I am not quite there yet, though. It’s only been two weeks since he died and a week since I learned of the reason.

Somehow I will make sure that Buddy’s death was not in vein. I have already submitted my info to a lawfirm in Wisconsin that may be filing a class action suit. I am doing it to make a statement for change – could care less about any monetary outcome.

We need to protect the most dependent members of our society. Unlike children who eventually grow up, our pets depend on us for everything from birth until death. I am sorry that society has failed many of them right now.

She was always a healthy dog, my best friend is a vet .She saw Allie frequently.

That morning I was cleaning, my son and husband left to get their haircut. Earlier that morning I noticed how much water she was drinking. She ate her Iams food, which was a new bag, she maybe had 2 or 3 days worth. I noticed she threw up a good amount. I let her in outside as I cleaned it up. Minutes later I went out to get her and I couldn’t find her. She was down in a bush having a seizure. I grabbed her up. Her tongue was hanging out and her eyes fixed. I yelled for my 8 year old daughter and ran to the neighbors, realizing I needed help. Within minutes, she stopped shaking and I knew she was gone. I tried to give her mouth to mouth but I knew it was too late. My daughter was crying begging for me to help her. I have never been so hysterical. It has been 4 weeks and I still cry thinking about this. My son and husband came home after my neighbor called them, they too were just devastated.

Allie was such a part of our family. Not a night went by that she didn’t sleep with us. The first thing people asked was, “did she get in poison?��? I knew our house and knew she had not been in anything. Her only symptoms were a few days before she vomitted and had diahrea and the excess thirst and lythargy. I too thought it was an upset stomach. My friend that was the vet asked if we had rat poisoning. We did not do an autopsy, she is buried in our back yard. The first thing my husband did after she died was threw out her food. We won’t have any proof that this caused her death.

I just don’t want anyone to go thru the heartache my family did. My daughter is still afraid something will happen. For weeks, she would not be by herself in the house. I am afraid this dog food recall affects many more types of food than they are releasing. My heart goes out to all the pet owners that have gone thru this. It is hard enough losing a pet of natural causes.

We still go out and light a candle for Allie each night. She died way too soon.

Pictures of our sweet Allie can been seen at
http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=2095308848

My pack and I mourn your loss. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. Your words could literally save another dog or cat’s life. I know its sometimes writing or talking about these things so we all appreciate your strength.

Please consider joining one of Dogster’s wonderful groups for dogs who have moved to the Rainbow Bridge. All of them are wonderful with gentle, caring people who understand your loss because they have been there. Celebrate your dog or cat’s life; do not beat yourself up or continue to mourn their passing to the point where it does you more harm than good. Your furbaby wouldn’t want that.

Now that said, please do not forget what has caused their deaths — greed, fear and someone passing the responsibility buck. Someone made the decision to save money by using dangerous Chinese wheat and other people let it pass because it was easier to not pay attention than to take on their rightful duty to act.

All of these people are afraid. Maybe they’re afraid of not getting their bonuses or even losing their jobs. Maybe they’re araid of being pushed aside at their jobs or board rooms. They must be made to acknowledge and NEVER forget that their decisions or lack thereof cost someone a loved one. For all we know, the same vices could be costing unknown and untold thousands of humans their lives as well.

So let’s remember our furry loved ones in beauty and let them inspire us to make necessary changes to keep this from happening again!

In February, 2007 Buddy ate a can of Country Stew over a three-week period with his new meds (diuretic and ACE inhibitor) after being diagnosed three weeks to the day after giving him Mighty Dog food, with congestive heart disease.

When Buddy died on March 12, I thought he had died at home from heart failure. In restrospect, I realize the food was what killed him over time. I am truly heartbroken.

I am writing this to let pet owners be aware that the contaminated food may date back to as early as August 2006, NOT December as reported by Menu Foods. Buddy had been given a clean bill of health in October 2006 when he had his annual shots and physical.

I hope this helps someone out there. Condolences to all who are affected.

Thanks for your time.
Paula Young

I urge everyone to completely boycott all brands on this list and as someone who has payed 2 or 3 times the cost in food for a “premium” brand I am furious at their false advertising. They use the same stuff as the CRAP brands.

Talk with your pocket book. It’s the only way big companies listen.