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Purina Better With Pets Summit 2016 #LetsLiveBig

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Disclosure-“I am currently a member of the Purina Better with Pets and this post is part of my involvement. While Purina has provided me with materials and necessary resources to complete various activities, all statements and sentiments on My Brown Newfies are my own”

A few months after Leroy was diagnosed with IBD I remember getting a text from one of my veterinarian friends.

She was at a CE (continuing education seminar) up in Columbus and it just so happened that this CE was mainly focusing on intestinal disorders, specifically IBD, and her text said, “I wish you were here with me. This seminar has you written all over it and I know you would love it.”

Throughout most of the weekend she sent me texts about things that they were talking about that pertained to Leroy’s condition. She even sent me a few screenshots of what was listed in her book, doubled circled with Leroy’s name written under it bold letters.

She wasn’t the vet that was treating Leroy but she was super excited to be able to pass along the information to me.

I remember one text that she sent me had to do with the food that they said had worked the best with dogs that had IBD after many studies. It was a prescription food, one that I was familiar with because Leroy was on it in the beginning of his illness.

What was interesting about this was that this seminar was being put on by a big dog food company but the food they mentioned was not theirs. It was another big dog food manufacturer. I thought that was interesting and it really showed me that the people that are doing these studies and holding these seminars are really doing it to better the lives of dogs.

I know that many people aren’t fans of big named dog food manufacturers and everyone has their reasons. I’m not afraid to say that I am a fan of them.

I need them because my dog needs them.

My dog needs scientists from top research facilities. veterinarians, therapists and executives from national organizations  funding and running these studies. My dog’s health depends on them.

I need them to keep studying IBD and finding ways to improve the lives of dogs that have this condition.

I think many people overlook that need until, well…….until they need it for themselves.

That’s why I’m happy to share with you a little information about the fourth annual Purina Better With Pets Summit that was held on October 18th in Brooklyn, New York. Purina is one of the those companies that is investing in the future health of dogs.

I was invited to attend the seminar by Purina but unfortunately had to cancel due to personal reasons. I was so bummed because I’ve been wanting to attend this event for the past 4 years and I finally got an invite and had to cancel!

Purina was kind enough to pass along to me what was covered in the Summit so here it goes!

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PR Newswire – BROOKLYN, N.Y. (Oct. 19, 2016)
Nestlé Purina, a global leader in pet care, hosted its fourth annual Better with Pets Summit at the Brooklyn Expo Center in New York City on Tuesday, October 18, bringing together pet community experts and leaders across the nation to explore how pets and people are living bigger and better lives thanks to new research and innovation that will shape the future of pet care.

Featuring three interactive panel discussions, the Better with Pets Summit examined topics that continue to affect pet care and wellness including the evolving role of pets and their impact on people’s well-being, nutritional innovation that will allow pets to live healthier lives, and demystifying pet nutrition quality and safety standards.

“At Purina, we use our scientific resources and passion to give pets bigger lives and in return, help improve quality of life for pets and people,” said Nina Leigh Krueger, president at Purina U.S. for Nestlé Purina PetCare Company. “For four years now the Better with Pets Summit has showcased the latest advancements of the pet care community and raised awareness of topics that are fundamental to the well-being of pets and people. By bringing together the brightest minds and helping encourage these conversations to take place, we are working to create a better future for our pets.”

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At the summit, Purina also revealed that after a nine-year longevity study, the company’s research team has developed a proprietary nutritional blend proven to improve and extend the lives of cats ages seven and older. Purina’s latest product innovation can be found in Purina Pro Plan Prime Plus™ and will be available starting in early 2017.

Purina also announced it is teaming up with Mayo Clinic on a study the clinic is leading to measure the benefits of animal assisted therapy as a way to reduce pain and depression while improving quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia.

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A wide range of expert panelists gave the audience a unique perspective through their knowledge and experiences. These individuals included scientists from top research facilities, veterinarians, therapists, and executives from national organizations who are leading the charge in improving the lives of pets and the people who love them. The three panels and featured panelists were:

  • Demystifying Pet Nutrition Quality and Safety: Expert panelists discussed the effort, rigor and transparency that goes into the creation and distribution of pet food, and how pet foods are among the most regulated products on the market. Panelists included:
    • John Bear, the head of manufacturing for Purina; Shaun Kennedy, a University of Minnesota professor who has served as director of the National Center for Food Protection and Defense; and Steve Dale, a noted animal behavior consultant and host of the popular radio show, Pet World;
  • Why a Passion for Pets Builds a Better World: This panel discussed how connecting pets and people builds stronger communities that will improve the health and well-being of pets and people, and ultimately shape a better world. Panelists included:
    • Flip Becker with St. Louis Children’s Hospital, which recently opened the Purina Family Pet Center to allow patients to bring their pets to the hospital for visits; Nathaniel Fields, CEO of Urban Resource Institute, an organization that is committed to helping victims of domestic violence find a safe haven with their pets, and that on Oct. 12 opened the third Purina Pet Haven pet park at one of its New York-area shelters in Harlem; Dr. Brent Bauer, a Mayo Clinic researcher who discussed how pets can help the healing process for people; and Joanne Yohannan with North Shore Animal League America, an NYC-based pet shelter which offers a wide range of adoption, foster care and collaborative pet lifesaving efforts;
  • The Science of Innovative Nutrition for Pets: This panel explored how nutrition has the power to help manage certain health conditions to enable better lives and secure a better future for pets. Panelists included:
    • Renowned veterinarians Dr. Steve Ettinger (author and founder of Berkeley Veterinary Medical Group); Dr. Lisa Freeman (professor at Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine); Dr. Joe Wakshlag (professor at Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine); and Dr. Steve Hannah (director of molecular nutrition for Nestlé Purina);

Purina also honored key leaders and innovators in the pet industry who have made a difference in the lives of pets and their owners, including Kevin Li. Li, co-founder of PlayDate, a remote-controlled ball that enables users to play with their dogs or cats from any location, was presented with the Emerging Growth Award for his work in helping pets and their owners stay connected in an interactive, meaningful way. In addition, Purina announced the new Pet Care Innovation Prize, which was developed to advance the ambitions of passionate pet care entrepreneurs to improve the lives of pets and pet owners and help grow the pet care industry. Entrepreneurs have submitted entries, and winners will be announced in late 2016.

For more information about the Better with Pets Summit, visit www.purina.com/better-with-pets/summit.

I sure wish I would of been there in person to be apart of the Summit because these are the things that I get all geeked up about. I’m especially bummed that I missed The Science of Innovative Nutrition for Pets panel.

#LetsLiveBig

In light of Purina’s involvement with bettering the lives of pets they have created the hashtag #LetsLiveBig and encourage pet parents to use the #LetsLiveBig hashtag on social media and share how pets allow them to live bigger and better lives together.

Because pets don’t just make life better, they make it bigger.

One way that Leroy makes my life bigger is because he gets me out of the house and outside exploring. He’s the reason why I am able to stop and enjoy the beauty that surrounds me. In this day and age it doesn’t get much bigger or better than that.

Tell me how your pet allows you to live a bigger and better live!

 

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Monica Dingess

Monday 14th of November 2016

Purina seems to be a reliable place for pets. They’re so right when defining that pets make this life not only better but bigger. Since they’ve come, I really got the change. Thanks for suggesting this company.

Callie, Shadow, and Ducky's Mom

Sunday 30th of October 2016

As you might remember, I use one of the other "big guys" - as our vet calls them - pet food companies. All because their food helped Ducky recover from her IBS episodes when all else failed. And because it also helped settle Callie's and Shadow's sensitive tummies. The way I see it is "if my vet trusts their products, why shouldn't I?" I just hate the consistency of the prescription food. UGH! ? It sticks to everything it touches. Ewwww. She still has some issues, but those are due to eating a bit too fast and/or her anxieties.

Monika & Sam

Thursday 27th of October 2016

Sorry you weren't able to make the conference but clearly your passion and love for your guys provides you with ample opportunity to live big, dare I say gigantic! Sam's therapy work provide me with a great opportunity to get out amongst uprights, something I'm not very comfortable doing, but when he's there doing great work and how can I not come along for the ride?! :)

Leigh

Wednesday 26th of October 2016

So glad to see very happy pet parents in the photos. More campaign summits about bettering the health of our pets must be organized.

Jen

Wednesday 26th of October 2016

I agree!

Caren Gittleman

Wednesday 26th of October 2016

So YOU were the other person who had to cancel!! I did too! I had to cancel due to personal reasons and I became sooooo sick with that chest cold that I STILL have (going to the doctor today). Fabulous post!

Jen

Wednesday 26th of October 2016

I was! I had a medical issue that kept me from flying! I was so bummed! I hope you are feeling better Caren! We'll have to get together soon, hopefully at one of the pet blogging events!

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