Dear zbk57
First off, let me express my deepest heart felt sorrow over the loss of Cole, I think daily about how lucky I am that I still have chai in my life and about how much he's teaching me. I couldn't imagine how you must have felt. I'm so sorry
Secondly, I have chosen to reject four paws offer due to the following post that arrived over last night and ask ANYONE with similar situations to contact me. We need to find out if this a repeating pattern of indifference or just complete negligence.
zbk57 said...
A friend just forwarded your blog to me. It was with shock and horror that I read about Chai's experience.
My dog Cole was injured in exactly the same way in July of 2005. It was with the very same Four Paws ball.
After phone calls and letters to the company I was assured the ball design would be changed. I have copies of what I sent to them. I was told several times this was just a freak accident and I agreed but still asked they change the design so that no other dog would suffer. I hope they did not tell you this had never happened before because I can assure you THEY KNEW about the problem in 2005!
Now to see that they did not respond and did not make changes and other dogs suffered needlessly makes me very sad. These balls are not sold in any stores near me, so I was not able to check to see if they had modified the design.
My Coley boy died as a result of his injuries. He was a 5 year old bouncy beautiful lab mix that wagged his tail up till the very end when we let him cross the rainbow bridge due to the horrendous injury to his tongue.
Please write to me at onedogmatters@comcast.net if you would like more info about my interaction with this company.
I am SO SORRY I did not fight harder and took them at their word.
August 21, 2008 7:54 PM
I will be in contact with you.....
Friday, August 22, 2008
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128 comments:
we are ALL with you
This is just all so awful! Your poor, poor baby. I am truly glad that I looked at this while at work, where I cannot look at videos online. I'm sure I would have been terribly upset to see Chai in pain. Just the photos are so disturbing! Chai looks somewhat like my yellow-lab mix, Luke.
I'm glad you aren't going to settle. This lying, slimy company needs to have its pocketbook hurt really bad. I certainly will make sure not to buy any of their products for my 2 fur-babies (or any of my future babies) EVER! I'll be sending an email to the address you provided telling Four Paws that I will certainly boycott them!
Go get that heartless, evil company!
I just received a second e-mail from Four Paws stating they have recalled the entire product line and that they have reached an agreement with you. I checked your site, and though you stated an agreement was made, you decided against it because of what happened to another Four Paws customer in 2005.
To me, this look like a typical corporation attempting to do damage control instead of doing the right thing. In addition, knowing a little something about QA, they should have had a process in place to begin with such that such a defect could not happen (in the e-mail, they sent me a copy of a letter they supposedly sent to you).
Being a former dog owner and current cat owner (my Rotty was poisoned by persons unknown :(( ), this entire story addens me to the core.
PGA
I don't even see anything about Chai or what happened on their website, nor anything about steps to fix it. I will definitely not be buying anything from this company. "The brand you can trust"? My ass.
I'm glad you're not settling. Best of luck.
Ashley & Pip
I am so choked up and crying as a result of all the stories posted.
Fight fight fight, I am going to start writing letters!
This is the saddest thing I've seen in a long, long time.
1. Can he drink on his own, yet?
2. How does he cool himself with no tongue?
I love my dobe to death, but if she were suffering at this level personally I would have her put down. Those videos were just awful. Poor guy.
Hi Daniel,
Ugh, Four Paws is a disgusting display of corporate greed and irresponsibility. Not only is there NOTHING about this defective product on their website, they're still selling it there: http://fourpaws.com/products/pimple-ball-with-bell.htm
I gave a copy of your original post to three pet stores yesterday -- only one of the three carries Four Paws toys but all three store managers (and a local vet clinic) agreed to share the story with their customers.
Best of luck and much love to you, Chai and the other dogs and their people affected by this preventable tragedy.
How is Chai doing today?
My Shar Pei forum friends are concerned and asked me to get an update on your sweet Chai.
We are all terribly sorry. This is a terrible thing to happen.
Thank GOD. It was KILLING me not saying anything. I have replied to the form letter assuring me all is well, that in fact, all is not. I'm not sue happy, but I am PISSED and man, if it were my dog, I'd be calling the nastiness, money grubbing sue happy lawyer I could find.
The stupid, really stupid thing the comapny did (thank goodness) is admit fault. RUN WITH IT!
(see below)
You don't explain why, when this same thing happened (resulting in death) in 2005 it wasn't addressed then. Frankly, too little, too late. You are lucky it wasn't my dog. I'm not as easy to please and would have sued you for every penny. 'Help' with compensation? Shame on you. Given the prior incident you should be paying every penny, plus.
I hope that once the OP realises this has happened before he gets a good lawyer. As for my community we will continue the boycott and your company can reap what it has sown.
This is atrocious! Give it all you've got and get these assholes! I'm definitely spreading the word and posting your site on forums. What a joke their website it...you should get them for false advertising too (A brand you can trust" ?!)
I'll be following your story...
Best of luck and all the support you need.....
-Michelle
Good afternoon,
My name is Linzey Zoccola and I am the Puppy Program Coordinator for Susquehanna Service Dogs, in Harrisburg, PA. I would like to inform all of my raisers that they are not permitted to have an "Pimple Ball" or one with a hole that can be used to creat a vaccume affect. I am 100% in support of your fight, as are the rest of us at SSD. Please update us as often as possible.
Sincerely,
Linzey Zoccola
Here's my response to the smiley happy bullshit email I received from Four Paws just now:
"Nice try.
Not only is there nothing on your website about this defective item, your company is still selling it: http://fourpaws.com/products/pimple-ball-with-bell.htm Also, I went to three different pet stores yesterday -- two of them have never carried your toys and in the third, the “pimple ball” was still on the shelf. None of these store managers were aware of Chai’s story or the problems with this “toy” until I told them. They all assured me they will share the news with their customers.
I’ve heard since yesterday that another dog DIED in 2005 as a result of this product’s flaws and your company did not have the common decency to do anything about it. Four Paws is a disgusting example of corporate greed and irresponsibility.
As I noted in my previous email, I’ve purchased your Wee-Wee Pads for my dogs for many years. Yesterday I switched brands and frankly I’ll let my dogs pee on the carpet before I use any of your products again."
Abandoned baby kept alive by mother dog and her puppies
A 14 year old girl abandons the baby but the dog knows well enough to save it
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,408941,00.html
Yeah, dogs are really just property...
Sigh, they're better than us humans a lot of times, aren't they
Who was it that said my goal is to live to be the person my dog thinks i am?!
I am very sorry to hear about Chai and Cole and other dogs that have been injured by this toy.
I had one of these toys with a previous dog but she never played with it (thank goodness) and I threw it away.
I have passed on the warning about the toy to everyone that I know, and some groups / lists.
I have just spoken to my Mum about this and read out the email about Cole in 2005.
My Mum said is it possible that the ball had no second hole in 2005 and that the design change was to add the second small hole that has had manufacturing problems?
I sincerely hope that Chai manages to adapt.
And I wish you every sucess in taking this further along with Cole's owners and others.
Perhaps there is a lawyer with dogs on one of the lists or groups somewhere that would assist your case.
Best Wishes to Chai and yourself.
Julie (UK)
i am so sorry for the loss of cole, and for the horrible injuries to chai. we all know these fur angels are our family, and as such strive to love and protect them at all costs.
i also checked four paws' web site and found NO reference to any possible danger regarding this item. this is unexcusable! i am not a litigious person, but i also hope you find a good lawyer to deal with this company.
i've personally sent this blog info to everyone on my email list.
wishing chai a speedy recovery,,,
and sending you strength to deal with his challenges.
tuckbat
My mom and I posted about your furry sad situation -
And we will pupdate my blog readers on Saturday about this -
I do hope she stops leaking by then -
Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra
My heart goes out to you and your pets. I am appalled at reading about these repeated incidents with the same toy. I check on Four Paws website and saw NOTHING warning consumers about the possible defect with the pimple ball with bell, even when clicking on that exact product. I have little faith that this company has take the appropriate safety measures with any of their products. I expressed that in my email to the company. I am very disheartened by their attention to this matter. I wiil never buy a Four Paw product for my young dog.
I admire your efforts to hold the company accountable for your actions and I full support your efforts!
My heart goes out to you and Chai. Our pets mean so much to all of us that it hurts my heart to read such a horrible story. I will NEVER purchase a produce from this company.
As previously mentioned their website still has no warning or updates about the product and the damage it can do. I hope they do the right thing. Its about time.
At this moment, I can only think of rude things to say! What a heartless, money-grubbing, mealy-mouthed, lying company! I am updating my blog again to reflect this latest horrible news.
Yikes, I just saw this comment on Consumerist:
I am so glad someone did write that letter. I can't say for sure since it was 11 years ago, but I am sure that is the same toy that KILLED my lab! My lab and I were playing catch and the ball got stuck at the opening to her throat. The suction of her breathing in and the fact that there was no place for the air to started to choke her. I tried CPR, reaching my hand in there and a very fast trip to a vet to no avail. My ex-wife and I even called the local news to see if they could help us get the word out. Glad to hear that this dog only lost his tongue.
Because of this post, www.gimpydogs.com will be calling for a boycott of ALL Four Paws products, will provide a letter of protest to the company, the BBB, and will have a downloadable flyer for people to print out and ask to post at vet offices, pet stores, etc., to let other dog owners know of this product.
Penny
I am so glad that this has come to my attention. Our labrador puppy has such a ball and I am going to destroy it as soon as I get home...I know that there is only one hole visible!!! It's an outrage that this company has known since 2005!
Thankyou,
Shawna in Texas
Your poor, dear baby! We just read your blog and were horrified. I own a dog boutique and will defenately be spreading the word. We do not sell products from this company, but we'll be sure to let our customers know about the dangers of this toy! We are behind you - God bless, and best of luck with his rehabilitation.
LaDeDog!
Well- we are all very moved.
I'm not even a facebooky- but I posted the story to 300 friends who, in turn, spread the word.
I WAS so happy to see that they had written and pulled the product, but now I cannot believe that they were SO completely aware of this flaw - another animal had suffered in 2005!!!- and will therefore continue to get people involved in this story and the boycott.
I am so so sorry for all of the pain you and your gorgeous Chai have endured. It is truly unimaginable.
The internet is proving to be of great help though, yes? Keep fightin!
I am so sorry to hear about Chai. I have this ball, but not for much longer. I hope that Chai is doing much better and learning the new way of life.
It is disturbing to see that a company would react the way it has, especially after reading this exact thing happened 3 years ago and they blew off that woman.
I googled the ball and found this website, http://www.arcatapet.com/item.cfm?cat=6433
it indicates that the company remanufactured the ball with a large second hole. I forwarded on your blog to everyone I knew and asked them to forward it. I will no longer purchase anything from Four Paws.
Again, I am very sorry to hear and see what happened to your pup,I wish a speedy recovery. Please keep us posted on Chai. You have touched a large community of animal lovers!
Hi, I think you should sue the company. Get the other owner to help you, and sue them. How is that any better than murder? So you know years ago, and then continue to do it? these are not just pets! THEY'RE FAMILY! I'm so extremely angry and infuriated! I am going to write this 'people' an email. I encourage ANYONE who hears about this to do the same.
They are murders & mutilators, and just don't care. I will tell everyone, and make posters if i can, and distribute them. Take this to the news! DO the media! Seriously! Go public! Tell them how heartless this company is! PLEASE do this! FOR ALL OF US!
We posted about your poor baby Chai,
and added you both to purrs and prayers for some obviously needed prayer support.
We also wrote the company and recieved their form letter back..
We are so glad your not going to settle.
Sending prayers and purrs..
Pet and TheBengal Brats
If you can contact me at: gimpydogscom@gmail.com, I would like to ask you some questions for a story that will be posted to a national media outlet regarding Chai and this company.
thanks
Penny
Al (Allen Simon, President, CEO, Four Paws Products):
Why is it you yourself can't express a PERSONAL letter with an original signature to Daniel Rechelbacher aka "Chai"
expressing your remorse at least for this drastic instance? Have you really none? Personally, I'd be coming out of the dugout for this one yet you had the communication "Sent by Alexis Danvers on behalf of Allen Simon."
P.S. If you go to the Web site there is nothing posted about this potential threat
I just came across your blog and your story. It made me cry! I hope Chai is doing well and is recovering. I will never buy that brand of dog toy!
We sent the email to four paws. And if you need to sign us petitions or anything else, please let us know.
This is just another example of the total lack of any accountability, morals, ethics - pretty much ANYTHING but the desire to make a profit in contemporary corporations.
In a climate where the head of the nation can commit criminal acts without having to pay for it.... what do you expect? It is disgusting.
Karl
This is outrageous! I sent a boycott e-mail to them, and like Paul, received an e-mail back saying that they recalled the product and reached an agreement with you and blah blah blah... well, I definitely wanted to check your blog before I took their word for it, and I'm sure glad I did! Those greedy lying two-faced bastards! My thoughts and prayers are with you and Chai, and Cole's owner, also. I agree that both of you should pursue a lawsuit. Best of luck, and I'll be following your story.
I forward this info and a protest email. I also have a suggestion. There is a website:
www.twitter.com where people discuss complaints and unresolved problems with large companies. A news story on this site said companies were taking note. I would also check this out as a place to protest.
jmishner@verizon.net
The videos in the last post broke my heart. Bless you for being such a caring person. This post angers me even more, to think that they knew and did nothing.
Today is Aug. 22, 2008 and Four Paws is still advertizing the Pimple Ball on its website.
I am so so sorry to all the dogs that have been effected by this. Chai's humans are to be commended for the care they are now forced to give. My heart goes out to you.
We are so sorry to hear of what happened to your dog...I am glad I stopped back to read of the latest developments in your ordeal. I sent an email to the company but after what I read tonight I don't think it will do any good...these people obviously have no conscience. A link to your site is on our blog so hopefully the dog community will rally around and force a solution everyone can live with....I hope Chai is feeling a bit better by now....no one should have to watch such suffering....
Dewey Dewster's Gram....
I am so very, very sorry about your losses and your painful experiences -- all of you.
Perhaps because he resembles our dear Sam, who crossed that rainbow bridge a few years ago due to cancer, I am quite moved.
Please know that you all are in my thoughts, and I'll be sure to forward this info.
Bless you all. -- Amanda
I also just sent the boycott letter as well as added my own disgust by this situation and the 2005 occurance. I also told them that of all people PET COMPANIES should understand the compassion and love we have for our fur children. They are truly family members and not disposable, replacable objects. I am truly heart sick over this.
- debbie in florida and her little man, simon send chai lots of love and ear scratches!!!!
i just took 20 fliers with this pic
to dog park and a note on the bottom written by me recommending folks hit your blog to find out more info about the situation. i handed them all out, talked to people and ran out!
today i emailed about 130 people on my email list to get the word out
of course the info is on my blog as well
tomorrow i will be hitting the local pet stores to make sure it's off the shelves and the community is informed... that is after I take my foster dog Boomer to his new forever home!
thank you for getting the word out and i am praying for you and Chai and bless you for such a big heart for your dog and us that you would make this known.
carri ann
Sickening, and this reminds me of the wire dog training kennel by petmate still being sold that has a defective door latching system that killed several dogs that I'm aware of. kennelsafety.com was one of the owners' web sites with info and photos, its now parked with ads, go see the archived site on archive.org the company told this woman the SAME stuff- that it was a freak accident they never saw before. They tried to buy the lady off with a token amount like $500 or $1,000 and then threatened her with a lawsuit. They refused to redesign the door latching.
Now I get an email from 4 paws saying they settled with you on Chai and found a defect in the mold and are fixing it, now I read the update here and the post about the same problem in 2005
I am a lawyer (and dog owner) in Texas and was just forwarded your blog from my breeder. While products liability/defects is not my area of expertise, I would like to assist in any way that I can. I do know of a couple fantastic animal law attorneys in my area and have connections across most of the country.
Please email me at stlawoffice@gmail.com if you are interested in speaking with me. I'd be more than happy to consult with you for free so that I can assist you in getting the best representation possible. I can't think of any reason why this could not be suitable for a class action - two words that scare the pants or skirts off of any corporation.
(As a side note, businesses make decisions based on cost. Would it cost more to make small settlements along the way or recall an entire product and lose any profit knowing the product is defective? While we all may have laughed at the lady who got burned from McDonalds and won a multi-million dollar settlement, she was only one of a long line of people burned by coffee from McDonalds - coffee that was maintained at 20 degrees higher than any other chain eatery. The plaintiff also suffered 3rd degree burns and spent several weeks in intensive care due to her injuries. If we want to stop this company, then we need to make it more expensive for them - in terms of cost of business - to operate with the product on the market than off. Emailing the CEO, bombarding their office with mail, lobbying your state congresspersons all make it much more expensive to operate their business. And those are just a good starting places...)
See this archived version of kennelsafety.com to read about a defective wire training kennel, it has photos of the defect and information about the kennel, it is still being sold... we need to get these defective products OFF the market!
http://web.archive.org/web/20071021034340/http://www.kennelsafety.com/
Oh well, the url wont post, so try
web.archive.org
Search there for
kennelsafety.com and the last date link that comes up will show the kennel crate.
As a dog lover and owner... I am so heartbroken that Chai has to go through all this because this company is careless. I am also saddened about the pup in 2005 that died due to this.
I am so never going to buy anything from them nor anything that even looks like that!
My blog today khovers this update -
It links bakhk to here and to Gimpydogs too -
Hugs&Khysses,
Khyra
a friend forwarded the post to me, and like everyone else, I'm forwarding it on. My lab mix heard the video of Chai and got distressed too. I'm not purchasing any four paws products, not just until they recall a ball or redesign it, but for life. If this had been some human baby, the response would have been immediate and a recall posted on national media. there's no excuse for ignoring the fact that a toy killed and maimed innocent babies.
What lies they tell...they make toys for pets and still say that a pet is only property? Shame on them, they are about to learn the power of those of us owned by pets. Yes, we're cats but we don't think that any animal should suffer because of one greedy company. Look what happened with the tainted pet food. This story is posted at the Cat Blogospher (http://blog.catblogosphere.com) where a lot of us will see it. This company is about to be called on their lies and greed!
This is a very sad story. I hope the suffering of your dog makes you consider the suffering of other animals. I'm speaking of the meat industry, a cruel place of unnecessary death which could cease if humans would only go veg. Please think about it. Thanks.
meat.org
I don't even know what to say. I can't believe these people! I'm happy you've decided not to settle.
On a side note, I'm a paralegal for a firm in St. Louis. If you're interested in some legal advice, please email me at bab@gpslegal.com and I'll see what I can do for you because this company needs to be shut down.
OMG...I just got your blog in an e-mail through my local dog training club,in Springfield Missouri. This is so sad and poor Chai! I will be sending this to all my "dog" friends and family. You and Chai are in my thoughts and prayers! I've sent my e-mail to Mr. Simon, and I know others will do the same. I've saved your blog to my "favorites" and plan on keeping up with your story. Please keep all of us posted on Chai and yourself. You are a wonderful and kind man to devote yourself to Chai. I have 2 dogs and my 3rd just died in March and the love they give is so powerful. Good Luck! Oh...and you should send your blog in Oprah, you know how she loves dogs. It couldn't hurt!
-Nikki
I feel so awful for your dog. I read your post from them saying they recalled the line. Check their website, they did not.
I work in the pharma industry so I have some pointers for you. First, try the FDA to report this complaint. While they don't normally handle dog toys, because of the potential fatality in your case and the actual one in another poster's, they might do something or forward you to where you can get something done.
http://www.fda.gov/opacom/
backgrounders/complain.html
My second recommendation would be to try the EPA.
http://www.epa.gov/oig/ombudsman-hotline/how2file.htm
What state are you in? I can do some more searching to help you figure out what branch of government to complain to.
I am so sadded by the damage done to your loved one. I hope you have contacted a lawyer to tend to his medical bills and future health care. This is total negalgence on the companies part.
I will forever beaware of the dog toys I give my dogs.
knit ya later
carrie
its so weird b/c stores sell the ball but with a hole in them now.... but i am reading other's posts and they are saying that they have not changed the design or anything. hope they did change the design and i hope that you settle a deal with them, but not a slap on the wrist either.
I am a mobile groomer. I have written to the company and forwarded this story to all my grooming colleagues,customers,all my myspace friends,and will now post this on www.groomers.net. this is UNACEPTABLE. Call the Turko files and try to get this exposed on the news
http://www.kusi.com/features/turko
We are horrified at what has happened to sweet Chai. We are sending out tons of prayers to you and Chai for things to work out for you.
We will be passing this story along to as many people as we can.
Rhonda, Junior and Orion
This makes me madder than H.E.double L... I sent them an e-mail and I hope anyone that reads this story will take action
That is horrible. I feel extreme pity for the dog, not only because of the pain caused by the toy but because his owner has decided to use him as a crusade. I am surprised that people are obviously not intelligent enough to think about cutting another hole in the ball to release the vacuum. And I can tell you that if that happened to my dog to the extent of what happened to Chai, I would not put her through all that pain and suffering. She is my greatest companion, but my emotional suffering is insignificant to causing her that much physical pain. If I were required to have her tongue amputated I would instead have her put to sleep. Quality of life for her would be gone and just something to think about...eating w/o a tongue is one thing, but how does a dog drink? Hmm? This pisses me off especially the video of "how much pain Chai is in even with large amounts of pain killers". Yes I feel pity for the dog but I would love to smack that owner up side the head...where's your fucking compassion? You love your dog? I'm sure you think that you do, but its ten years old and what...you don't want to be lonely?
These are the kind of people that have pets that are old and are in pain from arthritis and other ailments and the owners have themselves duped that they are keeping them comfortable. Comfortable? My ass...what do you do when you have a headache? Take something don't you? Well your pet isn't so lucky and most people are clueless when it comes understanding what your pet needs.
So...I am sorry to Chai my heart goes out to you.
I hate reading about the stupidity of humans.
Danielle posted:
That is horrible. I feel extreme pity for the dog, not only because of the pain caused by the toy but because his owner has decided to use him as a crusade. I am surprised that people are obviously not intelligent enough to think about cutting another hole in the ball to release the vacuum. And I can tell you that if that happened to my dog to the extent of what happened to Chai, I would not put her through all that pain and suffering."
So Danielle, would you rather Chai's owners had just faded back, take the $500 or whatever very token amount FourPaws offered and not have posted this story so that other dogs will die from this defective product??
I say BRAVO for crusading, were it not for people like Chai's owners, we would have lead paint on kids toys, mercury and lead in housepaint, asbestos insulation, cars without airbags, no OSHA to oversee workplace safety etc, in short the corporate mo-fo's whose sole reason for producing producs is to maximize profits at any cost would be doing business as usual killing or sickening consumers and their pets as long as they make the most profit.
The ONLY language corporate mo-fo's understand is the LAWSUIT and damages language.
You really expect pet owners to know to drill a hole in these balls? should they be expected to for a product advertised as SAFE that they paid for??
Of course you would kill your dog, going by the rest of your comments it's pretty clear you would just kill the dog rather than go thru the surgery and aftercare, probably saving youself $5,000, Chai's owners elected to save their pet, a few days of pain and discomfort mostly dealt with by the medication is expected, like ANY surgery be it on humans or pets. You get a hernia, should the hospital have the doctors put you down because you will have PAIN after the surgery??
Out of the multitude of comments here, only YOU post a nasty-gram blaming the owners and condemning their choice, that should tell you something.
Oh Danielle, FORGET that this company knew about this problem in 2005 and didn't change the product, just like the makers of that wire Petmate kennel that tried to buy off the owner of a puppy who strangled herself in the defective door. The company claimed they never head any other complaints but several other people posted about their experiences with the same product.
Lying money-grubbing corporate mo-fo's, the same ones who allowed a toxic filler chemical be added into dog food a while back to raise the protein level in tests and $ave costs, the results were numerous deaths of dogs due to the chemical.
According to you Danielle, I guess those owners should not have crusaded against THAT eh?
Do a google search for fiberglass insulation injuries, Johns-Manville, Owens-Corning, Dow and other BIG companies producing products like fiberglass insulation, claiming they are safe and that glass when breathed in will break down in the body!
They buy off individual lawsuits filed by sick people or former employees who have no money to pursue it right, or delay them enough the filer DIES of their lung cancer or illness from that product. The companies do business as usual for max profits, that's ALL they care about.
We at Mid-Atlantic Pug Rescue have sent the following. Please keep us posted with your progress.
Mr. Allen Simon,
I am in support of a boycott of your company until you recall the product pimple ball with bell,
As it is designed is such a way that irreparable damage can be caused by its use.
Further, until such time as you remove this product from the market, our web site will list this story and continue to spread the word of your company's negligence and indifference.
http://www.thechaistory.blogspot.com/
Mary Dike
President
Mid-Atlantic Pug Rescue, Inc.
www.midatlanticpugrescue.org
A good man will take care of his horses and dogs, not only while they are young, but also when they are old and past service. ---Plutarch
I am so very sorry for what you and Chai have gone through. I commend you for your love and dedication to your dog. I have emailed he company and let them know how disgusted I am, and I have posted about this story on my own blog. You may want to submit this story vai CNN's iReport feature. You might also want to add an online petition to Chai's blog, I'm sure you would get plenty of them.
Best of luck. Please keep us updated as to how Chai is doing.
Hello, everyone! I sent a message to corporate Petco, and the response I got is below. They were amazing and incredibly helpful. Knowing that they do not sell these toys relieves me greatly. I also checked Wal-Mart, and they do not carry Four Paws toys. PetSmart pulled theirs after learning of this story. Isn't it amazing that the stores we trust to take care of our beautiful fur/feather/scale kids are so responsive to our concerns?
Robbie
Mom of Lager and Lrrr
From: customerrelations@help.petco.com
Subject: Your PETCO Inquiry # 1077210
To: kajin_baku_chan@yahoo.com
Date: Saturday, August 23, 2008, 6:47 PM
Dear Robbie,
Thank you for contacting PETCO Customer Relations.
Thank you for taking the time to contact us about your product concern. After some review I have been informed that PETCO does not carry the pimple ball with bell thru Four Paws nor any toys thru Four Paws. We do carry a similar product to the Four Paws which is called
Ruff Toys Solid Rubber Pimple Play Ball with Bell Dog Toy
This product does have two holes on it which does not cause the suction affect that the Four Paws ball did thus allowing the dog to pull it's tongue in and out with no issues.
However, most importantly, we want you to know we appreciate you and thank you for taking the time to inform us of this issue!
Thank you for your continued patronage to PETCO. Please contact us again if we can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
Jonathan S.
Customer Relations Coordinator
At PETCO, Animals Always Come First... Our People Make it Happen!
I shared a different opinion here in a post today but apparently views of a different perspective aren't allowed on this blog. Ut was taken off. I'll share it again.
I've the utmost sympathy for Chai and it's owner. I hate for bad things to happen to any animal, two or four legged. But, this could happen with any rubber ball, even a ball that had a hole in it. If the pooch happens to chew through where the hole is, there's no longer a hole for venting. You'd need at least two holes on the ball on opposite sides to be effective. The problem with even one hole is, and I'm sure you're aware of this, they don't bounce as well as one with no holes. I reject the idea that the company is at fault. You'd have to include all the other manufacturers of hollow balls, not single out his one.
This is a tragic and unfortunate accident but I think it's just a freak accident. An anomaly.
Ken
This is so awful. We're posting about your situation today and asking for others to boycott Four Paws. We certainly are, and have emailed them too.
Would you mind if we created a petition for this boycott? We'd like to use the photo of the nasty ball for it. You can email me and the kitties at catsnmom AT houseofthemostlyblackcats DOT com.
Robyn and the HotMBC kitties
WE iz purring fur you and Chai...
poor sweetie.
You coulds gets a holds of North Shore Animal league and send a message to dehr Spokespurrson, Richard Belzer. He mite wants to helps sohs his doggies n ovfurr doggies dont gets hurted.
Katie Too.
Hi Daniel,
I've done a bit and my friend at Pet's Garden Blog has put the word out as well as have many of my blogging friends.
Pet and I are wondering what else we can do. I listed my activities earlier, fliers, checking stores, etc and Pet has hit up many in the blogsphere and AOL news, etc
Can you give an update soon and let us know how we who want to see this never happen again and help you be restored financially can help in other ways?
We are with you, prayers for you and just so encouraged, despite what one person here said, proud of you for giving Chai a chance at life. Pets can teach us so much about how to overcome and live with disabilities and you did the right thing for Chai in spite of enormous expense to you.
Again my email is c a cassabaum at yahoo dot com if you want to email details of how we can mobilize our troops but a post when you can is good enough too.
We're all in this together if we're in it at all!
If this ever happens again, just cut another hole or slice off part of the ball to break the vaccuum.
I would rather risk cutting the dog's tongue than to have it go through what your poor baby went through.
I have written twice to FourPaws, once before this new information came to light and now again. Here are the bodies of the letters:
Dear Mr. Simon,
I am writing regarding an incident reported to your customer service about the Pimple Bell Ball. I have read Chai's story and am, as an animal professional, appalled that your company would be as dismissive as they have been to Chai's owner. Your company says it produces products we can trust, by refusing a voluntary recall of this particular toy, this does not appear to be true.
As a business person I do understand that a recall can have an effect, temporarily at least, on the bottom line. But I also understand that customer loyalty and referrals is even more important in the long run.
Beyond the veterinary costs incurred by the owner for this injury, both the dog and the owner must adjust to a very different life. Chai has been in incredible pain, she lost her tongue for heaven's sake! The least you can do is recall the product and change the production of the ball to include another hole to prevent the vacuum effect from happening...though ethically paying her veterinary bills would be an added help.
I will join the boycott of your products until action is taken by Four Paws to rectify this situation.
There are over 400,000 profiles on the website where I found out about Chai. That represents a very large number of potential losses of clientele for you. It would behoove you to act responsibly and show that your company truly cares about your customers.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Maggi Burtt
The second one:
Mr. Simon,
And so the plot thickens.
I was happy to receive your reply, pleased that you had made moves to rectify the situation, then I learned that this has happened before and that the previous incident ended up costing a dog his young life.
You do not cover your tracks well. This is the internet age, very little can remain quiet in this setting. Did you rectify the situtaion when Cole died? No. So, Cole died in vain and Cole's owner is crushed yet again upon learning of Chai's situation.
You have now dug yourselves a very big hole. The news of this situation is all over the dog sites of the world.
I highly recommend you issue a worldwide press release, remove all products from the shelves and prepare for a class action.
Shame on you.
Maggi Burtt
I realize that there are many toys out there that in certain situations can be injurious, but the only way to improve the safety of things is to be proactive when these situations arise.
Accidents happen, but do your best to think of all the possible risks whenever you choose a toy for your pet.
There are other balls out there like the pimple ball, but if we work towards rectifying this problem the others may be encouraged to do the same.
He who stands by and does nothing is complicit in the act.
If you are not a part of the solution you are a part of the problem.
I will continue to send people to Chai's blog.
Get well soon.
Maggi Burtt
I am sorrier than I can say that Chai is suffering in this way.
I have written to fourpaws as follows:
Dear Sir or Madam;
I was under the impression that the pimple ball with the bell inside of it was being recalled because of the danger it poses to animals? Is this not the case? I see it is still listed on your website.
As an animal activist, I am naturally concerned that a potentially dangerous item such as this has not been voluntarily recalled by an organization that caters to animals and has as its company slogan, "The brand you can trust since 1970."
We are also purchasing a ticket in Chai's name for the Pet Rescue Raffle we are holding over on the Cheezits, as we honestly don't know what else to do to help...
Best wishes to you and Chai.
Oh, and another note: petsugar.com is reporting the recall as if it is already in effect, and telling consumers to send theirs back for a full refund. Maybe they have an inside tract and are ahead of the curve?
I posted a link to you on my blog and sent out an e-mail. I am so sorry that you have had to go through this
I'm so sorry to read about Chai.
In February I had a non-malignant lesion removed from my tongue. It was about the size of a large pea. The surgery was in no way life threatening, but it was extremely traumatic. It's hard to even explain the quality and severity of the pain, so I can't imagine what Chai must feel.
Dogs give us everything they have and hold nothing back. We humans are their stewards. It's obvious you care deeply. No matter how much we wish otherwise, this horrible thing has happened. I trust your heart will guide you to act with compassion and do what is best for Chai.
I am so sorry for the pain Chai and yourself had to endure during this ordeal.
If I may, I hope to put your mind at rest a little, if possible, regarding your videos of Chai. I am a Licensed Veterinary Technician and a large part of my job is post operative care. All surgeries can bring our pets pain just as they do humans and that is why we strive to provide the best pain control possible. Many side effects of these pain meds, the fentanyl patch being one which contains an opioid derivative, may include excessive panting, vocalization and restlessness. These side effects can give the misconception that our little ones are in great pain and in my experience, a lot of this behavior is mainly due to the effects of pain medication. Not to say Chai isn't feeling an ounce of pain after this horrible procedure, but I hope you can find comfort in that maybe Chai is a little more comfortable then he appears.
Best to both of you!
Tears were streaming down my face, but not before I took action by sending a personal email/s to Four Paws, all my pet lover friends and the department store where I frequent. I, also, spent time taking all the Four Paws items from my dog's toy basket. Words of encouragement and prayers for your and Chai's strength as you now deal with this tragedy. May God continue to give you patience and strength to lead us in this battle.. HeavenSent Joy and Deborah
This is just heartbreaking!
I will be adding your Chai to my prayer list. This is just so disgusting that nothing was done when first brought to their attention.
We're really sad to hear about poor Chai having to suffer like that. Hope he'll recover soon from this ordeal. Our thoughts are with you.
We'll also post this up at our place and link it back to here.
I have been following this story and am so horrified but what happened to your poor dog. I have done some research in my area (Toronto Canada) and can't find any of the Four Paws products. I was just curious if they still sell that awful toy.
How is Chai doing now? I hope he can cope with living this way.
All my best to you and Chai.
I am so sorry for you and Chai. He's a gorgeous dog, and I was sobbing by the time I got through both videos.
In addition to Four Paws, has anyone sent this information to ASPCA or the Humane Society? What about other media outlets?
I forwarded your blog information to all my contacts, and I will pray for you and Chai. Chai is a tough guy, and I think he will do well- he's lucky to have a great owner. Let us know if there's anything we can do. I have already e-mailed Four Paws and told them how ashamed they ought to be.
Sending you lots of hugs,
Monica, Daniel, and our furbaby PeeWee
Hey, its cody, Cindy's son. It's terrible what happened to your dog. I was tearing when I saw Chai in that much pain. Its a terrible thing that happened, and I will be SURE to tell MANY people to boycott.
Best of luck!
Freddie the Pug read this story with me and decided that he would throw out his Four Paws dimpled ball. Even though he noticed a small hole opposite the larger hole. He said daddy out of respect for Chai we would no longer play with Four Paws products.
I am heartbroken about Chai and how he has suffered. I immediately dumped out my dog's toy box and found a blue, hard rubber ball slightly larger than a tennis ball, with a design of paw prints and dog bones molded into the rubber. One side of the ball has a hole large enough for me to stick my thumb in, and the other side of the ball has a tiny hole, not big enough to break suction. This ball went right into the trash. There was no manufacturer's name listed on the ball. What a nightmare waiting to happen. Thank you for telling your story so that other dogs could be saved. I will spread your story! Hugs and prayers from Medford, Oregon-
We have three beautiful loving and loyal dogs in our home. Thank you for sharing your story and helping to protect other dogs and dog lovers.
What happened to your beautiful Chai is outrageous. We will pray you are compensated for your time, money, pain, suffering, and loss of your "best" friend.
My heart was bleeding for Chai and you the entire time I was reading your story. It moved me to blog- something I never really do.
Every VET in America need to know your story to protect their 4-legged friends.
I'm so sorry for the pain suffered in this story. The video made me cry.
Bleeding Heart
PS. Hurting for You! I will spread the word for dog lovers to beware of this horrible toy. No doggie or its owner should go through that kind of pain, ever!
After reading your devastating story, I sent an email to PETCO corporate yesterday and got a response today (see below). I wonder if there is a reason why they specifically don't carry ANY Four Paws toys (but do have lots of their non-toy products)! Maybe that ball is not the only one with a questionable design....or maybe I am reading too much into the response. I've sent an email and the link to your story to everyone I can think of - including the Dog Whisperer! Sooner or later, with enough people clamoring, Four Paws will have to face this.
Our hearts and prayers go out to you. Hugs, Dani (Brinkley and Lexy Liu's Mom)
PETCO RESPONSE:
Dear Danielle,
Thank you for contacting PETCO and bringing that very sad story to our attention.
I am happy to report that fortunately we do not carry any dog toys made by Four Paws. However, we carry a variety of their other products that we have demeed safe and useful. Again thank you for taking the time to bring this to our attention and we wish you continued happiness and safety.
Thank you for your continued patronage. Please contact us again if you need any further assistance.
Sincerely,
Cameron B.
Customer Relations Coordinator
Hi; First, thank you so much for posting this story and getting the message out. Your story found it's way to the "Pets" board on the HGTV message boards and we have been discussing it and forwarding it to as many as we can. I am posting here on your blog to ask a favor of you. Most of the members that have read the story understand what has happened. There are a few, however, that because of the picture of the toy in the story, have gotten the impression that Chai "chewed" that hole that appears in the picture, and therefore felt that what happened was because of Chai damaging the toy first. I just assumed that the hole in the picture is AFTER it had to be cut off from Chai. My favor is this...could you please come on to the HGTV website and sign in to the pets board on the message boards. The thread appears in two locations, one entitled "important story...." and another entitled "FYI". I think that the readers of this board would really appreciate hearing directly from you and confirming if in fact the hole that is pictured was AFTER Chai was hurt. There are many people on this board....Please come to explain your story for all to read. Thank You! I also wanted to mention that in checking the toys that we have for OUR dogs, we found that we have a SIMILAR toy. Ours looks somewhat like a bone but it has a ball on each end of a hard rubber center. When we looked at it we found that BOTH of the "ball" shapes on this toy only had one hole in them with no air escape hole in the middle piece! We got rid of the toy!
Hello,
First, how is Chai doing?
And the case against FourPaws?
A similar thing happend to my husky/wolf back in the late nineties, but without the tragic consequences Chai suffered. My Franz got his tongue caught in a similar ball in the dog run on our morning walk; but I rushed him immediately to a vet who anaesthetized him and separated the ball from his tongue with no swelling. The vet said that if I didn't get him there right away there could have been swelling.
We were lucky to be near a vet who was open that early in the morning.
The video you show of Chai's first day home from the vet is extremely sad because it's evident Chai doesn't want to be on exhibit.
Take good care of him.
Sharon Azar
WOOF! (Wagging On and On Forever!) rescuing NYC dogs
What a tragic experience. I'm happy to hear that Chai is better, thank God he has you, such a loving and patient caregiver. Not many could undertake such an enormous responsibility...
I work at a small pet shop in my home town in Tennessee, where we do carry Four Paws toys. I WILL NOT sell this pimple ball or any other Four Paws toys to our costumers until this company rectifies it's self. I will also post Chai's story there for pople to see.
I cannot image something like that happening to my baby, Pearl. My thoughts are with you.
I work at an animal hospital and we had a miniature schnauzer who came in with the same ball stuck on his tongue. At first we thought it was a Kong but it turned out to be a ball. We were able to fortunately get the ball off under sedation but the pet did have to be hospitalized. I'm so sorry this turned out to be so tragic.
I contacted my local pet store regarding this horrible toy. They emailed Four Paws and you will be interested in their comment - see email response below:
From: Terri Nichols [mailto:tnichols@fourpaws.com]
Sent: Monday, August 25, 2008 6:31 PM
To: Holistic For Pets
Subject: RE: Dangerous Toy
Elizabeth,
We are aware of the situation and have resolved it with the pet owner. As far as I know no pet has died from this. We have recalled the toy and will relaunch the toy as soon as possible with the correction. It is unfortunate this happened and we are in the midst of correcting it.
Thank you,
Terri Nichols
Regional Sales Manager
Four Paws, TFH/Nylabone
I notice the toy is still on Four Paws web site this morning:
http://www.fourpaws.com/products/pimple-ball-with-bell.htm
My heart just collapsed when I watched the video of Chai. I am so sorry that this has happened to you. I will be boycotting ALL Four Paws products and have already sent off an email to them telling them so. I wish you and your baby lots of hugs and success in winning a victory for all of us dog lovers and our furried friends.
I am in tears after reading what happened to Chai and Cole. My condolences to you both, and I'm praying Chai continues to recover.
Thank you for blogging about this. My golden retriever has a similar toy (made by a different manufacturer). As soon as I get home from work, I'm throwing it away.
The response from Four Paws infuriates me. A dog is not just a pet -- it's a member of the family. They're clearly not taking these losses seriously.
Please give Chai a kiss for me!! I wish there were more people like you out there! Chai would love to hang with my Princess, STAR- a female Yellow Lab who cried when I read her Chai's story!
Much Love, Kisses & Scooby Snack's Chai!!!
Love, Star, Hershey & BuddyMann
rennahdchk@gmail.com
I was so upset I could not even
watch the whole video.
I was just crying!!!!!
Prayers to all of you and hope that
Chai is with you for a long time
Will send a letter to Four Paws,
Never buy a product from them again. Tell the Pet stores in my
area about it, and let everyone
I can know about this......
I belong to a group Etsy for Animals and will let them know about this.....
First and foremost, my heart goes out to you, Chai, and all the other dogs and their families that have suffered from this product. You will be happy to know that according to a Snopes posting dated 8/27/08, Four Paws is withdrawing the product from the market. (http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/pimpleball.asp). While it appears that it may be reintroduced to the market, they are supposedly going to inspect all of these balls, purge the defective ones, and revamp their process. Definitely something to watch.
From the company web site:
and we are sending Executive Vice President Barry Askin to personally inspect the manufacturer's facility in order to make sure that the defect has been corrected.
So they booked a flight to China for him then to do this?
Four Paws is also changing the packaging of its Pimple Balls with Bells to make it easier to inspect them for potential defects and we are individually inspecting every one of the toys in inventory in order to identify any that may be defective.
Oh. I see, so only NOW after many thousands of people and all the bad press net-wide over weeks while the product was still being sold on their web site, they decide to recall! and only NOW are they going to actually do quality control and inspect these?
Sorry four paws, this corporate charade over the past several weeks has already done the damage, I will make it a point to NEVER buy any four paws products- ever again, I don't care if the CEO personally runs every ball over his desk to inspect them, but he can stick those balls up a certain body orifice- all 500,000 of them.
My heart goes out to you and Chai - what a lucky puppy he is to have such a loving and caring owner! I was appalled by your story, and as a dog owner myself, I was compelled to communicate to Four Paws Inc. FYI, here are copies of communication I them, and their response to date:
SENT AUGUST 23RD, 2008:
ATTENTION: Mr Allen Simon
I note that you continue to sell your Pimple Ball with Bell dog toy, in spite of the wide spread story (spreading world wide at a fascinating pace) about Chai, a 10 year old lab mix, that allegedly suffered an injury to his tongue while playing with this toy in June of this year. The story states that the injury was so serious that his tongue had to be removed. Apparently other dog owners have also come forward with similar stories, one as early as 2005. The pet owner in the 2005 incident indicated that their dog had to be put down, and that after contacting your company, was given assurances that "the ball design would be changed".
I would be very surprised if you were not aware of this story (true or otherwise), as well as the others. and as a past customer, I want to know what your position is regarding this toy, so that I (and countless others that I have spoken to about this story), can decide if I will ever purchase any of your products again. I am a firm believer in hearing both sides to a situation when I need to make a decision like this. The fact that you continue to offer the product for sale would indicate you do not believe it to be unsafe, or that you do not care if it isn't. I want to know which it is.
If you cannot offer a compelling argument to defend your position and your product, and if it is determined that the story as presented is indeed true in every detail, I intend to do my utmost to ensure as many media outlets as possible, as many retailers as possible, as many veterinarians as possible, and as much of the general population as possible (via the wonderful world of email), are made aware of this horrific story, and what appears to date to be your lack of an appropriate response, in spite of your slogan "the brand you can trust since 1970".
Given the seriousness of this issue, I do not think it is unreasonable to expect your reply within a weeks time from the date of this communication.
Thank you,
Bev Haggett.
RESPONSE RECEIVED AUGUST 27TH, 2008
Thank you very much for your message.
Like you, Four Paws is deeply concerned about reports of injuries suffered by some dogs as a result of a manufacturing defect in some of our Pimple Ball with Bell toys.
We want you to know that we have stopped shipping these toys to our distributors and we have asked them to have retailers remove the toys from their shelves immediately and return them at our expense.
We have also stopped all shipments of the toys from the manufacturer, and we are sending Executive Vice President Barry Askin to personally inspect the manufacturer’s facility in order to make sure that the defect has been corrected.
We are also changing the packaging of the Pimple Balls to make it easier to inspect them for potential defects, and we are individually inspecting every one of the toys in our inventory in order to identify any that may be defective.
Thank you again for your message and your concern. Please be assured that the safety and well being of pets is our top priority and we are doing everything we can to make sure that this problem is solved as quickly as possible.
Sincerely Yours
Four Paws Products
Allen Simon
President/CEO
MY REPLY TO THEIR EMAIL:
Thank you for your prompt reply. I appreciate (and am relieved) that you are taking appropriate steps to ensure that no other animals are subjected to such needless pain and suffering, and even death, simply because they played with your toy. However, what assurances to I have as a customer, that you will (have) in fact take the steps you outline, when it appears that you gave similar assurances to a dog owner in 2005, after he advised his dog allegedly had to be put down because of the injury to his tongue? As well, I expect there are countless number of unsuspecting dog owners allowing their dogs to play with balls already purchased. I would expect that you widely announce an immediate recall of these balls, via your web site, by posting a recall notice at all retail locations, and via the media. I would also expect to hear that you will cover all medical and other related expenses incurred by dog owners who have suffered financially because of this product. Additionally, and last but not least, I would expect that a public apology be given to Chai's dog owner (and other's before him) for your lack of appropriate and timely action, and for your insurance company's callous handling of the claim.
It is only when there is certainty of your actions, as indicated above, that I, as a customer, can accept that you sincerely regret what has happened and stand behind your slogan of trust. All of these actions can be detailed in a press release, on your web site, and posted at all your retailer locations.
I await your response to this communication.
Thank you.
Bev Haggett
and also FYI, I sent the following email to snopes,com
First of all - THANK YOU for providing such a valuable service! I can't tell you how many times I have emailed back to my friends to tell them what they have sent me was a hoax and next time to check with snopes.com before forwarding to others!
I have checked your site and did not find any information on a dog named Chai and the injury he sustained playing with a "pimple ball with bell" toy distributed by a company by the name of Four Paws Inc.
Here is the link I was sent:
http://www.thechaistory.blogspot.com/
It would be great if you could investigate this story. It tells such a heartbreaking story, I am sure as it spreads far and wide, others will be checking your site for authentication. I am emailing the company to find out what they have to say as well.
Bev Haggett
I am so sorry for what you both have gone through. Fortunately, you are Chai's guardian and have done everything possible to help him. It takes a special kind of person to take on what you have, and what will continue I am sure, to be a difficult time ahead. Thanks for taking the life of Chai seriously and giving him a chance.
I am concerned about the kong toys. It seem to me that the 4-paws toy is a nock off of the Kongs that have been very popular for many years. Should we be concerned with those toys? Have any of your vets mentioned that? Please, any information that you have on the kongs, let us know.
Please please contact the TV and newsprint media, your story has got to be nationalized.There still might be a good number of people out there who still do not know about the horrible danger's of this so-called toy and more so the way that this company has chosen to handle your case and their treatment towards you.
All of the major TV news outlets have consumer reporter's and ch.11's Help Me Howard is extremely god and helped me with a case.Email your story/blog to them all, someone should respond.The NY Post (I know,I know) seems to be particularly pet/animal friendly and you might approach them too.
Danille I am paramedic and a long-time dog owner and I certainly wouldn't have known to put another hole in the damn ball.You should heed the expression that says that if one has nothing nice to say that nothing should be said at all.Ever heard of KARMA? Well the same non-compassion and extreme cruelty that you showed in your tirade will be shown to you- I only hope that none of your pets are standing in your way when it is.
Chai and your person- you will both be in my daily prayers.Please let us know if your person has set up a site for donations.I think a good number of us would like to contribute to it.
I hope that your health continiues to improve.
Blessings to you both.
Thanks so much for sharing this tragedy so that others can avoid these products. My heart goes out to you and to Chai.
And thank you to bev (commenter above) for sending the message to snopes. That's how I read about it this morning, and thousands of other people will see it there too.
Hey just want to let you know I was very alarmed and saddened when I read Chai's story. I promtly wrote to the company and got this reply:
Thank you very much for your message.
Like you, Four Paws is deeply concerned about reports of injuries suffered by some dogs as a result of a manufacturing defect in some of our Pimple Ball with Bell toys.
We want you to know that we have stopped shipping these toys to our distributors and we have asked them to have retailers remove the toys from their shelves immediately and return them at our expense.
We have also stopped all shipments of the toys from the manufacturer, and we are sending Executive Vice President Barry Askin to personally inspect the manufacturer’s facility in order to make sure that the defect has been corrected.
We are also changing the packaging of the Pimple Balls to make it easier to inspect them for potential defects, and we are individually inspecting every one of the toys in our inventory in order to identify any that may be defective.
Thank you again for your message and your concern. Please be assured that the safety and well being of pets is our top priority and we are doing everything we can to make sure that this problem is solved as quickly as possible.
Sincerely Yours
Four Paws Products
I cannot tell you how much I feel for you, and for poor Chai. I, also, have written to Four Paws to announce that I will join the boycott. I am a GOOD boycotter (if there is such a word), as I do NOT give in and forgive & forget. I still will not purchase any Chinese imports, and the Iams company will never receive another penny from our family - we lost one of our 4 footed babies to the pet food fiasco.
You hang in there, and don't give in. I know it is tough, but you ARE making a difference, and you are probably saving some other 'Chai' from pain or death.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Goddess bless.
I work at a Wilco Farm store in Oregon and after seeing your story and others like it I investigated the toy in question where I work. There is also a barbell that looks like it could suction on the tongue too. Doesn't look like tgey recalled them, just gave them new packaging. At first glance it looked as though they had fixed the problem by putting a small hole in the other end. However, when looked at closely the whole does not go all the way through. Why put a hole there if your not going to go thruogh and prevent the succution problem. Retarded! Anyway, I brought the problem to the attention of my boss (cool guy) and he had me get the code #s and sent a e-mail out to the company buyer and hopefully we will be able to pull them off the shelf. If businesses refuse to sell them then the company will hurt. One business can make an impact like hundreds of customers. No one buys the toy for the shelf and then no one is buying their toys. I will update when I get more info on what our company is doing. Sending your story to big and small businesses may make quite an impact. Eveyone encourage your local pet supply place to boycott. Hit them where it hurts
I work at a Farm store in Oregon. After reading your dogs story I decided to check out the product in question in our store and see if they had made any changes. It appears that they decided to put a hole in the other end. However, it does not go all the way through. Retarded. I brought the defect to my managers attention and he asked me to get the product #s and he e-mailed the buyer for our company. We may not get them anymore. Yeah! I will update more after I know. If companies refuse to by their toys they will have to do something to fix it. No stores buying it and no profits through sales. One large company (ie Petco or PETSMART) that boycotts their toys will be worth several hundred of us regular folks. If we all inform our local pet supply stores they will also go a long way toward the total recall and remake of this dangerous toy.
Please post the Four Paws contact information, phone numbers, corporate address, emails especially.. and create a template of sorts so that all of us and our friends can send a letter to them telling them to Post a RECALL IMMEDIATELY on their website and notify their distribution channel to pull product and post a warning.
It isn't much but I posted about this on my Livejournal asking folks to write to 4 paws and let them know they needed to step up to the plate for Chai.
I am going to forward this on to my group for English Setters as well as our Labrador Retreiver group. I will also be in contact with many fellow dog owners at our local game fair to spread the word. Prayers for you both.
Thank you for this information.I will pro actively pass it along to my clients. Companies need to "get" that while money may help with vet bills--we are talking about a family member not just a pet and responsible action needs to be taken to prevent the problem from happening again.
A big pat and wishes for a continued speedy recovery for your pup!
Katybeth,PPS
Professional Pet Spoiler
www.camprunapup.com
How is Chai doing?
This was shocking! I hope Chai is doing better. Yes, as pet owners we should all be responsible for our pets safety, but come on people the toy was clearly defective. Chai is getting the best care possible and that is great!!!
Oh, and please stop it with the McDonalds hot coffee thing. The 80 year woman put the coffee cup between her knees and opened up the lid to put cream and sugar in when it spilled and the car was parked, not moving. I've had something similar happen to me before - the lid doesn't quite fit on the cup and you lift up the cup and the lid pops off! She got third degree burns on her legs and groin and required skin grafts - yes skin grafts on your groin area - painful!!!. She sued McDs for the cost of her hospital bills which was like $20K and they offered her like $500 or something cuz they knew they were wrong. Then went she went to court a jury of her peers awarded her that millions of dollars amount which she didn't actually get - she got like $500K. Even though the jury said she was partially at fault for spilling it, it was still mostly McDs fault for serving 180F temp. coffee to the public without better warning that their coffee is served that hot - as compared to other food establishments.
Chai had a very bad accident and unfortunately the only way the little ppl can get big corps to listen is to sue or boycott. Money the only language they understand. They could really care less if we write/email them a hundred thousand letters. They do however care if their profits go down.
Just take responsibility Four Paws! Jeez your company MAKES pet toys grab a clue - devoted pet owners will stop buying your products if they think your products are not safe. Or better yet, stop making the pet toys and just stick to wee-wee pads.
GO CHAI!!! OUR BEST WISHES TO YOUR STEADY RECOVERY! Best wishes to your devoted owner too!
I felt a sense of relief when my friend said she threw away one of these "toys", as a direct response to my email, which was a direct response to your post. Who knows how many pets you have saved from agony? Thank you for your post. Bullies still exist, and we still have to stand up to them! Best wishes to you and Chai
I was so incredibly saddened by your story but at the same time I'm glad Chai has owners/parents like you! I sent off my letter and did get a response. Unfortunately I didnt realize that they knew way in advance about the problem. I actually thanked them for responding! Of course I will send another letter about their knowledge of this since 2005! I havent seen any updated vidoe on Chais progress but am glad to hear of it. I was wondering if youultimately thought up new ways to help him drink. After watching the video it seemed that the bowl needed to be tipped a bit so that his nose wouldnt get in the way of his trying to suck up some water. I'd love to see an updated video of Chai.
Keep us posted of his progress....he's in our hearts!
I've been uploading Chai's picture and attaching to every single ad for a Pimple Ball, Teaser Ball or Dental Dumbbell so people can see what these products do to animals!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-media/product-gallery/B0006L2O52/ref=cm_ciu_pdp_images_all
I am so sorry for your pain and sorrow. No beloved pet/companion/friend deserves this lack of concern and irresponsibility by the corporation that has made millions of $$ from responsible pet owners.
I cannot say anything more than has already been said. Please accept my sorrow and my pledge to inform as many people I can about this preventable negligence.
I am informing those who are providing such "toys" to our canine soldiers in Iraq and Afganistan too. I am informing our local humane societies, newspapers and the businesses we support for our companions needs.
I'm sure that there will be a judgement day and am confident that they will have to answer to God for this.
God bless and keep you and heal Chai.
I first read your story this morning and immediately sent my email to Four Paws. At the time I checked their website and noticed that the pimple balls were pictured, but not listed as available for sale.
I just received a reply from Haley Birk, office manager at Four Paws, and it continued a link to their website. I was happy to see that there is now a warning and link to info explaining that the toy is defective--yeah!!!
I am sure many people who have the toys are still unaware of the danger, so I know we need to continue to get the word out.
I am glad to hear that Chai is doing so well. I look forward to hearing more positive updates about his health and about the response Four Paws gives you. If it is okay, I am going to put the link to Chai's blog on my own blog.
Best wishes!
aawwww poor Chai.
What happened to Chai is terrible.
I feel so bad for what you and Chai went through.
Hugs for the both of you :)
I will pass this on.
OMG! this is insane! Good luck man!
I am with you!
I cannot bring myself to watch the videos, the photos alone brought enough tears.
I also have a 7 year old Lab mix Mabel,who had the same ball. Thank God that she would never play with it, which is very rare because she loves toys! I finally gave the ball to another dog and I am calling the owner to make sure that the ball is disposed of.
Money cannot make up for the pain and suffering of any animal or human being.
I have sent the boycott email to those bastards and will never buy their products again. I am also sending the horrible story to everyone that I know.
GOD BLESS YOU CHAI and KEEP FIGHTING!
I am so sorry for the loss of Cole. My words can't express what I feel. If any of this happened to Molly I don't know what I would do.
I watched the video of Chai in pain and I cried the whole way through it. I don't know how you got through those first few weeks? Yes I, do you do what you have to for your babies. I am so proud of you. You are saving countless lives you are doing what this piece of crap company should be doing.
Have you thought of going to Help me Howard to have them take the products off the shelves. I see your from New York. Just an idea.
You take care of your baby and I am going to make sure that I do not
have this toy at home and that I NEVER, EVER buy a Front Paws product. I will pass the word.
Give Chai a Kiss and a Hug from my German Shepard Molly and from me as
well.
God Bless you both
Hugs
Patti
So sorry to hear of the accident with Chai, I have emailed my concerns to Four Paws to voice my thoughts and will never buy another product from them. All my best wishes for you both.
P'nut
Mr. Allen Simon,
I have been asked, in support of the animals horribly injured by this product, to send you this email. Honestly, Mr. Simon, after reading the story of Chai and other dogs I have come to the following conclusion: Because your company has been long aware of the danger involved in this toy and chose to take no action of correction, as a frequent customer, I will no longer buy anything from your company. If you could be so negligent in an instance that could easily have been fixed, I can have no faith in any product you sell.
Yours truly,
Judyann Joyner Pulis
I am in support of a boycott of your company until you recall the product pimple ball with bell,
as it is designed in such a way that irreparable damage can be caused by its use.
I recently purchased a four paws seat belt for my dog. I'm taking it back tomorrow. I am disgusted and appalled at their carelessness and i'll make a point never to purchase their products again. Good luck to you and the best to your beautiful dog.
Despite how horrid all of this is, I am so happy that Chai didn't end up a fatality. I'm also happy that you made all of this so public, and that the public had enough heart to pass it on to their friends and so on. Nice to see that the company removed the sale of that "toy"...well done!
Also, I watched the video of Chai post-op. While I'm sure his pain level was huge, did anyone mention the effect of that pain patch as "Dysphoria"? Looks and sounds very similar (but to a lesser degree) than what my dog experienced (with that pain patch) after her surgery.
Continued healing and blessings to you and Chai
I am so sorry what happened to Chai. I have 2 labs myself and they are my world. I just heard the story of what happened and started to do research. I know that the product has been recalled but it is not enough. I am sorry that had to happen to him, thank you for taking a stand to do something about all of this I hope Chai is doing a lot better even though it is many months late. I will be following the story on what is happening from here on out!
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