First, if you dog has a Pimple Ball With Bell (what an icky name!), take it back wherever you bought it and ask them to refund your money for the dangerous thing, and take the rest off the shelves.
After reading about the injuries at least four dogs have experienced due to the absolute refusal of Four Paws Products Ltd. to modify or recall their product after being informed of these problems. One dog had to be euthanized.
The company and its insurer (I wish I knew their name) have been irresponsible, at the very least.
Please talk to pet stores in your area about removing the “pimple ball with bell” from their shelves. Warn other dog owners about the problem. Consider talking to your vet, so he or she can do the same.
Consider writing to Four Paws, as well. E-mail isn’t nearly as effective as a mailed or faxed letter, or even a (polite!) phone call.
I didn’t find the name of any executives on their web site, but will add that after I try calling tomorrow. Here’s the mail and phone information:
50 Wireless Blvd.
Hauppauge, NY 11788
Phone: (631) 434-1100
Fax: (631) 434-1183
Their parent company is Central Garden & Pet Company. The president of the “Pet Group” is James V. Heim
President of Pet Group
1340 Treat Boulevard, Suite 600
Walnut Creek, Callifornia 94597
Phone: (925) 948-4000
I haven’t found a fax number. Yet.
I called Four Paws to voice my concerns about the pimple ball. I was surprised they actually had a live person answering the phone; you don’t get that too often these days. It was explained to me that they are doing everything a company can do to resolve the pimple ball issue, and I believe them. They offered to pay the vet bills and then some. They have taken swift action to stop shipping and recall ALL the toys, not just the defective ones, from retailers and distributors nationwide- at their expense of course. They are taking full responsibility and showing care and consideration for all of their customers. The people at Four Paws can’t change what happened but it seems to me that they are doing what they can to prevent it from happening in the future. My doggies and I will continue to support Four Paws Products!
2008
Top Dawg