Aïkiou Dog Bowl Takes a New Approach in Solving Weight and Behavior Problems Associated with Domestic Pets

With pet obesity and weight problems on the rise, AÏkiou (IQ) Company takes in a new approach. With it's bowl already described as a new revolution in pet feeding by most of the behaviorists, Aïkiou is creating a new trend. These bowls called food activity centers not only reduce the chance of weight problems, it also helps cats and dogs to calm themselves by having a healthy food searching experience.

Distributions Aikiou Inc. of Mascouche, Canada is taking a new approach to pet obesity and behavior related problems by creating the future in pet food activity centers. These dog bowls are designed for fun and as a healthy alternative to their regular dog bowl.

“As we all know, dogs and cats have to find their food in nature, this activity is part of their natural behavior. With domestication, we improved the lives of those pets with our standards but forgot about their natural needs, food search being one of them.“ says creator Kathleen Desrosiers.

The goal of the company is to create a full line of products designed to help pets in houses control their behavior and weight. Using these products should contribute to lower the costs associated with having a pet. It is said that overweight dogs and cats are more at risk of developing problems such as diabetes, bone problems, heart disease, liver and digestive disorders.

The overweight animals will find in The Aïkiou a solution to their problem. By having to spend more time finding their food, they will learn to eat more slowly and will find satiety more quickly, what will contribute in helping them maintaining a healthy weight. This will also help reduce the costs associated with these disease in many households.

With these bowls intended for regular use that work like puzzle toys as recommended by pet behaviorists and the ASPCA. Pets will have to use their nose and brain to search for their food in order to prevent boredom and excess energy, two known reason for behavior problems in dogs. It will help them find the motivation that they would usually have in nature and help solve many anxiety problems that most of today’s dogs have to face.

www.aikiou.com

About Distributions Aïkiou

Distributions Aïkiou is a Canadian company founded by Kathleen Desrosiers, co owner of the company. The goal of the company is to develop new products based on the interaction of the animals with their environment. Started in 2008, it released the first of a new generation of feeders with in mind the fact that animals need to use their mind as much as we do to have a life full of new experiences.

FilmDistrict, TriStar Pictures and Ghost House Pictures present a 91 minute, R rated, remake horror film directed by Fede Alvarez with screenplay by Alvarez and Diablo Cody with a theater release date of April 5, 2013.

Born Free USA to reimburse family for veterinary bills

Washington, D.C., March 21, 2013 -- The family of “Skeeter,” an eight year old chocolate Labrador mix in Millington, Tennessee, is the latest recipient of financial support from Born Free USA, a national leader in animal welfare and wildlife conservation.

Earlier this month, the Wilson family’s dog was playing with another neighbor's dogs when all three dogs ran onto another neighbor’s property where Skeeter was caught in a leghold trap that had been allegedly put out by the property owner with the intent of catching the dogs, who he believed were harassing his chickens.

Skeeter, who was wearing a collar with identification, was then shot at point blank range in the head by the property owner – a local fireman. Mr. Wilson was allegedly not allowed to retrieve Skeeter until authorities arrived. Skeeter was still alive and rushed to a local vet. It was determined he could not be saved and he was euthanized.

According to Adam Roberts, Executive Vice President of Born Free USA, “Born Free USA receives dozens of heartbreaking reports from traumatized victims around the country who have seen their own pet trapped and severely injured or killed by a trap that was set for wildlife. But this is the first time we have encountered a situation where a domestic dog was actually the intended victim. The fact that Skeeter was then shot makes this tragic tale even more despicable.”

According to Bill Wilson, "Skeeter was a fantastic dog - well trained and worth a million dollars to me. I just wish I was half the person he thought I was. We are so grateful to Born Free USA with their assistance in covering Skeeter's veterinary costs. His loss is one from which we'll never fully recover, but knowing there are groups out there fighting the injustice of trapping gives us hope that another family might not have to suffer this kind of cruel loss."

Born Free is providing financial relief via its Trapping Victims Fund in the amount of $180.50 for the exam and X-rays and eventual euthanasia of Skeeter. The Fund was established last year and this is the fifth recipient. Born Free USA established the Fund to help defray emergency veterinary care costs for companion animals or wildlife impacted by traps and for specific costs associated with rehabilitating and releasing a wildlife trapping victim back into the wild.

Born Free USA estimates that over 300,000 non-target animals are the unintended victims of body-crushing wildlife traps and snares set each year. Cats and dogs are often severely injured or killed as a result of the remorseless jaws of traps set for wild animals by trappers who plan to capture them and strip their fur. Born Free USA says that for every target animal trapped an estimated two non-target animals are brutally captured. The organization keeps a database at www.bornfreeusa.org/databse, of non-target victims of traps.

Born Free USA is a nationally recognized leader in animal welfare and wildlife conservation. Through litigation, legislation, and public education, Born Free USA leads vital campaigns against animals in entertainment, exotic “pets,” trapping and fur, and the destructive international wildlife trade. Born Free USA brings to the United States the message of “compassionate conservation” -- the vision of the U.K.-based Born Free Foundation, established in 1984 by Bill Travers and Virginia McKenna, stars of the iconic film Born Free, along with their son Will Travers, now CEO of both organizations. Born Free’s mission is to end suffering of wild animals in captivity, conserve threatened and endangered species, and encourage compassionate conservation globally. More at: www.bornfreeusa.org; twitter twitter.com/bornfreeusa; Facebook facebook.com/BornFreeUSA.

(Feb. 27, 2013)—The Humane Society of the United States has chosen Uggie, the world famous, scene-stealing Jack Russell terrier from last year’s Academy Award-winning film “The Artist,” to be the spokesdog for its Pets of Valor Award.

The award celebrates the human-animal bond by honoring rescued or adopted dogs and cats who have exhibited an extraordinary sense of courage or resolve by heroically helping a person in need. Acclaimed for his portrayal of a loyal dog who courageously rescues his owner from a fire in “The Artist,” Uggie is uniquely qualified for his spokesdog duties and he will help announce the winner on June 2.

“Uggie’s honored to have been chosen by The Humane Society of the United States to be spokesdog for The Pets of Valor Award, although he did hesitate at first when he heard that cats were to be included, but now he likes the idea of having an excuse to bark for them, instead of at them,” says Omar Von Muller, Uggie’s owner and trainer.

Uggie has a best-selling autobiography (“Uggie – My Story”) to his credit, as well as the distinction of being the first dog to have his pawprints memorialized outside Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. But now the mega star pooch, who was adopted by Von Muller after his first family rejected him for being “too wild,” is using his fame to shine the light on his unsung fellow companion animal heroes and to encourage pet adoption.

“It’s always gratifying when a star of Uggie’s magnitude takes time out of his busy schedule to give back. As spokesdog for The Humane Society of the United States’ Pets of Valor Award, Uggie proves he’s a hero both on and off screen by advocating for the adoption of his fellow companion animals,” says Beverly Kaskey, senior director of HSUS’ Hollywood Outreach.

Uggie is calling on all humans to nominate dogs and cats who have committed heroic acts between Jan. 1, 2012 and March 31, 2013 to submit details of their actions to humanesociety.org/petsofvalor. Drawing on Uggie’s insider knowledge, HSUS’ companion animal experts will select five finalists, based on the significance and impact of the dog or cat’s valor, and the winner will be chosen by a public online vote that runs May 24-31, 2013.

Follow The HSUS on Twitter. See our work for animals on your Apple or Android device by searching for our "HumaneTV" app.

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection organization, rated the most effective by its peers. Since 1954, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. We rescue and care for tens of thousands of animals each year, but our primary mission is to prevent cruelty before it occurs. We're there for all animals, across America and around the world. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty -- on the Web at humanesociety.org.

Hallmark Channel Original Series Premiere

Friday, Feb. 1 (1 p.m. ET/PT, 12C)

He skateboards! He surfs! He snowboards! And he’s…a dog? Yes! But not just any dog, of course.  We’re talking about the one and only Tillman the Skateboarding Dog - known as the most popular dog in the United States - who rolls onto the Hallmark Channel in the new original series “Who Let the Dogs Out,” premiering Friday, Feb. 1 (1 p.m. ET/PT, 12C).  “Who Let The Dogs Out” is the story of a very special, hugely adventurous bulldog named Tillman who has a taste for outdoor recreation.  The Hallmark Channel Original Series chronicles Tillman and his owner Ron as they travel the nation in search of the most spectacular, high-flying canines, while running into some celebrity guests along the way, including Betty White, Florence Henderson, Gary Sinise and many more.

Named after the great U.S. Army Ranger Pat Tillman, Tillman the dog is described by Ron as less a bulldog and more “a ballerina, in the shape of a pot roast.” Tillman learned skateboarding because Ron’s other pooch, a Rottweiler, had a thing for small wheeled contraptions, pushing them around, but never actually riding them.  However, when Tillman saw the skateboard, it was love at first ride.  Ron picked up Tillman his very own board, and the rest is history. Now, man and dog have hit the road with their skateboards looking for a little decent opposition.  In “Who Let the Dogs Out,” they recruit a colorful cast of the most talented hounds in America in hopes of selecting a single lucky mutt to wear the title of the country’s “Most Talented Dog.”  The doggie cast travels all over the nation to meet some of the most amazing pooches who are not only talented, but also supply service to the disabled, law enforcement and military.  These aren’t mere dogs, but true American heroes.  At the center of it all is Tillman, whose talents on small boards will astound you.  There is simply no fear in this dog when it comes to land, snow or water.  Hop on and come along for the ride!

News Release

For Immediate Release

Contact: Rob Adamowski

OctiRam Publishing Inc.,

e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

website: www.octiram.com

Kickstarter: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2086931308/bernice-a-second-book?ref=live

Portland, OR, December 12^th, 2012:  After winning two awards for his first children’s book based on his best friend “Bernice”, local author Rob Adamowski has just recently launched a Kickstarter campaign to help fund a second book.  Adamowski who lives in the greater Portland, OR area was recently awarded an Independent Publisher’s National Silver Medal (IPPY) & a Moonbeam award for Best First Book for his delightful art-filled 32 page full color children’s book, Bernice.

Cashing out a Starbucks 401K to produce his first children’s book, Adamowski founded his own publishing company (OctiRam Publishing Inc.,) to support the project and commissioned Kellee Beaudry, a Portland artist and native, to create the book’s beautiful illustrations.

Adamowski now turns to Kickstarter and a fundraising effort in hopes of gaining the support for the second book through contributions that will be connected to a number of attractive & compelling rewards.

Plug the following link into your url now through December 19th at Midnight Pacific and check it out.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2086931308/bernice-a-second-book?ref=live

In the first story, Bernice learns that it’s OK to be different as a big brown dog mistaken for a bear everywhere she goes.  “It’s a very positive message about how it feels to be called something you’re not, to be different from others and the importance of learning to embrace these differences at a young age” says Adamowski.

The second book will take on the subject of “bullying”, another timeless and important issue which children face.  The book will star Bernice as the same real-life bear-like character and will be brought to life with 20 – 24 beautiful new original acrylic illustrations by artist Kellee Beaudry (Illustrator of “Bernice – Oh My Gosh it’s a Bear!”). With your assistance through Kickstarter, Adamowski hopes to be able to go to press with the book by this time next year.

Kickstarter is a funding platform for creative projects covering everything from films, games, music, art, design, and technology. Kickstarter is dedicated to providing a platform for ambitious, innovative, and imaginative projects to be brought to life through the direct support of others.

Bernice “Oh my gosh it’s a bear!” can be ordered at www.octiram.com, amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, is available on the Nook & Kindle and can also be found at 20 area retailers throughout the Pacific Northwest (see www.octiram.com for locations, events, Bernice’s baby picture, fun video clips and more).

Good Ol’ Dog Publishing, distributed by Charlesbridge

There’s always one dog. One special dog
you’ll never forget. One dog that touched your heart in a way that lasts a lifetime . . .
Kenny Loggins • Illustrated by Joshua Nash
For singer-songwriter Kenny Loggins—whose records have sold more than 25 million copies
worldwide—that dog was Moose, his childhood pet. And this touching picture book, with its sweet and appealing illustrations, is based on one of his songs and tells the unforgettable story of that friendship.
Moose—a chubby, adorable, smiling puppy—and young Kenny do everything together. As Loggins says “Moose thinks I’m his home.” They romp, curl up together in bed, have parties with family, and go down to the riverboat near their home. The protective pup even growls and saves him from an
intimidating stranger. The two are inseparable, as a boy and his dog will be.
But the years pass, and as Loggins sets off to pursue his musical dream, he’s forced to leave the dog behind. And one night, while he’s on stage singing, he somehow knows: Moose is gone. Yet he
believes, sometime, somewhere, he and Moose will meet again.
Any child who loves and perhaps has lost a beloved pet will relate to Kenny’s story. It sends a message of love straight to the heart and will bring a smile to every child’s face.
Singer-songwriter Kenny Loggins has sold over 25 million albums worldwide, twelve have gone platinum. He has won two Grammy® Awards for his singing and songwriting, and co-wrote the book, The Unimaginable Life: Lessons Learned on the Path of Love. His songs have been hits over the last four decades. Who can forget This Is It, I’m Alright, Footloose, Danger Zone, Conviction of the Heart and It’s About Time. In addition to his string of successful recordings, both solo and as a member of the famed duo, Loggins & Messina, Kenny became the first major rock star to dedicate himself to recording
music for children and families. His album, Return to Pooh Corner, remains the best-selling children’s album of the last twenty years. Kenny, who reunited with Jim Messina in 2009, currently resides in Santa Barbara with his youngest children.
Joshua Nash is a graphic artist who began illustrating professionally in 2004. He has had the pleasure of working with a range of wonderful clients illustrating a number of books. He lives in Roseville, California, with his wife, dog, and cat.

Dog found tethered to a tree with neck wound is recovering
and will be made available for adoption

NEW YORK—The ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) today announced the arrest of Queens resident Crystal Lashley for allegedly neglecting her 6 ½-year-old female German shepherd mix, named Briana.

On August 21, 2012, Humane Law Enforcement (HLE) agents of the ASPCA responded to a complaint of a dog with an embedded collar tied to a tree outside of a residence on Foch Boulevard in Jamaica, Queens. When agents arrived, they encountered the dog tethered to a tree with a visible neck wound. Ms. Lashley relinquished ownership of Briana to the ASPCA, and Briana was transported by the agents to the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital for evaluation and treatment.

Upon intake, ASPCA veterinarians found Briana to be dehydrated, underweight, infested with fleas, and suffering from a painful neck wound. Briana is continuing to receive treatment for these issues and is recovering at the hospital. She will eventually be made available for adoption.

Lashley, 18, was arrested on Tuesday, October 23. She was charged with one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty. If convicted, she faces up to one year in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. Lashley’s next court date is scheduled for December 6.

This year, ASPCA HLE agents have made seven arrests in Queens and 36 arrests citywide.

To report animal cruelty in New York City, the ASPCA encourages the public to contact its Humane Law Enforcement department at 877-THE-ASPCA (843-2772) or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . For crimes in progress, individuals should call 911.

About the ASPCA^®
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) is the first animal welfare organization in North America and serves as the nation’s leading voice for animals. More than two million supporters strong, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. For more information, please visit www.ASPCA.org, and be sure to follow the ASPCA on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

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Walt Disney Pictures, Tim Burton Animation Company and Tim Burton Productions  presents a PG, 87 minute, 3D, comedy, animation, horror, directed by Tim Burton, story by Burton and Leonard Ripps, screenplay by John August with a theater release of October 5, 2012.