Pet Sitting by Marisa

10/25/2026

A brand new w**d killer is now approved in the US for wheat, field corn, soybeans and canola. In EPA's own review, young rats in a reproduction study reached puberty later, and male mice got liver tumors. EPA says it found no human health risks of concern. It's called epyrifenacil.

What happened: in late June 2026, EPA approved the first US registrations for epyrifenacil, a new w**d killer from Valent U.S.A. marketed as Rapidicil. Its first two products are called Empera and Empera Viragess. On June 30, 2026, EPA published a rule that set legal limits for leftover residue of 0.005 parts per million (ppm) in wheat grain, corn grain, soybean seed and canola (rapeseed) seed. A correction on July 28, 2026 set the limit at 0.01 ppm for animal feed such as forage, hay and straw. It is a "burndown" w**d killer, which means it is sprayed on fields to kill w**ds before the crop comes up (before planting, or for soybeans up to 3 days after planting). Valent says it will be available in late 2026. It is new to the US. Sumitomo Chemical, Valent's parent company, says the US is the fourth country to register it, after Argentina in 2024 and other countries.

What EPA found in animal studies: in the rule, EPA says "Reproductive toxicity included delayed sexual maturation in F1 males and females." In plain words, the pups born to the dosed parent rats (called F1) reached sexual maturity (puberty) later than normal. EPA also lists "severely decreased red blood cell parameters indicative of anemia" in the young rats in that study, meaning low red blood cells. In mice, EPA's risk assessment reports "treatment related liver tumors (combined hepatic adenomas and carcinomas) in male mice." Adenomas are benign tumors (not cancer). Carcinomas are cancer.

To be fair: these were lab animal studies, not people. EPA says the effects on the pups "occurred in the presence of parental toxicity," meaning the doses also harmed the parent rats. EPA also noted the pups were hit harder than their parents at that dose, with deaths in F1 males and none in the parents. EPA classified epyrifenacil as "not likely to be carcinogenic to humans below doses that induce hepatocellular injury," meaning EPA expects no cancer risk for people below the dose that starts to injure the liver, and the mouse tumors appeared at doses above that. EPA estimated that babies, the most exposed group, would get up to 53% of the daily amount EPA considers safe over a lifetime from food and water, and the general public 16%, assuming every acre is treated and residues sit at the legal limit. In its final registration decision, EPA says it "has not identified any dietary, aggregate, non-occupational or occupational risks of concern" for potential human health exposure. EPA concluded there is "a reasonable certainty that no harm will result" to the general population, or to infants and children. The Center for Biological Diversity calls it a PFAS, or "forever chemical," pesticide. EPA disputes that. It says this pesticide has a single fluorinated carbon, so it is not PFAS under the current federal definition. The broader international (OECD) definition counts any chemical with a CF3 group, a carbon with three fluorine atoms, and this one has one.

What you can do: USDA organic rules do not allow synthetic w**d killers unless they are on an approved list, and epyrifenacil is not on it, so organic farms cannot spray it. To lower your chances of eating it, you can choose USDA certified organic wheat, corn and soy foods, such as flour, cornmeal, tortillas and tofu.

Sources: Federal Register, EPA final rule "Epyrifenacil; Pesticide Tolerances," June 30, 2026 (91 FR 39512, document 2026-13193), and correction, July 28, 2026 (document 2026-15191). EPA docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2022-0354: human health risk assessment and final registration decision. Valent U.S.A. news release, July 2, 2026. Sumitomo Chemical news release, July 2, 2026. Center for Biological Diversity, June 30, 2026. Newsweek, July 6, 2026 (EPA statement). EPA, "FACT CHECK: EPA Debunks False Claims that Agency Recently Approved 'Forever Chemical' Pesticides," November 26, 2025. OECD, 2021 PFAS definition. 7 CFR 205.105 and 205.601.

10/24/2026

10/24/2026

10/24/2026

Do you know a "no" person?

The person who never seems available to do anything.
They don't come to your house.
They can't go away for a night or two.
Holidays? Out of the question.

And the wee secret?
Nobody knows it's because of their dog.
Because if they said that, no one would understand.

Maybe it's a very serious behavioural issue.
Maybe it's medical.

But whatever the reason, that person's life has become smaller and smaller.

Why the big "secret"?
Because theyre sick of hearing.
"Just train your dog"
"Drop your dog off here for the weekend, I love dogs!"
"Oh, you should just do XYZ."

Because what they're dealing with is at a level you couldn't even imagine.
There is nothing simple about this dog.
There has never been anything simple about this dog.

And sometimes they're grieving the life they thought they would have with their dog, while feeling guilty for even thinking that.

If you know a "no" person - support them.
Try to understand what they're coping with, because so often we can't even begin to imagine.

Drop off that leftover meal you have.
Ask if you can visit them in their own garden.
Actually ask them, "What can I help you with?"

Because loving a dog with these incredibly complex needs is isolating.

And if you are the "no" person - please hear this.
You are not failing your dog.
You are carrying something really heavy.

How can the people around you take some of that weight off you?

Or maybe, just maybe, it's some understanding that will lighten your load.

10/23/2026

🧱❄️ **THE BRICK TRICK: A SIMPLE WAY TO HELP WILDLIFE FIND WATER IN WINTER**

When temperatures drop, the water in your backyard birdbath can freeze solid. But birds and small mammals still need access to fresh water. 🐦🐿️

Here’s a simple idea worth trying: place a dark brick in a shallow outdoor water dish. In direct sunlight, the brick may absorb heat and help a small area of water stay open a little longer.

🌿 **Why an open water source matters:**

🐦 Cardinals and chickadees need water even during cold weather.

🐿️ Squirrels also need access to liquid water when natural sources freeze.

💧 A shallow dish gives smaller visitors a place to drink.

**Try this in your backyard:**
✅ Use a shallow, stable birdbath or water dish.
✅ Add a clean brick that creates a secure landing spot.
✅ Check the water frequently and replace it with fresh water.
✅ If freezing is persistent, consider a purpose-built, outdoor-rated heated birdbath.

⚠️ **One important note:** A brick is not a reliable way to keep water unfrozen in freezing weather. Check the dish daily, and never add salt, antifreeze, or other chemicals to prevent freezing.

❤️ Sometimes, helping wildlife starts with something as simple as making clean water available.

**Would you try this little winter wildlife trick in your yard?** 👇

10/23/2026

🚨🐾 URGENT PET MEDICATION RECALL ALERT! 🐾🚨

We DO NOT sell any of these Pharma products. If you need possible alternative options please contact us.

Wedgewood Pharmacy has issued a major nationwide recall of certain compounded veterinary medications!

The recall, announced October 21, 2026, involves thousands of product listings due to concerns that medications may contain too much or too little of their active ingredients.

⚠️ MEDICATIONS THAT MAY BE AFFECTED INCLUDE:

💊 Oral suspensions, powders & pastes
💉 Injectable medications
👁️ Eye drops & ophthalmic ointments
👂 Ear solutions & suspensions
🐾 Topical sprays & gels

These medications may have been prescribed for dogs, cats, horses and other animals.

❗ WHY DOES THIS MATTER?

Medications that are too strong may cause toxicity or overdose. Medications that are too weak may fail to properly treat an animal’s condition.

📅 The recall involves certain products shipped between February 18 and October 6, 2026.

WHAT PET OWNERS SHOULD DO:

✅ Check your pet’s medications, including lot numbers.
✅ Contact your veterinarian if your pet has received medication from Wedgewood Pharmacy.
✅ Do not abruptly discontinue essential medications without veterinary guidance.
✅ Review the official recall information.

🔎 Official recall lookup:
https://www.wedgewood.com/recall-lookup/

⚠️ Not all Wedgewood medications are recalled. Check the specific product and lot number.

PLEASE SHARE! You never know whose pet may be receiving one of these medications.

💜 Knowledge matters. Informed pet owners make better decisions for their animals.

❤️ Love your pet well!

Sara | Three Dog Night
🌐 www.saragingerich.com

10/23/2026

Seizures can be one of the most difficult challenges for both dogs and their families. While medication is often necessary, nutrition, including medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), can play an important role in supporting brain health and reducing seizure potential.

Research highlights the connection between MCT oil, ketones, gut health, and seizure management. Supporting the body through targeted nutrition helps create a stronger foundation for dogs living with seizures.

📖 Read my latest article to discover how MCTs, the gut microbiome, and food-based strategies support neurologic stability and quality of life in seizure-prone dogs.

🐾 Every dog is unique, so always work with your wellness veterinarian to create the best plan for your dog’s individual needs. Article link in comments.