Holidays Went To The Dogs and Other Pets This Year

The slow economy may have influenced some people to cut back on extra spending this holiday season, but their pets likely didn’t suffer.

The American Pet Products Association speculated before the holiday that more than half of dog and cat owners will buy holiday gifts for their pets.

That averages out to 20 million people spending $210 million.

“A lot of (customers) don’t have family members other than their pets and that’s what we cater to – people who really love their pets,” said Sherri Cartwright, an employee at the Welcome Wagg’n Home in Upland.

This time of year, the store usually sees an increase in customers, Cartwright said.

Everything from sweaters, treats and toys are being sold at a higher volume.

“We have a bakery, so they buy a lot of dog cookies that are Christmas cookies and then we sell sweaters and jackets and, of course, toys,” Cartwright said. “We sell a lot of treats this time of year.”

Welcome Wagg’n also provides a year-round dog daycare, but many pets have been getting dropped off in the days leading up to Christmas, so their owners can do some holiday shopping or visit with family.

“We have more dogs about this time. People go out shopping and don’t want their dogs to be neglected or get bored at home,” Cartwright said. “They can come here and play with other dogs.”

Pat Williams of Upland was dropping off her recently adopted Lab and border collie mix, Chance, before heading out of town.

Williams has given Chance Christmas treats, toys and even has a stocking waiting for him at home.

“He gets a little bit at a time,” Williams said. “He got a couple cookies, which he really likes, and has gotten several toys. … He’s kind of spoiled.”

Katie’s Pet Depot in La Verne has also been seeing extra customers the past couple of weeks.

“We have done exceptionally well over the last two weeks,” manager Taryn Hartless said. “People buy extras, like extra treats, extra toys, and people come in and buy animal-related gifts for people.”

Holiday pet treats have also been one of the store’s most popular items of the season.

Even pets themselves have been selling more.

“Within the last couple of days, a lot of animals have been sold,” she said. “Parents have come in to buy kittens for their kids.”

Posted 12/24/08 By Sandra Emerson

Wishing You All A Very Merry, Happy and Safe Christmas, Chanukah and Kwanza

We wish you and yours, including your furry, feathered and scaled family members Blessings and a Great Holiday!!

Tim, Princess, Santa, Apachi, Angel, Marion and Angelina

Holiday Pet Hazards

Nothing makes a holiday more memorable than a panicked trip to the emergency room. Too often that’s the final destination when a pet gobbles down a plate full of buffalo wings or chocolate cupcakes, nabs turkey legs off the table and crunches down on glass ornaments or electrical wires.

Stephanie Risvold of Irvine, Calif., won’t ever forget the year that her Lab mix, Cookie, swallowed 13 chicken hot wings in the minute or two that it took her to escort guests to the front door.

“We rushed her to the emergency clinic and got her X-rayed. That’s when we saw the ‘belly of bones,’” Risvold says. “All we could do was to have her X-rayed again and again to make sure the bones were dissolving and not causing a blockage. We had our vigil for a few days and Cookie was fine.”

During the holidays, pet owners fret over the dangers of their dog or cat chowing down bones, chocolate or even tree trimmings, but not all holiday pet hazards are equally worrisome.

 Here’s what you need to know to have an emergency-free celebration this season.

The Cat’s Diary

Day 983 of My Captivity

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates my capabilities. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a “good little hunter” I am. Bastards!

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of “allergies.” I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow, but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released, and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird must be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now …

10 Dangerous Everyday Things in Your Home

Although this article was originally written for humans, most of these apply directly to pets and animals and some even more like chemicals in carpets.

Even if you carefully monitor what you eat, and pay close attention to the household products and items you purchase, your chance of being exposed to hazardous toxins is still quite high. Lead, arsenic, mercury, PCBs, flame retardants, and an array of other chemicals linked to cancer, birth defects and neurological diseases are well represented in most people’s bloodstream.

These dangerous chemicals and toxins are in the air you breathe, the water you drink, the food you eat and the products you use. Over the last 50 years, from 70,000 to 100,000 different chemicals have been introduced into the world‘s markets with about 1,500 new ones added each year.

Household consumer products injure 33.1 million people in the United States every year. These incidents cost $800 billion in related expenses from death, injury or property damages. And many scientists are starting to believe that, in particular, the chemicals found in a wide variety of the goods you use every day may be more toxic than previously thought. Here are 10 of the most common products that may be hazardous to your health:

10. Mothballs

Since moths chew holes through clothing and other textiles, people pack away these stinky repellents to kill them. But studies on one active ingredient in some repellents, paradichlorobenzene, found that it can cause cancer in animals. Other types of moth balls use naphthalene, which after prolonged exposure can damage or destroy red blood cells, and which can also stimulate nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

9. Pesticides

Ninety percent of households in the United States use some form of pesticide, a broad term that encompasses a variety of chemical formulas that kill everything from tiny microorganisms up to rodents. In 2006, the American Association of Poison Control Centers received nearly 46,000 calls regarding children under 5 years old who had been exposed to potentially toxic levels of pesticides.

8. Pressed Wood Products

This faux wood takes bits and pieces of logs and wood leftovers and combines them together. Pressed wood products include paneling, particle board, fiberboard and insulation, all of which were particularly popular for home construction in the 1970’s. However, the glue that holds the wood particles in place may use urea-formaldehyde as a resin. The U.S. EPA estimates that this is the largest source of formaldehyde emissions indoors. Formaldehyde exposure can set off watery eyes, burning eyes and throat, difficulty breathing and asthma attacks. Scientists also know that it can cause cancer in animals. The risk is greater with older pressed wood products, since newer ones are better regulated.

7. Chemicals in Carpets

Indoor carpeting has recently come under greater scrutiny because of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated with new carpet installation. The glue and dyes used with carpeting are known to emit VOCs, which can be harmful to your health in high concentrations. However, the initial VOC emissions will often subside after the first few days following.

6. Laser Printers Chemicals

A 2007 study found that some laser printers give off ultra fine particles that can cause serious health problems. Another study confirmed that laser and ink-jet printers can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and ozone particulates. All of these have been linked with heart and lung disease.

5. Lead Paint

In 1991, the U.S. government declared lead to be the greatest environmental threat to children. Even low concentrations can cause problems with your central nervous system, brain, blood cells and kidneys. It’s particularly threatening for fetuses, babies and children, because of potential developmental disorders. Many houses built before 1978 contain lead paint. Once the paint begins to peel away will, it release the harmful lead particles that you can inhale.

4. Air Fresheners and Cleaning Solutions

Air fresheners and cleaning solutions, when used excessively or in a small, unventilated area, can release toxic levels of pollutants. This comes from two main chemicals called ethylene-based glycol ethers and terpenes. While the EPA regards the ethers as toxic by themselves, the non-toxic terpenes can react with ozone in the air to form a poisonous combination. Air fresheners in particular are linked to many volatile organic compounds, such as nitrogen dioxide, and some fresheners also contain paradichlorobenzene, the same chemical emitted by mothballs.

3. Baby Bottles and BPA

Canada has taken the first steps to outlaw the sale of baby bottles made from polycarbonate plastics, which are the most common type on the market. It has done so because the plastics are made with a chemical called bisphenol-a (BPA). BPA has a structure very similar to estrogen and for that reason is referred to as a “hormone disruptor.” Hormone disruptors can interfere with the natural human hormones, especially for young children.

2. Flame Retardants

Commonly used in mattresses, upholstery, television and computer casings and circuit boards, flame retardants use polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs for short. Two forms of PBDEs were phased out of use in manufacturing in the United States in 2004 because of related health threats, but the products containing them linger on. Studies have linked PBDEs to learning and memory problems, lowered sperm counts and poor thyroid functioning in rats and mice. Other animal studies have indicated that PBDEs could be carcinogenic in humans, although that has not yet been confirmed.

1. Cosmetic Phthalates

Phthalates, also called plasticizers, go into many products including hair spray, shampoos, fragrances, and deodorants. Phthalates bind the color and fragrance in cosmetic products, and are also used to increase the durability and flexibility of plastics. Like BPA, these hormone-like chemicals are linked to reproductive and developmental problems in animals. Because of these findings, California and Washington state have banned the use of phthalates in toys for younger children.

Sources:

• True Health Is True Wealth: http://truehealthistruewealth.blogspot.com/2008/12/10-dangerous-everyday-things-in-your.html
• How Stuff Works

Related Articles:

• Common Chemicals Linked to Health Problems and Infertility… in Humans and Animals
• Harmony and Health – Creating Wellness for Your Pet  
• Pets and Toxic Plants

Jet Blue Introduces JetPaws Program

Dear Pet Parents,

Jet Blue is introducing JetPaws, JetBlue’s exclusive program designed to provide pets and their owners the tips and tools they need for a smooth trip from start to finish.  They are committed to each and every customer-including the four-legged ones.  There’s no charge and the program provides:

TrueBlue® points – TrueBlue points each way when traveling with your pet.

Pet carrier bag tag – a bag tag will be attached to every pet carrier at check in to let everyone know your pet is ready to jet.

Travel Petiquette™ – a handy list of JetBlue’s social graces of pet travel.

JetPaws welcome email – once you book your pet, you will receive a welcome email with useful information such as next steps, Petiquette and travel tips.

Free Pet Travel Guide – a useful, downloadable e-booklet featuring:
The ins and outs of jetting with your pet from the moment you book your flight to your arrival at your final destination.

Travel Petiquette

Pet-friendly hotels, restaurants and parks plus animal hospitals in some of JetBlue’s major cities

JetPaws is also Running a Pet look-Alike Contest

Are you and your pet two of a kind? Submit a photo for a chance to win a JetBlue Getaways vacation package!

Related Articles:

• New Pet Airline – Airline Just For Pets Takes Off
• Airports Offer Relief for You and Your Pet

Holiday Lights Dog Walk in Historic Bluff Park

Join the Leash Club for an evening Dog Walk in the Historic Bluff Park Neighborhood in Long Beach and enjoy the festive Holiday Lights!

We will meet at Bixby Park at 7:00 pm, in front of the bandstand/pavilion adjacent to 1st and Junipero (near the playground).

We will walk around the historic BP neighborhood for about 1 hour to enjoy the traditional holiday lights!

Optional drink at Hot Java afterwards! (A dog-friendly coffee house w/ outside patio that is located on the corner of Junipero & Broadway.)

Hope to see you there!

130 Cherry Ave

Long Beach, CA 90802

Phone: (562) 570-1601 – for more info or RSVP’s – part of  Meetup

Surveyed as:

Good for group sizes: 51+ people 

Noise Level: Like a Coffee Shop

Cost: Cheap

Table Scraps

Sure, you’d like Fifi to share in the joys of the holiday table, but resist the urge to be generous. Foods and drinks you digest easily, like the following, can cause trouble for your pooch:

Dinner rolls — Dough expands in the stomach, creating distressing gas.

Onions and garlic — These flavor enhancers contain a compound that could damage a dog’s red blood cells, causing anemia.

Rich sauces — Gravy upsets the stomach and may lead to pancreatitis.

Bones — Sharp pieces of bone can choke a dog or pierce or block her gastrointestinal tract.

Alcohol — Even slightly spiked eggnog can be toxic, so don’t leave any drinks unattended.

In addition to avoiding the “no-nos”…  how much people food you share at the holidays should be gaged by whether you normally cook for your pets and their main diet is so-called people food, whether they eat only traditional dog food, whether they eat raw food, or whether they normally eat dog food with a little cooked or people food or get  some scraps here and there.  But sharing a little of your holiday food is certainly not a bad thing!!

Woman Cited For Dragging Her Pit Bull

From wire service reports
Posted: 12/04/2008 03:14:28 PM PST

DOWNEY – A woman taking her pet pit bull to a Downey shelter today to be put to sleep was cited for animal cruelty when the dog jumped out of the bed of her pickup truck and was dragged the rest of the way, an animal control captain said.

The woman drove her truck into the parking lot of the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority’s shelter in the 9700 block of Seeaca Street in front of horrified bystanders, said Capt. Aaron Reyes, SEAACA’s director of operations.

The bloodied dog, named Prada, was immediately unleashed and taken into the facility’s veterinary division, where she is expected to recover, Reyes said.

The Norwalk woman told authorities she brought her 1-year-old pit bull to the shelter to be “put to sleep because it had a skin condition,” Reyes said.

“A female witness drove behind the (woman’s) truck and watched in horror as the dog screamed and flailed against the asphalt for several blocks,” Reyes said.

The woman was cited by SEAACA officers for felony animal cruelty and for misdemeanor “illegally transporting an animal in the back of a vehicle,” Reyes said.

She has not been formally charged by the District Attorney’s Office, but should be!!!

“Once again, we’d like to stress that it is illegal and unsafe to transport animals in the back of vehicles meant for cargo in the state of California,” Reyes said.

This women was taking her one year old dog (technically still a puppy) to be euthenized because the pup had developed a skin disease, that has turned out to be a curable condition and then illegally put it in the back of her truck and ended up dragging the dog behind her truck… animal torture and abuse on all counts.

What kind of a person has their dog put to sleep because it develops a skin condition… any kind of a skin condition?  What kind of a person has their dog put to sleep for a condition they haven’t even checked out?  What kind of a person drags their dog behind their car and doesn’t notice?

This woman should never be allowed to have an animal again!  And these kinds of behaviors need to be prosecuted.  Animal cruelty, like child abuse, will only stop when:  we all work together;  we pay attention; we report these aggregious behaviors; and we insist on prosecution.

Perhaps petcare classes, just like childcare classes, need to be offered to every new parent of any species?

Deck the Hall With Caution

Make It A Safe Holiday For The Whole Family

Spruce up your home for the holidays, but play it safe. Let the following dog and cat healthy decorating do’s and don’ts guide you:

• Hang all ornaments, tinsel, and tree trimmings above your pup’s nose; swallowing pieces of any of these can cause painful intestinal blockages.
• Keep all electrical cords out of Bowser’s reach, and check for exposed wires.
• Don’t let the tree water become a watering hole, since harmful bacteria and fertilizer from the tree bark collect in it.
• Be aware that some holiday plants are toxic to dogs. For example, mistletoe can cause cardiovascular and breathing problems, and poinsettias can lead to upset stomachs