What is a Stop Sale Order? | Truth about Pet Food

If you've never heard of a Stop Sale Order, you need to read this article.  A Stop Sale Order doesn't necessarily mean there is something wrong with the product, but it could.  If you feed Stella and Chewy's, you need to read this article.



It feels like every day there is a new recall or now, Stop Sale Order regarding pet food.  We have to protect our pets.  No one else is really going to do it for us.  



What is a Stop Sale Order? | Truth about Pet Food

Boulder Dog Food Company Recall July 2015

Here's another dog food recall.  We may all have to start making our own dog food so we can improve and control the quality.  If you have a good recipe, please post.



Read about the recall...

Boulder Dog Food Company Recall July 2015

Life Of Tinkerbell The Pit Bull To Be Spared After WV Supreme Court Ruling - WCHS - ABC

The West Virginia Supreme Court has ruled that Pit Bulls are not inherently dangerous.   You can read the article below:



Life Of Tinkerbell The Pit Bull To Be Spared After WV Supreme Court Ruling - WCHS - ABC

Here's another link as well:  http://www.courtswv.gov/supreme-court/docs/spring2015/14-0757.pdf

A recent visit to some local Central Florida animal shelters reveals that there are approximately 10 Pit Bull/mixes for 1 of every other breed.  Most of these animals have no hope of ever being adopted because of the bad rap these dogs have by reputation.  However, proper and responsible pet ownership reflects that these dogs can and do make wonderful pets.  Some would say, "there are no bad dogs, just bad dog owners." 

Petsmart Himalayan Ruff Roots Dog Treat Recall | Truth about Pet Food

Himalayan Corporation has issued a voluntary recall of specific Ruff
Roots All-Natural Dog Chew Toys due to potential metal contamination.



If you use this product, please review the article below. 



Petsmart Himalayan Ruff Roots Dog Treat Recall | Truth about Pet Food

OC Raw Dog Food Recall of 2015

Yet another dog food recall, this time a raw dog food.  I'm starting to think we need to make all of our own dog food.  



OC Raw Dog Food Recall of 2015

Class action lawsuit claims that Purina pet food is killing dogs - Seattle Pets | Examiner.com

This could be very important information as Beneful is available on grocery store shelves everywhere!



Class action lawsuit claims that Purina pet food is killing dogs - Seattle Pets | Examiner.com

Petnups- Who Gets Fluffy?

"You may now kiss the bride!" This is how all marriages begin.  Unfortunately, not all married couples can withstand the test of time.  The question then becomes, "Who gets to keep the pet(s)?"

To avoid a potential conflict over the care and custody of your pets in the event of a divorce (or termination of the relationship in the event of an unmarried couple), consider what has been coined, a Petnuptial Agreement.  A Petnuptial Agreement is a premarital agreement, drawn up by the couples' attorneys that specifically addresses issues related to the care and custody of the couple's pets in the event of a divorce or dissolution of the relationship.  

Pets are an integral part of our family.  We care for them like our children. For some couples, the pets are the children.  Pet custody disputes can become very ugly and expensive. A Petnuptial Agreement will help prevent unnecessary stress and anxiety for the pet, as well as the human parties involved. The Petnuptial Agreement allows you to decide in advance who will be the primary caregiver for your pet, how custody will be shared, the division of responsibility related to ongoing daily care, veterinary bills and unexpected emergency situations.

 

Relationships don't always last forever.  However, your commitment to your pet lasts a lifetime; the lifetime of your pet. A properly planned and executed Petnuptial Agreement can provide both parties with the certainty that their loved pet(s) will be provided for in the manner they intend without an expensive custody battle.  If you have any questions related to estate planning for your pet, including the preparation of a Petnuptial Agreement or resolution of a pet related dispute, please call the Law Offices of Hoyt & Bryan (407) 977-8080 for an appointment today.  

Big Bark Dog Treats Recall | Dog Food Advisor

January 30, 2015 — Grill-Phoria LLC of Loveland, CO is recalling its Big Bark All Natural Beef Jerky Treats for Dogs because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.



If you want to read more...



Big Bark Dog Treats Recall | Dog Food Advisor

Florida Bar Animal Law Committee December eUpdate

Divorce Confidential: Sharing Pets at the Holidays

If you and your spouse or significant other are divorced/separated and you plan to share the pets over the holidays, make your preparations in advance.  This means agreeing on the time and place for exchange with a backup plan in case of foul weather or other unexpected occurrences.



The holidays are stressful for everyone, pets included.  There's a lot going on and a lot that can go wrong.  Plan for contingencies in advance.  Make sure your pets are included in holiday festivities and not an after thought that gets shut up in the bedroom and ignored.



If you can't agree with your ex regarding the pets, when the holidays are over, speak with a qualified animal law attorney and create an agreement - coined Petnuptials - in order to set out the terms and conditions of your pet sharing arrangement.



For questions, please contact Peggy R. Hoyt, J.D., M.B.A., B.C.S.

(board certified in Wills, Trusts and Estates and Elder Law)

Peggy@HoytBryan.com.  
HoytBryan.com

November eUpdate from the Florida Bar Animal Law Committee

Here's the November eUpdate from the Florida Bar Animal Law Committee:

Concerns of Animal Feed Additive from Dr. Michael Fox | Truth about Pet Food

Dr. Michael Fox is a long time friend of our family - he's been an influence in my life since I was 10.  The point he is making here is that the meat we are feeding our animals contains additives that may not be in the best interest of our pet's health (our either for that matter).



I don't eat meat, but I still feed it to my pets, so it is still a big concern for me and for the health and safety of my pets.



To learn more about the dangers of feed additives that can affect your pet, read more...

Concerns of Animal Feed Additive from Dr. Michael Fox | Truth about Pet Food

‘Pup-Nups’ Help Solve Pet Custody Disputes « CBS Pittsburgh

It's the latest rage - a Pup Nup - a prenuptial agreement with our soon-to-be spouse that governs who gets the pets if something happens to the marriage.  Sound crazy? Not at all!  It's your best defense against a legal battle with your now, soon-to-be-ex if your marriage becomes a statistic.  Don't forget, 50% of all marriages don't survive.  You might not have kids, but what about the pets?



When my first husband and I divorced we had a dog and two cats.  I got the dog and one of the cats.  He kept the other cat and I got visitation rights.  My current husband and I have 3 horses, 7 dogs and 2 cats.  That would be a disaster if anything happened to our marriage.



I know one lady who spent her retirement savings fighting her ex over visitation of their dog.  They couldn't agree who would keep the dog and the other wanted rights to visit.  Rather than "switching kids" at the local McDonalds or Burger King, they swapped at their vet's office.  This was fine until one day when the vet techs reported he let the dog out of the trunk of the car!



And you don't have to be married to have a pet custody dispute.  Unmarried couples often adopt pets or buy each other a pet as a gift.  Then, when the relationship ends, there's no clear answer to who keeps the pet.  When two friends of mine split, she wanted the dog because she bought it (for him) and he wanted the dog because it was his gift.  Today, he has the dog and she visits.  He did buy her another dog, but as you pet lover's know, it didn't diminish the love she had for the first - so now there's a new dog to love.  



A Pup Nup could avoid all this legal wrangling when relationships go bad.  Planning ahead for how pets and property are going to be divided is well advised.  For more information, don't hesitate to call The Law Offices of Hoyt & Bryan, and ask for Peggy Hoyt.  407-977-8080.  



‘Pup-Nups’ Help Solve Pet Custody Disputes « CBS Pittsburgh

Keeping Your Dog (And Your Kids) Safe On Halloween | The Dogington Post

The holidays are just starting and Halloween is the big kick off!  Here's some tips to keep both your children with fur coats and those with two legs safe on Halloween.  Read more....



Keeping Your Dog (And Your Kids) Safe On Halloween | The Dogington Post

Victims of Canine Attack Organize Week of Awareness and Remembrance -- November 9-15, 2014

Awareness for Victims of Canine Attack (AVOCA) is organizing its first
annual Canine Victims Awareness Week to take place November 9th to 15th,
2014. 



Read more...



Victims of Canine Attack Organize Week of Awareness and Remembrance -- November 9-15, 2014

What Joan Rivers Just Taught Pet Lovers About Estate Planning - DailyFinance

Joan set a great example for all pet lovers - make sure your pets are cared for in the event something happens to you.  This doesn't mean just in the event of your death.  Your plan for your pets needs to include provisions in the event you should become disabled and unable to care for your pets.



"All My Children Wear Fur Coats - How to Leave a Legacy for Your Pet" by Peggy R. Hoyt outlines the many different ways you can include your pets as part of your estate plan.  Planning for your pets doesn't have to mean a comprehensive pet trust but you have to be specific about who should be responsible for your pets, how you want them cared for and the resources necessary to ensure their care is consistent with your desires.



If I want someone to take on the responsibility for my 3 horses, 7 dogs and 2 cats, it would be unfair if I didn't provide the resources necessary to make this possible.  In this case, a pet trust is one of the best ways to ensure there are sufficient funds and professional oversight for the investment and distribution of the money for the benefit of the pets.  You'll also want to choose your remainder beneficiaries carefully - you don't want to unintentionally create a situation where family members or other disgruntled heirs try and change the terms of your trust.



You can read more about Joan's planning here...



What Joan Rivers Just Taught Pet Lovers About Estate Planning - DailyFinance

Remember the Hero Dogs of 9/11 | The Dogington Post

We just remembered the anniversary of 9/11.  Let's not forget the dogs that participated in this event and were instrumental in helping to locate so many of those affected by the days' events.  



Remember the Hero Dogs of 9/11 | The Dogington Post

A Survey of Veterinary Malpractice Articles

If you are interested in the changing field of veterinary malpractice, this site provides a very good survey of veterinary malpractice along with articles and commentary.

https://www.animallaw.info/articles/topic/veterinarian-issues

Dealing with Pet Death: Planning a Pet Funeral

If you are a pet lover, then you have probably experienced the loss of a loved pet.  There are lots of different ways to memorialize your pet, everything from planting a tree, writing a song or poem, to a pet funeral complete with casket and headstone.



Every person deals with the loss of a pet differently.  There is no right or wrong way to memorialize your pet.  Just do what gives you the most comfort - now and for the future.  



Dealing with Pet Death: Planning a Pet Funeral - Page 1

2014 International Assistance Dog Week

International Assistance Dog Week was created to recognize all the devoted, hardworking assistance dogs helping individuals mitigate their disability related limitations.  In addition to honoring assistance dogs during their special week, one of the goals is to raise awareness about these very special and highly trained animals. This year International Assistance Dog Week is August 3-9.

Assistance Dogs transform the lives of their human partners with debilitating physical and mental disabilities by serving as their devoted companion, helper, aide, best friend and close member of their family. Assistance dogs include Guide Dogs, Service Dogs, Hearing Alert Dogs, Seizure Alert/Response Dogs and Medical Alert/Response Dogs.

International Assistance Dog Week was established due to the efforts of Marcie Davis, a paraplegic for over 35 years and CEO of Davis Innovations, a consulting firm based in Santa Fe, NM. Davis is the author of Working Like Dogs: The Service Dog Guidebook, a resource book that captures personal stories, checklists and practical tips to provide the reader with an A-Z guide about service dogs and she is the host of the Internet radio program, Working Like Dogs, at www.petliferadio.com. As a member of a service dog team, she founded Working Like Dogs to honor assistance dogs around the world.

More information about International Assistance Dog week can be found at www.assistancedogweek.org.