I contacted Terra Nova, and received the following reply, from someone who has lived with the plants for some years. My guess is that my plant suffered from having been fertilized in the container, not a good idea. In any case, I think this response is well worth considering: I viewed the picture from the link you provided and without specific information from the person who has the plant it is challenging to make an accurate diagnosis. The individual with the plant has made no mention of how they are growing the plant, what kind of light, soil, fertilizer, watering practices are being used, or where they are located (are they in an area of high heat and humidity?) etc. Without this information it really doesnÂt provide a solid foundation upon which to build a diagnosis. You will note there a several folks on the forum making wild guesses as to what the issue may be, based on little to no information from the questioner. Our best guess, just from looking at the picture is that the drooping flower is from a fungal disease that is caused from overhead watering or heat and humidity this late in the summer or a combination of both. Another point to consider is how the plants were grown from the nursery that they were purchased at. Many nurseries will try to push foliage and flowers by using lots of fertilizer which tends to produce tall leggy plants and shoots that are not as strong as if they were grown under normal gardening practices. This is something we cannot determine looking at just pictures, but is a question that does need to be raised. Echinaceas by nature do not need lots of fertilizer and in fact like the soil fertility to be on the lean side. Before wild judgment calls are made against a plant or a nursery, going back to the basics and inquiring how a the Echinacea, or any plant for that mater, is currently being grown or how it was grown in a nursery will answer many questions. I happen to be fortunate to look outside my sales office each and view a clump of 10 Echinaca ÂTiki Torch in full blazing sun next to our driveway and they are thriving! No drooping stemsÂjust lots of flowers that greet me every day. This particular clump is grown in full sun, in regular soil that has good drainage and we donÂt fertilize. Regards, Erik Petersen Regional Sales Representative Terra Nova Nurseries

The purported effectiveness of Echinacea for treating the common cold has been disproven in recent years by several double-blind studies. The flowers can be collected when they are just beginning to open and hung upside-down to dry before using. Here is a link that might be useful: Study Says Echinacea Has No Effect on Colds

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - August 14, 2013 - The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G) has voluntarily recalled specific lots of dry pet food because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. These lots were distributed in the United States and represent roughly one-tenth of one percent (0.1%) of annual production. No Salmonella-related illnesses have been reported to date in association with these product lots. Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products. Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers. Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian. This issue is limited to the specific dry pet food lot codes listed below. This affects roughly one-tenth of one percent (0.1%) of total annual production. The affected product was distributed to select retailers across the United States. These products were made during a 10 day window at a single manufacturing site. P&G�s routine testing determined that some products made during this timeframe have the potential for Salmonella contamination. As a precautionary measure, P&G is recalling the potentially impacted products made during this timeframe. No other dry dog food, dry cat food, dog or cat canned wet food, biscuits/treats or supplements are affected by this announcement. P&G is retrieving these products as a precautionary measure. Consumers who purchased a product listed below should stop using the product and discard it and contact P&G toll-free at 800-208-0172 (Monday � Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST), or via website at www.iams.com or www.eukanuba.com. Media Contact: Jason Taylor 513-622-1111. Products affected by this announcement: EUKANUBA DRY DOG FOODS Description Size Lot Code UPC Code Best-by Date Eukanuba Dog Food Base Large Breed Mature Adult 15 LB 31874177 19014270156 6Nov14 30 LB 31874177 19014270309 6Nov14 Eukanuba Dog Food Base Maintenance Mature Adult 30 LB 31954177 19014149308 14Nov14 Eukanuba Dog Food Base Maintenance Puppy 16.5 LB 31884177 19014042234 7Nov14 33 LB 31884177 19014609468 7Nov14 5 LB 31884177 19014039852 7Nov14 Eukanuba Dog Food Base Small Breed Adult 16 LB 31904177 19014010516 9Nov14 4 LB 31904177 19014039722 9Nov14 Eukanuba Dog Food Base Small Breed Puppy 16 LB 31944177 19014010509 13Nov14 4 LB 31874177 19014039678 6Nov14 40 LB 31874177 19014011070 6Nov14 31944177 19014011070 13Nov14 Eukanuba Dog Food Breed Specific Boxer Adult 36 LB 31944177 19014019588 13Nov14 31954177 19014019588 14Nov14 Eukanuba Dog Food Breed Specific Chihuahua Adult 4 LB 31884177 19014607037 7Nov14 Eukanuba Dog Food Breed Specific Labrador Retriever Adult 36 LB 31954177 19014019564 14Nov14 Eukanuba Dog Food Premium Performance 30/20 Adult 33 LB 31884177 19014609475 7Nov14 Eukanuba Dog Food Professional Feeding Bag Small Breed Puppy 44 LB 31874177 19014113194 6Nov14 Eukanuba Dog Food Weight Control Large Breed Adult 30 LB 31894177 19014269303 8Nov14 31924177 19014269303 11Nov14 IAMS DRY DOG FOODS Description Size Lot Code UPC Code Best-by Date Iams Dog Food Healthy Naturals Chicken Adult 13.3 LB 31884177 19014612017 7Nov14 31904177 19014612017 9Nov14 31924177 19014612017 11Nov14 31934177 19014612017 12Nov14 31944177 19014612017 13Nov14 2.9 LB 31944177 19014700165 13Nov14 25.7 LB 31884177 19014700646 7Nov14 31894177 19014700646 8Nov14 31904177 19014700646 9Nov14 31914177 19014700646 10Nov14 31934177 19014700646 12Nov14 5 LB 31904177 19014612635 9Nov14 31914177 19014612635 10Nov14 Iams Dog Food Healthy Naturals Weight Control Adult 13.3 LB 31894177 19014612024 8Nov14 Iams Dog Food Premium Protection Chicken Adult 12.1 LB 31894177 19014611362 8Nov14 Iams Dog Food ProActive Health Large Breed Mature Adult 30 LB 31884177 19014611331 7Nov14 Iams Dog Food ProActive Health Large Breed Senior Plus 13.3 LB 31934177 19014612000 12Nov14 26.2 LB 31934177 19014700615 12Nov14 Iams Dog Food ProActive Health Large Chunks Adult 15 LB 31944177 19014610815 13Nov14 Iams Dog Food ProActive Health Small Breed Adult 13.3 LB 31874177 19014610990 6Nov14 31894177 19014610990 8Nov14 31924177 19014610990 11Nov14 3.1 LB 31874177 19014700110 6Nov14 31894177 19014700110 8Nov14 5 LB 31874177 19014612055 6Nov14 31894177 19014612055 8Nov14 31924177 19014612055 11Nov14 Iams Dog Food ProActive Health Small Breed Puppy 5 LB 31904177 19014700943 9Nov14 IAMS DRY CAT FOODS Description Size Lot Code UPC Code Best-by Date Iams Cat Food Healthy Naturals Chicken Adult 16 LB 31874177 19014611881 6Nov14 31944177 19014611881 13Nov14 5 LB 31874177 19014612697 6Nov14 31944177 19014612697 13Nov14 Iams Cat Food Healthy Naturals Weight Control Adult 5 LB 31894177 19014612703 8Nov14 Iams Cat Food ProActive Health Chicken Adult 10.8 LB 31864177 19014612086 5Nov14 31904177 19014612086 9Nov14 31914177 19014612086 10Nov14 31924177 19014612086 11Nov14 31944177 19014612086 13Nov14 17.4 LB 31864177 19014611836 5Nov14 31864177 19014611836 5Nov14 31914177 19014611836 10Nov14 31924177 19014611836 11Nov14 31944177 19014611836 13Nov14 3.2 LB 31904177 19014612659 9Nov14 31924177 19014612659 11Nov14 31934177 19014612659 12Nov14 31944177 19014612659 13Nov14 5.7 LB 31864177 19014612499 5Nov14 31914177 19014612499 10Nov14 31924177 19014612499 11Nov14 31944177 19014612499 13Nov14 6.3 LB 31944177 19014611621 13Nov14 Iams Cat Food ProActive Health Chicken Kitten 17.4 LB 31904177 19014611867 9Nov14 3.2 LB 31904177 19014612628 9Nov14 31954177 19014612628 14Nov14 5.7 LB 31904177 19014612505 9Nov14 31904177 19014612505 9Nov14 31954177 19014612505 14Nov14 Iams Cat Food ProActive Health Digestive Care Adult 16 LB 31904177 19014611904 9Nov14 31954177 19014611904 14Nov14 3 LB 31904177 19014700202 9Nov14 31954177 19014700202 14Nov14 5 LB 31904177 19014612451 9Nov14 31954177 19014612451 14Nov14 Iams Cat Food ProActive Health Hairball Adult 16 LB 31874177 19014611911 6Nov14 31954177 19014611911 14Nov14 3.1 LB 31884177 19014700219 7Nov14 31914177 19014700219 10Nov14 31954177 19014700219 14Nov14 5 LB 31874177 19014612420 6Nov14 31884177 19014612420 7Nov14 31914177 19014612420 10Nov14 31934177 19014612420 12Nov14 31954177 19014612420 14Nov14 9.8 LB 31894177 19014612161 8Nov14 31914177 19014612161 10Nov14 Iams Cat Food ProActive Health Hairball Mature Adult 5 LB 31954177 19014612604 14Nov14 Iams Cat Food ProActive Health Weight Control & Hairball Adult 16 LB 31884177 19014612147 7Nov14 31914177 19014612147 10Nov14 31924177 19014612147 11Nov14 31934177 19014612147 12Nov14 31944177 19014612147 13Nov14 2.9 LB 31914177 19014700240 10Nov14 31924177 19014700240 11Nov14 31934177 19014700240 12Nov14 31944177 19014700240 13Nov14 31954177 19014700257 14Nov14 5 LB 31884177 19014612789 7Nov14 31914177 19014612789 10Nov14 31924177 19014612789 11Nov14 31934177 19014612789 12Nov14 31954177 19014612789 14Nov14 5.5 LB 31924177 19014611652 11Nov14 9.8 LB 31884177 19014612130 7Nov14 31914177 19014612130 10Nov14 31924177 19014612130 11Nov14 31934177 19014612130 12Nov14 31944177 19014612130 13Nov14 Iams Cat Food ProActive Health Weight Control Adult 16 LB 31874177 19014612178 6Nov14 31934177 19014612178 12Nov14 5 LB 31874177 19014612680 6Nov14 31934177 19014612680 12Nov14 9.8 LB 31874177 19014612123 6Nov14 Iams Cat Food Professional Feeding Bag Chicken Adult 33 LB 31914177 19014105458 10Nov14 31944177 19014105458 13Nov14

This is what I have learned thus far. Purebred dogs are bred as such so that a person knows what they are getting when they buy a puppy. For example, tempermenmt, size, coat considerations, and required living conditions. The reasons breeders breed purebred dogs are entirely their's personally and somewhere in their reasons is the adherance to a breed standard (usually). Not a bad idea if a breeder can successfully pull this off. However, this does not guarentee the personality of a purebred dog. Generally speaking, temperment is what they are bred for, personality is something they are born with and grow in to. For example, I have been breeding shelties for many years and can tell you that, as a breed, shelties are not "in your face" dogs, they are more cautious and sensitive, they prefer to be beside you at all times, they bark as they are bred to drive stock and alert, they have a double coat which requires lots of grooming and they shed, they are very affectionate, happy dogs and are extremely smart and easy to train. They can develop skin problems, eye problems, hip issues, and a few genetic diseases more exclusive to shelties. That said, this is the case with all purebred dogs, of course, each to their own breed. Reputable breeders will generally strive to produce healthy, balanced dogs with an emphasis on temperment and genetic soundness. To acheive this, a breeder will put in the best in nutrition, health care, housing, training and everyday care which is not only a financially costly venture but a time consuming one. Why?, because they love doing it! Placing our puppies in the "right" homes is the hard part of the whole process. In a nutshell, this is what I have learned about purebred dog breeders. Mongrels are and always will be a dime a dozen as a dog will do what comes naturally no matter who their choices are. That said, this is why the shelters and streets are overflowing with unwanted and uncaredfor dogs. :( Most of those animals are just as loving as any purebred or designer dog ever bred! And ALL are deserving of love and a caring home. Designer dogs is s whole different story and one I am not impressed with personally. Designer dogs, that is dogs bred purposely to create a dog to fit the fad at the time, are not bad dogs. They are dogs like all others. People in their infinate wisdom decided to make dogs a fashion statement or novelty! Like we don't have enough breeds to choose from and we don't have enough hoomeless animals out there that we have to create more. Cotons are an excellent example IMO! They are not a registered breed and are therefore a designer dog! Cute, fluffy, friendly little dogs that they are, it is sad that people are breeding them for "their" own gain!!!!! And the sadest part is that other people are willing to shell out the cash for one to carry around on their arm like a Gucci purse! In addition to the insanity of desiner dogs is the fact that many (NOT ALL) of these poor little dogs are bred in so called "puppy mills" ( I call them "sweat shops") home or otherwise, to satisfy the market demands!! Sick! I won't go any further with my ideas or understanding of how new breeds are developed and come to be as I have probably already said more than necessary. You asked a lot of questions BalTra and I hope to give you my honest thoughts and opinions. I am very passionate about the lives of animals and any other living creatures we have been so blessed to share our planet with. I agree with eahamel in all of what was shared. My suggestion is that you carefully research breeds you may be interested in. The internet is full of information. As well, contact breeders, go see their homes and dogs, and ask TONS of questions. Be careful of breeders who offer health guarentees (check it out carefully as you cannot guarentee health on any living thing)but don't dismiss genetic testing and medical history of the line. Most reputable breeders are more than happy to share their knowledge and expertise on "their " breed and specifically their line, and many have experience with other similar breeds. Myself, I encourage potential owners to visit my home prior to and shortly after puppies are born to learn as much as they can and get to know where their baby is coming from. I owe that to my puppies. They come first and I will do everything I can to ensure I find the right fit. Unfortunately , we don't always get the opportunity to pick a puppy this way so we take our chances. Contrary to what we would like to believe, animal sheltiers can only give us a good guess as to what breeds may be included in a mongrel and what their temperment may be like after spending a limited amount of time with them. We have to take a chance. I believe that very few dogs are "bad" dogs and that it is most often the ignorance or neglect/disinterest of the owners that creates an unruly or hostile dog. Baring in mind also that breed inherant traits and characteristics will always be. You can't expect the average border collie cross, for example, not to herd somewhat. It is as natural for them as it is for a retriever to retrieve and like water! There is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog. Some breeds don't shed as much as others and some have dander that is closer to falling out of their hair (probably why you are more responsive to short haired breeds). If the dog is kept clean and groomed and is fed a quality food with hopes of producing less dry skin, your chances are good you will not react alergically. Some breeds like Poodles, Shih Tzu's, Terriers and such don't generally drop as much coat but require clipping and/or lots of grooming to keep their hair from matting. There are many breeds to choose from and therefore, you have the advantage of getting pretty close to the perfect dog. Only you know your lifestyle, habits and requirements of your pet. IMHO, the perfect dog can only come about by listening to your gut and following it. Your dog will hear that instinctively! I hope I have been helpful and not too wordy. Good luck with your search. It will be an adventure and an exciting one that will end in pure joy with lots of love and puppy kisses ^^^^^ A short story I found that I will share with you that just tugs at my "breeder" heartstrings. Puppy sighs This is one of the neatest stories. You will know precisely what this little girl is talking about at the end (you'll want to share this one with your loved ones and special friends)! "Danielle keeps repeating it over and over again. We've been back to this animal shelter at least five times. It has been weeks now since we started all of this," the mother told the volunteer. "What is it she keeps asking for?" the volunteer asked. "Puppy size!" replied the mother. "Well, we have plenty of puppies, if that's what she's looking for." "I know...we have seen most of them," the mom said in frustration .Just then Danielle came walking into the office. "Well, did you find one?" asked her mom. "No, not this time," Danielle said with sadness in her voice. "Can we come back on the weekend?" The two women looked at each other, shook their heads and laughed "You never know when we will get more dogs. Unfortunately, there's always a supply," the volunteer said. Danielle took her mother by the hand and headed to the door. "Don't worry, I`ll find one this weekend," she said. Over the next few days both mom and dad had long conversations with her. They both felt she was being too particular. "It's this weekend or we're not looking any more," Dad finally said in frustration. "We don't want to hear anything more about puppy size either," Mom added. Sure enough, they were the first ones in the shelter on Saturday morning. By now Danielle knew her way around, so she ran right for the section that housed the smaller dogs. Tired of the routine, mom sat in the small waiting room at the end of the first row of cages. There was an observation window so you could see the animals during times when visitors weren't permitted. Danielle walked slowly from cage to cage, kneeling periodically to take a closer look. One by one the dogs were brought out and she held each one. One by one she said, "Sorry, you're not the one." It was the last cage on this last day in search of the perfect pup. The volunteer opened the cage door and the child carefully picked up the dog and held it closely. This time she took a little longer. "Mom, that's it! I found the right puppy! He's the one! I know it!" she screamed with joy. "It`s the puppy size!" "But it's the same size as all the other puppies you held over the last few weeks," Mom said. "No not size ---- the sighs. When I held him in my arms, he sighed," she said. "Don't you remember? When I asked you one day what love is, you told me love depends on the sighs of your heart. The more you love, the bigger the sigh!" The two women looked at each other for a moment. Mom didn't know whether to laugh or cry. As she stooped down to hug the child, she did a little of both. "Mom, every time you hold me, I sigh. When you and Daddy come home from work and hug each other, you both sigh. I knew I would find the right puppy if it sighed when I held it in my arms," she said. Then holding the puppy up close to her face she said, "Mom, he loves me. I heard the sighs of his heart!" Close your eyes for a moment and think about the love that makes you sigh. I not only find it in the arms of my loved ones, but in the caress of a sunset the kiss of the moonlight and the gentle brush of cool air on a hot day. They are the sighs of God. Take the time to stop and listen; you will be surprised at what you hear. "Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." Good luck Ginny Garden Gairden's Shelties Edmonton AB Canada