#NerdsUnite: The secret life of a veterinary technician (pet food recall)

<editorsnote> Nerds, meet my buddy Lindsay. She and I met ... well, somewhere in the social space. I think we might have started talking through this site directly, then through facebook - maybe ... I'm not sure. But she's awesome. I talk to her on twitter almost every day, and she's really rad and TOTALLY a big huge animal lover. Like crazy huge!! In these series of posts she will be talking about her life and random adventures with sometimes more than two legged creatures. I guess there's only one more thing left to say ... HIT IT LINDSAY!!</editorsnote>

#TalkNerdyToMeLover's @TheCraftafarian

Hey Nerds! In the last 30 days there has been several pet food recalls. All these foods are manufactured by the same plant but do not necessarily belong to the same brand of food. This is one of the problems in the pet food industry--when several brands are manufactured at one plant you run the risk of multiple batches of contamination. All of the foods have been voluntarily recalled and to my knowledge have not made any PETS sick. The reason for the recall is that several people fell ill and the only thing in common was that they all handled dog food manufactured by Diamond Pet Foods. Here's the link to the human illness (salmonella) http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/dog-food-05-12/index.html. Basically people have been sick since October (illness reported between Oct 2011 and April 22, 2012)  and of the 5 people who could recall the brands of food they fed, four of them handled food manufactured by Diamond Pet Foods. On April 2, 2012 salmonella was detected by Michigan Department of Agriculture in a bag of Diamond Naturals Lamb meal and rice which had been collected March 2012 for routine retail testing. Public Health Investigators were able to "fingerprint" this strain of salmonella by using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). "PFGE can be used to distinguish strains of organisms at the DNA level. DNA “fingerprints,” or patterns, are submitted electronically to a dynamic database at the CDC. These databases are available on-demand to participants—this allows for rapid comparison of the patterns." {source: http://www.cdc.gov/pulsenet/}

So Public Health Investigators were able to take the salmonella strain affecting people and match it up the one they found in the dog food. As part of this investigation Ohio also collected and tested food manufactured by Diamond Pet Foods. They detected salmonella in an unopened bag of Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul (manufactured by Diamond) from the home of an ill person, and an unopened bag at the retail store. A sample of Puppy Formula (by Diamond) collected by the FDA during an inspection has also tested positive, this food was manufactured at the South Carolina plant.

Great. 

There are several brands of food affected. They have had four voluntary recalls since this all started 30 days ago. http://diamondpetrecall.com/updatespress-releases/ The website lists the specific production numbers and best by dates which will tell you if your food has been affected. If you pet is acting ill you should contact your veterinarian or emergency veterinarian immediately. 

The foods affected are Kirkland, Diamond, Diamond Naturals, Taste of the Wild, Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul, Country Value, Premium Edge, Professional, and 4Health. Only certain lots of this food may be affected, you will need to go here  http://diamondpetrecall.com/diamond-expands-voluntary-recall/ to confirm. 

These brands are also produced by the plant but are reported to not have been affected: Wellness, Natural Balance, Solid Gold, and Canidae (Evo, Innova, California Naturals).

If you find that your food has been recalled I advise that you contact the retail store you purchased it from and find a different brand in the meantime. Unfortunately so many brands are affected I really feel that I cannot recommend a specific brand. I may look into making my own pet food and treats if this keeps happening, its just not worth risking my pets lives on cheap/convenient pet food. 

I personally use Kirkland and recommend it as well as Wellness. My dog food is supposedly safe (the production code wasn't one of the ones provided) but I'm still scared. My cat food has been recalled. It's like my "healthy" treats are not any good (http://www.talknerdytomelover.com/home/2012/2/12/nerdsunite-the-secret-life-of-a-veterinary-technician-health.html) and now my dog food. My dad thinks I should make my own treats. Maybe I will. 

Good luck finding safe foods and treats, I will keep you guys posted if I find anything good. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me!

click here for more info on the recall

#nerdsunite

Click here to follow Lindsay on Twitter!

#NerdsUnite: The secret life of a veterinary technician

<editorsnote> Nerds, meet my buddy Lindsay. She and I met ... well, somewhere in the social space. I think we might have started talking through this site directly, then through facebook - maybe ... I'm not sure. But she's awesome. I talk to her on twitter almost every day, and she's really rad and TOTALLY a big huge animal lover. Like crazy huge!! In these series of posts she will be talking about her life and random adventures with sometimes more than two legged creatures. I guess there's only one more thing left to say ... HIT IT LINDSAY!!</editorsnote>

#TalkNerdyToMeLover's @TheCraftafarian

This week started off really weird and ended...OK. So that's good, I guess.

I had some fun animal shenanigans this week. Normally when I find animals they are kittens or puppies (or the adult versions) but Sunday night was a first for me. I was driving my boyfriend home from work when we noticed an animal on the side of the road. At first I thought it was a cat, but I talking about a cat, plus I wasn't really looking closely because I was driving. David told me it was an owl just sitting in the road!! After debating for about 30 seconds we found a place to turn around and went back to the owl. We parked several yards away so that it wouldn't be frightened by the car, but we had driven right past him and he didn't even move. David went around to block traffic as I slowly walked up behind him and placed my jacket around it. I picked him up and carried him to the parking lot where the light was bright, so that I could examine any wounds. He didn't appear to have much more than a few scrapes and likely a bad bump to the head. Probably hit by a car as he was flying. I picked him up again (I had set him down to look at him) and he became startled and tried to fly away. He flapped, got some air, but seemed disoriented and was unable to actually get any altitude. Damn! I was hoping he would just fly away. He kind of glided into some bushes two feet away and I was able to get him out of there and into a cardboard box David got from his job. Once we got him home I placed him into my "kitten box" (that would be my kitten raising box, orphans will live in a large crate when unsupervised or too young), covered the crate with a sheet, and got to researching on the internet.

I knew there was a local birds of prey center but it was sunday night!!! Animal control isn't even open, but supposedly are available for animal emergencies (not pet emergencies). Plus they only do dogs and cats I'm told. I called the Audubon Center here in Maitland and left a message--that wouldn't be open to the public until tuesday, all I could think was "What am I going to do with this owl for two days?!" Finally I found number for the Florida Wildlife Rehab Center in Gainesville that was open 24 hours a day. I left them a message hoping for a call back with some advice. As the recording promised they did get back to me within an hour and informed me that although the birds of prey center wasn't open to the public Monday, they would accept dropped off/rescued birds. FL wildlife got in contact with them and made sure they knew I was coming. I was instructed to leave the owl in a dark, quiet area and not to offer any food or water. Got it, easy!!

The next morning he was looking much better as he looked completely freaked out that night. I think he realized we weren't going to eat him and that maybe he was safe. Bright and early I showed up at the Audubon Center with my owl. They were so very helpful and friendly. They took him out as I filled out paperwork (as if he was my own owl!), weighed him, and did a quick look over. I explained to them I was a vet tech and examined his wings but didn't find any obvious fractures, but also I don't ever see owls so what do I know.  The Raptor Technician gave me a business card for the center and wrote the owl's ID number on it. She told me I could call to check on him later as she wasn't going to be able to do a full exam right away. I told her I wasn't concerned now that he was in the right hands and he appeared to be mostly uninjured besides a likely headache. His bruised noggin didn't stop him from trying to bite the technicians. Thank goodness he was too shaken up the night before to try to bite me.

I did call that afternoon to check on him. They found a few abrasions and some blood in his mouth and eye. Probably from head trauma. They expect a full recovery once healed. I told them if they needed help releasing him I would be more than happy to come along. I'm expecting a call sometime next week. It was really satisfying to be able to save him from certain death by car or predators and make sure he gets the proper care. Plus the FL rehab center thanked be profusely as did the Audubon staff, made me feel really good. I think if I can find some extra time I'd like to volunteer there now and then. 

Oh yeah! Turns out there are only like four species of owls in Florida so David and I were able to figure out what species it was before the Birds of Prey Center even told us he was a Barred Owl. 

Pretty cool I think! :)

#nerdsunite

<3 Lindsay 
twitter: @thecraftafarian
blog: craftafarian.blogspot.com
email: craftafarian at gmail d c

#NerdsUnite: The secret life of a veterinary technician (happy #earthday)

<editorsnote> Nerds, meet my buddy Lindsay. She and I met ... well, somewhere in the social space. I think we might have started talking through this site directly, then through facebook - maybe ... I'm not sure. But she's awesome. I talk to her on twitter almost every day, and she's really rad and TOTALLY a big huge animal lover. Like crazy huge!! In these series of posts she will be talking about her life and random adventures with sometimes more than two legged creatures. I guess there's only one more thing left to say ... HIT IT LINDSAY!!</editorsnote>

#TalkNerdyToMeLover's @TheCraftafarian

*some names may be changed 

Hey guys, what shakin? Earth Day is today so please hug a tree! Hehe, just kidding. But seriously, remember to respect the Earth--it's the only one we get and it's already so damaged. Plant some native plants, recycle, be kind to wildlife/feral animals (AKA leave them alone!) and educate yourself on how to keep our planet and therefore ourselves healthy. This week, in my ever continuing quest for natural/organic products, I had been searching for a local farm to purchase produce, dairy, eggs, and honey from. I actually found one super close to my house but I got out of work too late and missed out. I'm going to go next Saturday. It's only open for business Saturdays 9-4pm, I usually get off work between 1-2pm but we got stuck there really late. 

Yesterday morning, before work, I picked up a cat from a client's home (she's a client of the clinic and of my pet sitting) and took him to work with me for his recheck blood work. After work I brought him back home to his owner, Mrs S. We had pizza and wine and chatted for a while, then I medicated the cats to help her out. She gave me some money for gas and my trouble even though I tried to deny any payment, I just wanted to help out. I eventually took it as honestly, I could use it. We talked about work, life, and our pets. We reminisced about Mr. S and we talked about depression and anxiety. I shared my experiences with medication and therapists (This is the woman whose husband passed away a few months ago and I wrote a memorial post about him). Even though she is hurting so so so bad, she is so very strong. Thinking about her brings tears to my eyes, I just hope she knows that I'm truly available for help anytime. *sigh* Anyway, around 8:30pm I knew I had to get going to meet my friends at my house/walk my dogs/pick up BF from work. 

So last night after I got home my friend @therabidsmiley brought his new girlfriend Allie* over to meet the BF and I for the first time. And also to celebrate her first 4/20. How exciting!! It was awesome because all we had to do was provide the TV and house to chill at. They brought brownies with peanut butter chips (regular brownies...silly!), pulled chicken/cheese dip, BBQ pulled pork/cheese dip, and tortilla chips. We just happened to have orange soda and water (thats what I drink--water or tea). After introductions and my menagerie accosting my guests we were able to snack, watch funny shows, and celebrate. I passed out on the couch around midnight only to wake up shortly after to my friends leaving. Goodbyes hugs, quick clean up, and then I was off to bed. Not a bad day afterall. 

This weekend and all next week I'm pet sitting for these two cute doggies that I know through my clinic. This means I'm going to be crazy busy with work, pet sitting, home, my blog, writing for this site, and whatever else I determine I need to do. Just typing that made me tired...Oh man I've been so freaking tired lately, what the hell? I've been eating better and walking more but I think I need to add some good regular exercise into the routine. Add that to the list of "to do."

Yay life!

#nerdsunite

Click here to follow Lindsay on Twitter!

#NerdsUnite: The secret life of a veterinary technician (depressed)

<editorsnote> Nerds, meet my buddy Lindsay. She and I met ... well, somewhere in the social space. I think we might have started talking through this site directly, then through facebook - maybe ... I'm not sure. But she's awesome. I talk to her on twitter almost every day, and she's really rad and TOTALLY a big huge animal lover. Like crazy huge!! In these series of posts she will be talking about her life and random adventures with sometimes more than two legged creatures. I guess there's only one more thing left to say ... HIT IT LINDSAY!!</editorsnote>

#TalkNerdyToMeLover's @TheCraftafarian

Yeah, thats me this week.  Anxious, tired, and depressed. I mean I' having good moments and joking with my coworkers/friends but I know I'm having a little trouble lately. (I'm fine, just feeling down, promise!)

To be honest I havent been as strict about taking my medication lately and I KNOW that is contributing. I'm using my phone now to help me remember. I think it's so hard to remember because I really don't have a set routine for the morning--that's something I've been working on. It's so hard to think when I feel anxious all the time. I just feel

like there is always so much thats needs to be done at home or at work. My apartment is a complete mess right now: Trash needs to be taken out, dishes, pets need food/meds/attention, cleaning to be done. My boyfriend works all the damn time and is too tired to do much when he gets home (literally working like 50+ hours per week and they sometimes pay partial overtime...if he's lucky). And since he just had dental surgery which placed a screw implant thing into his jaw bone so they can put a permanent tooth on it--I really feel like I can't ask him to help me. At work we've been busy lately and so some days I am in a constant state of overdrive trying to get work done. I need a vacation and ours has been postponed to this summer, I may have to take an extra day off  here and there before I get too over-stressed. We've had so many patients pass away the last two weeks its as if the entire staff is in a perpetual state of depression. Bleh!

Well since I can't bitch about being depressed and just leave it at that...a previous employee (and good friend of everyone's) is going to vet school at the end of April and we are having a goodbye dinner at Bucca Italian Restaurant. So that will be fun and cheer us all up. As far as the craziness that is my house--I'm going to take care of the animals, relax a bit, and then tackle the most important chores. After that I plan to slowly catch up over the next week by selecting certain things to be done on certain days so that way I'm not trying to do a bunch of things at one time--which stresses me out. This weekend I have kennel duty but I get to play with kittens (we still have 5!) then probably have breakfast with my Dad. I'm also going to do a little bit of shopping, I still have some gift cards left over from the holidays!!

So I started my post off by being extremely stressed out.  But writing it out helped me come up with ideas to manage what needs to be done as well as making sure I do some fun/relaxing things.

Ok I feel better. I'm gonna watch tv for a little bit and then give my bearded dragon a bath. Thanks nerds :)

#nerdsunite

Click here to follow Lindsay on Twitter!

#NerdsUnite: The secret life of a veterinary technician

<editorsnote> Nerds, meet my buddy Lindsay. She and I met ... well, somewhere in the social space. I think we might have started talking through this site directly, then through facebook - maybe ... I'm not sure. But she's awesome. I talk to her on twitter almost every day, and she's really rad and TOTALLY a big huge animal lover. Like crazy huge!! In these series of posts she will be talking about her life and random adventures with sometimes more than two legged creatures. I guess there's only one more thing left to say ... HIT IT LINDSAY!!</editorsnote>

#TalkNerdyToMeLover's @TheCraftafarian

What a week! We've been extremely busy at work lately (all except for my day off, what the hell?); which is great but we aren't really staffed to be busy all day long. So there is talk of hiring another person, not sure what position exactly. Besides being busy at the clinic we've had several of our patients pass away including one of our tech's dogs. The pup had congestive heart failure and collapsing trachea, she had lived a long and good life so it was time. Other than Peanut we have had 9 other sympathy cards to sign--some passed away at home, some euthanized at our clinic, and some at the emergency clinic. What a depressing week at the clinic!! The only upside to everything at work right is (I guess it's an upside..) is that we have 6 (we had 7) kittens that we are fostering. They were abandoned in cardboard boxes on the clinic property by our side door. The thing about this is that a few months ago the same thing happened with 5 kittens. These boxes were cut and taped exactly the same as the last ones ANNND these kittens look related to the last bunch we had. Great. If this continues we will be forced to just take them to the county shelter as strays. Its been very difficult to place strays into rescues or shelters lately as they are all full or too picky about what kind of pet they will accept. We've been told already by one group that because they are all black kittens they will be more difficult to adopt our and therefore they cannot take them for us. The county won't even guarantee that they will be put up for adoption. What's a small clinic to do when every few months we have a litter of kittens dumped on us? It costs us over $50 in supplies (not even time/effort) to make sure they are eligible for adoption. We feel it is only responsible to test them for parasites, leukemia/feline aids, vaccinate, and deworm them before we give them away...for free. It sucks because I know its only a matter of time before we have to stop helping the ones abandoned at our clinic. The 6 remaining kittens (one went to her new home today!) are most likely safe from being turned over as we've had them for two weeks and now we are all a little attached to them. It sucks to be a stray animal, or a lost animal even. 

If you are in Florida, specifically the Orlando area (although anyone willing to pick up the kitten is able to adopt) and are interested in adopting a baby kitten please let me know!!

I've also been pet sitting all week on top of coming home to care for my pets and taking my boyfriend to and from work. Oh and medicating all my pets including a sick bearded dragon. He's about 8 years old now and still very active. Busy busy busy week. This coming Wednesday my boyfriend is having oral surgery to place a permanent tooth implant--which I'm not even sure how we are paying for it. When he told me he scheduled it I asked him how we were going to pay for it and he said "I don't know yet." WHAT THE HELL? Um, so I don't know what the hell is going on. After tonight I get to come home for good from pet sitting, I can't wait to be back in my own place and just relax. 

Oh!!! I just found out last week that my boyfriend's family will be taking us on a 4 day vacation in the Bahamas. His stepmom works for a timeshare company so they get points and special deals. We will be staying in Atlantis at the Harborside Resort. I have been the last two times with them at it is just AMAZING. So yeah for vacation!! Less than 30 days to go. Which is also why I'm exercising more...hehe. I will be looking into international texting and data so that I can share some experiences, if I'm not too busy kicking back :) http://www.atlantis.com/default.aspx

#nerdsunite

Click here to follow Lindsay on Twitter!