Mad About Pets!

Many vets and pet owners are beginning to realize the benefits of feeding a raw, species-appropriate diet to their cats and dogs. One of the forerunners in offering a raw diet commercial is Stella & Chewy's, based out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Founder and President Marie Moody was kind enough to offer this exclusive interview with Mad About Pets and tell us about what makes her company stand out above the rest.

Marie with Stella and Chewy

(Mad About Pets) I understand that you are started Stella & Chewy's after your own dog Chewy was aided through illness by a raw diet. What are the benefits of a raw diet, and what types of common illnesses can it help prevent or treat?

(Marie) We have heard from pet owners that while feeding Stella & Chewy’s their animals have a healthier appetite and better digestion, increased stamina and vitality, healthier coat and skin and less ear and eye issue. We’ve also gotten feedback that while on this diet the animals have fewer allergies and less obesity. The food increases not only the quality of life for the pet but also longevity. Stella & Chewy’s philosophy is based upon what pets naturally eat in the wild. Our frozen and freeze dried foods are made without using any heat. Foods that are processed above 120 degrees have less active enzymes and the vitamins and minerals are also impacted by heat. The food is therefore not as bioavailable. Stella & Chewy’s products are made without grains, fillers, artificial preservatives, added hormones or antibiotics. We don’t add sugar, salt or colorings. Stella & Chewy’s offers 100% complete and balanced dinners for dogs which are 95% raw meat, poultry and fish, 5% organic fruit and vegetables with added probiotics, vitamins and minerals.

Many pet owners are leery of raw food diets because of the threat of foodborne illnesses. How does Stella & Chewy's ensure that their foods are safe?

When I first started "S & C" I didn't know a lot about the regulatory side of pet food. Then a couple of my competitors were recalled for salmonella and I quickly educated myself about it. Since the FDA mandates a 0% tolerance for salmonella in pet food, it was a challenge to figure out a way to address the issue when it’s so frequently found in chicken. I had to figure out how to do it without using heat, radiation or chemicals that would alter the food from a raw state. I found a technology called HPP- hydrostatic high pressure which is essentially cold water pressure that kills vegetative bacteria without altering the enzymes and vitamins and proteins. Stella & Chewy’s was the first company in pet or human food to use this technology in a prepackaged product. That technology combined with advanced oxidation units which omit a low level of ozone and hydrogen peroxide which kill airborne bacteria...same technology that's used on cruise ships.....is the patent pending process that we use. This keeps the raw foods safe for pets and their owners. In addition we test every batch of frozen and freeze dried products at an independent lab and post the results on our website. Customers can go online and match the batch number off their bag of food to the corresponding number online and see the results

Stella & Chewy's offers both frozen and free dried raw diets for dogs. Is there a nutritional difference between frozen and freeze dried? What are the advantages of one over the other?

When I took Chewy to the vet and found out how sick he was the vet recommended home prepared meals. I researched options and thought a raw diet made sense because it was species appropriate. It simulates how they eat in the wild and how their ancestors ate; no thumbs to make fires, no cooked foods. Foods cooked above a certain temperature lose much of their nutritional value and natural enzymes. Raw foods have natural enzymes, which are critical in building proteins and rebuilding the body. Both our freeze–dried and frozen products are raw and they do not differ nutritionally. The biggest difference is one is shelf stable and the other is frozen. The great thing about the freeze-dried is that it’s very convenient and easy to use. It’s a great option for a pet owner who’s either not familiar with or not committed to feeding a 100 % raw diet. The freeze-dried products enable him/ her to incorporate at least some raw into what is presently being feed. The freeze- dried is also extremely palatable, offers a long shelf life and is easy to travel with.

I notice that for cats, Stella & Chewy's currently offers freeze dried diets only. Is there any plan to introduce frozen patties into the current feline line of products?

At this point in time we are focused on the freeze-dried products for cats.

What would you say the biggest difference is between Stella & Chewy's and other raw food diets currently available on the market?

One big difference is that we have our own manufacturing plant in Milwaukee, WI. We have complete control over all aspects of the manufacturing and production of our products. We’ve implemented a safety process that ensures our products are free from harmful bacteria. We use only organic fruits and vegetable, cage-free poultry, wild- caught fish and naturally raised beef. Quite possibly the biggest difference between Stella & Chewy’s and other raw food diets is that we’ve made it very convenient to feed a raw diet.

Does Stella & Chewy's have plans at this point to introduce any new flavors to the cat line?

Stella & Chewy’s has recently introduced a new line of freeze-dried cat dinners in six varieties, all made from wild-caught fish and cage-free poultry. The dinners are available in Chick, Chick Chicken, Tummy Ticklin’ Turkey™, Duck, Duck Goose, Heavenly Herring & Tuna™, Sea-Licious Salmon & Cod™, and Yummy Lickin’ Salmon & Chicken™. The line includes the first-ever, single-serve dinners for cats, ideal for finicky eaters and to add mealtime variety. The single-serve pouches provide consumers ease-of-use and convenience – just add 3 tablespoons of warm water, mix & serve. Re-sealable 12 oz. bags provide customers the opportunity to purchase larger sizes once their pets establish favorites.

If you could give readers one piece of advice when it comes to pet nutrition, what would it be?

Good nutrition is the single most important factor in promoting longevity and quality of life for your pet.

COMING SOON: Mad About Pets puts Stella & Chewy's to the test!

Who watches your pets when you're away on vacation? Many of us are lucky enough to have a trusted friend or family member to care for our pets when we're away, but sometimes that's not a possibility. There are many pet sitters available for hire--it can be overwhelming with all the choices! It's hard to know which pet sitter is best qualified, who you can trust with your pets, and who will treat your pets with the same love and respect you give them. It's even more difficult when you live in rural Dane County, outside of the service area of many Madison-based pet sitters. Mad About Pets wants to make your job a little easier: meet Lindsay's Pet Sitting! Lindsay's Pet Sitting is based out of Waterloo, Wisconsin and serves other surrounding communities. Lindsay is a lifelong pet lover and has over 20 years of professional experience with animals. She was kind enough to grant Mad About Pets an exclusive interview about her pet sitting business. Get to know Lindsay, your new favorite pet sitter!

Lindsay and pals

What is your personal background with pets? Do you currently have any of your own?

I have been working with all kinds of animals since I was 6-7 years old. I grew up with a bunch too: dogs, cats, rabbits, reptiles (iguanas, chamelions, etc), rodents (gerbils, mice, rats, etc), and of course fish. (In fact, my parents took a picture of me in my crib touching nose-to-nose with our Dachshund Charlie.) If I wasn't in school, I was attending animal care classes, dog training classes, and helping care for family's and friends' pets. I started training dogs when I was 14-15 years old in obedience, and when I was 16 I worked my first job at the Washington County Humane Society as an animal caregiver. I just continued working in various animal jobs up until currently. The list of places include the Dodge Country Humane Society as an animal caregiver, adoption counselor, receptionist, and working with the Beaver Dam Police Department for animal/stray control and on cruelty cases. I also worked at Dane County Humane Society, Spring Harbor Animal Hospital as a caregiver and vet assistant, I was a manager at a dog daycare, I worked at Pet Supermarket in Madison, and various boarding kennels around the state. I also have done animal behavior modification for aggressive dogs and cats over the years, through the humane societies and with various dog trainers. I also have volunteered at various humane societies for vaccination clinics. I have worked with all breeds of dogs, cats, rabbits, birds (including cockatiels and parrots), chinchillas, ferrets, snakes, lizards, amphibians, sugar gliders, and SO many more. I was always doing something with animals on my free time as I grew up.

Willie and Laurel, two of Lindsay's cats

What made you decide to pursue pet sitting?

I have always enjoyed caring for people's pets. It was always a natural thing for friends and family to contact me to care for their pets. They knew I had a strong passion for animal care, had a good rapport with animals, and made a connection that was very spiritual with the animals. 3 years ago I moved to Waterloo due to a divorce. At that time I noticed there weren't many options for boarding around this area. As I met people, and they found out what I did for a living, they asked me to care for their pets. (I was also hearing from a number of people they were upset with the boarding prices at many of the facilities around and that it was inconvienient to drive 20-30 miles one way to board their pet. PLUS their pets were anxiety-ridden about being boarded in a kennel.) I was commuting to my job at a pet care facility on Nesbitt Rd in Madison 5 days a week, driving a total of 500 miles a week. There came a point I couldn't drive that much, due to gas prices, anymore. This past February I decided to market my own pet sitting services. I figured with over 20 years of animal care experience under my belt, and other qualifications (which I'll mention in a bit) and the need in this community for this kind of service, I felt it was a good fit. Animal care has always been a passion, I honestly couldn't envision being happy doing anything else.

Do you have any special training or qualifications that set you apart as a pet sitter?

Besides my previous experience mentioned, in 1997 I took a 3 month Humane Education Class at the Hinsdale Humane Society in Hinsdale, Illinois. I also attended an animal behavior class and lecture while I was working at the Dodge County Humane Society (the class taught how to reduce stress in shelter animals). Then, back in July of 2010 I completed a course for Emergency First Aid for Pets at Emergency Medical Training Services out of Brookfield, WI (run by an instructor through the Red Cross), and became certified in animal CPR and Heimlich. My pet sitting is also fully insured through American Family Insurance.

Lindsay's sugar gliders

What kinds of animals do you serve? Do you have any restrictions?

I care for all kinds of animals. I have no restrictions. Dogs (all breeds, I'm 100% comfortable around Rottweilers, Dobermans, Shepherds, and the bully breeds), cats, birds, rabbits, exotics (chinchillas, sugar gliders, wildlife, etc), lizards, repitles (yes even snakes-I have no fear of them), amphibians, and even livestock (I have clients who have llamas, sheep, steers, horses, etc). I have always had dogs and cats of my own, but I've also had 2 chinchillas and 4 ferrets in the past. I've grown up with Great Danes, Bassets, and a Shepherd/Collie mix, so I'm used to BIG dogs. I've also rehabilitated a red squirrel and a grey squirrel. Currently, I have 7 cats, 2 dogs (a Basset Hound and a Pembroke Welsh Corgi/Miniature Poodle mix), a mini-lop bunny, 5 sugar gliders, 2 gerbils, and two 50 gallon fish tanks. One of the tanks is all chichlids (which are aggressive fish), the other tank is a community tank with a Snakeskin Gourami, various species of tetras, etc which are non-aggressive fish. So, as you can see, this passion still carries on in my personal life.

Contact Lindsay's Pet Sitting to see if you're in her service area!

Where is your service area?

My service area is Waterloo, Watertown, Lake Mills, Marshall, Sun Prairie, and all the country roads in-between.

Why should Mad About Pets' readers hire Lindsay's Pet Sitting over other pet sitters?

As I tell everyone, I take animal care seriously. Animals can't speak, and they trust us, so we need to show them that respect and love back and work to understand them and their needs. In my eyes, animal care doesn't take a vacation, just because it's a holiday and everyone else is not working, that doesn't mean your pets don't need care during that time. I apply that dedication to every single animal I care for. I am always flexible and don't mind working through the holidays. I'm a no-nonsense kind of person. In my eyes, someone saying on paper why they're "the best" is a good selling point, but it's the personal connection I make with the owner and the pets (and my experience) that speaks for itself. Pet sitting IS my full time job, I do not have another full-time job. This is considered a part-time position, but I also am the Alderperson for Ward 4/5 on the Waterloo City Council currently. I also am on the Community Development Committee, Public Safety and Health Committee, the Plan Commission, and the Library Board. So, I'm very involved with the community, and serving the public politically has run through generations of my family. Everyone from my great aunt, to my grandma, then my mom (she also was the Municipal Court Judge in Horicon as I was growing up) have "politically served" either in their communities, and even in Washington D.C.

Willie and Bella

Where can readers find more information about Lindsay's Pet Sitting?

As I tell everyone, my preferred method of finding out about my services is to call me at 608-279-4264. While email is ok, I prefer speaking to an actual person, I believe there is a level of respect due when working with people's pets. Email, or any other electronic method, is very impersonal in my opinion, and I pride myself on establishing a real-life in-person bond with someone. Otherwise for simple inquiries people can check out my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/lindsayspetsitting or email me: kitt...@gmail.com

When you think of “rescue cats”, what comes to mind? Probably a tabby cat, or perhaps an orange tomcat. It is true that the majority of cats in shelters and rescue are mixed breed, but once in a while a purebred cat will find itself without a forever home, too. That’s where Specialty Purebred Cat Rescue comes in!

Many of the cats at SPCR arrive neglected and in desperate need of veterinary care

Many purebred cats do not adjust well in a shelter environment. Sensitive breeds like Siamese and Sphynx can become very ill, very quickly when placed in a stressful shelter situation. Purebred cats like Persians and Himalayans have rigorous grooming requirements, and often arrive with painful mats in their long coats. Specialty Purebred Cat Rescue takes in these special purebred cats, provides the proper veterinary care, and matches them up with new forever homes.

SPCR is an all volunteer group, and relies on the generosity of foster homes to provide shelter, care, socialization, and even nurse neglected or abused cats back to health. The number of purebred cats needing help is far greater than you might expect, and Purebred Cat Rescue is desperately seeking more foster homes.

Kirsten Kranz,  Rescue Director of Specialty Purebred Cat Rescue, was kind enough to grant Mad About Pets an interview outlining the need for foster homes within their organization. Please read on to learn more about this wonderful rescue group!

(Mad About Pets) Where do the cats in your rescue organization generally come from?

(SPCR) Our cats come from everywhere. They come from shelters all over the midwest that call us to take their cats. They come from owners who can no longer keep them. They come off the streets when people find them. It's pretty much never-ending.

Siamese cats are one of the common breeds SPCR takes in

What are the most common types of cats seen in your rescue?

We most commonly see Siamese, Persians, Himlayans and Ragdolls. These are the most common purebreds out there and the most being bred. We place more than 500 cats a year.

What exactly is a foster home, and what are foster parents expected to do?

A foster home provides a safe haven for these cats to de-stress, get better and receive any vet attention they need so they can move on to their Forever Homes. Our rescue is entirely foster-based so we rely on our foster homes to care for and evaluate these cats for placement. Foster parents are expected to provide a quiet, spare room and consistent care for the cats in their care. They need to be able to take them to one of our vets as needed, assess the cats' needs and personalities and work closely with us throughout the process. Cats are adopted by screened and pre-approved adopters from the foster parents' homes or from local Petsmart stores.

Why are foster homes so important to Purebred Cat Rescue?

We are entirely foster based. Without foster homes this rescue would not exist!

SPCR takes in rare and unusual breeds, too!

Are there certain areas/cities where you are in the most need of new foster homes right now?

The Madison and Milwaukee areas certainly need more foster homes as the need is very great. We could also use fosters in the Racine/Kenosha area.

How can Mad About Pets’ readers get more information about becoming a foster home for your organization?

Please go to our website at http://www.purebredcatrescue.org/fostering-info . We have a fostering information page there.

If you are interested in helping out Specialty Purebred Cat Rescue, there are many ways! First, please consider fostering. This is the most direct way you can help. If you’re looking for a new feline friend, you should also consider adoption from SPCR! There are constantly new cats listed on the website, and all of them are looking for a great new home.

If you’re unable to foster or adopt at this time, there are many other ways to assist SPCR on their mission. Check out this page to learn all about items the rescue needs to care for the cats, donating through iGive, and many more ways to help out!

Everyone knows that dogs love going for a walk. Even the laziest pups enjoy a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood! Unfortunately in today's hectic society, sometimes it is hard to make time to walk the dog every day, or walk the dog as far as he'd like to go. This can lead to an overactive dog with no way to burn off his extra energy, or even an obesity problem.

What can you do in a situation like this? You could hire a neighborhood teenager to walk the dog. But what if there are no trustworthy teens? What if you live in a quiet neighborhood full of retirees? The prospect of having a healthy, active dog may start to seem bleak. You may give up on your dream of owning a canine companion. NOT SO FAST!

Dogs Love Running to the rescue!

Dogs Love Running is a dog running and dog walking franchise that offers a variety of pet care services including pet sitting, dog walking, and...dog running! Yep, you heard me right---they will actually take your dog for a run. Imagine how tuckered out your dog would be after a long, satisfying run!

At the moment, Dogs Love Running is only available in Illinois and Indiana, but it's a quickly growing franchise and certain to spread throughout the midwest soon. Hey, if you're serious about pet care or fitness, you may even want to check out starting a franchise of your own! Though Dogs Love Running doesn't yet have a location in Wisconsin, they were kind enough to grant Mad About Pets an in-depth interview about their business.

Mad About Pets can't wait until Dogs Love Running is available here in the Madison Area!

Photo credit: thatmutt.com

(Mad About Pets) First off…why dog running? Is it better for dogs to run than walk?

(Dogs Love Running) We started this company and our flagship service, dog running, because we saw a need that many dogs have; they are naturally full of energy but their owners have very limited time/ability to really let their dog cut loose and expel that energy in a positive way.


Running can be great exercise for many dogs. Clients of ours that have sporting breeds like Labs, Retrievers, and other high-energy dogs absolutely love our running service. For them, running is a better option than walking just because it allows the dog to use up the energy inside them that otherwise might manifest itself in other ways (sometimes as bad behavior). For other clients of ours, walking is the better option due to the breed's nature, health concerns, or physical limitations.

 Do you find that certain breeds pop up more frequently in your business than others? Does it seem that some breeds *need* to run more than others?

(DLR) Certain breeds naturally have more energy than others and most of our running clients tend to be mid-size to larger sporting type dogs. We still have pugs and bulldogs and those types of breeds too, but they'll use our walking service, not the running. Although we wouldn't say that any dog needs to specifically RUN, many do absolutely need a way to use all the pent up energy inside them. Running with us is a safe, consistent, and reliable means to burn off that energy and make dogs tired.

Photo credit: 4pawsu.com

If a dog has never run on a leash before, is it something they pick up on easily? Does a dog need to be well-trained to walk on a leash before they can use your service?

We've never had a situation where a dog wouldn't be able to walk or run with us on a leash. Some dogs are more trained and used to being on a leash than others and that definitely makes our job easier. But even if they're not used to being on a leash, we always follow general dog training principles of keeping the dog on our left side and right next to us so that they get a consistent experience. They'll typically get used to this pretty quickly and it helps make for a more enjoyable experience for all since they know what to do.

What kinds of people do you think most frequently use Dogs Love Running?

85% of our customers are those that are at work during the day (or somewhere that takes them out of their home for 8-12 hours/day) and need us to come and make a mid-day visit with their dog. Sometimes we visit 5 days per week if it's a case where the pet needs a bathroom break in addition to the exercise. Some clients have us come 2 or 3 times per week mostly just for the exercise portion of what we do. Also, there are lots of people that don't necessarily need us for running, but still appreciate what we can do for their pets with our walking service. Pugs, toy breeds, and many other dogs make for great walking partners. The other 15% of our business is from pet sitting. When people are gone for more than a day at a time, we can come and take care of their pets at their home. This can be for dogs, cats, fish, rabbits, and most other household pets.

What kinds of safety precautions do you take so that customers know their dog is in good hands?

Pet and human safety is our number one consideration. As mentioned earlier, we adhere to generally accepted dog training principles while walking/running as well as during all other times when we have possession of a customer's furry friend. This helps keep people and pets safe since we're always doing the same things in a consistent and reliable manner. Our franchisees are people that run their business as their full-time job so they take it very seriously. They are always involved in dealing with the customers and keep a very detailed watch over their staff team members. All the people on our team go through an extensive interview and background check process as well as do a lot of training before they come in contact with customers' animals. Because of what we do and how we do it, we attract highly-qualified, responsible, trustworthy, and energetic staff members who truly love what they do.

Photo credit: petazon.com

You also provide dog walking services: how important is it for elderly and/or obese dogs to get out every day to walk? Can you provide service to special dogs like these?

Nearly every dog not only wants, but also needs, some type of routine exercise. For extreme examples that may include physical and/or health limitations, we need the client's veterinarian to sign off on what we're doing. Assuming that we have authorization, we can definitely help with dogs of all shapes and sizes. Not all our clients use us for running. Many use us for walking and even just backyard playtime. For an elderly pug, as an example, a run isn't going to be what they need. But some gentle backyard playing or a very casual stroll up and down the block in short distances may be just the ticket. We're very in tune with what the animal wants and can handle.

In your opinion, what is the most important reason people should consider checking out Dogs Love Running?

What we do that's different than 99.9% of all the other related services out there is that we try to help pets live longer and behave better through exercise. As a customer of Dogs Love Running!, you know that everything we do has a focus on exercise, healthy choices, and living an active lifestyle. And using our service is super-easy. We have the same team member visit your pet all the time, flexible scheduling, automated weekly credit card billing, and many other operational processes that make it a breeze for people to work with us. And, if someone is considering starting a pet business, they can join our team as a franchisee and we'll help them start and operate their own Dogs Love Running! business in their home town. We love what we do and both our human and animal clients love it, too.

People can find out more at http://www.dogsloverunning.com/ or by calling 1-877-PETS-RUN.

Steve Hofstetter

Steve Hofstetter is a popular comedian, author, and columnist. You may recognize him from appearances on ESPN's Quite Frankly or the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, or his radio show National Lampoon's Sports Minute (Or So). His stand up comedy is a big draw on college campuses, infusing observational humor and political commentary. Steve is also a sports buff, and his columns can be found in Sports Illustrated, Maxim, and ESPN Magazine (just to name a few.) Despite his affinity for entertainment and comedy, Steve carried around a not-so-funny problem for many years-- he was afraid of dogs. That all changed when he met his wife Sara, who ironically was an animal shelter volunteer. With Sara's help, Steve is overcoming his fear of dogs one day at a time. Amazingly, the pair has recently welcomed a new addition to their family: a 6-year-old rescue Dachsund/Beagle mix. Steve and Sara christened their new dog "Bea Arthur", and Steve has begun to document his experiences as a dog owner and recovering cynophobe on his new blog Adopting Bea Arthur. Steve kindly agreed to do an interview with Mad About Pets to further discuss his fear of dogs, and how he's gotten to the point of owning his very own dog:

-Was there one specific incident which spurred your fear of dogs?

When I was a baby, a neighbor's dog tried to bite me. My parents say that I was sacred ever since then. While I have no memory of it, that sort of thing gets programmed in you.

-Did your fear of dogs have any social implications? In other words, did it negatively affect your social life or your daily interactions?

Sure - there were friends' houses I didn't want to go to, girls I had trouble dating, and the constant worry of looking like a weenie whenever we passed one.

-It is my understanding that your attitude towards dogs began to change after you met your wife, a shelter volunteer. How did she begin to change your perception of dogs?

She educated me. She showed me hours and hours of dog shows, introduced me to some of the more well behaved dogs at the shelter, and just taught me a lot about how owners mold their dogs, not the other way around.

The irresistible Bea Arthur

-Was there something special about Bea that made you and your wife decide to add a dog to the family, or had you made the decision before seeing her that you were in the market for a pet?

We were in the market for a dog, but the right dog. We had turned others down. But Bea was so well behaved and so cute, it was hard to say no. Okay, that's a lie - it was impossible.

-I have to ask…Bea Arthur? Is there a story behind this name, or are you just a huge Golden Girls fan?

We're fans of the show. We used to watch it every night before we went to sleep (til we'd pretty much seen them all). We wanted to name her after something comedy related because of what I do, but all my favorite legends are men. Suddenly, Sara suggested Bea Arthur, and it just fit. She's stoic and doesn't have time for silly bitches.

-How has adding Bea to the family changed your life (for better or worse)?

We're a lot more tired than we used to be (and about $1200 poorer already). But we feel like we're a family now - and I'm in the best shape I've been in in a while.

-Now that you have a dog of your own, is your fear completely under control or are there still some lingering hesitations?

Steve and Bea

I still pause a bit with some bigger dogs, especially with owners that don't look like they know what they're doing. There was a giant dog in the dog park once that I refer to as the junkyard dog. The owner didn't care what the dog was doing, and it had a big old chain on its neck - and was clearly starting with the other dogs. That type of dog, it'll be a while before I'm comfortable.

-For those readers of Mad About Pets who may have a fear of dogs, in your experience, how do you begin to overcome that fear?

Watch a great deal of Animal Planet. And just understand that not all dogs are the same - kind of like people that way, but they sleep more.

Critter Camp Exotic Pet Sanctuary cares for unadoptable, abandoned and abused small pets other than cats and dogs. Currently we care for over 300 pets of 36 different species. Critter Camp is the only such licensed non-profit volunteer-operated sanctuary in the entire country. We are located in northern Illinois, but accept animals from as far away as Texas and Florida. We also offer hands-on educational tours where folks get to meet the animals we care for, and we provide public awareness and educational presentations.



Tell us a little about your animals. Which are the most unique? Which are the most challenging?

Critter Camp Exotic Pet Sanctuary has saved the lives of thousands of unadoptable pets: elderly, aggressive rabbits, ferrets with adrenal disease and insulinoma, hedgehogs with tumors, birds that bite, mice, rats, hamsters, fennec foxes- you name it – we've saved it!



Most were going to be euthanized, some were found in trash cans and dumpsters!

The kinkajous are the most unique; they have both mauled people and are considered dangerous. Kinks are very cute when they are small, but they often turn mean out of the blue and can do major damage such as tearing an ear off of a person. The fennec foxes are also unique. They are not as dangerous but they are a challenge. They need to be free range roaming about but they are not potty trainable, so there is always a mess. Plus they get into things, so we have to basically baby-proof everything.



Where do the animals at Critter Camp come from?

The animals come to us mostly from shelters where they are going to be euthanized because they are unadoptable due to aggression, old age or chronic illness. Some have come to us from law enforcement, such as the rabbits and guinea pigs that were to be used as bait in a dog fighting ring.



How would winning the Pepsi Refresh challenge help Critter Camp?

Critter Camp relies on donations to care for the animals and, as with many non-profits, the economy has caused a decrease in donations. Fundraising takes a lot of time that could be better spent caring for more animals. Critter Camp is also at capacity for most of the animals we care for and we have plans to expand to a larger facility. Winning the contest would mean that the care of the animals would be funded for a year and we would also have money to buy the land to begin the expansion project. Basically it would mean that Critter camp could save the lives of thousands more pets!

How can readers vote, and when does the contest end?

The entry is here: http://www.refresheverything.com/helpcrittercamp

People can vote once a day, every day until the end of June 2011 August 2011. We only need to be in the top 10 to win $50,000, and we are at #32 right now.

People can vote by signing in with email or their Facebook account, or just by texting their vote:

Text 108022 to Pepsi (73774) to vote from your cell (there is no additional charge for this text other than what they would normally pay for a text.)

Right now the most important thing is to use or send us the Power Vote codes on Pepsi products! They can send the codes to info@crittercamp.biz These are vital to our winning!

The codes are on Pepsi, Diet Pepsi and Pepsi Maxx yellow bottle caps ( 20 oz and 2 L) and inside 12 and 24 pack boxes. These can multiply your votes up to 100x!

We'd like to also invite folks to stop by our website www.crittercamp.org and sign up for our free email newsletter - the sign up box is there on the home page, and to "like" us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/crittercamp 

If we all work together we can save the lives of so many truly "thrown away" animals and give them a healthy, happy, safe place to live out the rest of their lives.

The Wisconsin Dog Fair is an amazing event held every year right here in Madison. The event features activities, demonstrations, and examples of almost every breed of dog imaginable. Mad About Pets was lucky to score an interview with Pat Discher, a representative of Badger Kennel Club, to get the inside scoop on this very popular event to be held November 7, 2010.

Please tell us a little about Badger Kennel Club, the organization behind the Wisconsin Dog Fair.

The Badger Kennel Club consists of about 100 individuals that love dogs! We have come together over the years to share this canine affection with other people of like minds. As you can imagine with a membership this vast, the interests vary greatly from those that have one pet and wish to do meaningful activities with it to members who actively compete in the many areas of the "sport of dogs". Breeders make up a good part of our membership as well. What is so great about the BKC is that there is something for everyone that meets their needs and wishes. We offer classes in obedience, rally, agility, conformation, puppy socialization and kindergarten, therapy and Canine Good Citizen and often other specialized classes such as attention, tricks, and freestyle. The neatest part about our classes is that they are all taught by volunteers. These volunteers account for hundreds of years of training experience and can't be topped.

How did the Wisconsin Dog Fair get started?

The Dog Fair started 22 years ago as a means to educate the general dog-loving public to the many aspects of living with and training their family pet. It started in the center of a Mall and has outgrown several places, each time, increasing in physical size to  handle the increase in offerings added. For the past 4 years we use half of the Alliant Center and that's full!!

What kinds of demonstrations, events, etc. can attendees of the Wisconsin Dog Fair expect?

Photo Credit: Podengo Pequeno

One of the big draws is the approximately 160 different breed representatives. These people are owners/breeders that love to talk about their breed, telling people about all aspects of their dogs. Then you there will be about 90 vendors that will be either selling dog products, promoting various dog related organizations or representing rescue groups. In the demonstration line of activities you find obedience, frisbee, tricks, carting, Sheriff's Department K9, rally, earth dog, lure coursing, agility, Junior showmanship and mushing. These will all be in ring 1. In ring 2 you find breed parades for each AKC group of dogs, including one for the Miscellaneous group and rare breeds as well as a parade of rescued dogs. And to top off all of this there will be 1/2 hour seminars in Eastern Medicine, Vaccines, Puppy socialization, grooming, and adding a dog to your family. Every year a Dog Hero is acknowledged and award a special plaque.


How much is admission, where is the Dog Fair located, and when will it be held?

The Dog Fair is held on Sunday, Nov. 7, 2010 at the Alliant Convention Center (1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI) in Halls C and D. The hours are from 10am - 4pm. The admission fee is $7.00 for adults, $5.00 for seniors, $1.00 for children and under 5 are free. The Dane County Fairgrounds does charge for parking but attendees can download a Free Parking Pass from our website: http://www.badgerkennelclub.com/ or pick one up at one of the area Mounds Pet Food stores.

Make sure to mark your calendars for the Wisconsin Dog Fair: it's sure to be a blast!

DKCat is a California-based company run by Dani Kilmer. DKCat's focus is eco-friendly yet modern cat towers and scratchers. Mad About Pets was lucky enough to score an exclusive interview with Ms. Kilmer, and learn more about her incredible company DKCat and how it all got started:

-How did you get into designing pet furniture?

I worked as an interior designer before starting DK Cat just over a year ago, and one of my favorite parts of that job was designing the details for custom casework and built-in furniture. (photo left: Dani Kilmer) I also enjoyed restoring old furniture in my spare time. So when we added cat #3 to the household and desperately needed a better cat tree, I naturally decided I would design and build one for myself. I started by overhauling an old cat tree I had purchased at a pet store years before -- replacing the shaggy dusty carpet with a better quality one, adding wood trim edges and re-roping the shredded sisal. It turned out okay, but still had some inherent clumsy design flaws, in my opinion, as well as crude connection details.

I then started working on prototypes for a new and improved cat tree that eventually became the “Platform C.” I gave them to friends and family, and it got great feedback from cat and human testers alike. I was looking for a career shift at the time anyway, and the slowing economy eventually provided the opportunity to take the leap and start a new business.

-What is your design background?

I studied interior design at the University of Missouri in Columbia, then moved to San Francisco and worked for 12 years at three different architecture firms on a variety of healthcare and academic projects. I got a lot of design education on the job because the bar was really high, and I faced such a variety of design challenges designing for sick people and students. I also actually come from a long line of Mennonites who were very inventive yet practical, and that sense of simplicity and authenticity was instilled in me and definitely influences my design tendencies. I am also always taking design-related classes like photography, painting, woodworking, and have been studying Visual Arts at the University of California - Berkeley’s Extension for the past two years to further my appreciation and practice of art and design.

-How do you choose which materials to make your products from?

I choose materials that are natural and/or eco-friendly, first and foremost. I often rely on what I learned about sustainable materials when I was working as a LEED accredited interior designer. I knew from experience that two of the primary materials used in making cat furniture, carpet and plywood, both are indoor air polluters and can be toxic (and ugly!). So those were the first two things I set out to improve. I knew about Interface Flor’s high quality carpet tile, which is better for indoor air quality and uses recycled materials, and I found a formaldehyde-free plywood made from bamboo. I also am lucky to have access to multiple green building salvage yards in the Bay Area, where I gather reclaimed wood studs for the scratching posts instead of buying new ones, which means fewer trees are cut down. They get completely covered in sisal, so it doesn’t matter if they are not brand new. The sisal and wood trim are both new materials, but completely natural. I only use non-toxic wood glue and water-based stains and finishes. Other than the “green” criteria, I look for things with textural qualities that make interesting combinations with the other materials.

-What is the manufacturing process like for your furniture?

I currently make everything myself, with some help from my husband for the heavy lifting. I work out of a small workshop attached to the house (aka the garage). The process involves a combination of pre-cutting certain components in advance, such as the plywood structures and wood posts. After that, each product is made to order. I start by making the perch(es), which involves attaching the wood trim to the bamboo plywood, then staining and/or finishing the wood trim. When those are finished, the posts get attached, then wrapped in two widths of sisal rope (for enhanced texture and improved durability). Finally, additional perches are attached (depending on the product) and the carpet tiles are inserted. The process includes a variety of steps, each rewarding in its own way -- cutting wood is loud, dirty and empowering, while carefully painting on the wood finishes is quiet, calming and almost Zen-like.

-What is your favorite piece of pet furniture you've designed?

It is hard to decide which is my favorite! It is probably the one the cats like the best, which is the real goal in making them, and that would have to be the “Platform T,” as I have dubbed it. It is a custom taller version of the 26-inch high “Platform C.” (photo left) It is five feet tall and has four perches in addition to the base. All of the perches are anchored to a large central sisal post, and that post is exposed on one side to allow them to actually shimmy up the full height of the tree. It lives next to the sliding glass door, where the views of birds and squirrels are the best. All three of the cats can fit at once to watch the outdoors or play together. I have been working on developing this design for DK Cat as well, but unfortunately have run into some roadblocks when it comes to shipping. It is also a little big to manage in my small workshop by myself. I have started working on a four-foot high version though, which I anticipate will be easier to ship. Hopefully you will see it on dkcat.com sometime this year!

Up next...Mad About Pets' review of the DKcat Perch!

Rover Makeovers is one of Dane County's premier pet grooming businesses. Based out of Cambridge, WI, it is a full service spa sure to please even the most discerning of pets (and of course their owners!) Mad About Pets is pleased to provide you this exclusive interview with owner Julie Anderson:

What animal(s) does/does your business cater to, and what kinds of products/services do you offer?

We cater to both dogs and cats, but we see a lot more dogs. We offer trendy or traditional pet grooming with a gentle touch. We will soon be offering touches of color or the bling of Swarovski crystals to your pet. We use spa line products & give blueberry facials and paw treatments. We also offer beautiful & unique pet photography at the location of your choice. And introducing "Spoiled Rotten Rover", a small line of unique gifts for for dogs & the humans who love them. We are proud to carry Fido-Vite, a natural food supplement to help keep your dog healthy from the inside out.

What made you decide to start up your business (how did your business come about?)

I have had a love affair with dogs since I was a little girl. Unfortunately , allergies kept me from owning a dog for many years. Thankfully, I out grew those allergies. I had gone to school for commercial art & photography in the 70"s. I became a groomer 19 years ago in Illinois. After 12 years there, I moved back to Wisconsin & eventually to Cambridge where I found the perfect little spot, right on Main St. to open Rover Makeovers.

How are you different from other groomers in the Madison area?

I am different because I understand dogs & their behavior. They seem to know right from the start that I am someone they can trust. I keep it calm by not having a shop full of barking unhappy dogs. They are rarely kenneled & wait by the front door or in the front window on a bed for their "taxi" to pick them up. We are not a "daycare". It is rare that a dog has to spend the whole day in our shop. Most are picked up when they are finished unless requested by the owner to pick up after work. I also am pretty good at what I do & will suggest for you a stye that I think would make your dog look best. Not to mention, I have the very best homemade doggie jerky around! Everyone gets a reward after their grooming!

What is your favorite aspect of your business?

Being able to spend the day with various dogs and "sculpt" them in to works of living art.

How can customers contact you for more information or with questions?

By phone at 608-445-0755 or email at mydogsdig@gmail.com, visit one of my websites http://www.rmpetportraits.com/ or http://www.rovermakeovers.com/, or just stop in at 150 W Main St, Cambridge, WI 53523

Gotta Go Out, LLC is one of Madison's premier pet sitting services. Principal Owner Tami Lewis provided this exclusive interview with Mad About Pets, to help better acquaint pet owners in Dane County with the history of Gotta Go Out, LLC and the services offered:

What animals does your business cater to?

Cats, Dogs, Fish, Birds (including parrots), Lizards, Horses, Chickens, Hamsters, etc. Pretty much any pet, as long as they don’t require live feedings during the visit and they are in our service area of Central, West, or South Madison; Fitchburg; Middleton; Monona; or Verona.


What made you decide to start up your business (how did your business come about?)

After working 20 plus years in corporate America and using pet sitting services to take care of my own pets, I decided to follow my passion for pets and start my own pet sitting business.

Please describe your facility or accommodations, and any special training or accolades you or your staff possess.

Gotta Go Out, LLC is bonded and insured and a member of Pet Sitters International (PSI). I (Tami Lewis) have been trained in pet first aid through the American Red Cross and am an accredited pet sitter through PSI. I am well versed in caring for pets from cats and dogs to rodents, reptiles, parrots, and horses. I have cared for geriatric pets, provided hospice services, provided puppy training, and medicated pets when needed.

How are you different from other animal boarding/sitting services in the Madison area?

I spent some time and money getting accredited by Pet Sitters International, the largest pet sitting organization in the world. I also set the business up as an LLC from the beginning and bought Liability insurance and got bonded. I currently have 100% satisfied customers and I go out of my way to keep my reputation extremely high. I have experience providing hospice care to pets ill with cancer as well as administering medications, so I offer services to human clients with their terminally ill and geriatric pets.

How can customers contact you for more information or with questions?

For general information about Gotta Go Out’s services and pricing, the website is a good resource. They can see it at http://www.ggout.com/. If they wish to ask questions or get more information, they can contact me at (608) 316-2021 or tlewis@ggout.com.

Located at 4934 Felland Road, Camp K9 Pet Care Center has offered devoted service to Madison area dogs for over two decades. Just what makes Camp K9 so special, and how have they enjoyed such longevity? Owner Lori Campbell discussed these questions and more in an exclusive interview with Mad About Pets:

What animal(s) does/does your business cater to, and what kinds of products/services do you offer?

Camp K9 is a full service pet care facility. We offer boarding for dogs and cats, Daycamp (Mon-Fri for social dogs), Grooming, Training and some retail.

What made you decide to start up your business (how did your business come about?)

A lifelong passion for animals combined with a dream of starting a premier pet facility since the age of 16. Camp K9 started with the purchase of a home with a small kennel attached and turned a dream into a reality for myself and my husband Duncan. That was 24 years ago. The once small kennel has grown into the Madison area’s premier pet pamperer.

Please describe your facility or accommodations, and any special training or accolades you or your staff possesses.

Camp K9 is nestled in a serene wooded valley on Madison's east side. We offer accommodations to suit every taste and budget. From our classic rooms to our lavish Bed and Biscuit suites, all of which were recently remodeled, customers can have a choice of accommodations for their pet's visit. House -buddies, our newest overnight option, allows your pet a true "just like home" experience.

We are proud of our many acres of grass play yards for our guests to enjoy during their visit. Our customers always express that is one of their favorite parts of bringing their dogs here - because their pet's come home tired, refreshed and happy from these extra playtimes we offer and that we have such huge areas for their pet's to play in.

We offer multi-level custom designed Kitty condos with indoor/outdoor access and believe they are the largest kitty room accommodations available in the area. We are currently working on remodeling our activity and training center which rounds out our facility.

Many of our staff members have pet CPR certification. Our staff has more than 2 centuries of combined pet care experience; this may make us the most experienced facility around.


How are you different from other animal boarding/sitting services in the Madison area?

We really are Madison's premier pet spa. Camp K9 has been in the same location and under the same ownership for more than 24 years now. With this kind of experience and a commitment to Madison's pets and their people we are unparalleled. We also feel we stand out because of our country setting with lots of room to run and play for our guests. We have several acres of fenced in play yards, plus more acres of nature trails for pets to use. These big yards and fresh air make for a great vacation for any pet.

For more info: Visit Camp K9's website or call at (608) 249-3939