AR-News: (US) Dangers of pet food at PETCO

[Snugglezzz at aol.com]

From: "Jan Miller" Subject: DANGERS AT PETCO :o( I have 2 Shih-tzus named
Fifi and Bubby who my family and I love very much. This weekend was the
most horrible weekend I have ever spent with my 2 pups. On Thursday
night, my 2 babies started getting sick. Fifi started to bleed from her
rectum. We took her to the vet and the vet thought it might be some sort
of bacteria. She gave us meds and sent us on our way.

By Friday evening, Bubby was bleeding from his rectum as well. Both dogs
had diarrhea and were bleeding very badly. They wouldn't move or walk or
lift their head. They stopped eating and drinking. We took the dogs back
to the vet to get them checked out further. They were hydrated and given
even more
medication. My vet was great! We were so worried and concerned and tired
from lack of sleep that we could barely even think straight. We thought
our pups were going to die!

The vet thought that they might have eaten something bad, but we NEVER
change their dog food and make certain there is nothing around they could
get. She suggested we go home and check the expiration date of the dog
food. Something we never thought to ever check!!!! We buy Eukanuba lamb &
rice formula from Petco. We go there because we use our pals card to get
free dog food. We took our very sick pups home and checked the bag.

THE BAG HAD EXPIRED 1/25/2000!!!!!!! 4 YEARS OLD!!!! I was hurt and in
shock! I called my vet who was certain this was the culprit of our
problems! I went back to Petco to do a little investigative work. There
were all types of food and treats expired!!!! I couldn't believe that
such a huge company would endanger the lives of peoples helpless
pets!!!!!!

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, CHECK YOUR DOGS FOOD FOR AN EXPIRATION DATE! Not
only dogs but cats as well!!! I found canned cat food outdated by 2
years! The expiration date will be on the bag either at the top, bottom,
side or on the bar code. Canned food expiration dates can be found on the
underside the can. If you have food, check it now!!!! If you cannot read
a date or are unsure about it call the 1-800 number for questions or
comments!!!! They can confirm the exp. date.

I will never shop at Petco again! ESPECIALLY the Petco in Pearland,
Texas. I have a called placed to the District Manager, Monday I will call
the main office. Our $300+ bill far exceeds the money we saved on "free
bags" from Petco. My vet is willing to make a statement as well, citing
my dogs problems stemmed from the food. Fifi and Bubby are recovering but
not the same. The doctor has mentioned that the food may have threatened
their kidneys and would like to do extensive blood work on them. Please
send this to any one and everyone you know!!!!!!!