Jax, the Espoma Morkie, running on an organic lawn
The Safe Paws campaign aims to equip responsible pet owners with tips to keep pets safe outdoors by avoiding the dangers of common lawn hazards.
MILLVILLE, NJ (PRWEB) March 04, 2015
Dog owners with their pets in tow are invited to learn about a new outdoor pet safety initiative this Friday, March 6. Owners and companions are invited to visit the Espoma Safe Paws display at the first-ever Philadelphia Flower Show Fido Friday.
The Espoma Company, pioneer in natural gardening solutions since 1929, is launching Safe Paws at Yappy Hour from 6 to 9p.m.
The Safe Paws campaign aims to equip responsible pet owners with tips to keep pets safe outdoors by avoiding the dangers of common lawn hazards.
“We’re taking the lead to help pet owners learn how to have a safe outdoor environment for their pets,” says Jeremy Brunner, vice president of Espoma.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates some 90 million pounds of pesticides are applied to lawns each year. It’s common to see flags and signs warning people to ‘keep pets and children off’ lawns where chemical fertilizers and pesticides have been applied by landscaping and lawn maintenance companies. When homeowners apply these chemicals on their own, they typically won’t post any flags, warning neighbors and other dogs walking nearby.
Lawn chemicals are potentially harmful to both cats and dogs that run and play in yards, neighborhoods and parks, and may be a contributing factor in the increase of Cancer in pets. According to the National Canine Cancer Foundation, an alarming one out of every three dogs is diagnosed with cancer.
Brunner recommends switching to organic, pet-safe lawn foods, like the Espoma Organic annual feeding program, to grow lush, green grass. Organic lawn food keeps paws clean from harmful lawn chemicals that can easily be ingested or tracked into homes.
Fido Friday, sponsored in partnership with Subaru and the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), includes a canine fashion show, red carpet walk and on-site adoptions. For the first time ever, dogs will be allowed in the Grand Hall of The Philadelphia Flower Show and on the show floor. All dogs in attendance must be leashed, tagged and properly vaccinated.
The Philadelphia Flower Show held at the Philadelphia Convention Center opens Saturday, February 28 and closes March 8. Visit the Espoma exhibit in Show Floor Hall B Front.
Other Espoma Organic Safe Paws educational events will be held at Independent Garden Centers in the Philadelphia and Baltimore areas this spring. For more information or to download the Safe Paws Guide Book, visit http://www.espoma.com.
About the Espoma Company
The Espoma Company is a fourth generation, family-owned business that has been the pioneer in organic gardening since 1929. Espoma products work in harmony with nature to grow beautiful lawns & gardens, preserve natural resources, and make a greener world for future generations. Espoma offers a complete selection of natural plant foods, lawn foods, control products, and potting mixes that are available nationwide. For additional information, visit http://www.espoma.com or find them on Facebook.
About the Philadelphia Flower Show:
The PHS Philadelphia Flower Show, the largest flower show in the world, inspires a quarter-million visitors each year with the best in floral and landscape designs. Proceeds from the Flower Show benefit the year-round programs of PHS. PHS initiatives include the PHS City Harvest program, which creates green jobs and supports a network of community gardens that raise fresh produce for more than 1,000 families in need each week during the growing season. For additional information visit http://www.theflowershow.com