Pet Expo 2009 - making friends and rubbing elbows with local anchor, Greg McQuade

Thanks to those who came to see us at the Henrico Humane Society’s Pet Expo 2009. It was a great event with over 3000 visitors and 75 booths. The disc dogs performed and we even rubbed elbows with CBS-6, WTVR’s morning newscaster, Greg McQuade.  He was lovely and stopped by after the show for a quick chat and to tell us of how he fell for a puppy from CBS-6’s Adopt-a-Pet program five years ago.

He even asked Henry’s Backyard for a recommendation to help keep his frisky pup off the furniture, so if you have any suggestions, please share them with us and we will test them out in Henry’s Lab - and send some recommendations to Greg.

We also met Pat Lacy, the inventor of a new type of training harness and the owner of Jackson Sage, a line of herbal skin care products currently available at Whole Foods and Ellwood Thompson’s. Both products will be tested in Henry’s Lab so be on the lookout for our results.

And stay tuned for information on where Henry’s Backyard will be next!

’started by a girl who just wanted to share a snack with her dog’

I just love that tag line. Sammy Snacks are just that and more. A seven year old food and treat bakery located in Charlottesville, Virginia, Sammy Snacks treats are baked on site and are good for both people and pets. They were initially sold at Farmer’s Market’s but because they were so popular, a retail store was born. All ingredients are human grade, gluten free and very tasty. (We especially liked the carob flavor which taste like chocolate chip cookies - just a little crunchier).

Our testing team really enjoyed them as well. “My dogs loved them.” The team liked that they were small - so you don’t have to break them up for smaller dogs, and portable - great for travel. “Our pups loved them all, and even tried to get the one that rolled under the fridge!” He gets an ‘A’ for effort!

The flavors we tested included Carob Snackers, Peanut Butter Snackers, Cranberry Snackers, Cheddar Snackers and Pumpkin Spice Snackers with the most popular being the Peanut Butter and Carob. All testers said they would buy more or similar products from Sammy Snacks.

Editors comments: The people at Sammy Snacks were wonderful to work with and really have a tasty, healthy product. They have also ‘gone green’ utilizing brown bags and a limited amount of ink. So go to their website www.SammySnacks.com and pick up yours  - just be sure to share.

Henry’s Lab Ranking:

Mickey Rourke and his beloved dog, Loki

The glitter and glamour of the Oscars included one very special dedication. Mickey Rourke attended with a pin photo of his beloved dog, Loki, his 18 year old chihuahua terrier mix who passed away just six days before the show.

Rourke’s deep affection for his dogs is well documented since the Golden Globes six weeks ago when he thanked his dogs during his acceptance speech for winning the Best Actor award for his role in The Wrestler.

“She was the love of my life. She made it until six days ago so she left me at a time after almost 18 years when she knew I’d be alright. That’s Loki. It’s bittersweet because I’d rather have Loki another two years than an Oscar, and I told her that. But she stayed as long as she could. She just fell asleep in my arms. I think we all want to go that way.”

Mickey explained that stars including Bruce Springsteen, Al Pacino, Emma Thompson, Anthony Hopkins and director Jon Favreau have expressed their sympathy following Loki’s death.

He said that this Oscar morning he attended church and “lit a candle for Loki and for my grandmother and my brother.”

Rourke did not win the Oscar but did show his softer side and touch the hearts of many dog lovers.