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Budweiser’s Commercial Wins 2014 Big Game #1 Ad…Again

Jeff Marginean — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 03:42:32 +0000

Thanks to our friends at the Today show here is a look by NBC’s Joe Fryer of how this great commercial was made. It took 8 trained puppies and 17 trained horses to get all of the shots needed for this touching 60 seconds.

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Wake Up America and Smell the Jerky!

Jeff Marginean — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 03:15:40 +0000

Hi everyone. Even though I have been taking a much needed break, my mind is not far from the articles and issues that surround folks and their pets. While writing this next book and doing a tremendous amount of filming this summer, I have been cruising the web and my emails semi-regularly and I have received many questions and requests for my opinion on the China Jerky fiasco that has been brewing for a long time now. Many pet owners attribute sickness and even the heartbreaking death of their beloved pets to the various brands of Chicken, Duck, and Yam Jerky treats. Now, although the companies manufacturing the “Wagon Train,” “Canyon Creek,” “Milo’s Kitchen,” to name a few that have been brought to my attention, reportedly are finding no issues with their suppliers and see no reason to recall what they are determining to be a safe product.

(I ran across a good article at NBC.com about this.)

To answer the many emails I received on this. Butch did not die from eating jerky from any of these companies. I had put him to sleep due to the increasing bad effects from his brain tumor and I write more about this in my forthcoming book. Butch loved this jerky and I had fed it to him sparingly as a nice treat. The only problem I had (and he had) with the jerky is that he would bite too much off at once and choke while trying to swallow too big of a chunk. I remedied this by further drying out the jerky in the oven until it was crunchier for him and he could break it into smaller bits.

Do I think that the jerky caused his tumor? There is a 99% chance that these or any other type of treat did NOT cause his tumor. I always leave 1% possibility for everything because the older I get the more I learn that anything is possible no matter how improbable. The FDA and other officials are citing that the percentages of reported cases are so low (roughly 2200 sicknesses and about 360 dogs and 1 cat have died because of what the owners think came from the Jerky treats out of 15 million pets eating them) that it could be an intermittent thing or some peculiarity with these specific animals. On the My Buddy Butch show I have heard of so many types of allergies and reactions in pets coming from MANY different types of store bought items that I can’t personally rule that out.

In any case, screw the percentages, if my pet that I love dies because of what I think is a Jerky treat or any other kind of commercial treat or commercial food for that matter, I would be on roof tops screaming to warn other folks about a potential problem. “I love my dog or cat more than anything and I fed it something and it died.” This is devastating to everyone that has lost a pet and trying to determine the cause is often as upsetting as the death itself.

So, coming from someone that has absolutely no allegiance to any pet related companies, let me give you a few tips that I think you will be able to use…today!

1^st – If you don’t trust the jerky, and I don’t care what company name is on it, don’t buy the product if it says “MADE IN CHINA” on the package. Jerky treats have not been around all that long for pet consumption. Pets have survived long before Jerky treats showed up on the market and I’m guessing your pet will be just fine if you don’t give them jerky!

2^nd – Buy Jerky products made in the USA from ingredients grown in the USA. Have we already forgotten the big Pet Food recall in 2007 with Melamine laced pet foods made in China that killed many animals that ate it? I have personally stopped buying ANYTHING that says “MADE IN CHINA.” If there are no USA alternatives I make it myself (including toys) or we did without. With the state of our economy…don’t get me started on that…I am willing to pay a few extra dollars on a product made in the USA. Butch was worth it to me and I personally think enough of my money is being sent to China by our government I don’t have to give it to companies for them to send it there also…but that’s just me.

3^rd – The small companies spring up with a good idea and bring a good product to market whether it be food or treats. They gain popularity because they are using good quality ingredients from here in the USA where they know the freshness of the produce and the supplier personally in most cases. Then they are bought up by the larger pet companies who have supply chains around the world and put together ingredients in large scale. They can’t possibly be monitoring everything going on in all of the factories where items are produced in foreign countries. Don’t get me wrong. The large pet companies do a lot of good in research and product development that have improved their products over the years. They have no interest in putting products on the market that kill or sicken pets of any kind and they do what they can to prevent it. Their operations are so immense that unfortunately sometimes things slip through the cracks. I worked for a multibillion dollar worldwide company outside the pet industry for many years so I know how it works.

4^th – MAKE YOUR OWN JERKY! Even before Butch was ill I was cooking him foods and making him jerky in my own oven. I bought ingredients in my grocery store once a week. I fed him human grade food along with a good quality pet food. Some things I fed him raw, some things I cooked slightly rare. Jerky can be made from just about anything. Buy yourself a big roast or skinless chicken breast, cut it into thin strips, use any type of a rack on a cookie sheet to catch the grease and put it in the oven at 180 degrees for 4 to 5 hours. The result is Jerky that you KNOW is safe. It will even be dryer and more crunchy so your pet has less of a chance to choke on it.

5^th – learn to make some other types of treats. Buy a cheap cut of meat. Shoulder roast or other cut. Ask the butcher at your local grocery store if they have any discounted cuts they need to sell that day. You’ll be surprised at what they have discounted. One time they gave me a NY strip steak for $5.00 they needed to sell that day. I took it home cut it into small cubes (Butch was 25 pounds) sautéed it rare in a little olive oil and I had 4 small ziplock bags full of strip steak treats. BUY THAT IN A PET STORE! I froze 3 of the bags and they lasted almost a month. Few treats a day, they were SAFE, and they were much better for him than commercial treats.

With the price of meat, along with everything else going through the roof do the math. You are paying less making some treats or jerky yourself than you will buying marginal treats laced with chemicals of all kinds in a pet store.

I will be posting more articles on this and other items regarding pets, pet care, pet products and other items that I have opinions on in the near future. As I get closer to a release date for the book and the other filming that has been done I will let everyone know! THere is going to be some sweeping changes to the My Buddy Butch Brand in the coming months and next year so stop back again to check on the progress.

Bye for now,

Jeff Marginean

My Buddy Butch Show 6/16/2012

Jeff Marginean — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 01:16:27 +0000

Hour 1

Did you know that 5500 are dogs euthanized every day ….yes every day in the USA? Mark Barone and Marina Dervan, have created ‘An Act of Dog’ which is Non-Profit organization for the sole purpose of protecting the lives of our beloved Companions, by ensuring that all of America’s Shelters adopt the proven and successful lifesaving model. Mark has begun painting portraits of shelter dogs of which some have already been euthanized and some have been rescued. He will paint 5500 dogs, the same number of that are euthanized in one day as a tribute and to raise money for saving these dogs and other animals in shelters from being euthanized. These are two GREAT people who have set their own lives aside to dedicate their work to this cause. See more at Anactofdog.org and read about the meuseum being planned also. News and Announcements. Some stats on Euthanized pets annually from the ASPCA and HSUS.

Hour 2

The Cat Fanciers Association held there annual Great Lakes Regional Cat Show and competition last week in Ohio. Jeff had the opportunity for the first time in his life to attend a cat show and had a great time. This is a great outing for the whole family. Seth Baugh was his tour guide and really gave him an education on the different breeds and how the show actually works. It’s very different from a dog show but just as interesting to see the many different breeds being judged! Interviews from the cat show and Jeff gives his take on the different breeds. There are cat shows going on all over the country every weekend so get out and check it out if you like cats or are thinking of getting a cat. These folks are good people and ou won’t find anyone more knowledgable. See CFA.org for more info. News and announcements – New CPR study yields new solid evidence for the administration of this life saving technique for dogs & cats.

My Buddy Butch Show 6/9/2012

Jeff Marginean — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 01:00:22 +0000

Hour 1

Author Mark Raab joins Jeff to talk about his book “HOMER.” Mark talks about the book where Cliff Thompson discovers his puppy, Homer, has a gift. He can talk. A lot. When Beth and 10 year old son Kevin move in down the street, Homer thinks he may have found what he’s been wanting for so long–the love of a child. But did he? Great book and benefits the OSCAR Rescue where Mark has volunteered and has actually adopted dogs there!Cassie of O.S.C.A.R. in Sparta NJ Joins us for the rescue of the week segment. News and Announcements : OSU veterinary grief help hot-line discontinued May 31st. ASPCA has one if you need to talk to someone.

Hour 2

When do you know it’s time to take your Cat or Dog to the Emergency room? Jeff goes over a list sent to him by Dr. Edward Cooper who is the head of the OSU Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care facility, One of the Best in the country. ABC News ran a segment last week about New Jersey and many other states cracking down on distracted drivers with pets in their laps and roaming unrestrained in the cars! Listen in to see if your state is next to levy up to $1000 per infraction for this. There are inexpensive car harnesses available at the ASPCA web site and many others including local pet stores! Also in New Jersey a lawsuit has been filed for salmonella poisoning of an 8 month old baby allegedly caused by the recalled dry dog food that we discussed a few weeks ago! Here it comes!

My Buddy Butch Show 6/2/2012

Jeff Marginean — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 00:52:35 +0000

Hour 1

Have you ever wanted to know what exactly an “Animal Communicator” actually does? Well, Paula Brown, a great friend of the show gave Jeff the gift of a communication with Butch and Jeff captured the conversation. Paula is a much sought after animal communicator and you may have seen her on TLC during the episode with the woman who wanted to clone her dog. Whether you believe it or you are a skeptic of the after life we think you will find this interesting and entertaining. Jeff gves his thoughts and talks about some of the “spooky” things that Paula told him. Interesting if nothing else!

Hour 2

Jeff is currently filming some of the footage for the My Buddy Butch TV Show! He had the opportunity to get out and around to a few pet events and was even chosen to judge one of them. As he was looking around he saw many of the cardinal rules of pet parenting being broken with regard to the heat so he wants to take some time for reminding you about hot day hazards for cats and dogs. Also, Jeff discusses “I’ll Have Another’s” Success by winning the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness while wearing nasal strips…yes Nasal Strips almost like the ones you wear to keep from snoring! Well, guess what he is not going to be able to wear those in the Belmont race on June 9th in New York…Jeff has serious doubts this horse will finish first without them on the longest of the three races. News and announcements…feral cats with fleas are spreading Typhus and a child has already contracted it. Be careful with your pets during flea season because they can harm your whole family!

My Buddy Butch Show 5/19/2012

Jeff Marginean — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 00:47:38 +0000

Hour 1

“FISH TANK KINGS” is Nat Geo Wild’s latest interesting series about a company called “Living Color” based out of Ft. Lauderdale Florida that actually builds custom fish tanks around the country. Well, they don’t actually build them all the way ”AROUND THE COUNTRY.” There are already fish tanks around the country they’re called “OCEANS!” This show has been getting a lot of Buzz the last few weeks and Jeff has Jose Blanko stopping by to talk about some of the work they have been doing getting ready for this. One interesting project was the Florida Marlins baseball team Aquarium built right into the backstop behind home plate….yes the backstop! Listen in as Jeff finds out about some of the other interesting projects they have done and how to get young people started in the hobby of fish aquariums. Also, Jeff talks in depth about the voluntary Diamond Pet Food Recall, the brands affected and gives you some tips on how to stay safe and actually kill salmonella bacteria that may be in your and your pet’s food.

Hour 2

Getting back into the swing of things and catching up with all of the My Buddy Butch regulars Jeff talks with Certified Animal Behavior consultant Darlene Arden. Darlene’s latest book ” The Complete Cat’s Meow” has won another award and rightly so. YEARS of research and personal experience went into the writing of this book on the care of Felines of all ages, and Darlene shares with us some of the information to help you help your cat. Darlene stays with Jeff the entire hour and they trade opinions on the $60,000 custoday battle going on for a dog between a divorced couple…It’s a real “He said She said” for the pet world! Don’t forget the law looks at your pet like a car, or a stereo, are things changing?

My Buddy Butch Show 5/12/2012

Jeff Marginean — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 00:43:21 +0000

Hour 1

This week - Butch Passed away on May 1st. Jeff is now flying solo for the time being and he talks about what it was like caring for Butch during this difficult period and the responsibility that we pet owners must have if we are to do the best we can. After all, If the rolls were reversed and it was possible for Butch to care for Jeff in this situation…we have no doubt that he would do everything that he could….just like we should do everything that we can to help our pets when they are sick or coming to the end of their truly short lives!

Hour 2 – Jeff Continues the discussion and talks about the future of the My Buddy Butch Show without our namesake and reason for being ”Butch” and how things will go on. He introduces the TV show and talks about how Butch’s brother “Bosco” will be filling in for Butch until “Junior” comes along. “Bosco” is the anti-Butch! HA! He is the exact opposite of Butch and maybe that’s why they loved each other so much. They were best buddies and never fought. Bosco (and mom Buttons) is very sad without Butch around. Jeff’s second book has now been shelved in favor of another book discussing these current issues with Butch and what Jeff did and perhaps might have done differently if given the chance. So here we go again…Jeff will be training a new puppy! Taking us through the entire process of Picking a new partner for the show and TV show, Training this little guy how to follow in KING BUTCH’s paw steps and hopefully live a LONG HEALTHY life! In the mean time keep a look out for Butch’s Buddy of the week! Also Jeff wants to mention the Recall on Diamond Pet Food for Salmonella…of course…

My Buddy Butch Show 4-14-2012

Jeff Marginean — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 20:51:28 +0000

This week – Hour 1 – Darlene Arden, an award-winning writer, lecturer, Certified Animal Behavior Consultant has written many books including “The Irrepressible Toy Dog,” and “The Angel Memorial Animal Hospital Book of Wellness and Preventive Care for Dogs,” and Jeff is proud to have her as a friend. Darlene joins Jeff to talk about Cats, aging cats, kittens, cats of all kinds as we go a little deeper into her latest award winning book ”The Complete Cat’s Meow!” Jackson Madnick of Pearl’s Premium Ultra Low Maintenance Grass Seed is back and this time he brought company. “Carlos,” who is a landscaper in Southern California and has been using this new grass seed not only for clients, but also on his own lawn at home with outstanding results. Less watering, less mowing, less fertilizing, it’s a win-win for everyone! Everyone but Jeff and Butch because he likes to mow and after he is done Butch likes to run through the sprinkler! Oh Well, they can still do those things but at least they won’t HAVE TO! News and Announcements.

Hour 2 – Dr. Ernie Ward “America’s Pet Advocate” joins Jeff to talk about the dangers of obesity, how to perform a physical examination, dealing with behavioral issues, answering pet owner’s questions about surgery or how to provide better care for aging pets. He has been featured on the Today Show, several shows on Animal Planet, NBC Nightly News, Nightline, CNN and has appeared numerous times on the Rachael Ray Show since 2007. Dr. Ernie discusses new Dog and Cat Food formulas being introduced by Iams for “Senior- Plus” pets. Because Dr. Ernie (a pioneer in senior animal health) and IAMS both have a passion for educating pet parents about lifestage nutrition, they’ve teamed together to share with Americans how best to keep four-legged companions healthy, playful and active throughout their lifetime, especially once they reach the double-digit age bracket. Pamela Haffner also joins Jeff to talk about a great new on-line support community called Pets-Life.com for the pet loving people trying to take the best care of their pets possible! Connect with members of the pet-caring community in your area to create a support network for yourself, your pet(s) or your pet-related business. You can also log-in to redeem free gifts. All in all, a great on-line place to meet other people, help them with their pet problems, and even get help with your pet issues…or just have a nice chat! News and announcements.

Don’t forget to sign up for our FREE Newsletter “The Chronicle.” You can catch All our tweets at Twitter! don’t forget to check out our MBB RADIO Facebook page. Become a friend of the show! We would love to have you with us. go to our Archive page to download mp3, Apple itunes, or zune versions of all of our shows! Tweet

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National Geographic Channel Premiers “SUPERFISH: Blue Fin Tuna” This Thursday!

Jeff Marginean — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 23:57:10 +0000

I had the opportunity to speak with Marine Biologist Rick Rosenthal today about his work filming the Blue Fin Tuna. Now, everyone that is into wildlife knows that National Geographic is second to none when it comes to bringing interesting wildlife documentaries to the screen. This is no exception and Rick, who did the actual filming of these HUGE animals and has worked on other shows such as “Blue Planet” will join me on the My Buddy Butch Show next week to talk about his experiences. Didyou know that these fish can reach 10 feet in length and weigh in at 1500 pounds? Incredible! Did you also know that like so many other species in the world today their numbers are dwindling very fast? We need to educate the public (and governments) about this so we can save these great creatures from extinction. In the mean time, you can catch “SUPERFISH: Blue Fin Tuna” on the National Geographic Channel Thursday April 12th at 9pm Eastern and Pacific and again on April 19th. Oh Yeah, Listen in to some of the conversation I had with Rick on the MBB Extra.

My Buddy Butch Show 3-31-2012

Jeff Marginean — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 21:43:07 +0000

Hour 1 – Gary Nice CEO and founder of the National Canine Cancer Foundation checks in with Jeff to give an update on some of the things they are up to. They have been busy conducting ongoing studies and cancer research, one of the most recent of which is happening at the University of Minnesota. He also talks about where some of these studies are held and some of the upcoming events that are happening around the country. This cancer research not only benefits the dogs but also humans in way you can’t imagine. Jeff discusses the winter cleanup happening in backyards everywhere due to the warm weather we have had. News and announcements. Cat falls 19 stories…out a window…that was opened to let in some fresh air…”DO I EVEN NEED TO SAY ANYTHING ABOUT THIS?” Jeff exclaims listen in!

Hour 2 – Carol Caprita of Woodside Pet Cemetery in Ohio joins Jeff to talk about pet cemeteries around the country the growing popularity of these facilities. She also talks about the history of Pet Cemeteries and they go back longer than you might think. Pre Need arrangements are also a topic that she knows much about and she gives us a few tips to prepare for the inevitable and makes it easier to deal with it when the time comes. (Butch is coming along fine by the way so he doesn’t need this yet!) It’s an important issue that we will all need to tackle sooner or later. Veterinarians around the country have been sent a letter regarding Wellness exams for dogs and cats and they are to pass on the importance of these to clients…Jeff let’s us in on some of the information. News and Announcements – “Pink Slime” Mmmm, Mmmmm doesn’t that sound good!?! If they are putting this stuff in our ground beef can you even begin to imagine what they are putting in our pet’s foods? Well, Jeff used to be a Butcher’s assistant as an after school job when not playing sports while in high school and knows what this is…it’s not as bad as they are making it sound IF it is being prepared correctly.