Somebody Waiting for Santa?

640-santa8WILLIAMS – Is someone waiting for Santa? He will return to the Spoiled Rotten Pet Boutique and Supplies at 517 E. Route 66 in Williams on Sunday, December 14. Santa will be available for pet photos and to get their wishes for Christmas.

Santa will be at Spoiled Rotten from noon to 5 p.m. Printed photos are $10 or $7 to have photo emailed to you. Christmas tree ornaments will be available for $15.

While you are there you can poke around the toys, clothing, line of Science Diet food, treats and other pet supplies.

The proceeds from the event benefit the Animals in Needs fund at the Williams Veterinary Clinic. This fund is set up to take care of animal emergencies for those who cannot afford them.

Williams dog needs new home

This notice from Spoiled Rotten Facebook page:

echo

This dog needs an excellent home! She’s a great dog!
Hi all my dog loving friends.this is Echo a remarkable girl that I babysit a lot she is super special and smart. She needs a new forever home and it breaks my heart that I can’t give this to her. She is available for adoption now.

Contact Spoiled Rotten Pet Boutique at (928)635-2172 if you can help.

Forest service announces job fair in Flagstaff

forest-01FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino and Kaibab National Forests are hosting two Job Information Sessions to provide information on employment and career opportunities with the Forest Service.

The first session is scheduled for Dec. 12 from 1 to 6 p.m. The second session is Dec. 13 from 9 a.m. to noon. Both sessions will be held at the Flagstaff YMCA, 1001 N. Turquoise Dr., Flagstaff.

Safeway Recalls Safeway Select French Salted Caramel (Fleur De Sel) Premium Ice Cream

safeway-select-ice-cream-18489PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway is voluntarily recalling Safeway Select French Salted Caramel (Fleur De Sel) Premium Ice Cream sold in all Safeway-owned stores from November 4, 2014 through December 5, 2014 due to the inclusion of an undeclared peanut allergen.

People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to peanuts run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product. The recalled product is in a 1.5 quart package and displays the following UPC Code and Best Before Date.

Product Name UPC Code Best Before Date
Safeway Select French Salted Carmel (Fleur De Sel) Premium Ice Cream 21130 08970 Nov 03 2015

The UPC Code is located on the side panel. The Best Before Date is located on the bottom of the package.

No illnesses or injuries have been reported. The recipe’s caramel cups ingredient was replaced with peanut butter cups due to a supply error.

The recalled Safeway Select French Salted Caramel (Fleur De Sel) Premium Ice Cream was sold in all Safeway, Carrs, Genuardi’s, Pak ‘N Save, Pavilions, Randalls, Tom Thumb and Vons stores throughout the United States.

Customers are asked to discard the product or return it to their local store for a full refund. Customers who have questions about the recall can contact Safeway at 1-877-SAFEWAY.

PROPOSED ARIZONA POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (AZPDES) RENEWAL PERMIT

Pursuant to the Clean Water Act and in accordance with Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R18-9-A907, the Director of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) proposes to issue an Arizona Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (AZPDES) Permit to discharge pollutants to Waters of the United States to the following applicant, subject to certain effluent limitations and special conditions:

Public Notice No.15-28     Published on Friday, December 05, 2014
Published in the Nogales International

Town of Patagonia WWTP

AZPDES Permit No. AZ0025011

Town of Patagonia

P.O. Box 767

Patagonia, AZ 85624

Town of Patagonia applied for a renewal AZPDES permit for the proposed discharge of up to 0.11 million gallons per day (mgd) of treated domestic wastewater from the Town of Patagonia Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) to Sonoita Creek, tributary to the Santa Cruz River in the Santa Cruz River Basin in Township 7 S, Range 6 E, Section 32, in Santa Cruz County, Arizona. The Town of Patagonia WWTP is a publicly owned treatment works that receives domestic wastewater from residential and commercial sources in Patagonia. Sludge is stabilized in an aerobic digester and sludge belt filter press dewatering system. Dewatered sludge in the form of pressed cake is sent to the Patagonia Municipal Landfill for disposal.

The permit and fact sheet may be viewed online at http://www.azdeq.gov/cgi-bin/vertical.pl by typing the permit number in the box left of “Search Event”. The public notice and related documentation also are available for public review, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the ADEQ Records Center, 1110 W. Washington St., Phoenix, Arizona, 85007. In Phoenix, please call (602) 771-4380 or e-mail recordscenter@azdeq.gov 24 hours in advance to schedule an appointment to review the file.

Persons may submit comments or request a public hearing on the proposed action in writing, to M. Reza Azizi, Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, Water Quality Division, 1110 W. Washington St., 5415B-3, Phoenix, Arizona 85007. All written comments received by ADEQ by the close of business on the date 30 days after publication of this notice will be considered in the final permit decision. A public hearing request must be in writing and must include the reasons for such request. If there is a significant degree of public interest, the Director will hold a hearing in accordance with A.A.C. R18-9-908(B).

Snow on the peaks with mild weather ahead

640-sfp-141207-20WILLIAMS – The long range weather forecast starts of with patchy fog tomorrow after 11 a.m. Otherwise it will be mostly sunny with a high around 57.

Monday night temperatures are predicted to drop to 32-degrees and stay around that temperature at night through Thursday. Temperatures during the day are predicted to be just above 50-degrees through Thursday with light winds.

There is a chance that the riders of the Polar Express will enjoy snow starting Friday night. There is a prediction of a chance of rain Friday with a high near 47. There is a chance of snow through the weekend until Sunday.

Temperatures over the weekend are not predicted to break 50-degrees with a low of 30 Friday night and 25 Saturday night.

Louisiana village ban on “vicious” Pit Bulls and Rottweilers lifted

dog-roks

My “vicious” dog.

The village of Moreauville, Louisiana recently enacted a ban on Rottweilers and Pit Bulls within their village. Their ban apparently listed them as “vicious” dogs. According to The Canine Chronicle, that ban—which took effect December 1—was repealed as of December 2. This is probably as a result of the national attention to the ban and the ire of local resident dog owners.

An article in AvoyellesToday.com, there are more than 700 cities which have regulations or bans on “vicious” breeds of dogs.

The article cites the fact that the defunct law was based on a law in another Parish of Louisiana.

In Avoyelles Parish, Bunkie has an ordinance declaring pit bulls and rottweilers as “vicious.” In Bunkie, when a dog is declared to be “vicious,” the owner must obtain an annual permit to keep the dog in the city limits. The permit fee is $50. The dog must wear a red, circular tag — kind of a canine equivalent of the “scarlet letter” — identifying it as a vicious dog. The owner must present the permit to an animal control officer upon demand. Pit bulls and rottweilers are “presumed vicious” under the ordinance and automatically subject to all of its requirements. The dog does not have to be proven to be vicious.

The problem is that Pit Bulls and Rottweilers are not inherently vicious. In fact Dalmatians can be just as vicious as the “regulated” breeds. The temperament of any dog is based on the training of the owner.

OUTRIGHT BANS VIOLATE THE CONSTITUTION

The ownership of dogs is protected by the Constitution of the United States just like real estate or any other property. They cannot be taken away from you without just cause.

Some of you will say I have never seen private ownership of anything in the Constitution. These are, of course, people who know what others SAY the Constitution says instead of studying it for themselves. People who cannot think for themselves. People who should not own dogs.

The astute of you will remember that the unalienable Bill of Rights (the first Ten Amendments to the Constitution) has a Ninth Amendment which states:

The enumeration in the Constitution of certain rights shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

The reason that amendment was added was that the Bill of Rights was not a popular idea at the time. It was felt that the Constitution fully protected the rights of everyone because everyone knew what their rights were. If a specific list of rights were added, the government might infringe on rights not on the list. Thus they added this amendment as a “catch-all,” in the terminology of today.

Therefore it is clear that you have the right to own any animal responsibly.

REGULATIONS ARE CONSTITUTIONAL

The regulation of animals is Constitutional. So long as those regulations do not put a hardship on the animal or owners. I would have to say that the regulation cited above is questionable because it automatically assumes the ferocity of certain breeds.

Still the government does have a responsibility to protect the rights (not the safety) of every member of a community. As Thomas Jefferson put it:

No man has a natural right to commit aggression on the equal rights of another, and this is all from which the laws ought to restrain him.

If my dog does create a vicious environment, he needs to be regulated even to the point of putting him down if needs be. In most cases, however, the owner has to be regulated more than the dog. If it is apparent that the owner is irresponsible, they owner should be banned from owning dogs. This is Constitutional. Just as a felon may not own a firearm.

Most States have a means of restoring lost rights which can be applied to dog ownership.

RESPONSIBLE OWNERSHIP

Across the country this Christmas, kids will wake up to find a puppy under the tree. In six to twelve months time that puppy will be found in a rescue shelter hoping to be loved someday. At worse, that dog will be euthanized. Even in the shelters run by the loving “People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.”

Most will not even realize that puppy probably came from a puppy mill in which a female dog is caged and whose whole existence is to produce puppies. Most of the animals from such breeding mills are prone to physical complications which lead to euthanizing the animal later.

Owning a dog comes with responsibility just like owning a car or a gun. Just like the inanimate objects which can be a danger in the hands of the wrong people, a dog can be a danger in the hands of the wrong people. The problem with most dogs is that they are not shown the proper love. Dogs, and other animals, have emotions just like people.

Here are some tips for being a responsible dog owner.

1. Do NOT surprise your children with a gift of a puppy. They will love on the animal for maybe 48-hours before they have to start picking up the poop, feeding him at regular times, playing with him, walking him and so-forth. Never trust your kids that they will not mind doing the right thing unless you absolutely know your children. Many children will—don’t get me wrong. Just make sure that they will. Have you given them goldfish, gerbils or guinea pigs in the past? How did they treat them? Is their objective to actually have a dog to love? Or just because little Johnny down the street got one? Be prepared to take on the responsibilities if your children do not.

2. Dogs take hours a day of training. I have been chastised in the past for my “treatment” of my dog. Yet my dog is nearly always by my side and routinely loves to meet and greet visitors to our fair city. Especially children. You can spank a dog on the butt when he does something wrong, but like children you have to do it carefully as not to injure the animal or make it meaner. Especially in cases where you have to get its attention for safety reasons, such as teaching it not to just run out in the streets in front of cars. However, like children, the tone of your voice can be a major factor in training. Spanking a dog after-the-fact is essentially useless because a dog cannot understand why you are doing it.

The GOOD news is that training sessions end over a period of time. Usually about age three they will learn to sit and stay properly and obey your commands. And you can teach an old dog a new trick.

3. Dogs will tend to become protective, but not necessarily vicious. If you show your dog the proper love, he will become protective of the property and the family just like (I hope) you do for your children. You have to be aware of that fact. If you decide to get a dog from a responsible rescue shelter, in most cases that dog will become EXTREMELY protective. It is up to you to train them when to be protective and when to chill.

4. Dogs are pack animals by nature. If you get four or five—or more—dogs, you will find that they will band together. And if they get loose they will revert to that pack nature. They will fight to protect each other. It is nice to have two dogs because they have a playmate when you are not available. More than that can cause problems. It can be done, but you have to show that much more love for that many more animals. If you pack all of those dogs in your car and drive downtown, they are going to have a pack mentality. They are protective of even your vehicle. You are responsible for training a dog when it is all right to protect your property. And it IS Constitutional for a properly trained dog to protect your car. If you leave them in the heat, however, police in most cities ARE authorized to enter the vehicle, rescue the dogs and ultimately fine the owners.

5. Dogs eat. Big dogs eat a lot. It can get expensive particularly if your dog likes more expensive brands of dog food.

6. Dogs need medical attention. They need shots. You may choose to neuter them. They need regular checkups. They may choke on something they grabbed when you were not looking. All of this cost money. Health insurance is available for emergencies and regular checkups. Like any other policy read before you sign. Your veterinarian is a valuable source of information for nutrition and warnings about certain toys and products for dogs. Particularly those made in China.

7. Learn to know your dog. If your dog is very protective, you may not want to walk him down busy sidewalks. Especially where there are other dogs.

8. My dog was trained not to fight other dogs initially. He is a Rottweiler, Labrador, Malamute and Pit Bull mix. Unfortunately he was attacked three times by dogs of irresponsible owners. So I have to carefully monitor him when we approach other dogs. Most of the time he gets along. Sometimes he does not.

9. Not all people like dogs. And it is not necessarily their fault. They may have been bitten in their youth. Their parents may not have liked dogs. Whatever. It is up to you to try to monitor your surroundings and avoid such people. Most of them will avoid you. Even people who like dogs may be appropriately cautious of your dog. They do not know you or your animal. That is why I keep my dog off to the side and I tell people that he is friendly. Remember that a dog with a wagging tail does NOT mean that he is friendly. Most kids love to pet my dog when they meet him and he loves the attention.

10. Even friendly dogs jump on people. I have tried, with marginal success, to train my dog not to jump on people. He still tends to jump up on people he knows to lick their face. He also nibbles the hand of people he likes. He does not bite, just nibbles. Usually only people he knows, though. That can startle a person, however. For the most part he just loves to lick. I also know that my dog is powerful even for his size. He has knocked ME over when I was not paying attention. He has knocked a friend of mine over when he was running hard and not paying attention. I have to account for that.

11. A dog that is chained outside and left to its own devices will become vicious. Don’t believe it? Have someone chain you in the front yard in the rain and the snow. See how you feel after a couple of hours. My dog loves to play in the snow. Not so much live in it. If you cannot have a dog in your house, do not get one. Sometimes it is necessary to chain a dog for a short time, but it should not be its lifestyle.

12. STUDY THE BREED! Certain dogs do have certain characteristics. You have to learn what they are and how to train them. Any dog not shown the proper love, however, will become a problem.

I might also point out that I know the breed of dog that my dog is likely to have problems with. I rein him in when approaching such breeds. In fact I rein him in with every dog I do not know. You have to learn to read the actions of your dog.

In training your dog you have to know that YOU must train your dog. If you take him to an obedience school, or trainer or whatever, the dog may learn to follow the instructions of the trainer, but not you. A good trainer will train YOU how to train your dog.

Do not give the dog a treat every time he learns a new trick. He will then only do what you tell him in exchange for a treat. In other words, don’t train your dog to do a trick for a treat. If you are training your dog to sit, for example, make him sit and stay several times. After the completed training session, then give the dog a treat if he has performed properly.

The bottom line is that if you do not have the time for a dog, do not get one. You will only cause trouble for yourself or the animal.

Ashton Carter as Secretary of Defense? Are you kidding me?

Wikipedia photo by David Shankbone.

Wikipedia photo by David Shankbone.

This has got to be some kind of “punk,” right? The guy from That ’70’s show as Secretary of Defense?

I mean I know appointees “retire” so quick on him that he has to scrape the bottom of the barrel to find people. But does he have to pick a guy whose closest military experience has been to watch Demi Moore in A Few Good Men and that debacle GI Jane.

I guess he did do some Texas Ranger movie a few years ago. Come on. This is a guy who gets himself in trouble “tweeting.” I mean….

Oh. Wait a minute. That’s Ashton Kutcher. Sorry, dude. Go back to whoever you were punking.

Who is Ashton Carter?

Sheriff’s Deputies Arrest Kidnapping Suspect

Bertrand Eugene/Sheriff Photo

Bertrand Eugene/Sheriff Photo

FLAGSTAFF – On Wednesday, December 3, 2014 at approximately 8:30 a.m. Coconino County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the emergency department of the Flagstaff Medical Center on the report of the kidnapping of an eight year old boy. Deputies spoke with a man who identified himself as the grandfather and legal guardian of the victim and his ten year old brother.

According to the victim’s grandfather a family friend—who was identified as 51 year old Bertrand Eugene of Flagstaff—came to his home located off of Leupp Road on Wednesday at about 4:30 a.m. The two men spoke while standing in the front yard of the residence. According to the victim’s grandfather Bertrand Eugene said he wanted to take the eight year old victim to Alabama with him. The grandfather said no, ended the conversation and went back into his home. The grandfather said Eugene remained in the area of the front yard.

At about 6:30 a.m. the grandfather left the residence leaving the two boys with their grandmother. According to the eight year old victim he heard a knock at the front door and when he opened it he heard Eugene calling for him to come outside. As the victim exited the house the suspect grabbed him and forced him into the cab of Eugene’s vehicle.

The ten year old boy watched as this occurred and as the vehicle began to move he ran in front of it and Eugene swerved the vehicle around him. As the vehicle passed the boy he jumped onto the rear of the truck bed but quickly fell to the road surface resulting in minor injuries. The eight year old victim climbed out of the rear sliding window of the truck cab and jumped from the moving vehicle onto the road surface receiving minor injuries.

The suspect fled the area in his vehicle.

Deputies and Detectives began an active search for Eugene. Area law enforcement agencies were quickly advised of the occurrence and of the description of the suspect and his vehicle. Detectives also contacted law enforcement authorities in Alabama and advised them that Eugene may be on his way to that state.

On Thursday, December 4, 2014 Deputies responded to the area of Townsend Winona Road and Hidden Hills Road on the report of a suspicious vehicle. Upon their arrival they made contact with one of the occupants of the truck and identified him as Bertrand Eugene.

Eugene was arrested on the charges of Kidnaping, Aggravated Assault and Endangerment. He is currently being held in the Coconino County Detention Facility. This case was submitted to the Coconino County Attorney’s Office for review and additional felony charges are anticipated.

Overhill Farms Voluntarily Recalls Open Nature Chile Cheese Enchiladas

ucm425650WASHINGTON — Overhill Farms, Inc. of Vernon, California is voluntarily recalling the frozen food product Open Nature Chile Cheese Enchiladas due to potential Salmonella contamination. The supplier for the organic cilantro contained in such product notified Overhill Farms that the organic cilantro may have Salmonella contamination based on routine testing conducted. The product is sold nationwide at all Safeway-owned stores, including Safeway, Carrs, Genuardi’s, Pak ‘N Save, Pavilions, Randalls, Tom Thumb and Vons.

Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this voluntary recall.

Open Nature Chile Cheese Enchiladas are a frozen prepared dinner packaged in a box with a net weight of 9 oz. and marked with a UPC 0-7989310436-9. The product was sold at stores from Oct 9, 2014, through December 1, 2014.

Packages with the following lot code and “Best Before” dates are subject to the recall:

 
Lot Number Best By Date
141006 AUG-06-15

The lot number and best by date can be found on the side panel of the box.

Consumers should discard this product or return it to the store for a full refund. For additional information, please call Overhill Farms, Inc. at 1-323-582-9977 (Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm PST) or Safeway at 1-800-SAFEWAY.