Pros To Having A Trained Dog

They sit when told to do so.
They leave guests alone when they are eating.
They will not jump up on guests.
They will not take over the house.
They know you are the boss.
They come when they are called and do not stray.
They do not strain on the leash and walk you.
They are not a nuisance to your neighbors.
They chew on items that are their toys.
They do not bark endlessly.
They do not chase other dogs or cats.
They do what you ask because they love you unconditionally.

Is your dog prepared for a disaster?

If you live in a disaster prone region you are encouraged to have a survival kit for your family.  But what about your dog/dogs?  Be sure to provide for them as well. Here are some suggestions for items to have for your dog:

• Leash and collar with ID tags attached
• Current vaccination records, especially rabies
• Current photo of your dog
• 3 day supply of food, water, and medication
• Dishes for their food and water
• Blankets or bedding
• Crate
• Toy
• Pick-up bags

Looking For Program Flea Control?

I noticed that Drs. Foster and Smith now has the Program Flea Control tablets back in stock.  Just in case any of you are looking for it.  It has been on back order on many online sites since the Novartis plant in Lincoln, Nebraska was shut down.  Sentinel is still on back order. 

Barrels and Bibs

Brandykegs has barrels and bibs for you big dog; visit our store to see our barrels and our bibs.

Got Your Six

Do you know what "Got your six," means?  It is a military term for; I got your back and you've got mine.  Imagine the face of a clock, 12 is facing forward, between 12 and 3 is to the right, between 12 and 9 is to the left; and finally 6 is the back. 

"Got Your Six" is an initiative to support our veterans and their families.  This was inspired by our First Lady, Michelle Obama's Joining Forces initiative. 

Joining Forces Initiative Addresses:

1. Jobs
2. Education
3. Health
4. Housing
5. Family
6. Leadership

The "Got Your Six" came about from a veterans working group that was convened by the Clinton Global Initiative.  Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski from Alaska; was the first senator to back the initiative.  This is not a partisan backed plan, but an American backed plan.  It is wonderful way for everyone to show our appreciation and support for the military. 

California Primary Election

It is your civic duty to vote; exercise your right.  There are two initiatives on the ballot today.

• Prop 28 Limits on Legislators' terms in office
• Prop 29 Imposes additional tax on cigarettes for cancer research

Polls open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm

More On Novartis VS Elanco/Lilly

I brought up the topic of monopolies yesterday; I am concerned about the shutdown of one plant with animal care products and another animal care manufacturer coming to the forefront. I hope this market is not being manipulated so that we as consumers are losing our choices once again.  It would not be this first time a competitor used tactics to eliminate their competition.

My thoughts are that both of these manufacturers produce quality products.  We as consumers should be allowed to make the choice of which product to use.  I also think it is unfortunate that so many veterinarians think they should control all of the dispensing of animal medications within their facilities.  Free enterprise is a good thing, not a bad thing.

The consumer is paying the price for this shutdown.  Prices have definitely gone up for flea control and heartworm products; and we have also lost our option to choose an alternative product.

Just a few thoughts to ponder from Brandykegs.

More On Novartis VS Elanco/Lilly

While I was researching why it was so difficult to purchase Novartis products; I discovered that there are many veterinarians out there that do not want veterinarian products to be available to the public online.  It is unfortunate that they do not support free enterprise.

Think about this, your dog has an ear infection and antibiotics are necessary for treatment.  How many of you are offered a prescription by your veterinarian to have it filled outside their facility?  Usually you have to ask them for the written prescription if you desire to have it filled somewhere else.

Many of us prefer to avoid the extra step of purchasing the product elsewhere; however it should always be our choice. I know of people who purchase somewhere else because it is considerably cheaper. If you have your dog on any long term maintenance drugs; you should always look into what the cost would be outside your veterinarian.  Bottom line there should not be monopolies on this; we as consumers should have choices.

(more on this tomorrow from Brandykegs)

More On Novartis VS Elanco/Lilly

By now you have probably heard about replacement products for Novartis products.  Comfortis is a monthly tablet administered to dogs for flea control. Elanco/Lilly states that this product kills fleas within 30 minutes and stops the development of fleas from larvae.  A prescription from you veterinarian is required for this product.  Trifexis is a monthly tablet administered to dogs for flea control, preventing heartworm, also treats and controls adult hookworm, roundworm and whipworm infections.  The manufacturer of Trifexis is also Elanco/Lilly.  Trifexis requires a prescription from your veterinarian as well.

These are two relatively new products that I have heard about.  I heard about Comfortis in the fall of 2011, and there have been commercials on television for Trifexis since March/April 2012. Isn't it interesting how these two new products which basically do the same thing as Novartis products, Program, Capstar, and Sentinel do are now the products available and the Novartis products are not?

(more tomorrow from Brandykegs)

Point Schedule For Division 9

Here is the point schedule for Saint Bernards in division 9; which comprises California and Arizona:

• 1 point is awarded for 2 dogs or 2 bitches
• 2 points are awarded for 4 dogs or 4 bitches
• 3 points are awarded for 6 dogs or 6 bitches
• 4 points are awarded for 9 dogs or 11 bitches
• 5 points are awarded for 15 dogs or 21 bitches

This point schedule became effective May 16, 2012.