The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a health alert to warn consumers not to use pig ears and beef hooves pet treats manufactured by Pet Carousel because the products might be contaminated with salmonella.

The products were distributed nationwide in both bulk and retail packaging for sale in pet food and retail chain stores. Pet Carousel is based in Sanger, Calif.

The affected pig ear products were packaged under the brand names Doggie Delight and Pet Carousel.

The affected beef hooves were packaged under the brand names Choo Hooves, Dentley's, Doggie Delight, and Pet Carousel.

All sizes and all lots of these products made by Pet Carousel are included in this alert.

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"Twilight" actress Rachelle Lefevre has become a spokeswoman for Best Friends' Puppies Aren't Products campaign.

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Tonight's episode of the hit FOX television show "Bones" (airing at 8 p.m./7 Central), starring vegan actress and Farm Sanctuary supporter Emily Deschanel, will prominently feature factory farming footage secured by Farm Sanctuary, the nation's leading farm animal protection organization, as part of a plot-line surrounding a murder that takes place at a chicken farm.

The footage, which was requested by Deschanel, will educate thousands of mainstream viewers about the cruel conditions animals are forced to endure on factory farms. The episode also features a character who rescues a pig and asks her coworkers for donations so that she can sponsor her at a sanctuary.

To further raise awareness of the horrors of factory farming, FOX is featuring a special message from Deschanel on its website (fox.com/bones) urging people to support Farm Sanctuary by sponsoring an animal in need.

To learn more about "adopting" (sponsoring) one of Farm Sanctuary's rescued animals, visit farmsanctuary.org or call 607-583-2225.

When Maj. Brian Dennis of the United States Marine Corps met a wild stray dog with shorn ears while serving in Iraq, he had no idea of the bond they would form, leading to seismic changes in both their lives.

"The general theme of the story of Nubs is that if you're kind to someone, they'll never forget you -- whether it be person or animal," Dennis tells Paw Nation.

Read more at PawNation.com

November 1 to 7 is National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week. For details, visit www.animalsheltering.org or www.hsus.org.

Angel Acres Horse Haven Rescue is looking for a home or foster care for Belle and Cloud, an 8-year-old gorgeous dark bay TB mare and a 25-year-old flea-bitten gray Arabian gelding, respectively, as soon as possible.

Below is the e-mail info from owner:

"Belle is an 8-year- old thoroughbred mare. She stands 15.3H last time measured. Belle has been ridden English and has the smoothest gates I have ridden. I would consider her slightly green broke. She would excel in dressage and with little training would be a great show horse. She is a sweet horse...

"Cloud is a 25-year-old Arabian. He is 15.1H and flea-bitten gray. He loads, ties and clips. He will pretty much do anything you ask if he trusts you. He is a great trail horse and will go anywhere. Cloud is a big sweetheart. Almost anyone can ride him on trails."

The horses are currently located 30 minutes north of Harrisburg PA. The barn manager wants them out now, rather than in two months as Angel Acres was originally told.

E-mail angelacreshorsehaven@yahoo.com or call 717-965-7901 if you can help in any way.

Diamond Dog Rescue's Pet of the Week is Gideon, a young male Jack Russell terrier who likes to play and go for walks.

He is very smart and eager to learn new things, and likes to play with other dogs. Gideon is affectionate with familiar people, but wary of strangers.

For details, call 227-9674, e-mail diamonddogrescue@live.com or visit www.diamonddogrescue.org.

Animal Rescue's Pet of the Week is Albert, an adult male collie mix who is well-mannered, sweet and friendly.

For details, call 717-993-3232, e-mail info@animalrescueinc.org or visit www.animalrescueinc.org.

Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary in Manheim, PA, recently had several snakes come into the rescue from a unique situation.

The owner was an avid reptile enthusiast for many decades. Now in his 50s and managing several businesses, he was finding it harder and harder to give his reptiles as much time and attention as he wanted to give them. He finally made the decision to give them up and sent several young adult corn snakes to Forgotten Friend.

The snakes have been well cared for, and are now ready for new homes. They are 2 to 3 feet long (sub-adults or young adults) and eating frozen/thawed.

Forgotten Friend has a few amelenistic (red/orange) and one normal (black/brown/tan).

For details, e-mail info@forgottenfriend.org or visit www.forgottenfriend.org.

HOKAFI's Pet of the Week is Lola, a friendly pit mix with a great personality.

She knows some commands, is up-to-date on routine vaccinations and will be spayed prior to adoption. She weighs approximately 60 lbs.

For details, call 717-697-3377, go to www.helenkrause.org or visit the shelter during adoption hours, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays.

The Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine and Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health are alerting veterinarians and pet owners that Vetsulin, a porcine insulin zinc suspension used to treat diabetes in animals, may have varying amounts of crystalline zinc insulin in the formulation.

Because this Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health product is out of specification, it could cause a delay in insulin action and an overall longer duration of insulin activity. Products having significant problems with stability can affect the management of chronic diseases.

Unstable insulin products can result in unpredictable fluctuations in the glucose levels of diabetic patients. Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health is unable to assure FDA that each batch of their product is stable.

FDA and Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health request that veterinarians closely monitor their patients receiving Vetsulin for any changes in onset or duration of activity, or for any signs of hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia.

The classic signs of hyperglycemia include increased thirst, increased urination, weight loss and lethargy.

The classic signs of hypoglycemia would include disorientation, unsteadiness, weakness, lethargy, and seizures.

While Intervet/Schering-Plough is working with FDA on resolving this issue, supplies may be limited. Therefore, veterinarians should consider transitioning their diabetic patients to other insulin products.

The FDA encourages veterinarians to report any adverse events with the Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health product to the company through the Technical Services Department at 800-224-5318.

An orange tiger cat named Trilo was lost Oct. 20 near Cool Creek Apartments and Golf Course in Hellam Township.

He is neutered and up-to-date on vaccinations. Trilo is very friendly.

A reward is offered for his safe return.

If seen, call 717-380-8299 or e-mail ashlee0228@comcast.net.

GoldHeart Golden Retriever Rescue's Pet of the Week is Shelly (GH-589), an approximately 11-year-old golden retriever who was rescued from the streets, but then became a victim of neglect.

Upon arrival at GoldHeart, her fur had to be shaved because it was matted and infested with fleas.

Shelly gets along with the dogs and cats in her foster home, and loves hugs and belly rubs.

She is being treated for chronic dry eye, and will need to continue with those treatments long-term. Shelly doesn't do steps very well, so easy access to the yard is necessary. She likes to go for short walks and seems to be getting stronger each day.

For details, e-mail babischaef@comcast.net. An adoption application is available at www.goldheart.org.

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Diamond Dog Rescue's Pet of the Week is Moses, an approximately 2½-year-old mastiff/boxer mix who likes to play with other dogs, but wants to be top dog.

Because of his large size, Moses would do best in an adult-only home with a big, fenced yard. He needs someone willing to train him further and give him lots of attention.

Moses is neutered and up-to-date with routine vaccinations.

For details, call 717-227-9674 or 877-214-7387, e-mail diamonddogrescue@live.com or visit www.diamonddogrescue.org.

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For details on pets available for adoption, call the York County SPCA at (717) 764-6109, e-mail msmith@ycspca.org or visit the shelter at 3159 Susquehanna Trail North, (Manchester Township) York, PA. To fill out an adoption application, visit www.ycspca.org and click on "adopt a friend," which will take you to a link for the application. Pets adopted from the SPCA are spayed or neutered and receive necessary vaccinations as part of the adoption fee.

Tia was found as a stray and no one came looking for her. She has been awesome in her foster home, and her foster parents wanted to say a few things about her: "If you've ever had the good fortune to be around an Akita , you will see that Tia is a true Akita. She is very loving toward people, very animated in how she communicates her wants, and 'woo-woo's' when she wants your attention. She has a goofy and comical side to her personality, which should only blossom once in a loving home. She isn't very active, so if you're looking for a companion pet around the house, she'll be a good fit. She loves to be brushed and doesn't mind being bathed, so she is very easy to care for." If you want a true sweetheart, Tia is the girl for you. Her ID# is 53730.

Augustus is a handsome little tri-colored beagle mix estimated to be between 1 and 5 years old. He was found wandering along Route 177 around Twin Lakes Road. He is desperately seeking a new forever family. Can you help this nice boy find what he's looking for? His ID# is 59397.

This sweet girl is so cute! She is a light-brown-and-white pit bull mix with ears that flop over. She's estimated to be between 1 and 5 years old. She was found on Hess Farm Road in in York Township, wearing a blue collar with stars on it. Please stop by the shelter to meet this sweetie! She deserves a second chance at having a place to call home. Her ID# is 59503.

Buddy is a very handsome tan-and-white collie who is nice and gentle. Buddy is 6 years old, which means his adoption fee is only $29.99! Poor Buddy was brought to the shelter by his owners, who said their new baby was allergic to him. Now Buddy is desperately looking for a new forever family. His previous owners said Buddy gets along with dogs, kids and cats, lives indoors, and is house-trained. He has lost some of his hair around his back end, but is recovering at the shelter while he awaits his new family. Please fill out an application and meet Buddy today! His ID# is 59424.

Ma Maz is a very nice white-and-red female pit bull estimated to be between 1 and 5 years old. She was found running loose on South Queen Street. Ma Maz is a sweet girl who deserves to find a new forever family and get a second chance at a happy life. Please help this poor girl find what she's been searching for. Her ID# is 59265.

This handsome boy is a black Labrador retriever with a little spot of white on his chest. He's estimated to be between 1 and 5 years old. He was found in York Haven, wearing a collar. This nice boy would like to find his new forever family soon . Visit him at the shelter today! His ID# is 59382.

Blue is a very handsome 3-year-old Siberian husky boy; just look at those blue eyes! He was brought to the shelter by someone who took him in to get him out of a bad place. Blue is a very nice boy who lives indoors, gets along with kids and is housebroken. He would probably do best in a home with no other dogs. Blue is looking for an active family who will take him on walks and play games. Visit Blue today! His ID# is 59120.

Calvin is a very handsome red-and-white pit bull estimated to be between 1 and 5 years old. He was found on Sherman Street in York. Calvin is a sweet and friendly guy who seems to love everyone he meets. He has loads of personality and is ready to share his love and be a loyal companion to a new forever family. Please fill out an application for Calvin today! His ID# is 58857.

Good news! Metro is currently in the Canine Good Citizenship program and is doing well! Please drop in at the shelter to meet her. Metro came to the shelter as a stray in the beginning of the year, and has been waiting way too long to find her new forever family! This sweet girl has the cutest markings, just like a little cow! Stop by the shelter and check out this beauty. Her ID# is 53840.

This pup named Frankie is a brindle-colored mix between 4 and 6 months old. He is a bundle of energy and doesn't stay still for too long. Frankie was found on South Franklin Street in Spring Garden Township. He is a very cute pup who is looking for a nice, energetic family to love and play with. Could that be you? His ID# is 58755.

Follow these10 tips to help keep your pet safe this Halloween:

1. Guard the Halloween candy. Chocolate and certain sweeteners such as Xylitol can be fatal for pets, so be sure to keep your trick-or-treat stash stored safely out of reach. Remember that empty plastic and aluminum wrappers can be just as dangerous as the candies themselves.

2. If your pet does consume a large amount of chocolate or candy, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for guidance, at 888-426-4435. The center is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. A $60 consultation fee may be applied to your credit card. If in doubt, take your pup or kitty to the vet in case medical intervention is required.

3. Don't take Fido trick-or-treating. Many pets can be frightened by unusual sights and sounds that come along with trick-or-treating, so keep them at home for their own safety. Nervous pets can feel very alarmed when kids in costume try to pet them, and this could result in a fear-based bite.

4. Keep pets secured. If you're staying home to greet trick-or-treaters, make sure your pet is secured before answering the door, in case they take fright and try to escape. Use a crate or confine them in a room where they will be safe and calm. Put on the radio or TV to drown out any outside noise that might frighten them.

5. Although you'll likely be busy with Halloween preparation all day, make it a priority to exercise your dog and really tire him out during the day so he can rest during the evening. This will help alleviate any pent-up energy and reduce anxiety.

6. Keep Halloween decorations containing electrical wires or other dangerous parts well out of your pet's reach. Nervousness and anxiety from being outside the normal daily routines can make a pet even more likely to exhibit behaviors such as destructive chewing, so Halloween represents double the risk.

7. A pet-safe chew toy is an excellent way to keep your dog occupied and happy when there are lots of distractions outside or within your home.

8. Keep cats safe, too. Black cats, in particular, can be exposed to increased risks on Halloween if they become the subject of terrible pranks or sacrificial rituals, or stolen as props for the evening. Keeping cats in a spare bedroom or bathroom with access to a litter tray is the best idea to keep them out of harm's way.

9. Be extra-careful with lighted candles or Halloween lanterns. An overexcited or panicked pet can knock over a flame just as easily as a child can.

10. Don't dress up your pet in a costume, unless he or she is comfortable with this form of animal 'humanization.' Many pets feel extremely anxious when made to wear a costume, and an ill-fitting costume can be dangerous if it becomes displaced, causing a strangulation hazard or obstruction of vision, causing panic.

Source: Puppy Tails - Jorvik, 292 Dew Drop Road, York Township, 717-741-9190.