A Helpful Service to Find Lost Pets

Nationwide, 12 million dogs and cats are lost every year, yet only 2 million are ever returned to their owners. But 911-PETS, a lost-pet service, may help.

Harper Leather Goods, a Chicago-based manufacturer of pet products, has introduced 911-PETS, a pet protection service with a computerized database in 50 states and Canada. The service has a 24-hour, seven-day 800 number.

With the 911-PETS system, the dog or cat wears a small identification tag on its collar. If the pet is lost, the finder can call the 800 number on the tag. Then a 911-PETS operator will notify the owner of the condition and location of the pet, so the animal and owner can be reunited.

Pet owners can update the 911-Pets national computer database if they change their address and/or phone number. They also can notify the service if they will be out of town on business or vacation, so they can be alerted in case of an emergency.

The 911-PETS service costs $10 to $12 for the I.D. tag and registration card, which is good for two years. A renewal for an additional two years is $4. You can buy 911-PETS in pet shops nationwide or by calling (800) 735-0385. In the Los Angeles area, it is available at selected Petland stores and Long Beach Feed and Pet store.

New Cat Litters in Recyclable Containers

Tidy Cat, which already manufacturers what many cat owners think is the best scooping cat litter on the market, has introduced two new litters--Tidy Scoop with baking soda and Tidy Scoop Multiple Cat, an extra-clumping one for homes with more than one cat.

Golden Cat Corp., the South Bend, Ind., parent company of Tidy Cat, is packaging its two new products in 100% recycled--and recyclable--plastic containers, one of the first products of any kind available nationally to be packaged in jugs made from 100% post-consumer recycled polyethylene.

The company decided to absorb the cost of its new jugs--more expensive than non-recycled ones--and not pass it on to consumers, says president Frank Krum. Each 7-pound jug of Tidy Scoop contains plastic recovered from two 1-gallon milk or water jugs.

Tidy Scoop with baking soda absorbs odors fast because its special natural granules coat and bind both solid and liquid waste, leaving the litter box fresher.

Tidy Scoop Multiple Cat has additional natural granules in the scooping litter that bind liquid into extra-hard balls that resist breakage--even with extra cat box traffic.

Tidy Scoop with baking soda and Tidy Scoop Multiple Cat litters ($3.79 for a 7-pound jug; $6.99 for 14-pound) are sold in supermarkets nationwide. Locally, you can find them at Lucky, Vons, Ralphs, Albertson’s and Stater Bros. If you can’t find them in your area, call Tidy Cat’s toll-free number (800) 835-6369.

‘Fruits and Vegetables’ Go Gourmet for Dogs

No more sticks and bones for old Fido. The latest designer dog treats are the Farm Boys, gourmet rawhide dog chews that look like fruits and vegetables.

From Novapet Inc. in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., the colorful chews come in small wooden boxes that resemble vegetable crates and include combinations of apples, bananas and lemons, tomatoes, carrots, celery, corn, eggplant, mushrooms and even pickles.

Novapet representatives say their rawhide chews are created fresh from “the hides of Argentine cattle, lightly scented with garlic.”

The company also produces the Bakery Boys, rawhide treats that look like bagels, pretzels, cannoli and croissants; the Ranch Boys, knots, twists or dumbbells; the Party Animal Pack, 5-pound baskets of pretzels, chips, honey rolls and novelties.

The Farm Boys pack ($16-$19) and other Novapet dog treats are available in pet shops nationwide. In the Los Angeles area you can find them at Kady’s Pet Depot in Santa Monica and Westwood, Steve’s Pet Store in Altadena, Discount Pet Center in San Fernando, Superpets in San Gabriel and Upland and the Pet Care Co. in Newport Beach, Huntington Beach; Hermosa Beach and Cerritos. If you can’t find them in your area, call Novapet’s toll-free number, (800) 446-NOVA.