Judge Grants Initial Approval to Pet Food Settlement

On Friday May 30 a judge gave initial approval to the pet food settlement:

CAMDEN, N.J. (AP) -- A judge granted initial approval Friday to a settlement in which companies that manufactured or sold contaminated pet food would compensate pet owners for all costs related to the death or illness of their dogs and cats.

Under the deal, granted initial approval by U.S. District Judge Noel Hillman, pet owners in the United States and Canada would be notified of the settlement by June 16 and would have until early December to submit claims. A final hearing on the $24 million settlement is scheduled for Oct. 14.

The settlement doesn't pay pet owners for pain and suffering from injuries to their pets.

And why aren't pain and suffering factors? Because--even though we may consider our pets to be members of our family, pets are only property in the eyes of the law.

Read article.

Pet Stuff Steals & Deals -- 5/31

If you are having a sale of your own, or know of a good one, send an email to news@supercoolpets. We will feature it. We also do product reviews.

Here is our weekly update on seasonal sales and discounts. Many new deals for May:

Subscribe & Save -- Cats Save an extra 15% off everyday price plus get free shipping and automated reorders when you order.
Subscribe & Save -- Dogs Save an extra 15% off everyday price plus get free shipping and automated reorders when you order.
Amazon Pet Supplies up to 25% off
Amazon Pet Supplies 25% - 50% off
Amazon Pet Supplies 50% - 70% off
Amazon Pet Supplies 70% off or more

Gift items on specific animals, pets, dog breeds, cats, wildlife, over 9000 products. Shirts, plush animals, calendars, mugs, address labels, mousepads & more.
Save 5% off any $30 purchase at Animal Den Use code: ad202
Save 10% off any $50 purchase at Animal Den Use code: ad203

Memorial Day Sale at Drs. Foster and Smith! Save up to 33% on healthcare supplies for pets! Expires June 2, 2008
Save on select flea and tick preventives at Drs. Foster and Smith! Sale ends 6.3.08. Expires June 3 2008
Drs. Foster and Smith 25th Anniversary Sale Save 25% throughout 2008
Drs. Foster and Smith Online Specials
Drs. Foster and Smith Online Clearance Outlet

Specialty dog & cat items for your cool pet.
Save 15% on any order at JakesDogHouse.com Use code FIRST15
Free Shipping on all orders over $75 at JakesDogHouse.com

Only Natural Pet Store On Sale Now
Save 5% on orders over $75 at Only Natural Pet Store Use code CJ75

Shop PETCO.com's Free Shipping Store
FREE Shipping on Orders of $50 or More at PETCO.com
Get Free Shipping, Plus $5 off when you pay with Bill Me Later on PETCO.com
10% Off, No Minimum Purchase Required, Includes Food & Litter, when you shop at PETCO.com

Find great prices on brand name pet products

$15 Off $175 Use code PER15OFF
10% Off Entire Order Use code PER10PCT
$10 off $125 Use code PER10OFF

1-800-PetMeds Save $5 off your orders Use code WEBC5
1-800-PetMeds Save 10% Use code: Save10. Expires 12/31/08
1-800-PetMeds Free shipping on orders over $39

Shop PetMountain.com: Free Shipping + 20,000 Products

10% Off Small Pet Toys Expires June 1, 2008
Save 15% Off Your Order of $65 or more Expires June 2, 2008
Receive Free Shipping on Your Order of $40 or More Expires June 8, 2008
PetSmart Free Shipping on orders of $50 or more. Use code: SHIP50AFF. Expires June 30, 2008

High-quality, innovative pet products, electronics, gadgets, accessories from top direct marketers and manufacturers.
SkyMall $15 Gift Card with purchase of $100 or more Use code: LSSGC. Expires May 31, 2008
Save 10% on your SkyMall Order Use code: LS106


Online social network devoted to Pets and their Owners!

Join YouPet.com FREE and Win a $100 Petco Gift Card!

Bermuda Shirts for Dogs

Dress your pup in a super cool Bermuda Shirt for Dogs .

• Tropical-patterned shirt for dogs lends a stylish look for fun occasions
• Cool, 100% cotton material is breathable and machine washable
• Includes leg holes and self-fastening closures for easy on, easy off
• Colors: Green or Red
• Sizes: XSmall, Small, or Medium

Bermuda Shirts for Dogs

Weather-Resistant Eucalyptus Outdoor Raised Dog Feeder

Did you know elevated dog feeders promote ergonomic eating? We will be featuring more of them here at Super Cool Pets.

We have always fed our pets outdoors when weather allows. The
Eucalyptus Outdoor Dog Feeder would look well on your porch, patio, or even in the kitchen or mud room, if you prefer.

Eucalyptus Outdoor Dog Feeder is constructed of solid eucalyptus wood with a tough weather-resistant polyurethane enamel finish, so it's easy to clean--just hose it off. 3-qt. bowls.

Pets Get Sunburned Too--Use Doggles Pet Sunscreen in the Hot Sun

We love the Doggles products here at Super Cool Pets. Make sure your pup has a pair of Doggles™ Sunglasses or Doggles Sunglasses ILS Interchangeable Lens System. For hiking, Doggles Backpacks give your dog a job to do and lighten your load.

We all slather on the sunscreen when we go out in the hot sun. Don't forget the dog! Doggles Sunscreen is specially formulated for use on dogs' skin. Short-haired dogs and light-skinned ones with pink noses can get a burn in the strong sun. Doggles Sunscreen can also condition their coat and help prevent sun bleaching in dark haired animals.

Taking your dog to the beach? Here are some Beach Tips for Dogs.

Love Massages? Your Pets Do Too!

Have you ever given your pet a massage? Ours love it.

If your hands and arms get tired doing massages, try a
Pet Massager. It is healthy for your pet--relieves sore muscles, relaxes tension, and stimulates oil glands for a healthier skin and coat.

Has a quiet motor in case your pet is skittish. For more information: Pet Massager

Not sure what to do or want to learn more about pet massage? The Healing Touch For Dogs: The Proven Massage Program for Dogs and The Healing Touch For Cats: The Proven Massage Program for Cats both by Dr. Michael W. Fox will quickly educate you:

• basic dog and/or cat psychology
• how massage can help your pet
• how to create the best massage routine
• how to diagnose illnesses
• how to keep your dog and/or cat in shape.

Your Dog Will Look Cool and Feel Cool Wearing a Cooling Bandana

Lots of dogs wear bandanas, and they look cool in them. How about feeling cool too in a Cooling Bandana:

• Easy to use and comfortable for your pet
• Cools through water evaporation from the bandana
• Edged in reflective tape to aid in night visibility

Cooling Bandana in Small, Medium and Large.

Insulated and Shatterproof Dog Patch Tumblers

Double-Walled Shatterproof Tumblers:

• Each features a different dog
• Perfect for outdoor picnic use, for family gatherings with children
• Safe in the backyard, on the dock or by the pool
• Insulated to keep hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold.
• No condensation or clouding whether used with hot or cold liquids
• Dishwasher, microwave and freezer safe
• Set of four 16 oz. tumblers

These dog patch Tumblers would make a great gift for the dog lover.

Instant Screen Door for Easy Warm-Weather Living

No more slamming doors, ripped screens, or open doors to let bugs into the house. Your pets can walk right through this Instant Screen Door, and it shuts automatically behind them. The screen closes magnetically with hook-and-loop closures to affix the screen along the door frame.

The Instant Screen Door is affordable, easy to install and great for sliding glass doors. Sizes:

• 30"screen for doors 29"-31" wide.
• 32"screen for doors 31"-33" wide.
• 36"screen for doors 35"-37" wide.
• 48"screen for doors 47"-49" fits 4' French doors, double doors or 8' sliding glass door.

Blue Dangle Porcelain Cat Earrings

Blue dangle porcelain cat earrings are detailed with 22k gold luster on the top as well as on the edge. Earrings measure 1 1/4" high x 3/4"wide.

Contaminated Pet Food Settlement

A settlement has been reached in the dispute over contaminated pet food. This settlement between pet owners and Diamond Pet Foods has not been approved by a judge and will be heard May 30. We will keep you posted.

Companies that were sued over contaminated pet food linked to the deaths of perhaps thousands of dogs and cats have agreed to pay $24 million to pet owners in the United States and Canada.

The settlement is detailed in papers filed late Thursday in U.S. District Court in Camden. It still needs a judge's approval.

"The settlement attempts to reimburse pet owners for all of their economic damages," said Russell Paul, a lawyer for plaintiffs in the lawsuit.

The deal would affect people who incurred expenses directly related to the illness or death of a pet linked to the food, which was at the center of the biggest-ever U.S. pet food recall in 2007.

Under the terms of the deal announced Thursday, pet owners could be reimbursed for all reasonable expenditures, including veterinarian bills and burial or cremation costs.

Pet owners could also ask for the fair market value of their deceased pets, if that is higher than the costs incurred. Owners who do not have documentation of their expenses can get up to $900 each. All claims are subject to a review.

The settlement addresses economic issues, but to many of us, pets are more than property. What about pain and suffering?

Read entire article here.

Pet Loss Support -- Remembering Your Pet on Memorial Day

If we ever met a Magic Genie one wish, among many, would be to grant our pets a longer life span. Way, way too short. But...we can remember.

There are as many different ways to commemorate a much-loved pet as there are people. For the pet's resting place or in the garden or back yard:

A beautiful photo display that also holds precious keepsakes:

If you or someone you care about is coping with the loss of a pet, a good resource on the web is Pet Loss Support.

For book lovers, this poignant paperback Grieving the Death of a Pet should help the healing process.

Start reading Grieving the Death of a Pet in under a minute with the Kindle edition, using the portable wireless reading device. Don't have one? Information about the wireless reader Kindle is one click away.

Pet Stuff Steals and Deals -- 5/24

If you are having a sale of your own, or know of a good one, send an email to news@supercoolpets. We will feature it. We also do product reviews.

Here is our weekly update on seasonal sales and discounts. Many new deals for May:

Subscribe & Save -- Cats Save an extra 15% off everyday price plus get free shipping and automated reorders when you order.
Subscribe & Save -- Dogs Save an extra 15% off everyday price plus get free shipping and automated reorders when you order.
Amazon Pet Supplies up to 25% off
Amazon Pet Supplies 25% - 50% off
Amazon Pet Supplies 50% - 70% off
Amazon Pet Supplies 70% off or more

Gift items on specific animals, pets, dog breeds, cats, wildlife, over 9000 products. Shirts, plush animals, calendars, mugs, address labels, mousepads & more.
Save 5% off any $30 purchase at Animal Den Use code: ad202
Save 10% off any $50 purchase at Animal Den Use code: ad203

Drs. Foster and Smith 25th Anniversary Sale Save 25% throughout 2008
Drs. Foster and Smith Online Specials
Drs. Foster and Smith Online Clearance Outlet

Specialty dog & cat items for your cool pet.
Save 15% on any order at JakesDogHouse.com Use code FIRST15
Free Shipping on all orders over $75 at JakesDogHouse.com

Only Natural Pet Store On Sale Now

10% Off, No Minimum Purchase Required, Includes Food & Litter, when you shop at PETCO.com Expires 5/30/08.
PETCO Free Shipping on orders of $50 or more. Use code: newlook. Expires 5/30/08.

$15 Off $175 Use code PER15OFF
10% Off Entire Order Use code PER10PCT
$10 off $125 Use code PER10OFF

1-800-PetMeds Save $5 off your orders Use code WEBC5
1-800-PetMeds Save 10% Use code: Save10. Expires 12/31/08
1-800-PetMeds Free shipping on orders over $39

Shop PetMountain.com: Free Shipping + 20,000 Products

PetSmart Free Shipping on orders of $50 or more. Use code: SHIP50AFF. Expires June 30, 2008
10% Off Small Pet Toys Expires June 1, 2008
10% Off Your Entire Order Expires May 25, 2008
Save 15% Off Your Order of $65 or more Expires June 2, 2008

High-quality, innovative pet products, electronics, gadgets, accessories from top direct marketers and manufacturers.
SkyMall $15 Gift Card with purchase of $100 or more Use code: LSSGC. Expires May 31, 2008
SkyMall Dads and Grads 15% off Weekend Use code LSFD8. May 23 - 26, 2008

Make a Lasting Memorial to Your Pet

Memorial Day is coming up this Monday. If you have been unfortunate enough to have lost a pet, you can make a lasting memorial to him or her in a Buddhist-type altar, a Memoria Areca.

Designed for your living room mantle or a dressing table, the box has compartments for an urn as well as a glass display case to display special mementos, such as a collar, leashes, toys, apparel. A picture frame is built into the lid for your favorite photograph. The pet altar comes in two contemporary designs.

Or...you can turn your pet's remains into a Synthetic Diamond, which you can have set into a ring or pendant.

Other products in this vein are urns that look like perfume containers and flower arrangements that incorporate the pet's fur. These fit conveniently into the glass case of the memorial altar.

Bootsie's Bunk Cat Bed and Playroom

Bootsie's Bunk Bed & Playroom is an all-inclusive toy that your kitty can hide, sleep, and play in. The Bunk Bed includes a 2" thick, 100% cotton red quilted pad for kitty naps and two fun spring-action toys. There are pre-cut holes on side for you to dangle interactive toys inside the playroom for batting, pawing, and playtime.

Bootsie's Bunk Bed & Playroom

Iridescent Glass Birdbath Sparkles in the Sun

This hand-blown Glass Birdbath has an iridescent surface that sparkles with color in the sun. Provides water and baths for the birds and is a striking addition to your yard. With stand.

Get Your Pet in Shape on a Pet Treadmill

One good way to exercise your pet is to place him/her on a treadmill.

Aquacise for petss! The Ferno Aqua Paws Underwater Treadmill System creates a low-impact underwater treadmill workout that helps your pets to increase muscle strength and endurance. The warm water assists in pain reduction, and it is a gentle way for older or arthritic dogs to exercise. The water height is regulated to accommodate different sized animals.

Interested in a traditional treadmill for your pet? Try:

• FitFurLife
• Jog a Dog
• Pawwws Pet Treadmills

[via Born Rich]

And for a laugh, check out this clip of cats on a treadmill [Hat Tip motostudios]

Buddy Bicycle Basket--Bike Ride with Your Pet

Bring your small pet along on your bike rides in a Buddy Bicycle Basket. The comfy microfiber basket attaches easily to the bike's handlebars.

Includes a safety harness and safety hook, pockets for treats, belongings, and the ubiquitous water bottle. The basket comes equipped with a reflective front strip for low visibility trips, plus a waterproof cover in case of a sudden downpour.

Buddy Bicycle Basket for pets up to 15 lbs. Folds flat for easy storage.

Walkies Leash Holder

Walkies Leash Holder to stash your stuff.

Mossed Garden Topiary - Year Round Wire Art in Many Dog Breeds

Beautiful mossed topiary frames for your yard. The sectional frames come packed with sphagnum moss and can be used year round with little or no maintenance. Can be planted with your favorite summer blooms or wrapped with holiday lights for a festive look.

They are easy to grow - just poke a hole in the dampened moss and put in your favorite plant or enjoy them as they are. Character eyes are standard on all forms and bring the topiary to life. Size: approx. 35" x 49" x 12"

Garden Topiary Frames are also available as bare frames for you to plant and grow yourself.

The sectional frames can be placed over a shrub (such as boxwood) that is rooted in the ground and allowed to grow up into the form. You then simply trim the plant to the shape of the form as it grows.

Or, you can fill the bottom of the frame with sphagnum moss and plant a climbing vine into the moss. Train the plant to grow into the upper portion of the frame and you'll have a low maintenance, portable planted topiary form.

Mossed Garden Topiaries are available in many different dog breeds, basset, cocker spaniel, chihauhua, jack russell terrier, dachsund, doberman, golden retriever, rottie, scottie and more.

Backyard Cooling Dog Pool Refills Itself

This backyard Cooling Dog Pool is just the spot for your pet to relax in the water on upcoming hot days. Includes a built-in dog bowl for fresh drinking water (as if you dog knows the difference, or cares, but it's a nice thought.)

To fill, simply attach your garden hose to the connection and turn it on. An adjustable valve and float maintains a constant water level, so you never have to refill the pool. Made of tough, lightweight plastic.

Cooling Dog Pool for dogs up to 90 lbs. And toddlers, too.

Health Concerns over Pet Sterilization

A serious downside to pet sterilization is cropping up. There may be future health consequences for your pet, as discussed in this article from MSNBC:

Studies have found that spayed or neutered dogs are at increased risks for problems including certain cancers, thyroid disorder, incontinence and some of the same behavior issues that the surgeries are said to prevent....

...Margaret V. Root Kustritz, a veterinary reproduction specialist at the University of Minnesota, reviewed 200 studies and found that while spay/neuter surgery has benefits, it is also linked to increases in the incidence of certain diseases and conditions such as bone cancer, heart tumors, hypothyroidism and canine cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries, as well as prostate cancer in male dogs and urinary incontinence in females. The extent of the risk can depend on the problem, as well as the size and sex of the dog, and the age the surgery is performed.

The risk of a type of cardiac tumor called hemangiosarcoma is five times higher in spayed female dogs than unspayed females, noted Kustritz. And neutered males have 2.4 times the risk of unneutered males. The risk was also higher for osteosarcoma (bone cancer): Dogs spayed or neutered before age 1 were up to two times as likely to develop the disease than those that hadn't been altered.

Cats seem to fare better:

The main risk they face from sterilization is that they can become sedentary and obese, according to Kustritz's review of studies. As a result, vets say sterilizing cats before 6 months of age is appropriate.

Read article.

Kitchen Scraps for Your Pet -- What's Good & What's Not

When we are in the kitchen whomping up some vittles, it is so hard to resist those cute faces. No one ever feeds them and all they want is a little tidbit! But are you sure those scraps you throw to them won't be harmful?

Check out this MSNBC article, 'People foods that can kill your pet' where you can find a list of bad and good foods for your pet.

If you do make a mistake, or your pet does, here's what to do in case of emergency. Save or bookmark this info:

Despite all the precautions you take to keep your pet pals safe, accidents do happen. That's why the ASPCA, Humane Society and animal advocates advise pet owners to keep the telephone numbers of their local veterinarian and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center -- (888) 426-4435 -- in a prominent location.

Common signs of poisoning include muscle tremors or seizures; vomiting and diarrhea; drooling; redness of skin, ears and eyes; and swelling and bleeding.

If you suspect your pet has consumed, inhaled or come in contact with a toxic substance, stay calm and