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BPO Growl & Howl Forum => Groans, Gripes, Brags & Boasts => : bigdogs@5501 August 03, 2007, 03:45:19 AM

: Eukanuba spokes person for Vick- this guy is a Moron
: bigdogs@5501 August 03, 2007, 03:45:19 AM
Vick had a "bad error in judgement." If you aren't already boycotting Eukanuba for experimenting on dogs, then this should help you make a decision

Once 'fabric of America'
J.T. Thomas — representing the event's sponsor, pet food maker Eukanuba — offered a tempered viewpoint. It's because of Vick's own background — suggested Thomas, a younger brother of the 1960s-era Oilers cornerback W.K. Hicks — that people should attempt to understand how the former Virginia Tech star could have become involved.
"Once upon a time dogfighting, just like cockfighting, used to be a part of the fabric of America," said Thomas, of Pasadena. "Just like with a lot of other things, loopholes have been closed. It sometimes takes people awhile to understand what you used to do and what you can do now aren't always one in the same. Sometimes you have to learn this the hard way, and that's happening with him. This was not murder. This was not a capital crime. This was, possibly, a bad error in judgment. We can make a federal case out of it if we want to, but whatever happened, we have to let justice take its course. (Vick's) argument is that he was not knowledgeable about what was going on.
"I myself am a man of color. But, if a man is wrong, he's wrong. I'm not going to jump on his bandwagon because he's Michael Vick. It's unfortunate people in America tend to worship success and don't always realize that just because someone is successful financially they may not be successful morally, socially or spiritually."
: Re: Eukanuba spokes person for Vick- this guy is a Moron
: bigdogs@5501 August 03, 2007, 03:51:29 AM
This is not murder?? This is not a capitol crime?? J.T.Thomas owes an apology to anyone with an IQ of more than 20. What? Its not murder if it is a dog? No Mr. Thomas this was not a human, but they were caring feeling creatures. And what Vick and others like him did was wrong and it was a crime. The amount of abuse that people like Vick impose on helpless creatures every day has to stop, there is no excuse. Sorry folks for getting so worked up over this but finding excuses for Vick at this point is just inexcusable. We all know right from wrong and this was wrong. In my opinion, dogs are proof of gods existence, they can be abused, ignored, mistreated and starved, but are always willing to forgive and forget and give unconditional love. Too bad people like Vick have not learned anything from being in the prescence of dogs.
: Re: Eukanuba spokes person for Vick- this guy is a Moron
: People Whisperer August 03, 2007, 03:54:20 AM
I think that TV had shown plenty of cases that people in America do realize that just because someone is successful financially they may not be successful morally, socially or spiritually. Actually, there are more financially stable people with moral disabilities than the "penny savers" and we all know it!
: Re: Eukanuba spokes person for Vick- this guy is a Moron
: Newly Newfed August 05, 2007, 08:57:26 PM
It sometimes takes people awhile to understand what you used to do and what you can do now aren't always one in the same.

It's illegal.

If you try to hide it, you KNOW it's illegal.

PERIOD.

What's not to understand?
: Re: Eukanuba spokes person for Vick- this guy is a Moron
: fivestartaylor August 05, 2007, 09:43:27 PM
Okay so how is it that a dog food company is making excuses for a DOG MURDERER!! Sounds like a big crock o'crap. And as far as people not believing he did it because he is finacially sound? What the heck kinda sense does that make I mean I don't care if your my broke neighbor down the street or if your Mike Vic.. either way what you did is inexcusable and horrible and you should be punished for it!
: Re: Eukanuba spokes person for Vick- this guy is a Moron
: VdogLover August 05, 2007, 10:30:22 PM
HMMmmm its time to start writing Eukanuba. Seems they may need a new spokes person and just don't know it yet.
: Re: Eukanuba spokes person for Vick- this guy is a Moron
: RMSChloe August 06, 2007, 02:18:35 AM
hmm sorry, id love to boycott Eukanuba for that but i cant. its the only food that my pup can be on that she wont have a flare up of her HOD on... sorry... and just for the record i dont agree with this guy or anything vick has done. its digusting
: I agree, his opinions are bogus. But he doesn't work for us or represent us.
: EukPuppy August 07, 2007, 12:00:36 AM
Very sorry to intrude on your blog--I found this posting through a Google search. I work for Eukanuba in Consumer Relations.

JT Thomas does not work for us. A Houston newspaper inaccurately listed Mr. Thomas as a representative for Eukanuba; however, he is not employed by Iams or Eukanuba.

Mr. Thomas expressed his own, personal opinions regarding Michael Vick.

As a company, we do not condone or support dog fighting of any kind.

Thank you for reading.

Respectfully,
Beverly
Eukanuba Team Leader
: Re: Eukanuba spokes person for Vick- this guy is a Moron
: bigdogs@5501 August 07, 2007, 01:15:30 AM
1st of all Beverly, thank you for posting, I wish that you would have left a way in which to contact you and I would like to see Eukanuba publicly say what you have expressed here on the board. We at BPO are a realtively small group but we are dog owners who not only love our dogs, but all dogs and some of us spend countless hours and money on rescues and vet bills and food. You did not intrude. I am also a member of another board and I think that Eukanuba should be interested in informing all parties of the fact that Mr.Thomas doesnt represent Eukanuba. If you do not want to post- my email address can be obtained from my profile, please feel free to contact me directly. I am the one who originally posted this info on this board and to be honest there are a lot of groups that could benefit from your company and thier support in this matter.
Paige
: Re: Eukanuba spokes person for Vick- this guy is a Moron
: navarre1316 August 07, 2007, 01:22:15 AM
Well said Paige!
: Non-Eukanuba spokes person for Vick- this guy is a Moron: YEP!
: EukPuppy August 07, 2007, 09:07:32 PM
Paige--Thank you for making me feel welcome! Part of my job in Consumer Relations at Eukanuba is to post to blogs and forums, so please consider my post officially from the company--and no problems if you want to cross-post to another board.

I'm sorry you did not see my email address on my profile--when I registered yesterday I was in a hurry to get the posting finished and did not have time to fine-tune my profile. I can always be reached at customer.servi ce at iams.com. If you put "Attention Beverly" in the subject line of the email it will filter directly to me.

Kindest regards to you and all the Big Paws!

Bev and Bailey-the-Bichon
: Re: Eukanuba spokes person for Vick- this guy is a Moron
: Ice Blue August 07, 2007, 10:14:44 PM
First of all I'd like to thank you Beverly for clarifying that Thomas isn't affiliated with Eukanuba.

Second of all, I'd like to say to Mr. Thomas, I believe there was a motion to raise a Dog's legal status to that of a Human, so how you can't call that murder is beyond me! It irks me to the core that he is supporting Vick! >:( Would he support Hitler? As far as I'm concerned dog fighting is a genocide that's not getting enough attention. Animal cruelty, in any way, shape or form, is unforgivable. grrrr

I just wanted to add that regardless of the legal status of a dog, with or without it, it's still murder.
: Re: Eukanuba spokes person for Vick- this guy is a Moron
: bigdogs@5501 August 08, 2007, 02:11:01 AM
Beverly again thank you for the information. Hopefully your company will become more involved in rescue. I did send out a post to one of my boards, I included you on the post and your address in the subject line. I expressed my opinion and that I appreciate you responding to the post. Welcome again to BPO and please check out tinytracks.net . You are welcome on both sites.
Paige
: Re: Eukanuba spokes person for Vick- this guy is a Moron
: bigdogs@5501 August 08, 2007, 02:04:23 PM
Good Question Tina, I didnt even think of that, hopefully Beverly can also explain that to us, thanks for asking. I again would like to see Eukanuba make a public announcement regarding J.T.Thomas and thier stance on Michael Vick.
: I would LOVE to scream from the rafters!!
: EukPuppy August 09, 2007, 12:28:08 AM
If Mr. Thomas does not represent Eukanuba who is he then? And why was it implied that he was representing Eukanuba? Why is Eukanuba not screaming from the rafters of this?

Truly, it does no good to scream from the rafters with something like this. It just gives the mis-information more air time. Sometimes you just have to choose your battles.

As to why it was implied that he was a spokesman for Eukanuba, the agency he works for supplies us with samplers. He may have been handing out samples of Eukanuba at the dog show. He had no authorization (from us or his employer)to speak as he did to the media. And he has moved on to other projects at the place where he works.
: Re: Eukanuba spokes person for Vick- this guy is a Moron
: marypyrs August 09, 2007, 01:20:40 AM
First of all. Welcome to the Board Beverly. Your Fur Baby is absolutely adorable.  :-* And I, too, thank you for your response.

It does do good to scream from the rafters. And in this case it has brought attention from you. Right?

This particular group (BPO) of Friends from across the Country and across the World have one thing and ONLY one thing in mind. The health and welfare of our beloved companions. And just like Momma Bears - we will stand up to protect them in every way. SO. That is the chosen battle.

I have a real Gut Feeling that you are of the same mind. Having worked many years for an extreemly large Corporation I know your imput must be limited. But I hope you stay connected here. It's in my mind, the best Community out there. 
: Re: Eukanuba spokes person for Vick- this guy is a Moron
: bigdogs@5501 August 09, 2007, 03:04:18 AM
Ok I didnt really know who J.T. Thomas was, so I googled him. And of course he was a Football player among other accomplishment s. So that being said how in the world did he end up at a dog show handing out samples? I am guessing that he is not working part time to supplement his retirement handing out samples. So he was at the Houston dog show- handing out samples and making statements. How did he come to be in this position? Now I am baffled. He doesnt seem to just be some one off of the street. See at first I just thougth that J.T. Thomas was a true spokes person for Eukanuba, didnt even question anything other than that, now it just gets more and more interesting.
Beverly we do care for our dogs and all dogs and obviously the dog community is going to keep this alive in hopes to stop some of the abuse by what some people consider a sport.
So if I am understanding this, Eukanuba outsources its sample distribution to other companies and it just so happens that this man was a employee at that company?
And now he has basically been re-assigned?
Sorry if I am sounding a bit blonde, I am sure that I have a rampant blonde gene here some where and it is shining bright tonite- So humor me. Can we get all of the details on Mr.Thomas and this so called company and again why hasnt Eukanuba not made a public announcement? By not making that public announcement and apology it really leads the general public to believe that this is Eukanubas spokes person- at the very lease Mr.Thomas should make a public apology and offer a donation to a pit bull rescue.
: Re: Eukanuba spokes person for Vick- this guy is a Moron
: bigdogs@5501 August 09, 2007, 03:08:11 AM
please forgive me for some of the typos in my previous post- I get worked up over issues like this and my brain, along with the rampant blonde gene, and my fingers do not communicate as well as I they should. I would like to be able to do something to just stop the needless abuse in this world and maybe by speaking out, I may make a difference.
: Re: Eukanuba spokes person for Vick- this guy is a Moron
: EukPuppy August 09, 2007, 04:35:44 AM
I'm personally not believeing anything until I see it on Eukanuba/Iams website. Ideally coming as a direct quote from the president. Having someone claiming to be from Eukanuba post on a pubilc forum is not proof enough for me. (not saying the preson does not work for Eukanuba,they may very well hold a position there, but this is an open forum and on the net.  We all know that we can be anyone on the internet)

Wow. Well, I've already said to Paige not to believe everything she reads on the net, so here are my own words thrown back at me.  :)

You don't have to believe me. Please feel free to call our toll-free phone line and ask the rep if we support dog fighting. (800-525-4267).

The leadership team at Eukanuba is aware of this tread--because it's my job to let them know about things like this. Thank you for all your feedback.
: Re: Eukanuba spokes person for Vick- this guy is a Moron
: Duramax August 09, 2007, 05:39:53 AM
so what i have gotten from your posts is that Euk. is against dog fighting. but you are not willing to publicly state it? You also acknowledge that many people have been misslead by this man who spoke for Euk. But are not willing to set the record straight? You also said that you have to pick your fights, which i fully agree. which is where my question comes from... this whole Vick/dog fighting thing has been such a big high profile case. It's odd to me that Euk. is choosing to not "pick this fight"....
: Re: Eukanuba spokes person for Vick- this guy is a Moron
: angelsmama August 09, 2007, 07:53:42 AM
very well said tina! i couldnt have put it better myself.. i'll believe it when there is solid proof
: Re: Eukanuba spokes person for Vick- this guy is a Moron
: Winslow 151 August 09, 2007, 03:52:32 PM
Hi,

Unfortunately, We on this board, are not the "Majority" of Eukanuba customers, or Purina, or IAMS. We care about the quality of the food we feed our loved ones.

I see a typical "large corporation mentality", with a huge marketing budget that has a Beverly, doing a great job, placating the informed, but the majority of Eukanuba customers are blissfully uninformed and will not change their shopping habits by switching dog food manufacturers. I am sure 99% of Eukanuba customers have never heard the comment made by "Mr. Thomas" and probably are barely aware of Michael Vick and Dog fighting in general.

Sorry but the concern we have does not effect the pocket of Eukanuba, so we are not even a blip on their radar screen!!

This is just about economics, that is not to say, I don't appreciate Beverly addressing BPO's concerns, but in reality this thread will go no further in Eukanuba then Beverly's monitor when she logs on.

Rich

: Re: Eukanuba spokes person for Vick- this guy is a Moron
: EukPuppy August 09, 2007, 04:46:58 PM
You all seem to feel that we should be making a public statement. As Winslow 151 said, as wonderful as you are, this board is not the majority of our customers. The majority of our customers have never heard of Mr. Thomas.

Rich also implied that most of you don't even feed our food; however, here I am having a dialogue with you and being paid to do it. You may not feed our food, but we care about your opinion so we're talking with you.

And I must gently disagree with Rich when he says that this thread will go no further then my monitor because I AM responsible for bringing your comments to the bosses of the company.

I also must disagree with Rich when he implies that people who feed Eukanuba are uninformed. Eukanuba consumers are not stupid.

What's wrong with taking the message to the people who are actually asking the question? My first posting here was a formal statement from my company. I posted as a representative of Eukanuba. Didn't you find it a little bit corporate-sounding? If you had rejected me, I would have gone my way and not posted again. But you didn't reject me, you invited me in and we are having a discussion that I can take back to my company to make our business better.

I cannot give you more information on Mr. Thomas then I've already posted. I'm not trying to hide anything--employment and non-employment is a topic best left to Human Resources. He was not our spokesperson. He did not express the opinion of my company.

Paige recently emailed me (customer dot service at iams dog com) on another topic. I told her, don't believe everything you read on the Internet. We should all take what we read on the Internet with a grain of salt and a rasher of reason. That's all I meant by that statement.
 
You are all very dog-centric and that is a WONDERFUL thing. You don't seem to feed Eukanuba, but you care about getting the word out to correct a misconception about the company--I greatly appreciate that. Thank you for allowing me to be part of this discussion.
: Re: Eukanuba spokes person for Vick- this guy is a Moron
: EukPuppy August 09, 2007, 04:50:22 PM
BTW Rich, that is one cute Newf you got!
: Re: Eukanuba spokes person for Vick- this guy is a Moron
: Winslow 151 August 09, 2007, 05:11:00 PM
Hi Beverly,

Thanks for the reply, there is a HUGE difference between un-informed and stupid, I never referred to Eukanubas customers as stupid, and if that was inferred in my post I apologize.

I see no evidence that this thread goes further then your monitor, but I take you at your word that it does;-)

I hope that Eukanuba takes a stronger stance and helps to "Inform" their customers that they do not support animal cruelty, and Illegal activities involving pets, but we have yet to see that in print or in advertising by the company other than a few posts by one representative on this board.

I do see Eukanuba sponsoring events in the hunting and dog sport areas and hope to see Eukanuba using these forums to advertise the stance you present on this board.

Until that happens these posts are all symantics, between well meaning people who want this issue not to fall out of the minds of people weather they own pets or not.

Rich,

PS Thanks for the comment on Winslow he is awesome as I am sure your Pup is too!!
: Re: Eukanuba spokes person for Vick- this guy is a Moron
: bigdogs@5501 August 10, 2007, 03:38:27 AM
I just think that at this point, its a mute point. I dont know why Eukanuba wont make a public statement. Big business though-we are the little guy. To make a public statement or to get the Houston Chronicle to recant seems like such an important issue to a few of us is just not important enough. I have sent Beverly a personal email. Gracie lost her life primarily because she is a pit bull. Being born as a pit bull is a death sentence from day one for so many of these dogs. If Eukanuba doesnt want to make a public statement, I would love to see them donate to a pit bull rescue. I would be more than happy to point them in a few directions. Gracie lost her life because of the selfishness of humans and for a sick horrible event that they call a sport. RIP Gracie.
: Re: Eukanuba spokes person for Vick- this guy is a Moron
: Duramax August 10, 2007, 07:05:16 PM
You're not giving up are you Paige?

Hey, we all belong to multiple dog boards.  Let's send that article on to them.  Hmmm, while we're at it, how about some rescue organizations, PETA, ASPCA. 

Any others I left out?
here here!
: Re: Eukanuba spokes person for Vick- this guy is a Moron
: bigdogs@5501 August 11, 2007, 06:37:20 AM
No I am not giving up- I had a bad day yesterday with the loss of Gracie. Gracie died simply because she was a pit bull. I saved her from certain death once but was unsuccesful on my second attempt. I sent Beverly an email telling her about Gracie, I told her that since she had explained to me that her company also donates to different organizations, that I would love to see her company step up to the plate and donate in Gracies name. Trust me I could certainly point her in the right direction. I didnt get a reply- Beverly posted on this board but didnt reply to my email. I also would be more than happy to meet with Eukanuba in person and I pointed that out as well. I have also been thinking, and we are a board of about 5000 give or take, so we do represent a large group. Not everyone posts thier opions on this board, but they are reading, we know that by how many people sign in as guests on a regular basis.
So if Eukanuba wants to take a stand and make it a public stand, let me help them. First and foremost, make a stand as a corporate giant against Breed Specific Legislation. Its not just pit bulls that are targeted. Eukanuba also needs to make a stand to support, not just verbally, but financially, the pit bull rescues who so desperately need help. Right now illegal dog fighting is a hot topic and not just in the dog world. Usually companies are always looking for a way to continue to get thier name out in the public. So Beverly, the challenge is on, if Eukanuba is truely against dog fighting, then here is the opportunity to prove it, now it is up to Eukanuba. Also Beverly, this is not personal against you, it is your company and J.T.Thomas and although we are a small group we are a vocal group and it is amazing what one small group can actually accomplish when they are passionate. Eukanuba may think that we are too small of a group to be concerned about, but we are global, stretching from one continent to another, and we have friends and we belong to other boards. Lets see Eukanuba turn this into a positive lets see if the corporate heads of Eukanuba really do care.
: Re: Eukanuba spokes person for Vick- this guy is a Moron
: marypyrs August 12, 2007, 06:56:22 PM
Anyone checked out www.Itchmo.com this morning? Beverly & EUK? How about you?
: Re: Eukanuba spokes person for Vick- this guy is a Moron
: Nicole August 12, 2007, 07:18:32 PM
HOW COOL! We're on itchmo!!!

: Re: Eukanuba spokes person for Vick- this guy is a Moron
: EllieAndBlu August 12, 2007, 07:30:32 PM
I am fired-up.

I am one of the 5000 BPO members who has been reading this thread, but has not replied... until now.

I find it appauling that a company the size of Eukanuba would invade this board to placate a few, but not make a public statement renouncing the words of J.T. Thomas, and demand a printed correction from the Houston Chronicle, which by the way has a daily circulation of just over 500,000. That number represents newspapers purchased,it does not take into count multiple readers of those newspapers - It would sufice to say readerdship is a lot highter that half a million.

As for the power of BPO - the majority are not Eukanuba customers,but we are a passionate group and like Paige said we may be a small group but we are global and we have friends.

Silence speaks volumes Eukanuba. It is time to make an official statement - denouncing dogfighting like your customer service reps claim on the phone - but just like Bev says "don't believe everything you read", I was taught to not believe everything I "hear". I urge you to make an official statement about JT Thomas and the company's stance of dogfighting... . otherwise people are left to assumptions, and that is never good in the world of business.

** modified to add - way to go Jenn and Co. with the www.itchmo.com article - wahoooooo! **

: Re: Eukanuba spokes person for Vick- this guy is a Moron
: bigdogs@5501 August 13, 2007, 03:49:49 AM
Never ever underestimate the power of a like minded compassionate group of people. Right is right and wrong is wrong, and BPO is comprised of a group of people who are not content to sit back and let wrong prevail just because some corporate giant feels that we do not represent the majority.

Thank you BPO for being a group that I am proud to announce that I am a member, and thank you Jaime and Michael for having created this board and brought all of us together.

Eukanuba now has a challenge. They can either take this and turn it into a postive or they can continue to sit in silence.

Publicly stating that Thomas is not a spokesperson, publicly denouncing dog fighting, standing behind the Pit Rescue Groups and denouncing Breed Specific Legislation would be a good place to start in Eukanuba's quest to turn this around.

Paige
: Re: Eukanuba spokes person for Vick- this guy is a Moron
: Newly Newfed August 13, 2007, 05:57:19 AM
I have been following this thread and have not replied because, frankly, you have all voiced my concerns and questions, plusbrought up a lot of other good points that I would not have thought of.

Beverly, I understand that as a large company, EUK cannot jump in and fight every battle that comes your way.  And I know that you are just doing your job.  However, I am not satisfied with the responses you have given.  It is very unsettling how vague some of your "answers" have been.  I still haven't the faintest clue why your company refuses to make a public statement about this issue.  In my lifetime I have learned that when people are vague and talk in circles it means they can't be trusted.  How could your leadership team feel that this issue isn't important enough to address?  Isn't the well-being of dogs high on EUK's priority list?  Or does it really just come down to the almighty dollar?  We may only be about 5000 strong here at BPO, but our passion for dogs can be a strong weapon.  Word of mouth is a powerful thing, and this group is one who will fight for what they believe in.

I, for one, am very disappointed with the stance that EUK has taken on this issue.  Your silence can too easily be misunderstood as acceptance for what is happening.  I may only be one potential customer that you so-called leadership team can afford to lose, but I can guarantee you I will not be silent about this.  You should be ashamed of yourselves.