Families who lost pets in food recall near settlement

Washington families who lost companions after last year's major pet food recall are close to a settlement -- and, finally, closure to a tragedy that killed more than 1,500 pets.

A judge granted initial approval Friday to a $24 million deal reached last month in which companies that made or sold contaminated food will pay pet owners for all costs related to the death or illness of their pets.

"We are kind of waiting for this to wrap up and for there to be closure," said Cecily Mitchell, a Seattle resident involved in a class-action lawsuit against pet food manufacturer Menu Foods.

We talked to Mitchell last year, when all this got started. She and husband Terry lost their cat, Yoda, last March (read Mitchell's story about Yoda on MySeattlePets), and are still saving evidence of her illness.

"I have these frozen bags of Yoda's food in the freezer, and I really, really want them to leave," Mitchell said.

That could happen soon. Tom Baisch, an attorney with Myers and Co. who has consulted with Washingtonians affected by the recall, said it is "more likely than not" that the settlement will be granted final approval later this year.

The settlement is expected to cover a wide range of costs -- everything from replacement pets to burials to veterinary bills even for those whose pets were pronounced healthy after their check-ups.

But it won't compensate owners for the pain of watching pets get sick and die.

"I don't know how anyone can pay for that," Mitchell said.

If your pets were affected by the contaminated food, watch for news later this summer and into the fall about the terms of the settlement. If you saved your receipts, you could be compensated for costs related to your pets' illness. If you didn't, you can still request up to $900.

Money left over after claims are paid will go to animal-welfare charities.

P.S. -- To anyone out there who may have suffered in a particularly painful way from the death of their animal, animal law attorney Adam Karp recommends that you weigh your options and consider opting out of the settlement. Washington law is more progressive that others in considering this kind of compensation. If it's worth it for you, you could file your own suit and seek special damages.

Ben Huh, publisher of popular Seattle pet blog Itchmo.com, hoped the law could keep up with the growing place pets occupy in people's lives.

"As the importance and value of pets in families grow, laws will have to address that issue," Huh said.

After that, it'll be up to those affected by the recall to file their claims.

Mary Remer, Dog Trainer

Looking for your very own dog whisperer? Mary Remer, founder of Villanova, Pa.-based What a Good Dog Inc., might be your answer to bad-doggy behavior. A breeder, handler, trainer and judge of English bull terriers, Remer has won the Westminster Dog Show's "Best of Breed" for bull terriers more than 15 times. She's also known for her ability to coach abused puppies and dogs through their behavior problems.

Remer's staff is filled with professionals who have advanced degrees in animal behavior and certifications from organizations including Therapy Dog International and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. Remer works from her office in Pennsylvania, but she'll make house calls for specific cases.

For more information, visit www.whatagooddoginc.com

A-rover-therapy

Dachsund puppy Lucy may look a bit hangdog when it comes to having a bath - but there's not a nasty chemical in sight as the shampoo lathers up on her slick wet hair.


It's not just humans getting into the move toward all things environmentally friendly.

Sustainable pet products are no longer something to be sniffed at - they are big business.

It was only the best for Lucy - she was scrubbed from nose to tail by Annelies van der Poel of Wellington dog groomers Otis and Louie with a herbal shampoo containing olive, palm and coconut oils.

"I think if you have a pet you have to care for the planet," said Lucy's owner Jon Cumming.

"Most dogs seem to be sensitive to something, so if it's environmentally friendly or organic, I think it's a bit more gentle on them."

These days you can get environmentally friendly pet food, herbal shampoos and even plastic bags for doggy poo that break down in the rubbish.

There is even vegan cat and dog food which contains organic corn, soy and grain products. Not a slab of meat in sight.

VeganPet's New Zealand distributor Peter Woollett said the food was good for both cats and dogs. Some owners used it to vary their pet's diet, while others found it easier to use because of their principles as vegans, who avoid animal products of any kind.

"If someone is a full vegan, it can be very difficult for them to have a half-opened can of jellymeat in the fridge."

Lucy handled her bath well, though to say she enjoyed it would be going too far.

But if she was feeling a little stressed, she could always indulge in a little aromatherapy - there are now a range of soothing flower essences for pets.