From Whole Dog Journal July 20, 2010
A crate, or, in other words, short-term close confinement, can be used to help dogs teach themselves two very important skills. The first is eliminating only when and where it is appropriate. The second skill is keeping out of trouble – behaving appropriately in the house. Without these two skills, a dog doesn’t have much of a chance in this world.
A crate is not a place of punishment. Never force your dog or puppy into a crate in anger. Even if he has earned …

SFGate.com
Two major pet food recalls were announced on Friday, July 2 involving Merrick Beef Filet Squares made by Merrick Pet Care and a variety of nutritional supplements made by the United Pet Group and sold under the Nature’s Miracle, Excel, Petco, DDS, Drs. Foster & Smith and Pro-Pet brands:
1. Merrick Pet Care, Inc. of Amarillo, Texas is recalling 86 cases of its 10-ounce “Beef Filet Squares for Dogs” pet treats (marked “Item #60016 Lot #10084TL7 Best by March 24, 2012″) because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. …