Many commercial pet foods sold in stores in the United States contain the phrase “complete and balanced” on the ingredient panel. They all actually meet the minimum government standards to sustain life, but keep in mind that the key word here is minimum.

So how does a pet owner have confidence in their pet food? Monitor your pet and if he or she has no health problems, looks great, feels great, and makes but one yearly trip to the vet’s office, you’re probably on the right track—at least currently. However, as your pet ages they will require more support to keep all systems functioning properly. Life is ever-changing and evolving, and our individual needs change, too. The truth is that some animals and humans can live on junk foods and feel just fine, but those with chronic health problems need better nutrition than that available from store-bought commercial foods. It’s time to make the connection between what a pet eats and its overall health.

Last week proved to be a very exciting time for me. You know how much I love helping the animals. Each year, the Petco Foundation sponsors a major event in Southern California, in association with the “Make A Wish Foundation”. They call it Wags for Wishes and thousands of dog enthusiasts showed up from all over the country to participate in the contests, agility trials, and to be a part of an “over the top” top dog- doggie event. Halo® sponsored the adoption arena and successfully assisted a variety of shelter pets to find new, loving homes, and to spread the word about keeping pets healthy – using holistic methods.

I signed books, met some really wonderful people and helped introduce some of the shelter pets. We wound up sending about 35 dogs to their new homes, equipped with all kinds of great health products to support the transition process.

The agility trials were especially interesting to me. The Australian Shepherds and Border Collies took center stage in most of the events. (I’m crazy about Aussies, and as you know – my Bravo and my Jazzie are two of the greatest Aussies I’ve ever encountered. – O.K. – I’m just a little biased!) These dogs flew through the air, ran intense courses, jumped fences, slid down slides, leaped tall buildings in a single bound and rescued small children from running away! All kidding aside, they were awesome to watch and a great time was had by all.

I had the great pleasure of also meeting Lassie. The magnificent and legendary collie who probably started the iconic television dog/human bond. Well, it wasn’t Lassie per se, but it was Lassie number 9. A direct descendent of the Lassie from the 50’s T.V. show. And I also had the pleasure of meeting little Timmy. The boy who played Timmy on the show is all grown up, and what a really nice guy! Jon Provost (his real name) was there to sign autographs with Lassie, and to promote his new book entitled “Timmy’s in the Well”, which talks about his life in the limelight and what it was like to be a child star and the trials and tribulations of fame and fortune at such a young age. He is full of life, and lights up when he speaks about days gone by, and the fantastic story of living with Lassie in the days of Hollywood and its rich history. I can’t wait to read the book when its released in October 2007.

I did want to say how great it was to participate in this event to help shelter pets. If you aren’t already a part of a group that helps animals, I would like to suggest that once or twice a year you consider doing something that makes a difference to some unwanted pets. Perhaps you can volunteer some time at your local shelter, or foster some needy dogs or cats. It becomes a really feel-good thing to do that helps spread some happiness and good cheer. Isn’t that what life should be about?

Thanks for doing your part in helping the animals too! Why not let me know what you’ve done and post your own event on this site?

I’m holding my lovely Bijoux; the cat who came for Grouper! Oh sure, cats love to fish, and this tabby came to the house one night when we were cooking grouper on the barbeque grill. She demanded to be let into the “restaurant”, (without a reservation) where Jasmine immediately adopted her. After a delicious meal of grouper and veggies, she decided to stick around – and has been in the family for three years. All my pets have a great sense of humor. They take after their owners, you know! So be careful what you say about your own pets. You’re probably just describing yourself most of the time! More food for thought.