Southwest previously did not allow animals in the cabin unless they were there for medical reasons — but times are tough, so the airline that doesn’t charge for bags is looking for ways to add revenue without “angering customers.”
pets
You Had A Cat. Here Are Some Cat Ashes. Problem Solved!
By 5.20.09
How do you verify the identity of your cat after he’s been cremated? Matthew has no idea if the box he received really contains Spike’s cremains or the cremains of someone else’s pet. His vet offered to print out a new certificate with the correct name on it, but that seems less like a “solution” than a “waste of printer ink” designed to placate without providing answers.
Pet Airways: Free Snacks, Mandatory Bathroom Breaks, No Fights Over Arm Rests
By 5.13.09
As I helped my friend drag three suitcases and two cat carriers across the airport at 5 AM for a cross-country flight, I thought to myself, “there has got to be a better way to transport cats than this.” Especially when I imagined her cats, or any of my own pets, spending most of the day in cargo. My dog can barely handle a fifteen-minute car ride.
Consumer Reports Offers Tips For Saving On Pet Food
By 4.24.09
The Consumer Reports Health Blog has some good suggestions for pet owners who might not have quite as much money to spend on their animals as they used to.
"That Idiot Jeffrey" Pushes USPS Employees Too Far
By 3.16.09
Seriously, man. No pets means no pets. You are stressing these people out. Look at their handwriting, for pete’s sake. 
Petland Sends Really Snarky Email To Puppy Mill Protesters
By 1.23.09
Who knew Petland could be so snarky? Here’s a really bitchy email Chris Beth, their director of Regional Operations, sent the head of a group of protesters who have been demonstrating outside a Petland store in Plano Texas over Petland’s alleged use of puppy mills. Bet he never thought it would end up on the internets:
By 1.21.09
../../../..//2009/01/21/animal-lovers-out-there-can/
Animal lovers out there can rejoice, US Airways says that no pets were lost in flight 1549 — either in the cabin or in the cargo hold, as US Airways does not accept pets as cargo. [Newsday]
Traveling In Cargo Can Be Deadly To Pets
By 12.17.08
Caution if you’re putting your pet in cargo while flying, persian cats and short-nosed dogs are particularly vulnerable to DEATH during flight, especially during the summer. Better, don’t put them in the belly at all.
The Recession Spares Nothing, Not Even Puppies
By 12.12.08
Ever feel like the poor state of the economy is impacting every area of life? Well, it is! A few examples popping up in some surprising places, like animal shelters…
Petland Uses Puppy Mills
By 11.21.08
After an eight-month investigation, the Humane Society of the United States accused Petland, the national pet store chain, of selling dogs bred under appalling conditions at puppy mills around the country.
Another Bag Of Purina Beneful Fortified With Maggots
By 9.23.08
Do you read Consumerist on your lunch break? Oops. Here’s a photo of something Richard colorfully calls “maggot stew” lining the bottom of his dog’s food dish, right after Banjo finished a heaping helping of Purina Beneful. Richard says Banjo seems okay so far, but we think it’s interesting that this is the second Beneful maggot story we’ve received in under a week. Read Richard’s full story below.
14 Brands Of Pet Food Recalled
By 9.15.08
Mars Petcare US is recalling 14 brands of dry dog and cat food made between February and July of this year, after two people who may have had contact with some of the food became infected with Salmonella. If you feed your dog or cat any of the brands listed below, here’s how to check the package code.
Hartz Flea & Tick Remover Harms Some Cats And Dogs
By 9.9.08
If you plan on treating your dog or cat for fleas, talk to your vet and read these stories before applying Hartz. There are multiple instances where pets have responded adversely to the products, in some cases dying. Hartz agreed to remove a flea product for cats and kittens in 2006 based on similar adverse reactions, but according to the stories from angry pet owners (warning, they will make you want to hug your pet), there are still plenty of problems with current Hartz products.
How Much Would You Spend to Save Your Pet?
By 8.29.08
Last week the Wall Street Journal asked how far people would go to keep their dog (or really any pet for that matter) alive. As an example of the two ends of the spectrum, they suggested the following, starting with the “not much” line of thinking:
Owner Calls For Chew Toy Recall After Dog's Injury Results In Tongue Amputation
By 8.21.08
Here’s a heartbreaking story: A dog owner is asking the public to demand the recall of a chew toy after it caused an injury to their dog that required amputation of its tongue.
Petsmart Tries To Sell You Something To Stop The Bleeding They Started
By 8.18.08
Reader Sara wants to share the experience she had with Petsmart’s dog grooming service. She says that after they accidentally cut her dog’s toenail too close they tried to sell her a product to stop the bleeding.
Hey, Guess What Bully Sticks Are Made Of?
By 7.22.08
Dried bull penises! Bully Sticks are a popular dog treat, supposedly healthier for dogs than dumb old penis-free rawhide, but if you check the ingredients label on a Bully Stick you’ll often just find the phrase “Meat By-product.”
Grocery Shrink Ray Hits Purina Dog Food
By 7.9.08
Michael sends in this latest Grocery Shrink Ray victim, found at the Petsmart where he works. He writes, “The price is the same, and the 20lb bag is apparently being “upgraded” to an 18lb bag. This was the only 20lb bag left, but consumers who pay attention may be able to still be able to find some of the larger bags in stores.”
