Check out this beautiful music video by Philippe B. It’s called Nous irons jusqu’au soleil or “We will go up to the sun” and it makes perfect sense when you get to the end of the video. Enjoy!
And thanks to Mathieu Marano for the beautiful color grading on the video and for making me aware of it!
The post Check Out This Beautiful Music Video About Dogs By Philippe B (the ending got me all choked up). appeared first on Dog Files.
This post is sponsored by TropiClean and the BlogPaws Professional Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about TropiClean Fresh Breath Drops, but Dog Files only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. TropiClean is not responsible for the content of this article.
I admit, sometimes Remy breath isn’t the best. As a crazy dog person, I’m probably not always aware of it, but when I see a friend holding their nose as they give Remy a hug, it’s hard not to notice.
But what many don’t know is that bad dog breath can be a sign of oral hygiene issues. Sadly, many of us know this well. I’ve always fed my dogs good, healthy food, but that’s not always the issue. Sometimes it’s just the plaque of “good food” that builds up and is never brushed away.
And that’s where TropiClean® comes in. The good folks there contacted me and asked if I wanted to try their new product, TropiClean® Fresh Breath Drops™. It’s a natural dog breath remedy that they promise, with just three drops in your dog’s water bowl every time you refill, will help with your dog’s oral hygiene as well as his breath.
What’s also nice is that their Fresh Breath Drops are made with natural ingredients and are safe for both dogs and cats. You can check out all the natural ingredients right here.
So I agreed to try out TropiClean® Fresh Breath Drops™ and just received a few bottles in the mail. I put three drops in Remy’s water bowl and I’ll be sure to report back my findings in a new blog post.
Click here to learn more about TropiClean® Fresh Breath Drops™.
Click here if you’d like to try it for yourself.
Click here to follow TropiClean on Facebook.
The post Is Your Pup Suffering From Bad Dog Breath? Try #TropiCleanFresh appeared first on Dog Files.
This post is sponsored by TropiClean and the BlogPaws Professional Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about TropiClean Fresh Breath Drops, but Dog Files only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. TropiClean is not responsible for the content of this article.
Well, it’s been two weeks since I’ve been dropping three drops of TropiClean® Fresh Breath Drops™ in Remy’s water bowl and I have to say it’s working magnificintly! Not only is his bad breath gone, but amazingly, his breath is smelling clean and fresh!
You may remember from my previous post that TropiClean® contacted me and asked if I wanted to try their new product, TropiClean® Fresh Breath Drops™. It’s a natural dog breath remedy that they promise, with just three drops in your dog’s water bowl every time you refill, will help with your dog’s oral hygiene as well as his breath. Just add three pumps to every 16 oz of water and you’re done!
Remy Love TropiClean!
Keeping teeth healthy is not only important for your dog’s health but also can keep expensive teeth extraction costs to a minimum. I’m really impressed and will be making TropiClean® Fresh Breath Drops™ a regular part of Remy’s hygiene against bad dog breath.
Fresh Breath Drops are made with natural ingredients and are safe for both dogs and cats.
TropiClean® Fresh Breath Drops™ are available to buy at Petco, Pet Supermarket, Pet Club, and other independent retailers near you using their store locator.
Want to win these fantastic dog breath drops for your dog? 15 lucky people will win a bottle of TropiClean Fresh Breath Drops! Read the rules below and then enter!
1. INTRODUCTION.
This contest is sponsored by BlogPaws 2260 Butler Pike, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462 through the BlogPaws Blogger Network. The contest begins on Thursday September 21th, 2015 at 12 am EST and ends on Friday, October 9th, 2015 at 11:59 pm EST. The prize to be awarded is detailed in Section 6 of these rules. No purchase is necessary to enter to win. Void where prohibited.
About TropiClean:
TropiClean strives to perpetually innovate the finest products, packaging, marketing and management in the pet industry; for the enrichment of pet owners and their pets, provision of its employees, and the poor around the globe.
2. HOW TO ENTER.
Using the Rafflecopter contest form, provide us your email to contact you if you win, why your pet needs to check out Fresh Breath Drops. You can earn additional entries using the Rafflecopter entry form. Incomplete entry, or entries posted/received after the deadline will be considered void. Intentionally false entries will be disqualified.
3. ELIGIBILITY.
Entrants must be 18 years of age or older. This offer is only available to residents of the 50 United States and District of Columbia. Employees of BlogPaws, Pet360, Inc. PetSmart and TropiClean and their immediate families are ineligible. Contest is void where prohibited by law and subject to local, state, and/or federal law.
4. PROMOTION PERIOD.
The contest begins on Monday September 21, 2015 at 12 am EST and ends on Friday, October 9th, 2015 at 11:59 pm EST. Ten winners will be randomly selected through the Rafflecopter application. Winners will be notified by email. Please keep an eye out in your email spam box! Winner has 24 hours to claim prize and provide shipping address before another winner will be randomly selected. Once winner has claimed his/her prize, the winning member will be announced in the Rafflecopter widget on all participating blogs and sites.
5. ODDS.
Odds of winning depend on total number of entries received during the Promotion Period.
6. PRIZE.
There will be 10 winners who will each receive a bottle of TropiClean Fresh Breath Drops.
Once awarded, prizes and delivery schedule cannot be altered. Prizes are not transferable. Substitutions are not permitted. Replacement prizes are not available. By providing an address to request shipment of the prize, winner agrees to waive liability for any responsibility with regard to issues with the product.
7. ADDITIONAL TERMS.
Where permissible, acceptance of prize offered constitutes permission to use winner’s name (for example, Pam W., Harleysville, PA) for purposes of advertising and promotion without further compensation. By entering contest and providing email, you implicitly agree that we may collect, use and disclose your information as outlined in our [Privacy Policy](http://www.pet360.com/privacypolicy). BlogPaws’s decisions are final in all matters relating to this contest. Winner will be notified by email. Please keep an eye out in your email spam box! Winner has 24 hours to claim prize and provide shipping address before another winner will be randomly selected. Contest and promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Entering this giveaway means you agree to terms above.
Good Luck!
Click here to learn more about TropiClean® Fresh Breath Drops™.
Click here if you’d like to try it for yourself.
Click here to follow TropiClean on Facebook.
The post Triumph Over Bad Dog Breath With #TropiCleanFresh !!! appeared first on Dog Files.
Is your pet a Natural Character?
Natural Balance Pet Food may be rolling into your town as part of their Natural Characters Road Tour!
Click this Natural Characters Link to find if the fun events they have planned will be taking place in a city near you.
Plus, don’t waste any time and click here to add your pet to Natural Characters. Check out the Southeast section to find Remy!
Tell them all about YOUR furry natural character!
The post Natural Balance Pet Food Celebrates Pets With Natural Characters! appeared first on Dog Files.
@Purina Thank you, Remy, for always being there for me! #DogThanking Every time you share this post, Purina will donate $1 to the AKC Canine Health Foundation!
Purina is kicking off a Thanksgiving-themed promotion now through Nov. 29.
They are asking dog lovers to tell the world why they are thankful for their doggies and post it with a photo like mine to their Facebook, Twitter and/or Instagram account. For every original post submitted that includes @Purina and the hashtag, #dogthanking, Purina will donate one dollar to the AKC Canine Health Foundation, up to $75,000, to help pet health research.
Submitted photos and posts may be shown during the National Dog Show Presented by Purina, on Thanksgiving Day on NBC.
The National Dog Show Presented by Purina airs at noon-2 p.m. on Nov. 26 on NBC.
The post Share This Post & Purina Will Donate $1 To The AKC Canine Health Foundation! appeared first on Dog Files.
Dog Files is known for their award-winning videos showing why dogs deserve our love, care and respect.
Starting on Dec 14, 2015 they are making their talents available to small shelters, rescues and organizations promoting pet welfare throughout the USA.
If your group needs a beautiful, professionally created video for your small shelter, rescue or non-profit, etc., Dog Files is opening up ten slots for the coming year at an incredibly LOW cost!
First, we will contact you to help you decide what kind of video would help you the most. After all, this is all about helping the animals!
Next, Dog Files will spend one day at your facility in January or February, filming whatever you’d like for your video, including your facility, your animals and any interviews we will need.
Thirty days later, we will deliver a beautiful, emotional video that you can post online and show at your facility. We can even create a commercial for you if that’s what you’d like!
Just a note, while this video is 8 minutes long, all Give Back Videos will be 3 to 5 minutes in length.
As many of you know, this past March, Dog Files Mascot and my best friend, Max passed away. It’s been a hard year and I was amazed at the compassion that was shown to me from the tens of thousands of Dog Filers around the world. I’m been trying to come up with a way to give back and I thought what better way than to do what I do best for all the incredible groups out there that work so hard trying to help man’s best friend.
The first ten small shelters, rescues or non-profits that sign up before January 1, 2016 will get their videos for $999.00 plus traveling costs. What are traveling costs? That would be an airplane ticket, a room to sleep, and maybe a car rental.
How can we bring the cost down even more? Well, Dog Files Media is located in Orlando, Florida, so if you aren’t that far away (a few hundred miles) we can drive instead of fly.
Another way to lower travel costs is if we get two or three videos in the same vicinity, we can film at the same time and you can split the travel costs.
You can always pick me up at the airport and set me up in a spare room. That would cut out car rental and hotel costs!
And finally, many times people have frequent flyer miles they can use to get me to their location. Look into every option!
All I can tell you is that Dog Files is a maker of award-winning videos! Our Hero Dogs Of 9/11 one hour special is played on Animal Planet every year and we are privileged to regularly create videos for the American Humane Association and the ASPCA. Our normal prices for small non-profits is easily 200% to 300% more than what we are asking for here!
Please share this post through Social Media so we can get the word out to small shelters, rescues and non-profits and hopefully help dogs and cats around the country finally feel the love and compassion they deserve.
Go here to check out a bunch of our Dog Files Episodes! Almost everyone was filmed in only one day and there are plenty of great examples of what we can do for your organization.
In case you are even more ambitious, we can definitely do more than one video for you and/or spend more than one day with you.
If you would like to be one of the ten organizations getting there own video, please fill out the form below.
A great photo of Max & Remy from Christmas 2013!
The post Dog Files Media Announces Its Holiday Give Back! appeared first on Dog Files.
Don’t worry, that’s a Crash Test Dog Dummy.
While not always doing it, I think most responsible dog owners agree that it’s a good idea to use dog restraints to protect your pet in case of a car accident.
Well, according to the Center for Pet Safety, a non-profit watchdog group, 25 of 29 products failed during crash tests.
“Pet owners should be screaming about this,” said Center for Pet Safety CEO Lindsey Wolko. “If you get into an accident and one of these products fails, it puts you, your family members and it puts other drivers on the road at risk.”
Walk added, “Pet products are not defined as consumer products by the Consumer Products Safety Commission, so they bypass any kind of any oversight or regulation.”
The Center for Pet Safety found the following five dog restraints to be the best of the bunch:
Get more info at the Center for Pet Safety.
Remy in his car restraint.
The post DANGER!!! Dog Restraints In Cars Fail Most Crash Tests! appeared first on Dog Files.
We are excited to finally announce that our documentary, Second Chance Dogs, is now live on Netflix!
Dog Files would like to give a big shout out to our ASPCA partners in this collaboration. It’s been a journey of many years and Dog Files couldn’t be more proud to showcase the great work the ASPCA does for animals.
“Our mission at Dog Files has always been to show the world that dogs deserve our love, care and respect,” said Kenn Bell, creator of Dog Files and director of Second Chance Dogs. “After creating the Hero Dogs Of 9/11 Documentary for Animal Planet, our latest doc, Second Chance Dogs, really hits that message home again and having it on Netflix opens the world to a day when all pets are safe and loved.”
The documentary takes viewers behind the scenes of the ASPCA Behavioral Rehabilitation Center and follows six dogs rescued from cruel conditions and given new hope for happy lives. Through innovative therapies and dedication to recovery, behavior experts at the ASPCA’s Behavioral Rehabilitation Center help these vulnerable and victimized dogs become suitable for adoption.
“Animals traumatized and betrayed by abuse and neglect are still at risk when adoption is not yet appropriate, but programs like the Behavioral Rehabilitation Center help rebuild their trust so they can be placed in safe and loving homes,” said Matthew Bershadker, President and CEO of the ASPCA. “Watching this process unfold in ‘Second Chance Dogs’ helps people understand that we can change the fate of these animals when we understand the possibilities and commit ourselves to that goal.”
Launched in March 2013, the ASPCA Behavioral Rehabilitation Center at St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in Madison, N.J., is the first-ever facility dedicated to providing behavioral rehabilitation to canine victims of neglect and cruelty, such as those confiscated from puppy mills and hoarding cases. To date, the center has worked with more than 300 homeless dogs from various backgrounds, many of whom have already been adopted.
“Dogs who come through our Rehab Center have experienced so much pain and suffering at the hands of humans, and they’ve never had a chance to live their lives as pets,” said Kristen Collins, senior director of ASPCA Anti-Cruelty Behavior Rehabilitation. “By implementing behavior treatments based on sound scientific principles, we’re able to help the vast majority of these dogs overcome their fears and become comfortable with normal pet activities like walking on a leash, enjoy petting, and playing with toys.”
“We hope animal lovers across the country enjoy the film and feel inspired to open their hearts and homes to abused and neglected dogs,” added Collins. “They deserve a second chance.”
Second Chance Dogs is executive produced by the ASPCA and Dog Files. “Second Chance Dogs” was directed, shot, and edited by Kenn Bell, a freelance filmmaker and animal welfare advocate. In 2011, Kenn developed the critically-acclaimed documentary “Hero Dogs of 9/11,” which aired on Animal Planet in both the U.S. and Canada.
If you would like to talk to Dog Files Media about creating a documentary or short video for yourself, company or group contact us here.
Links:
For more information, please visit www.secondchancedogsfilm.com
Watch the “Second Chance Dogs” documentary on Netflix.
Watch the “Second Chance Dogs” Trailer.
The post Dog Files Latest Documentary, Second Chance Dogs, Now on Netflix! appeared first on Dog Files.
@Purina Thank you, Remy, for being my best friend!
This November, Purina wants to thank the four-legged friends who make our lives so special. In advance of Thanksgiving and the National Dog Show, Purina is inviting pet owners across the nation to show the world how they thank their pets.
Post a picture to social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram), showing how you thank your pet using the hashtag #DogThanking and tagging @Purina. For every original post submitted through November 27 that includes @Purina and the hashtag, #DogThanking, Purina will donate one dollar to the Canine Health Foundation – up to $50,000 – to help further pet health research.
Submitted videos, photos and posts may be shown during the National Dog Show Presented by Purina, on Thanksgiving Day!
The National Dog Show Presented by Purina, which will premiere on Thanksgiving Day on NBC!
The post Purina Will Donate $1 Per Post To The Canine Health Foundation! appeared first on Dog Files.
Another video documenting the epic, never-ending battle between dog and vacuum. This time the battle is a little… lethargic.
The post Lazy Dog Vs. Roomba – Cute Dog Video appeared first on Dog Files.
Future Vet Surgeons learn so much at Vet Set Go Camp!
Do you know a teen or tween that wants to become a veterinarian? What if they could attend a week-long camp at one of the most prestigious veterinary colleges in North America? If they are a junior high school student or entering junior high school this fall, this is the contest for them!
Royal Canin has teamed up with Vet Set Go, the only internet community for aspiring veterinarians, to help three very special students achieve the dream of a lifetime!
Future Vet learning all about taking care of animals, furry or not so furry!
Three lucky grand prize winners will have their tuition, housing and meals covered for the Auburn Junior Veterinary Camp this summer – all made possible by Royal Canin and Vet Set Go. (Excludes travel.) Ten runners-up will also receive a free copy of Vet Set Go’s award-winning quick start guide to becoming a veterinarian.
Participants will learn about veterinary medicine first-hand in classrooms, laboratories, and outdoor facilities. They will also learn about public health, food animals, wildlife, anatomy, xrays, and first aid, as well as gain valuable mentoring about veterinary science careers.
The week long event will be an incredible experience for that future veterinarian in your family!
To enter, middle school students (or those entering middle school in fall 2017) and their parents should visit Vet Camp Contest between April 4 and May 4, 2017.
Learning proper technique is important at Vet Set Go Camp!
For over 125 years, the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine has educated and trained more than 6,400 veterinarians and more than 500 specialists and researchers. Now, through Auburn’s popular and prestigious Junior VET Camp for students in grades 6-8, dedicated middle school students who wish to become veterinarians are able to gain valuable mentoring about veterinary science careers. Through the Become a Vet: Camp Contest 2017, three dedicated students will have the chance to attend with their tuition, housing and meals covered! Click here to learn more about Junior VET Cam.
Future Vet Meets Future Patient?
*Duracell, Time to Play Study, 2009, Nationwide survey of 512 8-12 year old US children
Future Vet studying reptiles!
The post Royal Canin And Vet Set Go Team Up To Make Dreams Come True! appeared first on Dog Files.
The post Lazy Dog Vs. Roomba – Cute Dog Video appeared first on Dog Files.
Do you know a teen or tween that wants to become a veterinarian? What if they could attend a week-long camp at one of the most prestigious veterinary colleges in North America? If they are a junior high school student or entering junior high school this fall, this is the contest for them!
Royal Canin has teamed up with Vet Set Go, the only internet community for aspiring veterinarians, to help three very special students achieve the dream of a lifetime!
Three lucky grand prize winners will have their tuition, housing and meals covered for the Auburn Junior Veterinary Camp this summer – all made possible by Royal Canin and Vet Set Go. (Excludes travel.) Ten runners-up will also receive a free copy of Vet Set Go’s award-winning quick start guide to becoming a veterinarian.
Participants will learn about veterinary medicine first-hand in classrooms, laboratories, and outdoor facilities. They will also learn about public health, food animals, wildlife, anatomy, xrays, and first aid, as well as gain valuable mentoring about veterinary science careers.
The week long event will be an incredible experience for that future veterinarian in your family!
To enter, middle school students (or those entering middle school in fall 2017) and their parents should visit Vet Camp Contest between April 4 and May 4, 2017.
For over 125 years, the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine has educated and trained more than 6,400 veterinarians and more than 500 specialists and researchers. Now, through Auburn’s popular and prestigious Junior VET Camp for students in grades 6-8, dedicated middle school students who wish to become veterinarians are able to gain valuable mentoring about veterinary science careers. Through the Become a Vet: Camp Contest 2017, three dedicated students will have the chance to attend with their tuition, housing and meals covered! Click here to learn more about Junior VET Cam.
*Duracell, Time to Play Study, 2009, Nationwide survey of 512 8-12 year old US children
The post Royal Canin And Vet Set Go Team Up To Make Dreams Come True! appeared first on Dog Files.
When I adopted Remy in the summer of 2006 it was for all the wrong reasons.
The first of which was that I was having so much trouble with Max’s separation anxiety I decided to bring in another dog as a last ditch effort to get Max to relax when I left him at home.
The second? When I saw his photo on the Petfinder Website, he looked just like Max and his name was listed as… you guessed it, Max.
How’s that for a bunch of wrong reasons to adopt a dog?
At the time I was living about 15 minutes west of Manhattan in New Jersey. Remy, or “Max” at the time, was at BARCS, the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter, about 4 hours away in Maryland.
The first time I took the trip, yes there was more than one trip, I asked to see “Max” by name. They jotted down my information and when they realized how far I had journeyed, they looked at me like I was a crazy person. I just shrugged my shoulders, told them, “long story”.
The next step was meeting him in the outside pen. They brought the dog out, closed the gate behind us and left us. He was pulling in every direction but me, so I look him off his lead. This is the part of the story where I tell you it was love at first sight. That we rolled around on the grass together and felt a connection that we had had never felt before. The truth? He basically spent the entire time sniffing around the edge of the fencing, ignoring that I was even there.
After five to ten anti-climactic minutes, I brought him back inside and declared, “I’ll take him.” Yep, I’m a glutton for punishment. I cleary DON’T see the forest for the trees. (Feel free to tack on your own favorite clichéd, ironic saying right here.)
The clerk looked back at me with a strange look on her face. “Really?” she said.
That even worried me a bit. What was I getting into here? “Yep, I’ll take him.”
“Okay, come back in a week after he’s been fixed and he’s yours.”
“Wait, I can’t take him now.”
“You can pay for him now”, she replied.
I took out my wallet, pulled out my credit card and prepared myself for the influx of paperwork. Then I drove four hours back home without a dog.
From clockwise:
1. Remy at shelter in Baltimore.
2. Max & Remy become brothers.
3. Remy at 13.
While my friend waited in my backyard with Remy, I brought Max out to join us. They sniffed and sniffed and sniffed (hounds, what can I say) and than Remy found a hole in the fence that Max never cared about and off he went, running through the neighborhood like a crazy dog. A portent of things to come.
Yes, I caught him and yes, it was the first of many escapes. The nose of a Beagle and the smarts of a Border Collie was a mixed blessing indeed. But in my own defense, I’m sure you experienced the same thing. A friend would come over and not immediately close the door behind them, hence providing an ample amount of space for the dog in your house that was always checking for escape routes. It was also a good tell that your friend never owned a dog.
Remy was a fun, rambunctious dog. He spun in cricles. He was the epitomé of a joyful dog, whereas Max was a bit more low key and soulful. But in spite of it all, my gambit had worked. Even though Remy was a dog that Max only kinda put up with, he succeeded in bringing down Max’s separation anxiety quite a bit.
Over the years, Remy took to his role of understudy for the Dog Files like a champ. Slowly, very slowly, really very slowly, Remy mellowed out a bit and I believe, enjoyed his job as Max’s crazy little buddy.
Many years later, in March of 2015, Max, truly my best friend, passed away at the age of thirteen and a half. It’s a pain I still feel over two and a half years later.
After Max died, many people on the Dog Files Facebook Page asked me, over and over again, when, not if,
I was going to adopt a new dog.
But I had already made my decision. Remy spent most of his life as second fiddle to Max. He deserved to have ALL of my time
to himself for the rest of his life.
That following Summer, I noticed Remy was coughing quite a bit. I took him to my vet and found out he had an enlarged heart and all the pain I had just felt with Max came pouring back over me. They told me not to worry, that Remy probably had a ton of time left and gave me two prescriptions that I’d have to give him daily for the rest of his life.
Two years later, Remy has his good days and his bad days. He stumbles a bit when walking and stairs can be a chore for him to climb. I know his time on this Earth is limited and I wish his birthday’s were joyous things for me, but they just remind me of the little time I have left with him.
It’s been a tough two and a half years for me. I’ve lost my best friend, Max. I’ve lost the greatest Dad you could ever wish for, after watching him battle a horrible muscular disease for two years. And now, with more and more frequency, the restlessness at night, the heavy breathing, and the coughing that Remy deals with, reminds me that I’m going to have to go through all this one more time. And probably sooner, then later.
But Remy doesn’t know any of that. He puts up with the coughing and the heavy breathing and the restlessness at night the only way he knows. With a big, beautiful Remy smile that he wears like no one else. He still can’t wait for his meals and he still loves prancing around at the dog park, albeit a little slower now, and he still loves bugging me all day for more treats.
And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Happy 13th Birthday, my dear Remy! I can only hope I’ve shown as much love to you over the years, as you’ve shown to me.
With love, from your very sad, but proud Dad.
The post My Dog Celebrated His Thirteenth Birthday And I’m Sad appeared first on Dog Files.
There has been a lot of talk in recent years about makeup companies testing their products on animals again. Ground zero was a post back in 2012 by PeTA that you can read here. While Dog Files is not an advocate of PeTA, their work over three decades earlier to stop makeup companies from testing on animals is indisputable.
One of the most read (and controversial) posts on Dog Files was about that PeTA report. You can read that post here, ANIMAL TESTING RESUMES FOR AVON, MARY KAY, AND ESTEE LAUDER. Our article was even highlighted on Snopes.com because the post warped into a rumor that the makeup companies started testing in the United States again. Something we never said.
The basics of our article was that Mary Kay, Avon and Estee Lauder began testing makeup on animals again in order to satisfy regulations from the Chinese government. Times have changed in the past 30 years, and China, with its own set of laws and regulations, is now a giant market for these companies.
This story caused a lot of uproar and it wasn’t only from animal welfare people that were angry about what was happening. It seemed that a lot of makeup sales people were extremely pissed off with the Dog Files and demanded that I was somehow making it all up.
They would contact their respective companies and they would be told that, of course the company wasn’t testing on animals. The person would then come back here and yell at me some more. That’s when I would explain to them that yes, technically the company WASN’T testing on animals. But China has laws and regulations that won’t allow the makeup company to sell there unless the makeup is tested on animals. So makeup companies would turn a blind eye and pay a Chinese government agency to do the actual animal testing. This way, makeup companies can take advantage of this new market AND technically “tell the truth” when saying that they weren’t testing on animals again.
So yes, the companies weren’t doing the testing themselves. They were allowing others to do it for them, and paying them, so they could increase their global reach and profits.
Well, it’s been quite a few years and I thought it was a good time to find out if anything has changed.
First, I thought I’d visit the AVON Company Website. I found this under, Corporate Responsibility.
“Respect for animal welfare is a cornerstone of Avon’s product safety philosophy. In fact, Avon was the first major cosmetic company to end animal testing nearly 25 years ago and we do not test on animals today. Instead, we use non-animal product safety testing methods.”
“Unfortunately, a few countries require additional safety testing, which may include animal testing. Avon, in partnership with other organizations, works to help advance government acceptance of alternative non-animal testing methods. But if a compromise cannot be reached, we must comply with the testing required by local law. Animal testing is an issue faced by all global beauty companies.”
If you would like to read the entire Avon Page, here’s the link.
This was interesting. It seems that China was relaxing some of it’s rules, which is definitely a good thing. But not all of them. Avon would still allow them to test on animals for “special use” products.
While things have certainly gotten better, Avon stills get a big thumbs down from Dog Files.
We spent over an hour trying to find any animal testing info I could on Mary Kay’s site and couldn’t find anything. Even on their Product Safety page, not one mention of it. But I did find this image that says they still sell in China.
If anyone can find anything on their site, please let us know. But for now, Mary Kay is still selling in China and if they are selling “special use” products then animals are still being used. Mary Kay gets a big thumbs down from Dog Files.
Now it’s Estee Lauder’s turn. I found the info pretty quickly, which I believe is a good thing, on their FAQ page.
“At The Estée Lauder Companies, the safety of our consumers is our highest priority. We utilize the latest advances in non-animal safety testing and human volunteer testing to deliver products of the highest safety and quality to our consumers. We do not test our products or ingredients on animals, or ask others to test on our behalf, except where required by law. We are proud that we were one of the first cosmetic companies to establish that cosmetic safety can be demonstrated by non‐animal testing methods. There are, however, still some countries that believe they need to conduct or require animal testing in order to validate the safety of cosmetic ingredients or products. Our Company and all of our brands remain dedicated to the elimination of animal testing on all cosmetic products and ingredients worldwide. We believe that animal testing should not be needed to validate safety of cosmetic products or ingredients and we are encouraging the use of alternatives and the elimination of such animal testing globally.”
Sadly, this means that it is still happening. Estee Lauder gets the big thumbs down from Dog Files.
Next we found an article on Teen Vogue, entitled MAC Is Finally Speaking Out Amid Criticism for Animal Testing dated July 7, 2017. MAC is another giant cosmetics company. Here’s an excerpt from the article.
“MAC doesn’t test on animals,” Anna Klein, vice president of Global Corporate Affairs, Global Communications at Estée Lauder Companies (MAC’s parent company), tells Teen Vogue. Technically, she’s right. MAC employees are not testing on animals. But the company’s products are tested on animals — in China, in government labs, by government employees.”
“The MAC team isn’t as clear on what happens within those labs. They’re government-run facilities, so MAC isn’t present. However, animal advocacy groups say the tests are torture for the animals. According to Kathy Guillermo, a senior vice president of PETA, “substances will be force-fed to the animals, smeared onto their [skin] and into their eyes,” adding that “the bottom line is death.”
We will add MAC to our list of companies getting the big thumbs down from Dog Files.
It’s pretty easy actually. I went to the PeTA website and I found a page about companies that don’t test on animals, a page about companies that do test on animals, and a database where you can type in any company’s name to find out if they still participate in this horrible practice. Below are the links for your convenience.
Companies that DON’T test on animals.
One of the most disappointing things for me is seeing sites like Snopes and Fox Business specifically call out Dog Files to say we we were spreading false news. They literally say at the end of the post, “This story is part of an ongoing Associated Press effort to fact-check claims in suspected false news stories.” Each story acts like we said that the CEO of the company is personally blinding bunnies. Which, of course, isn’t true. Plus it’s just shameful when big corporations tow the line for other big corporations.
For cosmetics companies to say they aren’t testing on animals, but in reality they are paying a foreign entity to do it for them so they can enter a new profitable market is disingenuous if not dishonest.
That’s like saying, “I didn’t do it, I paid someone else to do it”. Technically, sure, you didn’t do it. But c’mon, how naive and gullible do you think your customers are?
Apparently, quite a bit.
The post Are Cosmetic Companies Still Testing On Animals? appeared first on Dog Files.
This post is sponsored by BJ’s Wholesale Club. Dog Files is being compensated
for helping spread the word about BJ’s Wholesale Club Pet Food.
The top five cats and top five dog finalists of the BJ’s Wholesale Club Great Pet Search Contest have been announced and now it’s your turn to vote for who you think should be the new face of BJ’s Wholesale Club Pet Food!
Here’s what you need to know:
1. From 8/14 to 8/18, vote for your favorite cat and favorite dog!
2. You can cast one vote per category and winners will be announced on 8/23.
3. Visit BJs.com/GreatPetSearch to cast your vote
The winning cat and dog will receive one special edition Berkley Jensen dog or cat food with their face on it, win a year’s supply of Berkley Jensen dog or cat food and will be in various BJ’s pet marketing materials for up to one year!
The winners will be announced on August 23, 2017!
#BJsGreatPetSearch #ad
The post Vote For Your Favorite Dog In BJ’s Great Pet Search! appeared first on Dog Files.
Freshpet® debuts an exciting new freshly prepared meal specially crafted for your dog with Freshpet® Vital® Fresh Cuts™ Chicken Recipe for Dogs.
I know that sometimes, my dog Remy just isn’t going to eat the normal dry food. It just doesn’t have an enticing smell. With can food, we have the smell, but who knows what they smushed together in that slimy mix? That’s why I love Freshpet. It has the smell that excites Remy and yes, it actually looks great. I can tell what’s in it!
Are there other reasons? Of course.
A growing number of consumers are making their own dog food. However, it may not have the right balance of protein and nutrition for their dogs. This is why Vital® hand-crafted Fresh Cuts™. It provides the goodness of a homecooked meal with a medley of shredded chicken, antioxidant-rich cranberries, and vegetables like sweet potatoes and green beans for the optimal mix of protein and nutrition.
From my view, I can just say that Remy devours Freshpet whenever I get it for him and it’s great to know I’m feeding him food that’s good for him.
Freshpet® brands include Freshpet® Select and Dog Joy™, available at select grocery and mass-market retailers; Deli Fresh®, Vital™ and Dognation™, available at pet specialty stores.
The post Freshpet Vital Makes Homemade Food For Your Dog! appeared first on Dog Files.
Puppy Eyes: More Than Just
A Pretty Face.
Much like human kids, dogs are notorious for turning on the cuteness factor at just the right moments. Whether it’s to gain an extra treat, a belly rub, or to maybe even comfort their owner, dogs excel at working those “puppy dog eyes”. Researchers have been working on the most adorable study ever, to determine if “puppy dog eyes” are a real thing. Well, good news, dog lovers. Those lovable eyes might be trying to tell us something.
We all know “the look”: dogs open their eyes wide, raise their eyebrows and stare seemingly into your soul. In a new study, researchers, using the DogFACS coding system, found that these facial expressions increased significantly when humans were actually paying attention to the dogs. Prior to this, there have been several documented studies that prove dog’s behavior is affected by human attentional state, including an increase in vocalization (as if we needed science to say our dogs really do talk to us!). This new research focuses specifically on facial expressions and eye movements, which was previously thought to be merely reflexive.
Most dog owners would agree that their furry friend has certain trademark facial expressions, reserved for different situations, just like humans. The important question is if these expressions are voluntary, therefore a sign of communication, or involuntary emotional reflexes.
This new research suggests that these expressions are active in nature, possibly reflecting a true sign of intentional communication. Dr. Juliane Kaminski, lead researcher states, “The findings appear to support evidence dogs are sensitive to humans’ attention and that expressions are potentially active attempts to communicate, not simple emotional displays.”
Interestingly, the study also found that these facial expressions were not altered by the presence or absence of exciting stimuli, like food or treats. What was important was the visibility of the human’s eyes to the dogs involved. Essentially, our eyes are used as physical cues to turn on the charm, science says.
Humans are apparently more interesting and exciting than treats, which may come as a surprise to anyone who has witnessed the sheer joy a good treat can bring to a hungry pup! The food may excite the dog, but won’t cause its facial expression to change, says the study. The dogs in the latest study focused solely on the humans, which reinforces the fact that dogs really are excellent listeners. Dog parents everywhere know the feeling of undivided attention and unconditional love that dogs can give, and now science is backing it up. We may never know exactly what our beloved furry friends are thinking, but we are coming to understand more about how they communicate.
Not only is this research exciting for us as dog lovers, because we are getting closer to understanding that our beloved pups might actually be communicating with us, but it’s important for the dogs, too.
Researchers found that dogs in shelters who exhibited one of the expressions, making the eyes appear bigger (aka puppy dog eyes!), actually were rehomed faster! So there it is, there’s now scientific research backing up why you couldn’t resist that dog at the shelter.
Surprisingly, a study also found that tail-wagging had a negative impact on speed of adoption. The thinking is perhaps that wide-eyed look reminds us humans of young babies or sweet innocence, but it makes us want to open our hearts to these bright-eyed canines. It is unclear as to why tail-wagging was connected to a longer adoption time, because it typically indicates a friendly demeanor.
The next time you catch your dog staring at you, pay attention to their eyes and facial expressions. Know that maybe they are trying to communicate with you after all. Give them an extra smile or a pat on the head, to show that maybe you understand them, too.
The post Is Your Dog Trying To Communicate With You? appeared first on Dog Files.
This post is sponsored by BJ’s Wholesale Club. Dog Files is being compensated for helping spread the word about BJ’s Wholesale Club Pet Food.
Today was a great day for Remy! Berkley Jensen of BJ’s Wholesale Club surprised us with a giant care package. As you can see from the photo above, Remy is in heaven about it. Okay, I maybe knew it was coming, but it was still a surprise for Remy!
Berkley Jensen contacted me a few weeks earlier and asked if they could send a package for Remy. As you can tell, since you’re reading this right now, I said “sure”.
The bed is 38″ round bed which is the perfect size for a 55 lb. doggie like Remy. It’s also reversible with warm and cool fabrics and machine washable. It’s also treated with MaxGuard to reduce odor and bacterial growth. Not that our dogs smell but, sometimes they do. 😉
One of the most important things when evaluating a dog bed is, of course, will your dog continue to choose it to lay on it. Let’s face it, it’s quite a big piece of furniture to have around if your pooch doesn’t like it.
On this account, I can happily say that this big, fluffy, round bed has become a favorite of Remy’s. He likes to sleep in it after breakfast and during the afternoon. What a life this dog has! I’m happy to have it for him! Thanks, Berkley Jensen!
As you can see from the photos, Remy took to the cushy bed right away!
The bed is called the Berkley Jensen 38″ Tufted Round Pet Bed and if there was one thing I could tell from Remy is that it is extremely comfy.
As an added surpise, (I only thought the bed was coming), Berkley Jensen added in a bunch of treats for Remy.
First up, is a giant 6.61 lbs. tub of Berkley Jensen Gravy Coated Baked Dog Biscuits. One of the best aspects of the tub is it’s resealable and that’s something that has always seemed to be pain with most dog treats. In the tub are three flavors of dog treats, Chicken, Lamb, and Bacon flavor and they are crunchy enough to help clean teeth and reduce tartar. They are also fortified with vitamins & minerals and Remy really enjoys crunching down on them.
Secondly, we have their Pig Ears Bag and their Pork & Berry Links Bag. The Pig Ears are oven roasted and the Pork & Berry Links are grain and gluten free. Remy turns into a wild child when I throw a few of these to him! All in all, very nice treats at a good price.
The Berkley Jensen Brand is sold exclusively at BJ’s Wholesale Club. If you are a member, you can find the coupon collection flyer with some great deals (listed below) at the front of your local club. Coupons are valid till 11/8/17.
Save $4 on Berkley Jensen Seafood Lover’s Classic Variety Pack Cat Food
Save $6 on Cosequin DS Plus MSM Joint Health Supplement for Dogs, 132 ct.
Save $5 on Berkley Jensen Pet Bed
Save $4 on Berkley Jensen All Natural Wet Dog Food
The post Berkley Jensen Sent Remy A New Bed & Some Treats! appeared first on Dog Files.
Ever feel like your dog is just a human with paws? Now, a Hungarian study discovered that dogs suffer with sleep issues after enduring a stressful experience, just like we do.
The study found that, like humans, dogs who experienced a negative situation, took longer to fall asleep than the group who had a positive one. The dogs were subjected to negative experiences such as being tied in one place or being ignored by their owner. The positive experiences lasted six minutes and included fun, engaging things like petting and playing.
Not only did the stressed-out dogs have trouble getting to sleep, they continued to suffer even once they entered dreamland. The pups who had a bad day had less time in true deep sleep and had more minutes in the lighter REM sleep. While REM sleep is essential for dreaming, it doesn’t provide most restful sleep that our bodies need.
This study, done by the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, used EEG monitors to track the sleep activity of 16 dogs, both purebred and mixed breed. Researchers also tracked heart rate variability to confirm the negative experiences were in fact being perceived negatively by the dogs. The positive experiences, however, such as petting, ear scratches and light play, increased oxytocin levels (the anti-stress hormone) in both dogs and their humans.
It’s important to note that the occasional restless night won’t harm your dog. However, consistent sleep issues can lead to problems with aggression and behavior changes, says Dr. Anna Kis, lead researcher of the study.
More research is needed on the sleeping habits of our four-legged friends, and it is a growing area of interest. In a recent study on sleep spindles, also led by Dr. Kis, it was found that proper sleep aids in dogs learning capabilities and memory formation.
Each day we discover something else that makes dogs even more amazing, as if we needed another reason to love them.
So tonight before you go to bed, give your pup a belly rub, scratch their ears, and wish them sweet dreams. They’ll thank you for it later.
The post Have Trouble Sleeping After A Bad Day? Your Dog Does Too! appeared first on Dog Files.
