Archive for August, 2008

I’ve been watching shows like The Dresden Files (which by the way was an AWESOME show on Scifi–too bad they cancelled it!), Ghost Whisperer, Sliders, and a host of other shows, and it dawned on me that we think of things in terms of what we understand–is it true that we can sense and feel things that are other worldy? Can the dead really be able to visit us on this plane of existence, via some metaphysical form, like the Slimer from Ghostbusters or some whispy ghostly manifestation?

After watching Sliders (actually that’s not true, I’m still waiting it and only through season 2), but the concept that is behind the show, being able to go between the EPR plane and literally slide between parallel dimensions, struck me as strange but at the same time kind of thought provoking. What if, at the present moment we can’t slide between dimensions, but what if there are tiny holes that can exist between dimensions, weak spots if you will, and it is in those intersection points that we find it possible to “view” individuals from one dimension to another. What if, the reason some people can “talk” to those who have pasted, is that in this particular house at this particular location at this particular time and space, the tear has allowed for a window into a dimension where that individual is very much alive? Is it so fantastic to think that this is possible? Wouldn’t that go volumes to try and explain much of what we see around us that we don’t know, but on the other side, is rather terrifying in the idea that there can be tears between dimensions or time and space for that matter. We think of time and space in a more fluid or undistrubed plane of existence, but what if that plane is rifed with pot-holes or various other dimples that cause discontinuity between what we would consider to be normal and what is not normal.

If you knew our Shiba Inu, you would know that he is ONE PICKY eater! So we have him on a high protein diet with Innova Evo dog food, but in terms of treats, we have so far been using just the Innova Health Bars, which Momo just absolutely loves.

So at the most recent Midwest Shiba Inu Rescue, we got a sample of a dog treat made by Dogswell. Now frankly I haven’t heard of these treats before, but let me tell you, Momo LOVES THESE treats!

But if you look at the package, it will tell you that these treats are made in China. Now this is one of the reasons that we went with Innova dog food (wet and dry) because of the recall of dog food that was manufactured in China and contained certain amounts of melamine.

So out of concern, I sent an email to Dogswell to inquire:

Are your products made in China? If so, what are you doing to protect against the recent problems with Dog Food out of China?

That was at Sent: Monday, August 18, 2008 5:20 PM, now wouldn’t you know that we went out for dinner and came back and I received an email back from the company, a little over 2 hours for a response, now that’s service!

Below is what they responded back–let’s just say it raises my confidence level quite a bit on their product that this company is so honest and upfront, it’s hard to find companies like that these days. So I’d recommend that you try out their line of products as your dog will absolutely LOVE THEM! And feel safe that you have a company like this backing you up!

At DOGSWELL(r), your pet’s safety, health and well-being are our top priority, and that is why we continue to take every measure to ensure that all our ingredients are high quality and safe.

We have thoroughly tested our treats and food by an independent, third-party U.S. laboratory that uses APPMA- and FDA-approved methodology. We have NEVER been affected by any recalls.

All DOGSWELL(r) products have tested NEGATIVE for contaminants, including, melamine, salmonella and pesticides. In addition, DOGSWELL(r) products do not contain rice protein concentrate or wheat gluten.

We regularly test our products for any harmful contaminants and to ensure that they meet our quality standards. Along with an in-depth knowledge of our supply chain, our regular tests assure our customers that we are providing their pets with only the very best ingredients. Tests are conducted at independent, third-party, U.S. laboratories that follow FDA and APPMA-approved methodology. Please see below for an example of test results for our treats.

Our material suppliers are certified clean and clear of any contaminants. If raw ingredients do not meet their specifications and pass safety tests, then the ingredient is rejected immediately and never enters our processing facilities. Moreover, we strive to use products from suppliers that treat their animals humanely. Please see below for images of our chickens and ducks.

The DOGSWELL(r) manufacturing facilities meet the highest and most strict sanitary conditions. All of our plants have HACCP programs, have received high scores by independent Third Party auditors, have strict raw ingredient standards and continuously check our products during processing and when they are finished to ensure they meet our high quality standards. Our wet food for dogs is manufactured in the U.S. and our treats are manufactured in China. We regularly visit our manufacturing facilities to ensure the quality and safety of our products.

We know that it is easy to become concerned as the media is emphasizing safety issues in Chinese products. We share your concern. We look forward to the day when all factories in the United States are met with the same level of scrutiny we have put our suppliers through. Our factory is one of the cleanest, not only in China, but by American standards as well. Moreover, our product is the cleanest on the market. Assuming we could find a reliable source domestically, it would be impossible to find the same healthy, cage-free, antibiotic free, and hormone free product at the current price point.

We have USDA permits, and we have permits in every state in the U.S. In addition to the permits, the department of the USDA known as APHIS specifically monitors pet treats and conducts random inspections.

We stand behind our products 100% and feed them to our own dogs and cats.

For more information, please feel free to contact us directly at our toll-free number, 1- 888-559-8833, or visit our website at www.DOGSWELL.com.