For Pet's Sake Column

This column is dedicated to the memory of Winfield, beloved feline friend of Patty Fry and Dennis Mullican of Ojai. The odd-eyed (one blue eye and one green) fluffy white cat passed away peacefully on the morning of January 20^th. He will be greatly missed by his many admirers, myself included.

Ever since I began writing For Pet’s Sake last July, friends have asked me whether I ever run out of things to talk about. Hardly. In any given week, I dig up an avalanche of animal stories. In today’s column, I’ll share a few of the tales currently making headlines around the country. They run the gamut from a juicy story about, um, a juice company to a posh hotel that pampers pups in Florida .

ISN’T IT WONDERFUL? Reuters announced last week that Pomegranate juice maker “Pom Wonderful,” has ceased using animals to test its theory that antioxidants in the fruit may help prevent cancer, strokes and even Alzheimer’s disease. Last year, the Los Angeles based company became a target of animal rights activists who were dismayed by the company’s cruel research practices on baby mice and rabbits. Pom’s decision was apparently prompted by an ultimatum by Whole Foods Market to stop selling the company’s juice and associated tea blends by April 1^st if Pom continued to fund studies that included animal testing.

FLYING THE FIDO UNFRIENDLY SKIES. A recent Los Angeles Times article stated that Air Canada has banned nearly all animals from aircraft cabins, saying they could trigger allergy attacks in people. The purpose of the ban is “to offer an allergy-free environment,” says Air Canada spokesman John Reber. Most U.S. carriers accept animals in the passenger cabin if they are confined to a carrier small enough to fit under the seat. Exceptions include Southwest Airlines, which doesn’t take pets, and U.S. Airways and JetBlue Airways, which generally take pets in the cabin, but not in the cargo hold. All airlines allow service animals, such as guide dogs, to fly alongside their human companion.

GRAY WOLVES IN GRAVE DANGER. Idaho ’s governor said he would support public hunts to kill a majority of the state’s gray wolves after the U.S. government strips them of protection under the Endangered Species Act. Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter said he wanted hunters to kill about 550 gray wolves. “I'm prepared to bid for that first ticket to shoot a wolf myself,” the rancher-turned-politician said during a recent rally of several hundred hunters. While the gray wolf may be an endangered species, it’s clear that people like “Butch” are an endangering species.

OUR PETS REALLY KNEAD US. The Ritz Carlton Hotel in Sarasota , Florida recently unleashed its latest luxury: a one-hour dog massage “to help your loving companion escape from the hounding pressures of their ruff world.” The price tag? $130.00. And for a mere $350, four-legged guests at the haute hotelier are treated to gourmet dog biscuits, an in-room pet massage, a choice of nail buffing or nail polish, a souvenir photo, a brisk walk along the John Ringling Bridge and a gourmet meal of organic stew and designer water served on a silver tray. Bone appetite!

Have an animal story to tell? Send an email message to Karen at karenleestevens@cox.net.