I am constantly surprised by the number of calls I get a from people wondering if I sell dogs. I find it interesting that people still think that calling a retail store is the way to go to buy their new dog. With so many dogs, of all types, available for adoption I am saddened that people still turn to pet stores for their dogs when there are so many other options available. Many dogs at pet shops come from Puppy Mills and can bring their own set of problems.
My dog was given to me by a friend - Kanji was an "accident", a wonderful accident between neighbors dogs ( a true love child) -but I wonder if I hadn't taken him would he have gone to a shelter and found a home - I sure hope so. There are lot of good people out there trying to help loving cats and dogs find new homes. There are a lot of reasons dogs and cats end up in shelters and it doesn't mean there is anything wrong with them. All dogs are checked out first to make sure they are adoptable. I suggest to people that a local shelter is the first place they should look for their new pet. I see lots of adopted dogs in my store and all their owners are thrilled with their choices. Even if you are looking for a specific breed there are breed specific rescue groups that can help. Adopting an older dog may also be an option you should consider. They are often well trained and socialized making new dog ownership that much easier.
Some local options for adopting dogs include:
The Animal Shelter Inc. of Sterling, Massachusetts is a non-profit organization (formed in 1988 - incorporated in 1994) and no-kill animal shelter with no time or age restrictions.
One of their great causes that they support is the Save A Sato Program – www.saveasato.org – Established May 1999 - this is a joint life-saving venture with animal rescue volunteers of Puerto Rico. Hundreds of homeless, starved, poisoned and tortured animals are rescued and rehabilitated and sent to the shelter in Sterling, MA each year. The volunteers in Puerto Rico (at their own cost) take these animals known as "Satos" (mixed breed street dogs) off the cruel streets and care for them until they are healthy enough to be flown to Massachusetts. They are bathed, re-vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and vet checked. To date this shelter has rescued and re-homed thousands of these amazing animals.
Animal Rescue League, Boston adoption@arlboston.org The Animal Rescue League is a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing domesticated animals and wildlife from suffering, cruelty, abandonment, and neglect. Since 1899 we have advocated the philosophy of our founder, Anna Harris Smith, that “Kindness Uplifts the World”.
MSPCA Boston Animal Care & Adoption Center www.mspca.org/boston The MSPCA's animal care and adoption centers around the state take in as many as 1,000 animals per center per month during the busy summer season. They provide vital services such as adoptions, behavior training, humane-education programs and spay/neuter programs.
Northeast Animal Shelter http://www.northeastanimalshelter.org One of New England's Largest No-kill Animal Shelters. Since 1976 Northeast Animal Shelter has placed almost 100,000 animals in loving homes.
A great place to find a cat - The Gifford Shelter www.giffordcatshelter.org is a cageless, no-kill facility founded in 1884 and sponsored by Ellen Gifford. The shelter is a pioneer in creating an environment that does not confine cats to small, movement-restricting cages.
You can always check out www.petfinder.com for other options - a great resource.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Fireworks and Dogs
It's that time of the year - in addition to Thunder and Lightening storms the dogs now need to deal with Fireworks - which can not only be scary but dangerous for them. Many dogs react with fear when they hear the loud, unfamiliar sounds of fireworks.
Here is some info you might find helpful: 8 Tips for Keeping your Dogs Calm on July 4th
by Lisa Spector June 29th, 2009
1. Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise earlier in the day.
2. Keep your dogs inside during fireworks, preferably with human companionship.
3. Provide a safe place inside for your dogs to retreat. When scared of sounds they can’t orient, dogs often prefer small enclosed areas. (I once had a dog who climbed in the bathtub during windstorms.)
4. If possible, keep the windows and curtains closed.
5. Make sure all your dogs are wearing ID tags with a properly fitting collar. (Dogs have been known to become Houdini around the 4th of July.)
6. Leave your dog something fun to do – like a frozen Kong filled with his favorite treats.
7. Train with counter classical conditioning. Patricia McConnell, Ph.D., CAAB, has a very clear definition and tips here.http://www.patriciamcconnell.com/thunderstorm-phobia-in-dogs.html
8. Sound Therapy: Play Music to Calm your Canine Companion Vol. 1 and 2. It is most effective when you first play the music well before the fireworks start, at a time the dog is already peaceful and relaxed. He will begin to associate the music with being calm and content. Then play the music a couple of hours before the fireworks start and continue to play through bedtime. The music doesn’t need to be loud to be effective as it has been clinically demonstrated to calm the canine nervous system. Click here for free samples and downloadshttp://www.throughadogsear.com/music_compositions.htm
Other options include using calming therapies such as:
D.A.P. is a "dog appeasing" pheromone that will help calm your dog's nerves. This pheromone is similar to the one mother dogs use to soothe their new born puppies.
Rescue Remedy: Bach Flower Remedies has an all-natural Rescue Remedy product for pets that you can apply directly to their skin or add to their drinking water or food to help soothe them through stressful situations. Rescue Remedy can be used in conjunction with other therapies - including Lavender aromatherapy foam or treats like Mellow Mutt from Dogswell that contains chamomile, clover, lemon balm and linden flower. We carry these options at Cause to Paws.
I believe you should do whatever necessary to give your dog comfort. Be your dog’s advocate – do whatever you can to make her feel better during the storm.
Here is some info you might find helpful: 8 Tips for Keeping your Dogs Calm on July 4th
by Lisa Spector June 29th, 2009
1. Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise earlier in the day.
2. Keep your dogs inside during fireworks, preferably with human companionship.
3. Provide a safe place inside for your dogs to retreat. When scared of sounds they can’t orient, dogs often prefer small enclosed areas. (I once had a dog who climbed in the bathtub during windstorms.)
4. If possible, keep the windows and curtains closed.
5. Make sure all your dogs are wearing ID tags with a properly fitting collar. (Dogs have been known to become Houdini around the 4th of July.)
6. Leave your dog something fun to do – like a frozen Kong filled with his favorite treats.
7. Train with counter classical conditioning. Patricia McConnell, Ph.D., CAAB, has a very clear definition and tips here.http://www.patriciamcconnell.com/thunderstorm-phobia-in-dogs.html
8. Sound Therapy: Play Music to Calm your Canine Companion Vol. 1 and 2. It is most effective when you first play the music well before the fireworks start, at a time the dog is already peaceful and relaxed. He will begin to associate the music with being calm and content. Then play the music a couple of hours before the fireworks start and continue to play through bedtime. The music doesn’t need to be loud to be effective as it has been clinically demonstrated to calm the canine nervous system. Click here for free samples and downloadshttp://www.throughadogsear.com/music_compositions.htm
Other options include using calming therapies such as:
D.A.P. is a "dog appeasing" pheromone that will help calm your dog's nerves. This pheromone is similar to the one mother dogs use to soothe their new born puppies.
Rescue Remedy: Bach Flower Remedies has an all-natural Rescue Remedy product for pets that you can apply directly to their skin or add to their drinking water or food to help soothe them through stressful situations. Rescue Remedy can be used in conjunction with other therapies - including Lavender aromatherapy foam or treats like Mellow Mutt from Dogswell that contains chamomile, clover, lemon balm and linden flower. We carry these options at Cause to Paws.
I believe you should do whatever necessary to give your dog comfort. Be your dog’s advocate – do whatever you can to make her feel better during the storm.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Another Spring Health Tip
As a follow up to my last Blog where I talked about never leaving your dog in a car - especially as the weather heats up - here are some other Tips for keeping your dog fit, safe and sound during the warm weather months.
We all seem to become more active in the Spring and Summer with lots of activities - primarily out door ones with our dogs. Many of you go hiking with your dogs on trails in the woods, hills or even a long sandy/rocky beaches.
Things you need to think about include:
1. Start early in the day when it is cooler, morning air is the best and this also helps to prevent your dog from overheating.
2. Dog's noses, ears and other sensitive areas need protection with sunscreen much like humans do - they can burn. Sunscreen is especially important in light skinned dogs - especially white ones. There are even naturally dog and tick sprays that contain a sun screen. We carry Mad About Organics - their spray contains Jojoba Oil which is a good natural approach.
3. Always be conscientious of your dogs breathing patterns - it is important to avoid over doing and causing exhaustion in your pet. Keep in mind the rule about going only half as far as you think you can because you have to come back that same distance! Your dog may need to build up endurance early in the season.
4. Just like in humans - Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate! Make sure that you have fresh water with you. There are many types of portable water containers available - including one that is simply a roller ball that fits on the top of any water bottle - It is called Pet Tops and we have carry these a long with other options.
5. Be sure to check your pets paws for wear, damage and injury. Rocks, sticks, sand and other debris can cause injuries. You can use boots on your dog if necessary especially if you are doing a lot of trail hiking in the woods/mountains. Waxes like Mushers or Paw Wax can be used to soothe as well as protect the dogs pads from wear and tear and abrasions.
Have fun but be safe!
We all seem to become more active in the Spring and Summer with lots of activities - primarily out door ones with our dogs. Many of you go hiking with your dogs on trails in the woods, hills or even a long sandy/rocky beaches.
Things you need to think about include:
1. Start early in the day when it is cooler, morning air is the best and this also helps to prevent your dog from overheating.
2. Dog's noses, ears and other sensitive areas need protection with sunscreen much like humans do - they can burn. Sunscreen is especially important in light skinned dogs - especially white ones. There are even naturally dog and tick sprays that contain a sun screen. We carry Mad About Organics - their spray contains Jojoba Oil which is a good natural approach.
3. Always be conscientious of your dogs breathing patterns - it is important to avoid over doing and causing exhaustion in your pet. Keep in mind the rule about going only half as far as you think you can because you have to come back that same distance! Your dog may need to build up endurance early in the season.
4. Just like in humans - Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate! Make sure that you have fresh water with you. There are many types of portable water containers available - including one that is simply a roller ball that fits on the top of any water bottle - It is called Pet Tops and we have carry these a long with other options.
5. Be sure to check your pets paws for wear, damage and injury. Rocks, sticks, sand and other debris can cause injuries. You can use boots on your dog if necessary especially if you are doing a lot of trail hiking in the woods/mountains. Waxes like Mushers or Paw Wax can be used to soothe as well as protect the dogs pads from wear and tear and abrasions.
Have fun but be safe!
Saturday, May 8, 2010
NEVER LEAVE YOUR PET IN THE CAR!

We had a very scary experience last week in front of the store. There was a dog left in a closed up car when the temperatures outside were close to 80 Degrees. Everyone on the block went on a search for the owner to no avail. The dog began to look stressed. The police were eventually called and an animal officer showed up (but to be honest he didn't seem to concerned or to even know what to do). Someone was about to use a hammer to break the window when the owner finally showed up. She seemed very unconcerned and said the dog liked warm weather - trust me if it is warm outside it is HOT in the car - even if the windows are open. The good news is that the dog survived, but the woman left in a huff and I am sure she will do it again AND the Brookline police did nothing. This surely must be a crime.
In Watertown a similar incident happened that a friend told me about. In this case the police did break the window just as the woman showed up, gave her a $1500 ticket for cruelty and took her and the dog to Angell Memorial to be check out - this is the way it should have been handled. Thank you Anne Conklin - my hero!
Bottomline - NEVER leave your dog alone in the car on a warm day, regardless of whether the windows are open. Even if the weather outside is not extremely hot, the inside of the car acts like an oven - temperatures can rise to dangerously high levels in a matter of minutes. When a dog is exposed to high temperatures, heat stroke or heat exhaustion can result. Heat stroke is a very serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Once the signs of heat stroke are detected, there is precious little time before serious damage - or even death - can occur.
Understanding and Preventing Hyperthermia By Jenna Stregowski, RVT, About.com Guide says if you have even the slightest suspicion that your dog is suffering from heat stoke, you must take immediate action.
First, move your dog out of the heat and away from the sun right away.
Begin cooling your dog by placing cool, wet rags or washcloths on the body - especially the foot pads and around the head.
DO NOT use ice or very cold water! Extreme cold can cause the blood vessels to constrict, preventing the body's core from cooling and actually causing the internal temperature to further rise. In addition, over-cooling can cause hypothermia, introducing a host of new problems. When the body temperature reaches 103°, stop cooling.
Offer your dog cool water, but do not force water into your dog's mouth.
Call or visit your vet right away - even if your dog seems better. Internal damage might not be obvious to the naked eye, so an exam is necessary (and further testing may be recommended).
Be smart, Be safe!
In Watertown a similar incident happened that a friend told me about. In this case the police did break the window just as the woman showed up, gave her a $1500 ticket for cruelty and took her and the dog to Angell Memorial to be check out - this is the way it should have been handled. Thank you Anne Conklin - my hero!
Bottomline - NEVER leave your dog alone in the car on a warm day, regardless of whether the windows are open. Even if the weather outside is not extremely hot, the inside of the car acts like an oven - temperatures can rise to dangerously high levels in a matter of minutes. When a dog is exposed to high temperatures, heat stroke or heat exhaustion can result. Heat stroke is a very serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Once the signs of heat stroke are detected, there is precious little time before serious damage - or even death - can occur.
Understanding and Preventing Hyperthermia By Jenna Stregowski, RVT, About.com Guide says if you have even the slightest suspicion that your dog is suffering from heat stoke, you must take immediate action.
First, move your dog out of the heat and away from the sun right away.
Begin cooling your dog by placing cool, wet rags or washcloths on the body - especially the foot pads and around the head.
DO NOT use ice or very cold water! Extreme cold can cause the blood vessels to constrict, preventing the body's core from cooling and actually causing the internal temperature to further rise. In addition, over-cooling can cause hypothermia, introducing a host of new problems. When the body temperature reaches 103°, stop cooling.
Offer your dog cool water, but do not force water into your dog's mouth.
Call or visit your vet right away - even if your dog seems better. Internal damage might not be obvious to the naked eye, so an exam is necessary (and further testing may be recommended).
Be smart, Be safe!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs on the Rise

Just read an article posted on Pet Health Care about the rise of Xylitol poisoning in Dogs and I thought it would be a good idea to share some of it with you.
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is primarily used as a substitute for sugar in a lot of diet and confectionery products.
Xylitol negatively effects dogs as it is quickly absorbed through their digestive tracts. Xylitol in tiny amounts can potentially cause significant toxic poisoning in dogs. Even just one to two pieces of regular sized chewing gum that contains Xylitol can be potentially toxic to a dog that weighs less than 20lbs. In dogs who have ingested Xylitol, the symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of coordination, pale gums, liver damage/failure, and even seizures. If these symptoms are not immediately treated, Xylitol toxicity may eventually lead to liver failure, blood clotting abnormalities, and possibly death. Therefore it is of extreme importance that you take your dog to a veterinarian immediately if you suspect that he ingested any Xylitol containing product, especially if it has been less than 2 hours as a veterinarian will have better luck in preventing your dog’s body from absorbing it.
As a dog owner you can prevent Xylitol poisoning by removing all consumer products containing Xylitol from your home. Better safe then sorry.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
We've Chosen to Go Natural and Here's Why
EPA warns of some flea, tick control products
By Garner Roberts Special to the Reporter-News Friday, April 17, 2009
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency this week said it is intensifying its evaluation of flea and tick control products for pets that involve the use of spot-on pesticide treatments, sprays, collars and shampoos.
The federal agency reported "a recent sharp increase" in the number of incidents reported of adverse reactions, ranging from mild effects such as skin irritation to more serious effects such as seizures and, in some cases, deaths of pets. The EPA statement issued by Dale Kemery says the "spot-on products are generally sold in tubes or vials and are applied to one or more localized areas on the body of the pet, such as in between the shoulders or in a stripe along the back." The agency lists seven products on its Web site (www.epa.gov).
More than 44,000 "potential incidents" associated with spot-on products were reported to the EPA in 2008. The EPA said "a cause and effect relationship between these products and any individual adverse reaction or incident has not been confirmed. EPA is carefully evaluating all available data."
There are lot's of natural alternatives to protect your pets. We've chosen to use Mad About Organics as our alternative for Flea and Tick control. Their Dog Flea & Tick Skin Treatment is a safe, natural and effective flea and tick treatment Developed using Organic Infused Oils (Olive Oil, Neem, Catnip, Lemongrass and Yarrow) and Aloe Vera Oil, Organic Essential Oils (Catnip, Clove, Calendula, Cedarwood, Lavender, Juniper Berry, Tea Tree, Citronella, Eucalyptus and Lemongrass) with guaranteed results.
Lavender oil which repels fleas as well as ticks, mosquitoes and other insects naturally and effectively. Lemongrass is quite popular as an insect repellent due to its insecticidal properties. Catnip - Researchers report that Nepetalactone, the essential oil in Catnip that gives the plant its characteristic odor, is about 10 times more effective at repelling mosquitoes then DEET - the compound used in most commercial insect repellents. Calendula oil improves the blood flow to the inflicted area and in further tissue regeneration. It remains one of the most popular herbal anti-fungal and anti-bacterial remedies to promote skin healing and cell regeneration. Tea Tree Oil is an efficient insect deterrent and insect killer. It does not let parasites and other insects like mosquitoes, fleas, lice, flies.
We also use Dog or Cat Relief Spray. It's list of Ingredients include - Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Olive Oil, Organic Infused Oils(Calendula, Lemongrass, Catnip, Neem and Yarrow) and Jojoba Oil, Organic Essential Oils (Lavender, Citronella, Eucalyptus, Catnip, Peppermint, Lemongrass, Calendula, Cedarwood, Juniper Berry, Geranium, Orange, Rosemary and Witch Hazel) Borax and Lecithin. In addition to being a great Insect Repellent a wonderful side benefit from this spray is it also works as a natural sun screen, which is great for those fair skinned animals (My Dog Kanji falls into this category- white colored dogs have sensitive skin and need protection) or to help keep your animal's hair color from fading.
Made in Eugene Oregon by Mad About Organics these safe, natural and effective animal care products are great for those who care about the environment as much as they care about their pets.
By Garner Roberts Special to the Reporter-News Friday, April 17, 2009
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency this week said it is intensifying its evaluation of flea and tick control products for pets that involve the use of spot-on pesticide treatments, sprays, collars and shampoos.
The federal agency reported "a recent sharp increase" in the number of incidents reported of adverse reactions, ranging from mild effects such as skin irritation to more serious effects such as seizures and, in some cases, deaths of pets. The EPA statement issued by Dale Kemery says the "spot-on products are generally sold in tubes or vials and are applied to one or more localized areas on the body of the pet, such as in between the shoulders or in a stripe along the back." The agency lists seven products on its Web site (www.epa.gov).
More than 44,000 "potential incidents" associated with spot-on products were reported to the EPA in 2008. The EPA said "a cause and effect relationship between these products and any individual adverse reaction or incident has not been confirmed. EPA is carefully evaluating all available data."
There are lot's of natural alternatives to protect your pets. We've chosen to use Mad About Organics as our alternative for Flea and Tick control. Their Dog Flea & Tick Skin Treatment is a safe, natural and effective flea and tick treatment Developed using Organic Infused Oils (Olive Oil, Neem, Catnip, Lemongrass and Yarrow) and Aloe Vera Oil, Organic Essential Oils (Catnip, Clove, Calendula, Cedarwood, Lavender, Juniper Berry, Tea Tree, Citronella, Eucalyptus and Lemongrass) with guaranteed results. Lavender oil which repels fleas as well as ticks, mosquitoes and other insects naturally and effectively. Lemongrass is quite popular as an insect repellent due to its insecticidal properties. Catnip - Researchers report that Nepetalactone, the essential oil in Catnip that gives the plant its characteristic odor, is about 10 times more effective at repelling mosquitoes then DEET - the compound used in most commercial insect repellents. Calendula oil improves the blood flow to the inflicted area and in further tissue regeneration. It remains one of the most popular herbal anti-fungal and anti-bacterial remedies to promote skin healing and cell regeneration. Tea Tree Oil is an efficient insect deterrent and insect killer. It does not let parasites and other insects like mosquitoes, fleas, lice, flies.
We also use Dog or Cat Relief Spray. It's list of Ingredients include - Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Olive Oil, Organic Infused Oils(Calendula, Lemongrass, Catnip, Neem and Yarrow) and Jojoba Oil, Organic Essential Oils (Lavender, Citronella, Eucalyptus, Catnip, Peppermint, Lemongrass, Calendula, Cedarwood, Juniper Berry, Geranium, Orange, Rosemary and Witch Hazel) Borax and Lecithin. In addition to being a great Insect Repellent a wonderful side benefit from this spray is it also works as a natural sun screen, which is great for those fair skinned animals (My Dog Kanji falls into this category- white colored dogs have sensitive skin and need protection) or to help keep your animal's hair color from fading.Made in Eugene Oregon by Mad About Organics these safe, natural and effective animal care products are great for those who care about the environment as much as they care about their pets.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Why Canine Dental Hygiene Is Important

I found the following helpful information on vetinfo.com and thought it would be nice to share.
Your dog can't brush his own teeth. But that doesn't mean that plaque and tartar won't build up on his teeth. It doesn't mean that he won't get cavities, or suffer from gum disease, abscesses, or the pain and inflammation associated with infected teeth.
These ailments can cause your dog a lot of pain and suffering. They can inhibit his ability to enjoy meals, and impact his overall health. Daily brushing with dog toothpaste is a necessary part of your dog's dental hygiene regimen, along with yearly veterinary dental exams and dental cleaning. Daily brushing can go a long way toward keeping your dog's teeth, and your dog, healthy.
Some symptoms of canine dental hygiene problems include:
Halitosis, or bad breath, Bloody saliva, Broken or fractured teeth, Excessive drooling , Diminished appetite, Swollen, bleeding, or inflammed gums, Yellowish-brown tartar build-up along the gum line. If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, he's probably suffering from gingivitis or periodontitis.
Preventing Dog Dental Problems
Dog toothpaste is a vital part of a preventative dental hygiene regimen. You might think that brushing your dog's teeth is too difficult, and it's true that it can take some time to accustom an adult dog to this practice. It's best to start when your dog is a puppy; he'll get used to having his teeth brushed much more quickly. But even if you have an adult dog, you can still begin a canine dental hygiene regimen.
More info on how to brush your dogs teeth can be found at: http://www.vetinfo.com/dog-toothpaste-essential.html
If you find it difficult to brush the dogs teeth daily there are some other options you can try - including Petzlife Gel that helps to "melt" the tarter from the teeth. The ingredients mix with your pet's saliva when applied on your pet's teeth and completely coats your pet’s teeth and mouth. This process kills harmful bacteria and loosens plaque and tarter. Available at Cause to Paws.
Your dog can't brush his own teeth. But that doesn't mean that plaque and tartar won't build up on his teeth. It doesn't mean that he won't get cavities, or suffer from gum disease, abscesses, or the pain and inflammation associated with infected teeth.
These ailments can cause your dog a lot of pain and suffering. They can inhibit his ability to enjoy meals, and impact his overall health. Daily brushing with dog toothpaste is a necessary part of your dog's dental hygiene regimen, along with yearly veterinary dental exams and dental cleaning. Daily brushing can go a long way toward keeping your dog's teeth, and your dog, healthy.
Some symptoms of canine dental hygiene problems include:
Halitosis, or bad breath, Bloody saliva, Broken or fractured teeth, Excessive drooling , Diminished appetite, Swollen, bleeding, or inflammed gums, Yellowish-brown tartar build-up along the gum line. If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, he's probably suffering from gingivitis or periodontitis.
Preventing Dog Dental Problems
Dog toothpaste is a vital part of a preventative dental hygiene regimen. You might think that brushing your dog's teeth is too difficult, and it's true that it can take some time to accustom an adult dog to this practice. It's best to start when your dog is a puppy; he'll get used to having his teeth brushed much more quickly. But even if you have an adult dog, you can still begin a canine dental hygiene regimen.
More info on how to brush your dogs teeth can be found at: http://www.vetinfo.com/dog-toothpaste-essential.html
If you find it difficult to brush the dogs teeth daily there are some other options you can try - including Petzlife Gel that helps to "melt" the tarter from the teeth. The ingredients mix with your pet's saliva when applied on your pet's teeth and completely coats your pet’s teeth and mouth. This process kills harmful bacteria and loosens plaque and tarter. Available at Cause to Paws.
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