Friday, March 30, 2007

Don't miss this one

We are thrilled to announce that holistic veterinarian,
Regina Downey
, will be doing a talk at
The Pet Cabaret on Friday, April 27th at 7:00 p.m.

Dr. Downey is a long time practitioner of holistic veterinary medicine and is skilled in many varied disciplines. She'll be talking to us about what makes holistic veterinary medicine different and why and when to use it.

Advance registration will be required for this talk and we'll have a sign up sheet in the store soon.

Dr. Downey has just opened a new practice in Exeter, New Hampshire and can be reached at 603.772.7387.

Time to think...

You know this pet food recall mess has been really interesting in some ways. It seems that it has caused many people to think about what we are feeding our companion animals and also about what we are feeding ourselves.
After all, it wasn't long ago that people died from eating tainted vegetables, spinach and lettuce, things that are supposed to be "good" for us.

To me this means we have some choices and responsibilities.

It's clear that it really IS important to know as much as possible what we are buying and using in our daily lives. It IS important to buy from local shops and local food growers and suppliers. It IS important to buy organic and recycled products. It IS important to be educated about products and foods we are choosing. It IS important to know what impact our choices have on the environment.

Please don't think that I am lecturing here. I am only reminding myself that the choices we make as individuals really DO matter. I really believe that if enough individuals do the "right" thing real change is possible.

It's time to think.

Saturday, March 24, 2007

Happy News



As many of you know, we lost our beloved boy Marley in September of 2006. We've been very sad since his passing and his "sister" Mary has been forlorn. Finally though, we've decided we're ready for another four footer in the household.


And here she is:
Right now, her name is "Panda", full name Panda Marley.

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Regarding the Recall

We just wanted to let everyone know that The Pet Cabaret does NOT carry any of the foods, manufactured by Menu Foods Inc, now involved in the pet food recall.

We are deeply sorry for those who may have suffered any losses as a result of this tragedy.

Right now it seems as though contaminated wheat gluten may be the culprit in this story. Wheat gluten is a non-meat substance used to boost the protein content of foods. The contamination causes toxic reactions and acute renal failure characterized by excessive thirst, fatigue, extreme panting, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. If caught quickly the dog or cat may be saved with aggressive treatment, however, if untreated it is fatal. Acute renal failure differs from chronic renal failure in that it progresses very rapidly. If you suspect your animal has eaten any of the foods listed on the included website, or if they exhibit any of the aforementioned physical signs, please consult your veterinarian immediately.

Please know that The Pet Cabaret has made a commitment to sell high quality foods and supplements that build and maintain the health of your companion animals. We try to do business with companies that are forthcoming with information regarding their products and procedures. Please let us know if we can assist you in any way with information regarding this recall or on the general health and well-being of your animal pals.

In the meantime please consult these Web sites for information:

Food and Drug Administration
Menu Foods

Monday, March 19, 2007

Herbs for Pets Seminar

Yesterday, I was privileged to be able to attend a seminar on "Herbs for Pets" with herbalist
Greg Tilford, co-author of the book " All You Ever Wanted to Know About Herbs for Pets" ,(which we sell at the store).

It was a great seminar, lasting all day and allowing us to delve into some of topics that we think and talk about all the time here at The Pet Cabaret. We talked a good deal about the prevalance of over-vaccination in veterinary medicine and about how important it is to try to build and maintain WELLNESS rather than stop or control illness.

To that end Greg recommended that we all do at least a few simple things that will offer a better, healthier life to our companion animals and to ourselves as well.

He advocated :

1. Feeding a high quality diet rich in diversity. This, he noted, and we strongly agree, is the basis for wellness in all beings. It is the foundation of a strong, healthy immune system.

2. Add EFA oils to the diet. Again, here diversity is the key. Salmon or other fish oils are our first choice but should be rotated/mixed with other oils such as flax oil, borage oil, or evening primrose oil.

3. Add probiotics and digestive enzymes to the diet. Using these substances will help our pets to utilize food more efficiently, eliminate waste more efficiently, and have a generally healthier intestinal tract.

4. Give and accept lots of love from your companion pals.

Again, the main idea that I took away from the seminar was that it was our job to concentrate on building and maintaining wellness and health in our animals, rather than reacting to illness.

Let us know what you kids think the next time you come into the store.

Friday, March 16, 2007

A quick reminder

Hi Kids,

Just to let you know that appointments for our "First Annual Spring Shots Photo Day" with photographer Chris McLay are filling up. Chris is the photographer responsible for the great photos now gracing the movie poster boxes in the windows of our store.

This is a wonderful chance to get a great shot of your pal(s) by a talented photographer.

Appointments will be 1/2 hour long and may include more than one pet, or a pet and a human if you like. Sittings are $50.00 and you'll walk away with a few photo proofs of the session. Photo packages will be available as well.

So here's the details.....


Sunday, April 15th, 2007

At: The Pet Cabaret
4404 Washington Street
Roslindale, MA
617-323-7387


From: 11 AM - 5 PM

Cost: $50.00


This is, in our opinion, a really reasonable price for a high quality portrait of your pet. We say, go for it.

Thursday, March 08, 2007

New Look...


Our extraordinarily talented designer pal, Bob Quinn, has once again come through with a wonderful new logo for our dog wash "All Washed Up". You'll begin to see his work as we start to integrate it into signs and posters for the store.

Also take a look at the photos in our lighted movie boxes. They are by photographer Chris McLay (Unleashed Photography), the wonderful photographer responsible for the great photos from our "Howl-O-Ween" events.
Chris will be doing a portrait session at the store on Sunday, April 15th. We're booking 1/2 hour sittings with her now, so come by and register, ( $50.00), to get a beautiful portrait of your pal, or you and your pal!

In Memory of Rosie and Nikki

We want to extend our sincere sympathy to Rob and Maureen Festa on the loss of their dear pal Rosie. Rosie was nearly twelve years old and was beautifully loved and cared for by Rob and Maureen.
Sadly, Rob and Maureen also very recently lost their cat Nikki so they've had a really rough time of it lately.

We're very sorry for your losses.