Friday 26 December 2008

Hope you and your furry ones are having a lovely holiday!


Okay,
Things have been super busy, and although there have been some good things too, there have been too many sad things for me to be in the frame of mind to write much here very often - BUT - I am sure that I wrote at Halloween and at least once since then...

Hmmmm?!?!?!?!

I wonder if a couple of entries have just disappeared into the ether?
I will have to pay more attention! And I promise to try and do better at keeping things updated.

The last month has been busy - good news being the placement of Chelsea and Angel the shihtzu sister together in a fabulous home (and they are coming back to stay with me in January while their new family are on pre-booked vacation - yay! It will be lovely having them back for awhile!). Dear Tiffany the shih who had the c-section is in a home, as is Fitz (our previously naughty but now nice guy). Michelle, the lovely grand lady cat whose owner died and the landlord saw fit to toss her outside (grrr!) is in a home where she now rules the roost, and Nemo and Emory (not siblings but good foster friends) went to a home together as did the office kittens Cleo and Coco. But Cajun & Spice (the mother/daughter duo pictured above) are still looking....

Phheewww! Lots of lovely creatures finding their forever homes lately!

Of course, there are always new friends to take their place. Aldwin is a sad, older boy with a list of ailments that will need work. At least he is in a warm, caring foster home while we work on "polishing" him. ;o)

I hope that you and your furry friends are happy and safe this holiday season.
Have a wonderful time!
(((hugs)))
Shelly and crew


Reminders to Keep Your Companion Animals Safe (and Happy) This Holiday Season

* Try and be aware of when guests are expected and confine your animals away from doors if possible. Busy comings and goings with people who may not have creatures at home, could result in someone slipping out through an open door and getting lost.

* If you are having a party consider setting a room aside for your pets if they aren't likely to enjoy the excitement.

* Reduce your animal's stress by maintaining regular feeding and exercise routines - even if you are super busy!

* Remember that food is the number one holiday hazard for pets. Don't overfeed your pet or feed them too much Christmas leftovers, better yet, no human food period. Many fatty trimmings, rich gravies and buttery sauces can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, or even worse, a life threatening inflammation of the pancreas. You wouldn't want to spend your holidays at the emergency animal clinic.

* Keep alcohol away from your animals. Just an ounce of an alcoholic beverage can put a small animal into a coma. Remember that the sweet smell of some drinks can be intriguing to some animals and an unguarded glass is a recipe for disaster.

* Hide chocolate, candy or baking ingredients out of reach. Chocolate is the most common toxicity treat during the holidays. Small amounts (especially of dark chocolate) cause vomiting and diarrhea. Larger amounts can cause above normal heart rhythms, nervous system malfunctions, and even death.

* Keep your garbage in bins with very tight lids. Animals can chew up holiday throwaway's which can result in intestinal perforation and/or obstruction.

* Buy only decorating products that are labeled as being non-toxic. Do not use any aerosol decorating product (such as artificial snow or glitter) if you have pet birds.

* If you have a tree, secure it to the wall to prevent tipping if your pet should decide to climb it.

* Leave tinsel, string and other such objects off the tree! Dangly bits are incredibly appealing to cats and to some dogs, but it can bind up in their intestines or cut them internally as it passes through and must be surgically removed. It has also killed animals.

* Fasten all your tree decorations securely. Dogs who chew these can suffer hurtful cuts in their mouth and cats will love to play with and break them. Use only ornaments that will not easily break, and do NOT hang them with hooks

* Place holiday plants out of reach and vacuum often. Poinsettia can cause drooling, oral pain, and vomiting. Mistletoe causes vomiting, labored breathing, shock, and death from cardiovascular collapse. When animals eat the needles from real or fake trees, they can also get intestinal blockage.

* Display candles on high shelves to avoid painful burns and singed whiskers, and NEVER leave candles unattended.

* Make sure that cords are tucked out of reach. Better yet, keep all electric cords covered by a chew-proof guards. Puppies and kittens will chew on anything and electric shock can occur.

* Include your pets in any fire/disaster safety program you have in place for your home.

* If you are going away, make sure your petsitter has your veterinary information as well as where you will be. Also make sure he/she knows where your carriers, and animal first-aid kit are kept.

* Have a wonderful holiday - but don't forget to think about it from your animals perspective so that they can have a safe and happy time too!