We wish all of our four-legged friends and their dearest a Happy Christmas
and a happy, hearty 2011, full of highlights!

On the first Advent weekend more than 30,000 visitors visited the domestic animal fair in Vienna. The fair is the biggest event in Austria for all friends of dogs, cats, rodents, aquaristics and reptiles.
For the first time, Carnello was, together with the Futterkörberl company www.futterkoerberl.at our loyal and reliable wholesaler in Austria this year. The four-legged visitors could directly test our delicacies in the taster bar, and they did not need to be asked twice. The testers' judgment was exemplary!
For fair entertainment there was a huge programme with many attractions like the casting show for the star dog of Austria and the "dog washing day" world record attempt. The visitors were also inspired by the magazine all4pets www.all4pets.at, which had a wheel of fortune with many great prizes to be won. Our dogspaghetti® was one of the prizes. And probably the tastiest ;-)
An animal home and its inhabitants were the lucky winners of the tombola.

Once again, on 11.11. the time had come. We made our way to see our problem child - the Tierheim im Tal, in Slovakia. Their contract had been unexpectedly terminated and a new building had to be constructed. If it was only as easy as that...
In Slovakia the protection of animals is practically left to its own devices. The state and towns are not obliged in any way in accordance with the law, and consequently have no budget.
Mr. Viliam Jaros, the man that created the animal home out of nothing 13 years ago, has saved the lives of more than 6,000 animals in this time!
But he cannot master the crisis which has painfully met him and his animals on his own.
For this reason, we have decided to sponsor the construction of the new building, as well as our standard monthly support.
Together with animal carer Ms. Maddy Wickler from Luxembourg, we have paid for the construction of a fountain. Moreover, we are "responsible" for the electrical power and now, in addition, we were there to discuss the new building project on site. Also present, and responsible for the PR, was Lady Uschi Ackermann, whose sick pug bitch Pussinka was retrieved from this very animal sanctuary. Since that time she also helps too,
where she is able.

First we visited the "old" animal home, where Ms. Wickler opened a whole suitcase full of treats so that we could hardly escape.
So great was the interest and the joy from our four-legged friends who came running out from all directions.
In the afternoon we were invited to the city hall in Dubnica where we were received, amongst other things, by the Mayor, engineer Josef Gasparik.
Though one cannot count on money for the new construction, at least a little administrative assistance was promised to us by the administrators.
Then it was time to visit the new area, where the new building will soon stand. The fountain and the electrical power are already working...
At the end we all said our goodbyes. To Mr. Jaro and to all to the dogs, small, big, old, and sick who have jumped unforgettably straight
into our hearts...

It's here again, just in time for the new racing season – the popular Husky Days at Jürgen Stolz, the current Dog-Sledding World Champion in Penzing. There are lots of events for small groups of maximum 2-3 participants.
At the husky workshop it all gets going at 7.30 with a hearty greeting from 20 Siberians. Then the racing dogs are watered using our tasty
dogy-cocktail. A soup is cooked all together and presented to all of the dogs. After this curative delicacy comes the task of cleaning the kennel. Following this, there is an introduction to dogs and dog racing in which the equipment and accessories are displayed. The visitor gets to know the individual dogs and is allowed to help with the harnessing of the teams. This is where the true excitement can be tasted, the excitement generated by the highly motivated four-legged athletes.
This is followed by the most exciting part – using 5-8 racing dogs, the training vehicle (or sled in the wintertime) races over the countryside in and around the forests of Landsberg. For between 20-60 minutes, depending on the weather, the visitors can experience the wind racing past their noses. Once the dogs have returned home their needs are attended to and are lovingly stroked. At the end, there's lots of time for a comfortable conclusory question and answer session.
During the Husky experience day there is an additional experience photo and a big slide show. As well as this, one can find out further details about food, breeding, puppy training and racing. Then a long walk with the older dogs, the pensioners themselves, is on the programme. Then the end of this thrilling day happens – how could it end differently – the long-awaited feeding time.
The Husky Days are ideal as a present or a unique experience for all sledge-dog lovers and dog enthusiasts.
More information is available under: www.of-fort-siberians.de

O'zapft is!
In Munich it's Wiesn time again, something which excites the whole town. And this year it's the 200th anniversary of the Wiesn. At the greatest fair in the world there'll be tight calf-muscles and pretty girls to admire.
And of course there just has to be the right outfit for our four-legged friends. For those that wish to dress up their dogs for the occasion,
the Marell company
is the right one for exclusive dog fashion. Exclusive at Marell means comfort, a good fit, combined with unique and exceptional designs. At the same time, the comfort of the dog is an important consideration, making sure that its natural movements are not inhibited. This basic premise is a foundation stone in its designs, right the way from concept to manufacture. Every piece is individually hand-made. Your own ideas or individual wishes for a particular event, like, for example, Sir Henrys Wies´n Outfit, are conceived and produced in close cooperation with the client.
A foretaste can be gleaned from the pictures. Presented by Cindy, a 10 year-old Jorki bitch who loves modelling.
Every year she presents the latest collection for dog and bitch with lots of charm and elegance.
The latest collection can be seen at: www.marell-hundemode.de.

On the 1st of September, and for the second time, the “Wiesn-warm-up” took place in Munich in the Augustinerkeller. The host was none less than Sir Henry, and his pug-nosed friends arrived in their hordes. True to the nature of the event, they were all togged out in the local dress.
A small competition was held to find the most beautiful “Wiesn-Warm-up Pug”. The expert jury of Frau Ackermann and Dr. Wieland Beck from the animal sanctuary were spoilt for choice. Each pug more beautiful than the next...
The winner finally turned out to be Birkin, an enchanting black pug bitch who had travelled, together with her master, all the way from Luxembourg. She won the main prize – a portrait painted by Dominique Mueller www.das-andere-hundeportrait.de. In addition, all participants received a bag of the much sought-after Carnello treats. Following her victory, Birkin gave confident interviews to countless representative of the Press.
Everyone ate, drank and was merry - and all for a good cause. Each of the guests donated 100 Euros for the afternoon. half of this sum went to the Tiertafel München pet charity, and the other half went to the Tierheim im Tal www.utulokdca.sk in Slovakia. The Munich-based Fressnapf Gruppe went so far as to donate 500 Euro. All together, 4,700 Euros was collected, 100% of which goes to the two charities! All present were ecstatic with the result. At the end, all present were really in the mood – now no-one can wait for the Wiesn!

On 2nd of august the first Bavaria Dog took place in Munich with summer temperatures. More than 15.000 visitors came to the Olympia Park for this purpose. Numerous shows, action booths and lectures provided for great entertainment on the 10.000m² large showground.
Prominent dog lovers such as the RTL super talent Yvo Antoni with his female Jack Russell Primadonna and the dog and wolf expert Günther Bloch. The actor Günther Kaufmann and the natural cosmetics expert and author Claire Fischer introduced their mutual audio book project "Sammy and Floris". The royalties and a part of the sales proceeds are being given to the Tiertafel Deutschland e. V. This association supports pet owners who are encountering hardships and are having problems taking care of their pet.
Another highlight was the competition for the Bavaria Dog 2010. The magazine DOGS today was searching for the fittest, friendliest and most original dog in Bavaria. Ultimately, the competition was won by the 10-year old German shepherd-giant schnauzer half breed Jessie, who will be on the cover of the magazine in December.
There were also many other highlights: Dog models presented the latest fashion trends on the red carpet, border collies played with an oversized World Cup dog football and the dog sports JAD dogs and dance ball, which combines sports and dance with one another, celebrated its world premiere. Also on the programme: a competition in flyball. There were a multitude of play along activities and practical information about life with our four-legged companions at the booths. And those who got too heated up could cool off in the Olympia Lake.
It was a festival for dogs and man. Children played on the dozen or so bouncy castles and our four-legged friends could try the most delicious things. Most of the time the Carnello booth was surrounded by thrilled "food critics".
The two in the last picture were in a particular rush – true to the motto “Finger or dogspaghetti®”.

On July 10th - 11th the information and sales show "My dog - four-legged partner" opened its doors for the first time in the beautiful Lustgarten of the cloister Wiblingen by Ulm. In a manner of speaking it was a home match for Carnello and of course we couldn't miss it. For two days all dog fans could get information about current trends from the world of our four-legged friends and get detailed advice under sunny skies. Among other things, visitors, who were interested, had the opportunity of listening to lectures from animal therapists and dog obedience schools and were also able to ask questions. Furthermore, useful and funny accessories for big and small dogs could be purchased at the booths. Collars, dog leashes, care products, dog baskets and beds, pet food and dog fan items – everything dogs and owners need to feel at ease.

The mountain calls -
it called us deep into the Swiss mountains. In Schwantlen, near the city of Wattwil, we visited Filou and his horned pack. Filou is a 7-year old border collie and his family also includes, apart from his mistress Sandra Egli and master Christian Golfetto, seven other fellow animal lodgers. The special thing about them is - they are all trained trekking goats.
Of course Filou wouldn't be a real border collie if he didn't have his pack under control. He does not stand for scuffles, which occur quite frequently among goats due to the distinct rank hierarchy and dawdling about is immediately avenged with barking. Although he only weighs a fraction of the up to 140 kg heavy billy goats, he clearly calls the shots and does not let his pack out of his sight. Although that wouldn't even be necessary. During the trekking tours, which can take up to three days, the goats run freely without any leashes or reins. Nevertheless, they never wander off too far. That is because they were all bottle fed when they were being raised and they are very attached to their family. Or maybe they are counting on someone sharing their lunch snack with them for after all, they did carry it.
Sandra Egli, the outdoor specialist, discovered the goats as pack-animals 11 years ago during a 4300 km hike through North America. At a very young age she accustoms the so-called female pack goats to being close to people, to hiking and to her "carrying role". For a goat can carry up to 40% of its body weight. In doing so, she is very frugal in regard to feed and an endearing companion. Goat trekking is a very special experience and if we have caught your interest, you can get more information at www.packgeiss.ch.

Carnello was at the Animalia from May 8th - 9th in St. Gallen in Switzerland for the first time. Under the motto "Everything that has paws, wings, fins or claws" the 19 visitors were provided with a colourful animal exhibition. The weekend was filled with a framework programme: small animals, reptiles, fish, lamas and alpacas could be marvelled at. Dog sports demonstrations with workshops and there were fun tournaments for visitors with dogs as well as lectures on various topics. The younger visitors of the exhibition were thrilled by the petting zoo, dog play along show, pony riding and arts and crafts corner. The naturally designed enclosures were remarkably nice in which the animals felt very much at home. And, we were very happy that the Carnello products also appealed to our Swiss four-legged friends.

Lucky Max
In December 2009 we told you about the saddest dog that we had ever seen here. Max, the black mastiff we got to know during our visit in Mr. Jaros' animal shelter in Slovakia (www.utulokdca.sk). He was brought there because his family could no longer afford food for him and he was very sad in the animal shelter. Unfortunately, it was not possible for us to find a home for him at that time.
The happier we were to hear that Max no longer had to live in a kennel! And, his new family in Pressburg, the capitol of Slovakia, sent us terrific pictures. Max really got lucky - he's living with a family that really admires and loves big dogs and he even came across two other "colleagues" there. He diligently helps his mistress with the horses in the stable and is allowed to go to work with her. Since recently, he sleeps in his own cuddly bed because he took up so much space in his mistress' bed and snored so loud that it was unbearable. As of this month he is even going to dog obedience school! After all, good manners do contribute to making life perfect. And we say - all's well that ends well... Greetings to Pressburg, dear Max!

Great news for all mushers!
In the last few weeks we've received a lot of enquiries from mushers regarding the dogy-cocktail.
The dried and finely ground beef is a real treasure trove for racing dogs and sledge dogs. For watering, as a food additive, and also on its own. No longer is the need there for frozen foods, no longer the requirement of a freezer or of having to thaw out the food. And it is precisely for these athletes that we are now able to offer large packages.
Soon it will be able to obtain the dogy-cocktail in 7.5 kg buckets only for mushers!
Available directly from current husky World Champion Jürgen Stolz: www.of-fort-siberians.de You can already order it from him.

My Dear Flori,
This is a letter to you, or to put it more precisely, a love letter.
This April you celebrated your 14th birthday. How time has flown by... You've been at my side, at our side for 14 years now. I always thought that my affection for you could not grow any more than it already is. But when I look at your white snout today and see how difficult it is for you to drag yourself up the stairs sometimes, and eagle eyed, I observe your condition, I would give anything for time to stand still, so that you could remain with us for eternity.
Having said that, it didn't look like you were going to make it when you were born! You were born prematurely, practically an embryo. You didn't even have a sucking reflex, and you only weighed 160 grammes! The vet said that you wouldn't survive. Even Sindy, your own mother didn't want you. But you were a tiny fighter and you wanted to live! So we fed you by hand, every two hours, even in the night, 24 hours a day. You've developed into a beautiful, magnificent, funny, friendly, playful, sometimes plaintively babyish excellent lady dog with giant ears! Yes, yes, and above all the most intelligent the world has ever seen ;-)
I've enclosed a few photos for your birthday, as a memory. They're ancient... Yes, you were so tiny back then....
Dearest Flori, Happy Birthday to you!

It is in Penzing , in deepest Bavaria, that one can find internationally successful, top-ranking, four-footed athletes. A whole pack of wonderful Siberian Huskies that belong to the sledge dog racing team of multiple international champion Jürgen Stolz.
Since 1992 he has been racing with his team of pedigree athletes. He raced at the Alps trail 2009 and was awarded "Best Pedigree Team" and was World Champion in the top class in 2009. Jürgen Stolz doesn't see his dogs as sports equipment, to be used as long as they are working. He regards all of his dogs as a part of his family, and even the "pensioners" remain as family members, enjoying the twilight of their lives. No wonder then, that some of his dogs are aged 15 and over. For dog racing enthusiasts, it comes as a welcome opportunity to visit Jürgen Stolz at one of his workshops, where he will enlighten those that are interested into the secrets of being a musher, or even allow you to sponsor one of his dogs. You can obtain more information at: www.of-fort-siberians.de
As of this spring we have been supporting this great team with dogy-cocktail readily available energy and dogy-gum®, so that the dogs' joints are well looked after. We are really proud of this cooperation and we're keeping our fingers crossed for the next successful racing season.

Munich loves dachshunds. That has always been the case and to make sure it stays that way, the Bavarian Dachshund Club (BDK) in collaboration with the Journalists' Academy (www.journalistenakademie.de) extended an invitation to the elegant premises of the Munich PressClub for a grand press conference. The experts cultural scientist Dr. Carolin Raffelsbauer, Executive Board of the Bavarian Dachshund Club Klaus Eisler, dachshund breeder Dr. Karsten Schoeler and dog trainer Eve Schwender heard nothing but commendatory comments about the small four-legged friends with their big, spirited hearts. The objective of this campaign was to promote the breed of the dachshunds so that they are not ousted by dogs, which are currently trendy and as a consequence disappear from the cityscape. Eve Schwender made a particular effort for this purpose. The successful trainer of animals in films used her 3 model dachshunds Bodo, Zoulu and Amelie to demonstrate that the dogs, which are regarded as being somewhat stubborn, can be raised to do (almost) anything for their master. All that zeal was of course rewarded. With our treats, which Mrs. Schwender has already been using for some time now. To make sure that everything would go just as well with the 30 dachshunds, which were present, they all got a bag with samples to take home with them. And who wouldn't obey any command with such delicious arguments.

Such is life sometimes... Not only human beings may suddenly get a written notice, but also dogs may do. This is the bad experience the Slovakian home for animals of Mr Jaros that we have been accompanying for a long time is currently having. The home for animals have to move this year and nobody is interested in getting to know how and to where. Fortunately, the real estate has already been found. But the question how and what to build is still open.
There is no doubt that Carnello will participate in any case - and therefore, we have already informed ourselves. The inspiration came from Plzen in the Czech Republic where in January an exemplary new home for animals was opened (www.utulekplzen.cz). On february 2nd Mr Martin Kuna, the director, proudly presented us the whole facility funded by the city of Plzen. There was much to marvel: It accommodates 130 dogs. The five buildings altogether contain dog pounds that are warm. Two of them destined for whelps and old, ill dogs are well-heated. >From each dog pound the dog can go into a fenced run for animals. In addition, there are seven huge outdoor spaces where the dogs even have a larger run. We were there at time of severe cold and the dogs were always let out in turn for 20 minutes. There is everything one may request: Kitchen, washroom, hospital ward and a whelp´s station.
Thus, there have been sufficient ideas how a new home for animals may look like. However, in Slovakia reality is different. Animal rescue has more or less been taking place on a private level up to now and is not supported by state authorities. Thus, every donation, be it ever so small, is most welcome: www.utulokdca.sk