Sweetpea F.o.R. Animals
A non-profit, no-kill animal rescue

Warning - Beware of Cocoa Mulch and other Chocolate Products

Cocoa Mulch, which is a by-product of chocolate manufacture can contain a lethal ingredient called Theobromine. This is toxic for dogs and may also harm cats. It smells like chocolate, which attracts dogs, especially puppies, to eat it. There are two known canine deaths attributed to this product. Recently, some manufacturers have processed the cocoa bean shells used in this mulch to remove Theobromine. But unprocessed cocoa mulch carries no warning on the lable. In its "raw" form, cocoa mulch is very dangerous because the toxins are so concentrated and because the chocolate smell is so attractive to dogs. A 50 lb. dog would only have to eat about 4.5oz of unprocessed coca mulch to experience increased heart rate, 5.8 oz. to experience seizures, and 9oz. would cause death (source: Snopes.com). Smaller dogs would have to eat much less for the product to be toxic - a few tablespoonfuls.

In contrast, a 50 lb. dog could eat 7.5 oz. of milk chocolate without an upset tummy and up to a pound of milk chocolate bfeore it experience increased heart rate (which can be fatal in older dogs). 50 oz of mlik chocolate, 15oz of semisweet (dark) chocolate, or 5 oz. of baking chocolate can cause death in a 50 lb. dog. The dose for small dogs is much less, proportionate to their body weight. Keep all chocolate products out of the reach of dogs and consider avoiding the use of cocoa mulch in your garden.

Our Wish List

We are currently in need of
  dog and cat food, and dog biscuits
  cat litter
  toys for cats and dogs
  blankets and towels (no sheets please)
  cleaning supplies.

Check donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 897, Rutland, MA 01543.

Happy Tails

We recently heard more news about one of our adopted dogs, Bubba. Click here to see a very reluctant (but enjoyable) bathtime ... :-)

Sweetpea Sponsors

Sweetpea For Animals supports Massachusetts Animal Coalition Spay & Neuter Campaign. All of our pets are spayed or neutered before adoption. Massachusetts now offers a specialty license plate that helps end pet overpopulation. Order online at http://www.mass.gov/rmv.

Sweetpea is listed with iGive.com to receive a donation every time someone purchases from an online business listed with them. There are over 500 stores for you to shop at, including Amazon.com, Lands End, and other major retailers.   We receive up to 26% of the sales total if you enter a retailer's site via iGive.com. This can help us feed and care for the animals that we rescue ~ and it may even contribute towards building the shelter that we need.

We also thank our local sponsors:

  Westside Animal Clinic, 262 Mill St., Worcester
  Rutland Veterinary Clinic, 203 Main St., Rutland
  Holden Vetinary Clinic