Hello!
We are still an active rescue, but are no longer using this blog. We are still sending out our monthly newsletter on the first of each month. You can request to be added to our mailing list, by emailing me, Chris, at iswim41@gmail.com
Thank you for stopping by.
October 10, 2020
Maker: Sunshine Mills, Inc.
Cause: Potentially elevated levels of aflatoxin
Announcement: FDA report dated Oct. 8, 2020 (archived here); expanded from original recall announcement on Sept. 2, 2020
What was recalled: Various dry dog foods produced by Sunshine Mills, as listed below.
In September, Sunshine Mills announced a limited recall of certain lots of adult dry dog foods following a positive test result for elevated aflatoxin, a mold byproduct that can be harmful to pets — and even deadly — in large enough quantities.
Now, that earlier recall has been greatly expanded. It now includes 17 different brands produced by Sunshine Mills, including Champ, Field Trial, Good Dog, Sportsman’s Pride and more.
Below is the full list of dog foods being recalled, along with the specific lot codes:
Champ Mini Chunk Dog Food Beef and Chicken Flavor:
Family Pet Meaty Cuts Beef, Chicken & Cheese Flavors Premium Dog Food*:
Field Trial Complete Nutrition Premium Dog Food:
Good Dog Brand Dog Food Hi-Energy Formula:
Heartland Farms Grilled Favorites Beef, Chicken & Cheese Flavor Dog Food*:
Hunter’s Special Dog Food Hi Energy Formula:
Hunter’s Special Dog Food Maintenance Formula:
Hunter’s Special Farm & Ranch Recipe Super Chunks Dog Food:
Old Glory Dog Food Hearty Beef & Chicken Flavor:
Paws Happy Life Butcher’s Choice Beef, Chicken & Cheese Flavors Dog Food*:
Paws Happy Life Nutritionally Complete Dog Food:
Pet Expert Always Fit Formula:
Principle Super Premium Natural Dog Food Breeder Pack:
Retriever Bites & Bones Adult Complete Nutrition Savory Chicken Flavor:
River Bend Dog Food Basic Nutrition:
River Bend Dog Food Select:
Sportsman’s Pride Maintenance Adult Formula Dog Food:
Sprout Bites & Bones:
Sprout Hi-Protein:
Sprout Maintenance:
Sprout Puppy:
Thrifty Adult Dog Food:
Top Runner Premium Dog Food:
Whiskers & Tails Adult Recipe Complete Dog Food:
*Note: Items in the list above that are marked with the asterisk symbol were part of the original recall announced in September 2020.
October 1, 2020 — The Public Health Agency of Canada is alerting consumers it is investigating a deadly outbreak of Salmonella infections occurring in British Columbia, Alberta, and Yukon.
Based on investigation findings to date, exposure to pig ear dog treats has been identified as a likely source of the outbreak.
Some of the individuals who became sick reported feeding their dog Paws Up! and Western Family brands of pig ear dog treats before their illnesses occurred.
These brands are sold at Canadian Tire and Save-On-Foods.
Buddy
My angel, my heart, my dear, sweet Buddy went to heaven, passing through that rainbow bridge. My heart aches, and I am fighting back tears as I write this. Buddy was the sweetest, and most gentle boy you’d ever meet. He was a once in a lifetime doggie. We were bonded. He was my fur baby. My sweet angel.
Buddy was eleven. I adopted him about three years ago. Matt Beckwith, who’s such a wonderful person, picked Buddy up in Iowa, and my sister and I met him near Madison to pick him up. As soon as Buddy was in the car, he gave me kisses! He was a big boy, and his heart was even bigger! He made friends with everybody, especially the dogs and humans in the park. He had toys everywhere, and my sister said that he had won the doggie lottery with me.
Buddy was a sweet soul, and gentle spirit that you don’t often find. I miss him terribly. My house is full of memories of him, and it is very quiet right now. I know Buddy is in heaven, on the other side of that rainbow, running, jumping, and playing with every soul he meets – until we meet again, my sweet baby. – Sharon
Luther
RIP to sweet Luther, who was adopted in 2012. From his mom: We said goodbye to Luther today, and helped him get his wings. Lu had been living on borrowed time after multiple bouts of pneumonia and losing mobility in his legs. He was on 3 painkillers 3x/day, and still managed to bring awe and happiness to everyone he met. Run free, best friend. I miss you already.
By Sarah Rebernick, VP & Adoption Coordinator
Roger
Roger, a handsome 3-year-old sable-headed white smoothie, has been adopted and will be living in Wisconsin. He’s a mild, easy going guy, who is cautious in new situations but really enjoys being with his humans. Roger has always been loved and was reluctantly surrendered by his family, who had to move from their hobby farm and then across the country to a home without a yard. They wanted to do the best they could for him and felt that he wouldn’t do well without at least some yard space to call his own. His new mom and dad have plenty of space and lots of love to give, so we know this sweet boy has landed in a wonderful place.
Submitted by the people who loved them
Shasta
Yesterday (July 31), we said goodbye to our sweet Shasta. She came to us 11 years ago and would have celebrated her 14th birthday next week and she was truly a collie who needed rescue – she was starved and neglected when she came to MWCR. Shasta spent the first three years of her life chained up and at first she only knew how to hop up and down as if she was still chained.
It took our scared, shy, skinny girl several months to realize that she now had all the good things collies should have waiting for her but once she did she embraced it with great enthusiasm! She loved the snow, running free in her big fenced yard and bossing around three male collies who all understood that she was in charge. Two of them have already crossed the Bridge ahead of her and we’re sure they were waiting to greet her. We always joked that she must have come from Wisconsin originally because her absolute favorite treat was cheese. We are so thankful to all the people who helped save her so that she was able to enjoy the great collie life she deserved and we will miss her greatly.
Scotch
RIP Scotch, from his mom: After 12.5 wonderful years, I had to ease Scotch to the rainbow bridge. I’m very sad, he was the best dog ever.
Danny
Danny, who we adopted in December 2008, has gone over the rainbow bridge. He was about 13 years old and was very healthy until recently when his hind legs started to give him trouble as arthritis had set in. We got him a new orthopedic bed and bought him a sling so we could help him walk but in the end he was in pain and we decided the time had come – Always a hard decision but the best one for him. – Sincerely, Colleen and Kris, Winnipeg, Manitoba
By Sarah Rebernick, VP & Adoption Coordinator
Mitzi
Magnificent Mitzi, an 8-year-old sable/white female, has been adopted and will be living in Wisconsin.This sweet, petite rough girl with a haircut was sadly surrendered by her mom who is dealing with a progressive medical condition. Mitzi loves to snuggle and is happiest when she is getting all the attention, so she’ll be an ‘only’ in her new home. Her new mom and dad are experienced collie owners who are excited to be able to lavish her with all the love she can handle. Congratulations to all!
Bailey
Handsome Bailey, a 10-month-old sable merle male, has been adopted and will be living in Wis. Bailey was bounced around a bit in the beginning of his life due to the pandemic and was surrendered to MWCR when his new owner realized that he was not the right fit for a young, shy boy. Now he’s found his forever home with a great mom and dad and a couple of other collies to show him the ropes. Congratulations sweet boy!
Royal
Eleven-week old tricolor male, Royal, has been adopted and will be living in Wis. His new mom and dad lost their previous MWCR collie last year and are thrilled to welcome this little cutie into their lives. They have lots of time to dedicate to him and he’s also going to have fun when visiting with family member’s dogs.
From Puppyleaks.com
Getting a new dog is an extremely rewarding experience, but just like bringing any pet home there’s going to be an adjustment period. And like us our dogs love having a routine, so being consistent during the first few will be an important part of helping your dog adjust.
Whether you just got a new puppy or adopted an older dog you can expect them to take a few days to settle in. These tips will help make that transition easier on your dog. Here’s how to help your new dog adjust to your home.
To ease the transition here’s 10 tips to help your new dog adjust to your home.
You can help your dog adjust to your home by taking it slow for the first couple of days. He’ll appreciate some one on one time getting to know his new family and surroundings. Let him explore the house and yard at his own pace.
Some dogs take awhile to adjust to new settings, and sometimes that can be exhausting for them. If you adopted your dog from a shelter realize that he just came from a noisy and stressful environment; your quiet and cozy home is likely the first place he’s gotten a good sleep in awhile.
Don’t over stimulate your dog during the first couple days. If your dog is a bit standoffish just let them check things out for themselves. If they come up to you for attention by all means be as affectionate as they seem comfortable with.
Not all dogs bond immediately with a new owner – don’t take it personally. They’re in a brand new environment getting used to new sights, smells, and sounds. It can be a stressful time for your new dog so try to make them as comfortable as possible by keeping things calm and positive.
Submitted by the ones who loved them
Chester
RIP handsome Chester who was adopted in 2012 after he was found as a stray with a badly injured foot. At the time we felt that he may have been caught in a trap and chewed his leg to free himself. Despite this tragic incident, Chester was a sweet, loving boy and will be greatly missed by his family.
Charlie
Just over four years ago I submitted an application for a rescue collie. I asked for a young female. The Collie Rescue instead sends me a picture of a five year old male. LOL. I fell instantly in love. Such a classic collie. Charlie was my fifth collie and he was the funniest dog I ever had. LOVED his toys, constantly protected us from the vacuum, the mail truck and all things on wheels. This past February he was diagnosed with liver cancer and was given one to two months to live. This brave boy made it until today. HUGE HUGE hole in my heart and our house but so blessed to have had him in our lives. He was the first collie that Joe let come into his office (aka Man Cave), LOL. He had a fan club with the neighborhood little girls and they came over today to read him the book Dog Heaven before he passed. Run free Mister Charlie.
By Sarah Rebernick, VP & Adoption Coordinator
Black Jack
Sweet senior Black Jack has been adopted and will be living in Minnesota. We’re happy to report that at his vet check up on Thursday he had gained three pounds! Excellent work on behalf of his foster home and his new family will continue fattening him up. His new home has another senior collie to be his buddy and I’m sure they are looking forward to spoiling this sweet boy with love and treats! I know his former mom would be so happy with this outcome. (Note: Jack needs some good thought sent his way. His appetite is down and he is losing weight. His vet is trying to figure out why).
Jack
Adorable Jack, a 1-year-old tricolor male, has been adopted and will be living in Minn. Jack was surrendered because his owner knew he was not happy living in an apartment and needed more space and attention. This sweet, loving boy is thrilled with his new family and big back yard. His mom says he’s a major cuddle-bug who loves to play and learn new things. So happy this boy has found the right fit for his personality!
Our lovely golden girls, Emeline, an 8-year-old merle and Jasmine, a 6-year-old tricolor, have been adopted and will be living in Minn.. The girls came to us as a bonded pair and we are so happy that they can stay together. Their new mom is excited to welcome them to her home and we’re all pleased the the resident collie and kitties think the girls are great companions. Congratulations Girls!
Malibu
Sweet, petite 1-year-old smooth collie mix, Malibu, has been adopted and will be living in Illinois. Malibu came to us after she was surrendered to a shelter because her family couldn’t afford to keep her. At the shelter she was extremely scared and shy, but soon started to warm up to her caregivers. Malibu’s exam showed that she had a heart murmur and their vet felt she should have further testing, so they reached out to us to see if we could bring her in.
So, of course, we did just that. Our vet started with bloodwork and then an ultrasound, which showed that there are actually two different things going on with her heart. Neither one was a huge concern on its own but since she has both, they recommended a cardiac consult as well. The cardiologist gave the go ahead for her to be spayed and felt that her condition shouldn’t impact her quality of life. I want to give a huge Thank You! to her foster mom, Nancy Kibbe, who did such a great job getting Malibu ready for adoption (especially during these unusual times), and has continued to work with her adoptive mom to help Malibu settle into her new home.
