asolo Conservatory.” For more information about ARC, click here.

The FSU/Asolo Conservatory’s 2010-2011 season includes Two Gentlemen of Verona by William Shakespeare(Nov. 2-21, 2010); Reasons To Be Pretty by Neil La Butte (Jan. 4-23, 2011); The Lady from the Sea by Henrik Ibsen(Feb. 22-March 13, 2011); and Tartuffe by Moliere(April 12-May 1, 2011).

Ticket Information
The first three productions are Tuesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m.; and Sunday at 2 p.m., at the Jane B. Cook Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, in the FSU Center for the Performing Arts. The fourth and final production, Tartuffe, is at the Historic Asolo Theater. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Asolo Repertory Theatre box office at the FSU Center for Performing Arts; 941-351-8000. A special subscription offer of $100 for all four plays is being offered. The 2010-2011 season subscriptions and single tickets are on sale now.

5252 Tamiami Trail

Sarasota, FL

Stephen built this incredible structure to celebrate the bond between humans and dogs. From The Dog Mountain web site “the chapel is open to dogs and people. People of any faith or belief system.” Designed to integrate with the its surroundings Dog Chapel resembles any church that would have been built in early 1800′s New England.

We all can’t visit Dog Mountain – but what an amazing stop for a leaf peep trip – we can though the – sniff the essence of this beautiful structure on-line. Stephen’s other work and images which exude happiness and dog love are available on mousepads, rugs, t-shirts and in his charming books.

Please visit Dog Mountain at least on-line, and enjoy the view.

Stephen is no longer with us, but his lovely wife Gwen continues to operate Dog Mountain with the support of her family and staff.

“It is the Human Condition to Love.
It is Love that Changes the Human Condition.
It is the Love of one Human that can Change a Nation.
It is that Love which empowers one Nation, to save man’s best friend.”
~ Colleen Paige – Founder of National Dog Day, sponsored by Animal Miracle Network.

August 26th is the day that we recognize as the official birthday for all shelter dogs who have come into our lives without history.   So kiss your adopted dog today and say Happy Birthday.  In consideration of all the other dogs, who won’t be kissed today and are still living in shelters; consider making a donation of $5.00 to your favorite shelter or rescue group. Click here for Sarasota area shelters and groups.

MACE The Pet Guy

Mace Mason is a Sarasota native and has been providing pet sitting services for more than three years.   Mace told our Rover Reporter “With the realization that pets are family, I know that a vacation or job can leave you anxious about your pet and home while you are away.   Pets stay healthier and stress free in their own familiar environment. Your home has the added security while you are not there. On busy days,  dogs stay healthier and happier with my dog walking service.  Your next vacation can be truly relaxing knowing that your home and pets are secure and happy!”  For rates or local references,  Mace at 941-926-1188 or 941-350-9379.