What do thousands of happy people, hundreds of excited dogs, music and one pink ferret have in common? They all came together at the 12th annual Pet Fiesta on Saturday at Reston Town Center. The weather cooperated with a hot, sunny day, and although there were a few threats of a thunderstorm, none materialized. The Tails on Trails Dog Walk brought 150+ walkers and dogs out in the morning. And throughout the day, the 40 rescue organizations were kept busy answering questions about adoptable dogs and trying to make happy matches between potential adopters and eager foster dogs. It is not too late to adopt, just visit the website of any of the rescue organizations. Thank you to all the GoodDogz.org volunteers who helped make the event another huge succes.

Unfortunately the Diamond Pet Food recall fiasco is growing to include other brands of dry dog food and some cat food. The recall is linked to a strain of Salmonella which has been traced back to a single Diamond Pet Foods manufacturing facility in South Carolina. The recall originally only affected dry dog food; no cat food or canned food, however that was just updated to include some brands of cat food manufactured in the same plant. According to the CDC, 14 people from nine states have been infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella, including Virginia. The recall does affect Canada. Currently, the recall involves specific lots of these products (more are being added, so be sure to check the Diamond website):

• Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul
• Country Value
• Diamond
• Diamond Naturals
• Premium Edge
• Professional
• 4Health
• Taste of the Wild
• Wellness
• Canidae
• Natural Balance
• Kirkland

What are the hippest and poshest pets sporting these days? Tattoos of course! Pet tattoos, which are airbrushed designs most commonly created with a stencil and non-toxic dye especially made for animals, are a growing trend according to the National Association of Professional Creative Groomers (NAPCG). The practice is an off-shoot of specialty or creative grooming that emerged about three years ago, says Amy Brown, the organization's president. PETA, the animal rights organization is against the practice and feels the process can cause stress to an animal. The NAPCG states that professional groomers know specific dyes safe for pets must be used. There is also a company called Pet-Ink types for your dog, with a portion of proceeds going to help homeless pets. 

Pets for Patriots is making a difference in the lives of our service members, their families and homeless dogs and cats. They are literally "bringing loyalty home." The organization, a registered 501(c)3 charitable organization, exists to transform the lives of veterans by helping them save an at-risk shelter dog or cat. Their mission is to consistently give the gifts of fidelity, joy and companionship to both pet and person through honorable companion pet adoption. In so doing, they improve the well-being of service personnel through companion pet adoption, a humane way of easing the stresses of military transitions as service members return from deployment, re-enter civilian life or retire. 

Kmart just announced a new program to offer pet prescriptions through their pharmacy at a savings to the consumer. This is good news indeed, as pet prescriptions and over-the-counter medication costs continue to rise just as they are for humans. The program, called PetK Discount Pet Prescriptions, provides customers convenient access and savings for prescription brand name and generic pet medications that help ensure the health of their pets. Kmart states that you can fill ALL of your pet medications, including Heartgard, Frontline, and Rimadyl within seconds by ordering online, and can have it delivered straight to your doorstep. 

Dogs and wine are a great combo, especially if you head for Breaux Vineyard this Saturday, May 12. It is their annual Dog Days celebration, with wine tastings, music and BBQ, not to mention treats and water stations for your furry friends. Dogs must be friendly, vaccinated and on-leash at all times. For more information visit the Breaux Vineyard website.