November 13, 2009

Is Natural or Raw Pet Food Really Better?

Let's talk about all the buzz about "natural and raw" food for our pets. Are the benefits really worth the extra expense? And how do you know which brands are really good ones, that can make a difference. We'll be talking to the owner of a local shop whose research into the products and nutrition for pets convinced her to only carry pet food brands with no preservatives, hormones or antibiotics. More and more, the research is showing that some of the diseases our pets are getting is linked to diet.

Then, we'll find out about a product that will help your older dog get into the car and hear about how dogs are protected that assist with police work.

Episode Segments:

Wild About Pets: Bentleys Corner Barkery Lisa Proshaka talks about why she decided to open her shop, and why proper nutrition is essential to the health of your dog. She explains why natural or raw foods are better for your pet than the grain based store brands.
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Wild About Pets: The Pet Loader Bob Whalen talks about the Pet Loader, how and why he created it, where you can get one and what you can use it for.
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Wild About Pets: Illinois Vest-a-Dog Lee Harrison, director of Illinois Vest-a-Dog, talks about her program, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the lives of K-9 police dogs through the purchase and donation of bullet and stab resistant vests.
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Links to Related Websites:

Look While You Listen Click here to view the pictures Susan & her guests are discussing.

Illinois Vest-a-Dog Official Website Illinois Vest-a-Dog is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the lives of K-9 police dogs through the purchase and donation of bullet and stab resistant vests.

Guest(s) Appearing on this Episode

Lisa Proshaka Lisa Proshaka grew up in a household that was always filled with animals big and small. When she was younger she wanted to be a vet. Lisa always had animals around her and used to foster some for a local shelter. When her own 2 cats passed from cancer, she started to research more and more into the pet food industry. Discovering how unhealthy dog and cat food can be, she researched the ingredients and learned what the differences between them were. When she and her husband brought Bentley, the dog home, they decided to feed him the best diet that they could. They started out with a holistic dry food and after doing more research changed him over to a raw diet. Bentley is their world and he inspired them to help other dogs and cats live a healthier, better life. That is how Bentley's Corner Barkery came about. Lisa created a place where people can come and talk about nutrition and ingredients, to have a place they can purchase pet food and treats safe from pet food recalls. They educate people that there are better ways to feed their dogs and cat. Lisa left the corporate world to follow her passion for animals and Bentley's Corner Barkery has allowed her to realize that dream. Lisa and her husband, Giovanni, opened Bentley's Corner Ba Click Here to Learn More About Bentley's Corner Bakery

Lee Harrison Lee Harrison is the director of "Illinois Vest-a-Dog" a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the lives of K-9 police dogs through the purchase and donation of bullet and stab resistant vests. Lee and Xavier are retired Postal inspectors. After over 30 years of service and observing many police dogs who responded to suspicious parcels for drugs or suspected mail bombs, they decided to go into the business of obtaining protective vests for police dogs. After 6 years and 359 vests, the need is still present. They will continue as long as k-9's need vests.

Bob Whalen Bob and Evon Whalen, Vice President and President of Pet Loader, A'WEGO Enterprises, Inc, are both originally from Pittsburgh PA. They moved to Chicago in 1987. Bob is a former airline pilot for a major airlines and Evon ran a successful business as an Orthodontic Lab Manufacturer. As a usual pet family, they had 2 lovable Labradors, KC and Murphy. When KC was 2.5 years old, she tore her left knee out playing soccer with the kids. 6 months later she lost the right knee. After two surgeries, KC, at 120 pounds, was difficult to lift into and out of…everything! Cars, vans, SUV’s. Evon and Bob could not find anything on the market that was practical or SAFE to use getting KC into the van for a trip to the park or VET. They recognized that pets are horizontal creatures, we are vertical creatures. So they decided to build “something” that they could use for KC. Evon allowed Bob to fill up their basement with wood models until they hit on the correct product. They chose to build a folding compact stairway designed for the horizontal pet (which is one of many reasons dogs take to it so quickly) easy to use for people and reliable, stabile, and safe for pets. Click Here to Find Out About the Pet Loader