pets Archives - PPM Healthcare

April 19, 2023

Healthy for us, healthy for our pets

Today’s customer is not only worried about their physical and mental health and fitness, but also their pet’s well being. In June 2022, Euromonitor Global discovered the top rated 5 tendencies in pet care. Both of those premiumization and nicely-getting are on that checklist. The report discovered humanizing animals, proprietors are increasingly keen to present them with large-excellent, quality foodstuff and merchandise. Premiumization will involve providing animals meals created from substances people would accept on their have plates. As shoppers are browsing for certain benefits from the items they order, manufacturer homeowners are increasing their quality items with the aim of accomplishing increased margins.

A lot more than at any time the dietary value of pet food stuff and treats is major of brain for people. A highlight has been shone on our brain-overall body given that the pandemic. Escalating demand for functional and all-natural components is expanding from our packaged foodstuff to pet treatment. A shift from normal perfectly-currently being for animals to precise functionality drives ingredients that handle digestive, joint, heart, dental and skin health and fitness, as perfectly as mental well being.

Food claims

Euromonitor International reviewed the leading wellness-linked statements made by pet food stuff brand names. Superior protein was the most common, showing up in virtually 12 per cent of merchandise with promises out there on line. Pure promises have been the second most repeated with a lot more than eight for each cent of solutions claiming to be normal. Other leading claims had been relevant to vitamins, antioxidants and immune system overall health. In experienced markets, mental well being of pets is also getting awareness, as consumers come to be increasingly worried about strain that they observe when leaving animals alone, especially adhering to home seclusion for the duration of lockdowns.

David Pastor, nationwide product sales director, Tender and Genuine Pet Nourishment, Omaha, Nebraska, agreed. “Pet mothers and fathers really like to see their pets increase up healthy. They take in healthier and want to share wholesome treats they know are far better for their pets. The same way they come to feel happier about feeding their youngsters a healthier diet. A lot of of our pet parents stick to an natural and organic diet regime and want the exact for their animals. The important benefit of our pet food stuff is the superior-excellent elements. We have natural and organic recipes restricted substances recipes and all our meat proteins are International Animal Partnership (G.A.P.) Qualified. The recipes are for all levels of life, so it is not important to modify recipes as the pet ages. Our products and solutions are accessible for sale on line and at Canadian grocery merchants which include Longo’s, Sobeys, and Entire Foodstuff,” he reported.

Pet mothers and fathers want to supply their animals foods designed with ingredients they would try to eat. Photo © hedgehog94/ Adobe Stock

Freshpet

Pet food items substances mimicking human food ingredients is growing in unique formats, shipping and delivery and storage programs. Freshpet has been a chief in the refrigerated format. Freshpet recipes are blends of fresh new meats, vegetables and fruits farmed regionally and created at their Kitchens in Bethlehem, Penn. All food stuff is ready in modest batches at lessen temperatures to protect the ingredients’ organic goodness. Freshpet food items and treats are saved refrigerated from the second they are made until eventually they arrive at Freshpet fridges in local markets.

The world wide health disaster has emphasised purchaser conduct of pursuing functional, wholesome substances that signal a well being halo, not only for humans and pets, but also for the total world.

“We’ve been on a journey to accelerate our commitment to making solutions that are not only superior for our pets, but are also kinder to the world. The relaunch of Nature’s Contemporary is essential to the potential of our business enterprise, aiding us accomplish our ambition to cut down our environmental effect and make every bowl issue. Assisting produce a extra sustainable environment includes how foods is generated for animals, and that pet mothers and fathers can really feel confident that with Nature’s Refreshing they are choosing the most sustainable pet food,” discussed Scott Morris, president and co-founder, Freshpet.

Trendi

Food items squander reduction proceeds to be element of the great for us (pets bundled) and the world theme. As a outcome, it has pushed revised tactics across the total food stuff worth chain. Trendi, a Canadian robotics agri-tech firm centered in British Columbia is focused to halting meals squander at the supply and feeding much more individuals (and animals). Trendi’s components (purees, powders, and flakes) are produced from upcycled deliver at the source by way of their Biotrim models.

Founded in 2019, an early phase enterprise in the pet meals component house, Trendi is collecting insights and piloting their ingredients.

“Our elements retain around 90 per cent of their vitamins. We’re operating with pet food and animal nutrition professionals, who figure out that our components are worthwhile and wholesome for pet foods innovation. Good comments from these gurus includes the style, colour, aroma, diet and that the rescued fruits and greens direct to clean up component decks,” mentioned Christine Couvelier, president, Trendi.

“We think the field has come a extended way in the improvement of health and fitness-conscious products as consumers significantly question inquiries about what is great for their pet and what is not. There are far more products and solutions coming to sector with healthy ingredients, superior for animals and generally more palatable. There is an enhanced emphasis on transparency. Recognizing what is in our food is paramount for people, and pet mother and father want the identical transparency for the food stuff and treats they invest in for their furry loved ones members. With pets increasingly viewed as members of the household, the overall problem and emphasis on overall health is mirrored in devoted pet lovers’ buying decisions for their pet. If folks are not articles feeding on low quality, harmful food items and snacks, they most probable will not be content providing their pet one thing of a identical nature,” concluded Karen Rushton, vice-president, merchandising, Pet Valu Canada.

This report was originally posted in the November/December 2022 issue of Food in Canada.

April 15, 2023

The Top 7 Pet Insurance Companies for Multiple Pets: 2023

Having more than one pet brings extra joy and companionship, but it also means more animals to worry about—and pay for. Pet insurance can reduce expensive veterinary bills when any of your pets get sick or injured, allowing you to focus on their care instead of stressing about finances.

Some of the top pet insurance companies offer discounts and perks for multi-pet homes. We at the Guides Home Team have researched top providers and compiled our top recommendations.

Top Pet Insurance Companies For Multiple Pets

Below are the top pet insurers that offer multi-pet discounts:

Posted on March 24, 2023
Pet Food Safety | Healthy Pets, Healthy People

We all want our puppies and cats to have the best and healthiest foodstuff. However, just like our foods, pet food and treats can from time to time be contaminated with germs. These germs can make animals and men and women unwell.

The excellent information is that you can choose techniques to continue to keep your pets and relatives wholesome.

Risk-free foods for pet dogs and cats

There are many risk-free foodstuff selections for your doggy or cat.

Safe and sound pet foodstuff not often induce foods poisoning in animals. These foodstuff have been cooked or heated to a significant more than enough temperature to kill germs.

Choose pet meals that give the correct volume of nutrition your pet requires. When acquiring food items for your dog’s or cat’s most important food plan, search for the phrases “total and well balanced” on the solution label.

Major forms of risk-free pet food stuff

Kibbles are cooked and shaped in advance of being dried. They are then coated with flavors. (Notice that some kibbles are coated or blended with raw pet meals – these merchandise would be regarded as raw pet foods and would very likely have the word “raw” on the packaging.)

Canned pet foodstuff are sealed just before being sterilized (heated to a higher temperature).

Contemporary pet meals are cooked food stuff with fewer or no preservatives. These goods are typically delivered to your residence as aspect of on line pet foods subscription companies. They might also be offered at pet merchants and grocery outlets. Mainly because fewer or no preservatives are utilised, fresh new pet foods need to be refrigerated, and they do not preserve as very long as kibbles or canned pet meals.

Some people make meals for their animals using components from the grocery shop. If home made pet foods are your pet’s primary diet program, talk to your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist to make absolutely sure you are providing a full and balanced food plan for your pet.

Comply with pet meals security methods

Hold your animals secure

Continue to be up to day on food stuff recollects and outbreaks. Don’t feed your pet any recalled or contaminated food stuff.

Thoroughly clean pet foods and drinking water bowls, food stuff scoops, take care of toys, feeding mats, and placemats commonly.

Observe storage directions on pet food labels.

Keep on your own and your loved ones harmless

Wash your palms with soap and drinking water right before and soon after dealing with pet food items or treats. Make sure kids clean their arms correctly.

Don’t let your pet lick your open up wounds or spots with damaged skin, and check out not to allow your pet lick your mouth or deal with immediately after they try to eat.

Uncooked pet food and treats can make your canine or cat sick

Uncooked Pet Food stuff (Print Version)

What is uncooked pet meals?

Raw pet food items have protein from an animal, like rooster and beef, and have not been cooked or heated to a superior sufficient temperature to eliminate germs. Plant-primarily based meals, like fruits and veggies, are much less most likely to be contaminated with germs and are not regarded as uncooked pet meals.

Notice that some pet food businesses use substantial-vitality beams (irradiation) and pretty large stress (large force processing) to kill germs without having warmth. Nevertheless, we presently do not have adequate details about how properly pet food items processing facilities are employing these procedures, and for that reason even now take into consideration these products to be uncooked pet meals.

Typical components in raw pet foodstuff incorporate

Uncooked muscle mass meat (like thigh and breast)

Uncooked organ meat (like liver and kidney)

Raw bones

Raw eggs

Unpasteurized milk

Raw pet foodstuff come in lots of distinct kinds, these types of as

Uncooked (like the uncooked rooster you get from the grocery retail outlet)

Uncooked frozen

Freeze-dried (frozen and then dried in a vacuum)

Dehydrated (dried employing heat air)

Even treats and meals toppers (food that is included to or mixed in with your pet’s regular foods) can be raw. Some illustrations are rawhide chews and freeze-dried treats.

Raw pet foods can trigger food poisoning

Raw pet food stuff can make your canine or cat unwell. This is because uncooked meat and other uncooked protein from animals can have germs like Salmonella and Listeria. These germs have been located in several uncooked pet foods. Raw pet foods can also make you and your spouse and children ill when these germs spread all around your kitchen and home.

Freeze-drying, dehydrating, or freezing raw protein from animals only lowers the sum of germs. These processes do not kill all germs that may possibly be on the food stuff.

Uncooked pet foods is not essentially healthier

Uncooked is not automatically more healthy. Both of those uncooked and cooked pet food items can be produced with large-top quality or minimal-top quality components. Each can be nutritionally well balanced or inadequate. And equally can be digestible some nutrients can be additional simply digested after the foods is cooked, when some vitamins and minerals may perhaps be more digestible in uncooked food items. (For example, cooking breaks down thiaminase in seafood and prevents thiamine deficiency in cats.)

Some men and women may perhaps say that raw pet food items is the organic, ancestral, or instinctual diet regime of pet dog and cats. However, diet plans that are best for wolves and wild cats are not the best for pet puppies and cats that live at residence and reside extended life. In simple fact, pet puppies prefer and need meals that are lower in protein and greater in excess fat and carbs than wolves.

If you‘re considering about feeding raw foods to your pet or cat

If you’re contemplating about feeding uncooked pet food stuff to your pet or cat, discuss to your veterinarian very first. They can aid you come to a decision what is finest for your pet and household.

When talking about with your veterinarian, look at some of these inquiries:

Is anyone in your domestic, or any individual else your pet interacts with, more possible to get pretty unwell from foodborne germs? This contains little ones underneath 5 years aged, grown ups 65 a long time or more mature, folks with weakened immune devices, and people today who are pregnant.

Do you have a pet that is additional probably to get unwell from foodborne germs? This features young animals (like puppies) and pets who have a weakened immune procedure or other overall health situations.

Is the uncooked diet you plan to feed your pet full and balanced? Will it enable your pet prosper?

Are you in a position to clean up additional regularly if you use uncooked pet foods?

If you feed raw food to your pet dog or cat

If you opt for to feed uncooked pet meals to your canine or cat, consider these steps in addition to the standard pet food basic safety measures:

Consider purchasing from organizations that have substantial food stuff safety specifications. You can ask them:

Does your organization examination all your last products and solutions for popular foodborne germs like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria?

What does your enterprise do to destroy germs in your raw pet food items products and solutions?

How often does your enterprise thoroughly clean and disinfect the production facility?

Does your enterprise have veterinary nutritionists?

Chat to your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist if uncooked food is your pet’s key food plan.

They can assist you make positive your pet’s uncooked food items diet has all the nutrition your pet desires.

Thoroughly clean generally.

Wash your palms with cleaning soap and drinking water right before and immediately after handling raw pet foods.

Clean up items and surfaces that touched uncooked pet foods.

Thoroughly chill and shop raw pet meals that wants to be kept chilly.

Freeze it right up until you are prepared to thaw and use it.

Thaw frozen uncooked pet food stuff in the fridge.

Preserve it in a sealed container in the freezer and fridge, independent from other food items.

Throw away leftovers that have been out at area temperature.

Posted on March 22, 2023
Almost half of cat and dog owners want tattoos of their pets: poll

How obsessed are Americans with their pets? Enough that almost half are thinking about getting a tattoo of their pet, according to a new survey.

The study of 2,000 cat and dog owners found that 25{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} would consider getting a tattoo of their current pet, while 25{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} are already planning to get one.

Another 16{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} of those polled already have a pet-themed tattoo on their body.

But permanent ink’s not the only way to immortalize a furry friend, the data also revealed.

16{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} of those polled already have a pet-themed tattoo on their body.
SWNS

Forty-two percent of respondents own at least one item depicting an animal that resembles their pet, and 44{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} own something with an actual picture of their specific pet printed on it – most commonly clothing (21{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc}).

Despite bringing their pet along for the journey in the form of tattoos and T-shirts, 80{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} of respondents stress about finding a pet sitter they trust.

Conducted by OnePoll in conjunction with ACANA Pet Food, the survey also found that respondents are more likely to buy these pet-obsessed products for themselves (49{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc}) than to receive them as gifts (40{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc}).

In addition to clothing, popular pet-themed items also included stuffed animals or toys (19{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc}) keychains (17{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc}) and phone cases (17{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc}).

A third have even custom-designed their own pet merch (33{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc}), and half (51{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc}) are pretty convinced they’d be able to sell it to other people, too.

A third have even custom-designed their own pet merch (33{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc}), and half (51{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc}) are pretty convinced they’d be able to sell it to other people, too.
SWNS

21{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} of poll respondents would opt to put their pet’s picture on clothing.
SWNS

In fact, six in 10 pet owners surveyed believe their own cat or dog has what it takes to become a viral sensation, and one in three (36{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc}) even have a dedicated social media account for their pet.

“If there’s one thing the internet has taught us, it’s that people are obsessed with seeing and sharing cute animals with each other,” said Kirsten Mundorff, Brand Manager for ACANA pet food. “The popularity of animal influencers proves that pet obsession is incredibly common, even if you don’t actually own a pet – although it certainly helps!”

Most (68{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc}) even believe that compared to other pet lovers they know, they’re significantly more obsessed with their pet.

One in three (31{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc}) talk about their pet in icebreaker situations, making it the most popular topic of discussion along with their family relationships (31{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc}), hobbies (30{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc}) and favorite TV shows or movies (28{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc})

Despite bringing their pet along for the journey in the form of tattoos and T-shirts, 80{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} of respondents stress about finding a pet sitter they trust.
SWNS

And on average, pet owners reckon that 36{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} of all their conversations end up being about their pets.

More than half (55{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc}) also have conversations with their pet when no one else is around, and 48{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} have told their pet a secret they’ve never told anyone else.

“The difference between obsessing over pets online and offline, of course, is that you can channel those feelings into taking care of your pet in person whether it be with snuggles, healthy snacks or special treats,” said Mundorff. “Let’s face it, being able to pamper your own cat or dog and experience the reciprocal love they have for you is a lot more rewarding than hitting the “like” button on a phone screen!”

One in three (36{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc}) even have a dedicated social media account for their pet.
SWNS

MOST POPULAR ITEMS TO SHOW PETS OFF:

1. Clothing (21{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc})

2. Framed print or photo (20{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc})

3. Painting (19{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} )

4. Stuffed animals or toys (19{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc})

5. Blanket (19{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc})

6. Pillow (18{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc})

7. Seasonal ornaments (18{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc})

8. Drinkware (e.g. a mug or thermos) (18{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc})

9. Keychain (17{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc})

10. Phone case (17{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc})

Survey methodology:

This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 cat and dog owners was commissioned by ACANA Pet Food between Mar. 1 and Mar. 2, 2023. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).

Posted on February 13, 2023
How healthy are your pet’s teeth?

For all of you pet and cat house owners out there, how usually do you brush your pet’s enamel? Do you brush your pet’s teeth?

10 years ago, as a initial time pet owner, I keep in mind getting inspired to consider care of my pet Fig’s tooth.

RoundTable reporter Wendi Kromash and Fig all set for the start out of the North Shore Century bike trip in September 2022. Credit rating: Wendi Kromash

I created certain he received a dental bone every single working day right after supper and I brushed his tooth nightly as a frequent section of Fig’s bedtime regime. He’d see me approach with his toothbrush and peanut butter flavored doggy toothpaste and would roll on to his back and open his mouth.

He is really cute when he does this.

My late father was a dentist. My brother is a dentist. I grew up knowledge how critical superior dental treatment is to one’s over-all health and fitness. I could see Fig’s enamel had been accumulating tartar. At each and every annual look at up, our vet proposed I schedule a dental appointment for Fig.

I often found two interconnected factors to stay away from scheduling this appointment: the price and the danger of him getting put beneath anesthesia. The price was always a four-determine assortment depending on the extent of illness identified, which could only be established after radiographs, X-rays, were being taken. And getting radiographs of a dog’s mouth involves anesthesia.

Some pet coverage strategies address dental extractions and radiographs. Most designs really do not address pre-existing problems. And potential dental coverage may well count on your pet obtaining a baseline dental test initial so any teeth needing more care can be determined (and excluded).

Fig’s been hospitalized 2 times currently through Blue Pearl Unexpected emergency Pet Healthcare facility and I paid handsomely equally moments. He trembles noticeably anytime we go to the vet for his check ups or normal vaccinations. As a rescue animal, he’s anxious on a great working day.

I realized that if I was likely to thoroughly care for Fig, a Dachshund blend, I would need to have to get his enamel skillfully examined and cleaned at the veterinarian’s office environment. In situation you did not know, February is Nationwide Pet Dental Health Thirty day period and several veterinarian techniques give thirty day period long bargains for the treatment.

Fig all through dental medical procedures. Credit history: Provided by Wendi Kromash

I created guaranteed he experienced very little by mouth right after 9 p.m. and dropped him off at 8:05 a.m. I signed the forms and confirmed my cellphone would be on to discuss with the doctor.

Nothing could have organized me for the cellular phone contact I received.

Fig had such comprehensive decay that numerous of his enamel had been loose presently, which I had not detected. The health practitioner strongly advisable 16-18 enamel be eliminated, with probably a further 4 to six coming out dependent on how he’s tolerating the anesthesia. There was so a great deal hurt the surgical procedures may have to be done in two components.

He was not the only one particular in will need of anesthesia: I felt physically ill soon after the call.

Would he have any enamel remaining just after this? Indeed, he would. According to an online post by Alexandra Anastasio for the American Kennel Club, adult canines have 42 tooth.

Most of the time they do fine after multiple extractions due to the fact the loose and distressing enamel are not bothering them any lengthier.

Dogs are quite great at hiding pain, apparently.

Four hours later on, minus 20 tooth, together with his two higher canine tooth, my pup was securely awakened from anesthesia. He tolerated the surgical procedure nicely. He was notify and sitting down up in the cage.

I took him house armed with 3 prescriptions, one antibiotic and two for agony.

Fig, 4 times just after his dental operation. Credit score: Wendi Kromash

In spite of anything he went by, Fig experienced an appetite.

He ought to consume puréed food stuff and wet kibble for two weeks but he has slept effectively.

He wanted the oral ache medicine for only the first two days. The incessant sneezing he’d been dealing with for about a 12 months has stopped, most possible mainly because it relevant to challenges with his enamel somewhat than allergies. His personality remains intact.

In retrospect, my delays and reluctance had been not beneficial I ought to have scheduled his dental exams yearly. I did not recognize how inclined his breed is to dental sickness. I have to are living with figuring out I prompted Fig to go through extra than he may have otherwise.

If there is any great to occur out of this encounter, do not do what I did. Get your dog’s and cat’s teeth cleaned often. Our tooth brushing will hopefully resume soon after Fig’s comply with up stop by.

Posted on February 12, 2023
Humane society matches volunteers with seniors who need help caring for pets

Taking a dog for a walk is one of the best things about owning a pet. It’s good for both animals and humans.

But owners get older right along with their pets and face health obstacles. Having financial woes compounds the matter when caring for a pet becomes problematic.

There is little doubt that as we get older, the more we treasure having a pet as a companion. But instances come up in which an illness or surgery makes it hard for an older adult to take care of that pet — even if it is just for a few weeks or months. This has been especially true during the COVID pandemic, as pet owners could find themselves sidelined for long periods.

In those cases, a volunteer serving as a “constant companion” can help a senior citizen or elderly veteran by taking a dog for a walk, cleaning a cat litter box, or feeding the animals.

Anderson Humane in South Elgin offers the Constant Companions program when things become physically challenging for lower-income pet owners who receive federal or state aid and simply can’t afford to put a pet in a pet-care center or hire a dog walker.

“If we can get a volunteer to come in and help them do whatever needs to be done for an interim period, the pet owner then has somebody who can do that,” said Chris Beebe, senior director of community engagement at Anderson Humane.


























Beebe added that the shelter also seeks donations of cat litter and pet food that can be provided to those who can’t afford those items because of unexpected health or financial issues.

“This is a stopgap for people who really don’t have the ability to care for the pet in any other way,” she noted.

Anderson personnel screens those seeking help by asking questions about funding sources and, if they need someone to come into the home, visiting that home and determining what is required. “We need to know if they need someone to come in once a week to sift the cat litter box or come in daily to walk the dog,” Beebe said.

Volunteers in the Constant Companions program tend to be of all ages, with the youngest being in their late 20s and early 30s. “We probably wouldn’t have a high school student do it (because of their busy schedules),” Beebe added.

Some volunteers have expressed a desire to help others as a way to heal themselves from the loss of spouses or experiencing other life challenges.

Volunteers who have to go into the home for tasks are screened before being accepted.


























Because the need for a volunteer at a specific home could last a few weeks or even a few months, other possible tasks include:

• Providing a ride to the veterinarian or the groomer for the pet.

• Giving the pets any needed medication.

• Engaging with the homeowner to get a sense of any other potential needs.

Those in need of a volunteer companion or those wanting to volunteer can contact Beebe at (847) 697-2880, ext. 35.

“Sometimes the volunteers are people thinking about adopting a dog, but mostly they are interested in keeping a pet owner and their pet healthy and happy,” Beebe said.

Exchanging pizza sites

More pizza is on the way for Third Street in Geneva.

“Coming in spring 2023” signs for Ella’s Italian Pub are in the windows at 407 S. Third St., recently vacated by pizza restaurant Doughocracy.

Ella’s specializes in Roman-Sicilian style pizza, which tends to be a thicker crust pizza most often baked in a rectangular shape. Mostly, if you were to ask a pizza expert the difference between the various styles of pizza in Italy, the answer would likely have something to do with the different oil they use in creating the pizza.

We’ll find out as soon as Ella’s is ready to debut in Geneva.

Lester and Dellora Norris (back row, center) are all smiles for the opening night of their Arcada Theatre in downtown St. Charles in 1926, along with cast members (front row) of the “Our Gang” comedies. Columnist Dave Heun takes a stab at identifying the young actors who were at the Arcada that night for a premiere of their newest film.
– Courtesy of St. Charles History Museum

Some ‘Our Gang’ history

Anything to do with the great comedy acts of Hollywood’s silent era and then well into the 1950s always catches my attention.

There’s a reason I have tons of The Three Stooges memorabilia in my house and numerous DVDs featuring the Stooges, Buster Keaton, The Marx Brothers, Laurel and Hardy and the Our Gang/Little Rascals comedies. I love this stuff.

So, you can imagine how my eyes lit up when going through some records at the St. Charles History Museum while researching a St. Charles Country Club history book I am working on. An old photo showed St. Charles’ most important benefactors, Lester and Dellora Norris, and some young Hollywood stars. It was in a folder related to the Norris family’s tremendous impact on St. Charles.

It had nothing to do with what I was looking for in terms of Lester Norris’ efforts to build the country club, but it showed Lester and Dellora on July 8 of 1926 — the opening night for their new Arcada Theatre in downtown St. Charles.

The films that Thursday night were an “Our Gang” comedy called “False Alarm” and one titled “The Last Frontier” with William Boyd. Some vaudeville actors were on hand for this opening night, including some of the cast of “Our Gang.”

The stars in the photo were six young fellows from “Our Gang,” appearing at the Arcada as part of a red-carpet-type premiere of their new film.

When you glance at the photo included with today’s column, you will see a young Lester and Dellora Norris in the center of the back row, with the “Our Gang” cast in front.

An “Our Gang” historian would likely know for sure. Still, based on my process of comparing this photo to individual shots of these young stars online, I can say with a high percentage of probability that the kids are, from left, Jay R. Smith, Donald Haines, Dickie Moore (or maybe Sonny Bupp), Allen ‘Farina’ Hoskins, Joe Cobb and Jack Davis (or maybe Sherwood Bailey).

Whoever they are, what a great photo to have in the historical archives about the city of St. Charles and its benefactors.

A week of hope

A nonprofit created in memory of Kayla Brooke Lehmann in St. Charles is preparing for its major fundraising effort with Kayla’s Hope Week from April 5 through 15.

Kayla’s Hope Foundation seeks to help remove the stigma of mental health issues while assisting those who struggle and offering hope to those who need it most, Ruthie Lehmann, the co-founder of Kayla’s Hope Foundation, noted in an announcement about the Hope Week events.

The fundraising week has helped support staffing at Suicide Prevention Services and provide counseling to those who can’t afford it through Chapelstreet Church’s Shepherds Heart Ministry. In addition, the foundation offers scholarships to four graduating seniors at the two St. Charles high schools who intend to study music, literature or psychology.

The week starts with a Masters Golf raffle and an online silent auction. A rock painting event for families called Kayla’s Kindness Rock Garden Party is set for 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 5, at the Fox Mill Clubhouse in Campton Hills.

The week and the foundation auction are capped with an event from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, April 15, at the St. Charles Country Club.

Those interested can get more information from the foundation at kaylashope.org or (630) 549-0785.

To help ‘Mongo’

Arcada Theatre frontman Ron Onesti often talks about his fondness for the 1985 Super Bowl champion Chicago Bears and its cast of characters. In that way, he joins the rest of us Bears fans who got to feel what it is like to reach the summit of the NFL.

Onesti is hosting a fundraiser on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 12, at the Arcada, for one of that team’s heroes, Steve “Mongo” McMichael, to help raise money for the 24-hour nursing care McMichael needs because of his ALS affliction.

The “Mongo Bowl” event starts at 11 a.m. with food specials, raffles, various games, memorabilia auctions and other activities before a 1 p.m. showing of the Bears 1985 Super Bowl victory and then this year’s Super Bowl.

A similar event is being held at the Des Plaines Theater that Onesti manages. He will host along with McMichael’s wife, Misty.

Direct donations can also be made at oshows.com through Oshows Cares, a charity arm of Onesti Entertainment. Proceeds go directly to the McMichael family.

More information, including a donation link, can be found at oshows.com or by calling (630) 962-7000.

dheun@sbcglobal.net


























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