Pet Safety Lady wants you to know Purina One dry cat food recalled

Pet Safety Lady and her cat Steve want you to know Purina One dry cat food recalled, according to the FDA the Purina One dry cat food are being recalled because of possible salmonella contamination.

The bags of Purina One Vibrant Maturity 7+ Dry Cat Food were distributed to customers in California, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio and Wisconsin. Those distribution sites may have further distributed the product to other states.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Nestlé Purina PetCare Company announced the recall. The affected batches include:

Purina One Vibrant Maturity 7+, 3.5 pounds, "Best by Date" of May 2012 and production code: 03341084. UPC: 17800 01885;

Purina One Vibrant Maturity 7+, 3.5 pounds, "Best by Date" of May 2012 and production code: 03351084. UPC: 17800 01885;

Purina One Vibrant Maturity 7+, 7 pounds, "Best by Date" of May 2012 and production code: 03341084. UPC: 17800 01887;

Purina One Vibrant Maturity 7+, 7 pounds, "Best by Date" of May 2012 and production code: 03351084. UPC: 17800 01887.

Salmonella poses a health risk to both the animals and their human care-takers. Cats who eat the tainted food may show signs of decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Pets may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting if not treated. Also, pets that don't exhibit these symptoms could become carriers that infect other animals and humans.

Read more about the recall here:
Webvet
Catster
PetConnection

Consumers should discontinue use of these batches of cat food and seek help from a doctor or veterinarian if they or their pets show signs of the food-borne illness. Symptoms in humans include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever.
For more information or to obtain a refund for the recalled bags, call Nestlé Purina PetCare Company's toll-free hotline: 800-982-6559, or visit its website: www.purina.com.

Pet Safety Lady DIGS Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed

Pet Safety Lady founder of Bark Buckle UP digs Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed. Because your pet will already be living in the Sleepypod, traveling will become much easier and less stressful for everyone. To safely transport your pet in the car, simply wrap the seat belt around the base of the Sleepypod and pull the shoulder belt through the top handle. The Sleepypod is designed for road trips. The Sleepypod Mini fits under the seat on commercial airplanes.

Most cats and many dogs associate travel with negative experiences such as a trip to the vet or the kennel. Sleepypod allows pets to travel safely in the pampered comfort of their own bed made of luxurious ultra-plush and foam alleviating the stress associated with travel and confinement in hard, plastic boxes with limited visibility.

On the road
The Sleepypod is designed for use in the home and in the car. It is too large and comfy to fit under the seat on an airplane, but it is a perfect fit for the back seat of a car.

Care and Cleaning
The ultra plush interior is easily maintained with a quick vacuum or a dip in the washing machine: cold water, gentle cycle with like colors. Tumble dry on low. Do not bleach. All other components can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. Should the interior ever look less than its best, Sleepypod offers additional Ultra Plush Bedding to ensure your Sleepypod is as luxurious as the day you bought it.

Pet Safety Lady Gets Dirty in the 2011 Range Rover HSE Sport

There are a lot of crossovers and SUVs on the market, but few match the upscale look and feel of the Range Rover Sport. Starting at $60,495, this high-end utility vehicle isn't for everyone, but this big SUV has something for everyone who owns one. For the driver, this Land Rover is chock-full of high end materials ranging from leather that would look nice in the living room of a mansion to real wood accents that adds to the visual splendor. And who wants a high-end luxury SUV that doesn't drive like a dream? The Range rover sport features a coddling four-corner air suspension that soaks up bumps and pot holes to the point that you'll hardly notice their existence. And even though the Range Rover Sort is a 5,500 pound utility vehicle, it still feels responsive enough to wear the Sport badge. The nimble chassis is complimented by steering that provides variable feedback based on driving style. (click here for more pictures) (Plus more videos below)

The engineers at Land Rover know that many owners have pets, so plenty of effort was made to ensure that your precious cargo is as comfortable as you are. The Range Rover Sport features a very generous 33.8 cubic feet of cargo space, or 71 cubes if you stow the second row seats. One very cool feature is an optional cargo barrier that separates your pets from other cargo. And the area behind the second row can be fitted with a loadspace rubber mat that eliminates pet carrier sliding while also serving as an easy to clean surface. Passengers don't like to be too hot or too cold, either, and Land Rover provides an easy to use automatic climate control system. You can make it cooler or warmer for the pets out back as well, which we're sure your bone-fetching friend will appreciate. An interesting option is an electric cool bag that plugs into a 12 volt auxiliary socket. The 15 inch by 8.66 inch bag can swallow up 14 liters of food and beverage for both you and your pet. We like this idea more than a bulky refrigeration unit that you probably won't use most of the time.



On the safety front, the Range Rover Sport features a full compliment of front, side and side curtain airbags. The Range Rover Sport also features available adaptive cruise control, which eliminates the need to continually adjust your cruise settings as those around you speed up and slow down. With adaptive cruise, you simply set the desired speed and radar sensors gauge the speed of vehicles around you, keeping your high-end SUV at arms length without having to constantly brake. And when you're pulling out of the driveway without your pet in tow, it's nice to know that the rear view camera is there so you can monitor your surroundings while backing up.

The Range Rover Sport is a very attractive vehicle both inside and out, and it features tons of luxury amenities you just don't find in the run of the mill SUV. We think it's a great option for pet owners who need lots of room, and demand first class accommodations.



"Enjoy the ride Be Smart Ride Safe buckle up the whole family", said Pet Safety Lady.

TOP DOG SUMMER PHOTO CONTEST

Top Dog Photo Contest invites you to upload a picture of your pet having active fun this summer. So show us your camping dogs, hiking dogs, surf dogs, kayaking dogs, dogs on boats, dogs RVing, dogs on planes, dogs on summer vacation, dogs in outdoor gear, dogs traveling or even laying in the sun soaking up some rays in their shades.

Top Ten and TOP Dog will be announced at the end of summer winning photos may appear on National TV with Pet Safety Lady. Visit the website Top Dog Photo Contest today.

It's simple to enter, just upload a photo of your pet doing something fun for a chance to win some awesome prizes from: Natura Pet Food from P&G, EVO Pet Food, Pet Buckle Brand, PetMate Pet Products, Bamboo Pet Products and Mountainsmith.

Prizes each week to win: Crates, Pet Carriers, Pet Food, Pet Travel Gear, Pet Travel Harness, Travel Bowls, Dog Toys, Pet Booster Seat, Pet Soft Crates, Poop Bags, Pet Back Pack, Pet First Aid Kits and more.

2011 Kia Sorento Test Driver Pet Safety Lady

Pet Safety Lady week long testing of the 2011 Kia Sorento.

Every automaker has more than once crossover nowadays, and they range in price from affordable to outlandishly expensive. The Kia Sorrento falls in the bargain basement category, with a diminutive starting price of only $21,195.

The Sorrento received a significant redesign for 2011, with very modern styling that would look good on a vehicle costing $10,000 more. The five passenger utility vehicle boasts two engines: a 2.4-liter four cylinder with 175 horsepower and a spirited 3.5-liter V6 with a significant 276 horsepower. With the four-cylinder under the hood, you can expect 20 miles per gallon in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The V6 is only marginally thirstier, with 20/26 numbers from the EPA.

Pet Summer Vacation Take Them Along

Pet Safety Lady founder of Bark Buckle UP shows what you need for camping or hiking with your pets this summer.

If you could ask your pet if he or she wanted to go on vacation with you or stay in a loud kennel with strange animals and caretakers, how do you think they would answer? We’re thinking “take me with you!” is the likely answer. And the good news is that keeping your pet safe and happy during your vacation is easy with just a little planning.

It doesn’t matter what your destination; the soft, sandy beaches of Florida, or the mountainous terrain of Alaska. Your pet is going to need current and accurate information on his or her ID tags. If your pet gets lost, this is what will help reunite you and them quicker. Also, you will need to have a collar or harness and a leash. For your and your pet’s protection, as well as the safety of others, most states require you to keep your pet on a 6-foot leash. The leash allows plenty of room for you and your pet to walk while also being short enough for you to gain better and quicker control if he or she decides they don’t like what’s coming near them.



And don’t forget the food! We can always stop for a cheeseburger, but feeding that to your pet isn’t the healthiest option for them (or us, really). Packing food & bottled water along with travel bowls will keep your pet full, hydrated and happy. If your trip involves hiking or camping, a backpack for your dog is a great way for them to carry their own snacks and water. We do it, so they won’t mind either.

We don’t always think about safety, but what fun is vacation without it? We make sure we pack the proper gear for ourselves. If I’m hiking, I’m wearing a safety vest and hiking boots. On hot sand, I’m wearing shoes so my feet don’t get burned. The same goes for Fido! A Pet Reflective Safety vest will help your pet to be seen by other hikers, campers or rescue workers. And don’t forget their feet, because you don’t forget to wear shoes or sandals when you leave the house. Doggie Boots help protect the pads of their feet from becoming irritated by hot sand or sharp rocks. A dog with sore feet is a very, very unhappy (and sometimes unmovable) pet.

If an accident does happen, a First Aid kit is essential when vacationing with a furry family member. Every now and then someone will end up with a scraped leg or a bee sting and if that happens to you or your pet, you’ll want to be prepared.

Some of the best vacations will include a dip in the water. Whether it’s in a pool or in the ocean, keep in mind that not all animals are great swimmers, and a personal flotation device or a pet life vest may be needed to help keep them safe. It’s also important to rinse your pet after they get out of the water. Rinsing will keep them from getting hot spots or infections. This in turn will keep their skin and fur healthier.

And finally, after a day of hiking, swimming and playing, a good night’s rest is in order. After all, we want to do it all again the next day. Bringing along your pet’s bed is a great way to keep them, and you, happy.

"Our pets are a very important member of our family, and with them riding in the car, truck, SUV, RV, boating, hiking or camping our vacations will be the most fun possible with them by our side. Have a great time!" said Pet Safety Lady founder of Bark Buckle UP.

Pet Safety Memorial Day

With summer right around the corner Bark Buckle UP wants to remind people to be safe driving buckle up the whole family pets included this Memorial Day holiday weekend.

Ray LaHood, DOT announced the 2011 Click It or Ticket mobilization with a reminder to motorists about the severe risks of driving unbelted, day or night. NHTSA statistics show 306 people died on U.S. roads during the 2009 Memorial Day period, 55% were unbelted.

Memorial Day weekend in a car, truck, SUV, crossover, RV and even boating, remember safety-first buckle up the whole family. It’s easy to do pet travel harness, tethers, crates and for boating wear it your PFD pets too”, stated Christina Selter “Pet Safety Lady, founder Bark Buckle UP.

“Despite all the warnings against leaving pets and children in cars, yet we still hear all too often the horror stories of dogs that suffered or even died after being left in vehicles as temperatures inside soared. Studies have shown that a healthy dog, whose normal body temperature ranges from 101 to 102.5 degrees, can withstand a body temperature of 107 to 108 degrees for only a short time before suffering brain damage or death, at even 85-degree weather, temperatures inside a car can reach 120 degrees in less then 30 minutes, even if a window is cracked.” Christina Selter.



FACTS:
• Wearing a seatbelt costs you nothing but NOT wearing on can cost a life
• Bark Buckle UP’s StatTracker 2009 98% of pets were not secured properly
• A 60-pound pet can become 3000-pound projectile, at just 35mph
• Pet travel has increased 300% since 2005
• Unrestrained pets delay emergency workers' access to human occupants
• Pets escaping post-accident pose many dangers, including catching the loose pet
• Injured pets may bite first responders and rescue workers
• Pets may escape through a window or open door and cause a second accident
• Driver distraction is common when unrestrained pets are rambunctious

Photo is Sookie in a Land Rover going on an outing.

ABOUT: Bark Buckle UP’s founder Christina Selter “Pet Safety Lady” is the official go-to expert and heads the leading research team on pet travel safety for Government Agencies, Police, Fire and other first responder agencies including NHTSA, DOT, TSA Homeland Security, Automotive, Marine, Recreational industry leaders to improve pet travel safety and awareness.

Pet Safety Lady Goes For Heels and Wheels

This was the most amazing event of the year, Heels and Wheels. Produced by Overstreet Events, it brought together female automotive journalists, female automotive experts, female vehicle manufacture representatives and female bloggers – yes, this was an all female event!

Christina Selter (Pet Safety Lady) founder of Bark Buckle UP began the tour driving the Volvo c70 topless from Los Angeles to Palm Springs. With just one quick stop to change into my AskPatty hat, it was a smooth ride and though we did hit a bit of rain, it took only thirty seconds to put the top up. We checked in at the Viceroy Palm Springs, a row of tan bodies lining the pool.

First to arrive was Bark Buckle UP and AskPatty, Sue Mead from Houston Chronicle, BJ Killeen from Drivers Talk Radio, next to the finish line was AutoTrader – Joni Gray and Holly Reich, Automotive News – Leslie Allen, NewsWeek – Tara Weingarten, Carspondent – Nina Russin, Edmunds – Carroll Lachnit, Automotive Rhythms – Shonda Hurt, MotorWeek – Marlene Rodman and Yolanda Vazquez, TrueCar – Brandy Schaffels, Cnet – Liane Yvkoff, MotherProof and Cars.com – Kristen Varela, Decisive Auto Latino– Valerie Menard, the twitter fanatics from Kelley Blue Book - Leigh Anne & Rebekah and the top female bloggers of the universe; here’s where the conversation begins tips included.

Watch out you old school men folk; auto guys, you better run you better hide. The ladies are burning rubber, towing trailers, doing oil changes, buying Cooper Tires and coming off the line at full speed - so it’s time to get out of our way!

Day two began as our fleet of vehicles varoomed off for test drives, up and down Highway 111 with the all female driving crews buckled up, child cars seats, groceries and pets (dog played by our friend Fake Jake) secured snugly. The sun was shining and the day was just beginning.



On hand were a plethora of vehicles to analyze, photograph and film. The best part of the test drive’s were the female manufacture representatives that rode along with us, sharing detailed information and answering every question.

Vehicle Favorite Feature
GM Acadia Denali --Windshield hologram
Volvo c70 --Suntan included (go topless in only 30 seconds)
Honda Civic Hybrid --Technology for fuel use
Chrysler Town & Country --Third row seating fold outward
Chevrolet Cruze --Spacious rear seat, interior design elements
Mazda5 --Sliding doors easy access
Kia Optima Hybrid --Front cooled and heated front seats
Dodge Journey --Built in booster/car seat for pets or children
Hyundai Tucson --Price starts at just over $18,000
Mitsubishi Outlander --Fold-down rear seats a full 72.6 cubic feet
Saab 9-5 Sedan --DriveSense twist of a knob adjust agility & performance

We ended the day with the GMC Denali. The motor has such a bark (pun intended), and the towing capacity is right up my alley, but the technology is what revs my motor. The windshield hologram was number one feature, plus the perfect amount of chrome the honeycomb grille dressed this bad boy up for the ladies.

Guys, here’s your exit the ladies are taking over the road.

TOP THREE AUTMOTIVE TIPS

TIP #1
The most important thing an automotive dealer could do to gain more female buyers is STOP INSULTING WOMEN. Listen, guys. We know cars, we have money and we are the ones buying, driving cars and not just minivans.

TIP #2
Hire more women and train your staff to communicate to women.

TIP #3
Learn about us - statistics don’t lie. How much of your marketing dollars, PR or advertising is geared towards women.
• Average age of the female automotive shopper is 43
• Female automotive shoppers currently own 2 vehicles
• 31% of female automotive shoppers do not have children
Thank you to KBB, Rebekah King for female automotive shopper survey results.