Keep Your Pets Safe on the 4th of July

Family and friends of G.R. Gordon-Ross watch his private fireworks show at the Youth Sports Complex in Lawrence, Kan., Friday, June 28, 2013. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)

Mercury News – Originally posted on July 02, 2013: The Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays. Hot dogs, potato salad and, of course, fireworks.

But Independence Day is not such a joyful time for our animal friends. The noises and flashes of light are anything but enjoyable for them. Some become emotionally traumatized, cowering in corners, while others may bolt out of fear. Even pets that normally aren’t phased can have bad reactions to all of the bangs and pops.

The East Bay Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has kindly provided tips to help keep our animals calm and safe during the next few days:

– Keeping your dogs and cats indoors is one of the simplest things you can do to keep them safe. Even if your pet usually does well outdoors, both cats and dogs might run in a panic from fireworks or people. More pets go missing during the July Fourth holiday than at any other time of the year.

– If possible, stay at home with your pet. That way, you will be able to make adjustments to routines and comfort a distraught animal. If your dog appears fearful, allow him to go into his kennel or somewhere he feels safe. If your cat is skittish, place her in a darkened, cozy room with some of her favorite things. Most important, comfort them and reassure them that all is OK.

– Make sure your pets are wearing identification. One in three pets will go missing in their lifetime. If they don’t have identification, 90 percent don’t return home.

In addition to a collar with tags, consider microchipping your pet. Many frightened pets can slip their collars, leaving them with no path home. Contact the SPCA or other animal groups to see if they offer the service. Also make sure that contact information with the chipping company and on collar tags is up-to-date.

– Keep an emergency file. If your pet does go missing, it is a good idea to have a folder with a list of local shelters, as well as a current photo of your pet showing any unique markings for identification. Make sure the entire family knows where this folder is kept and that it is easily accessible.

– If your pet has a history of problems, talk to your veterinarian about medications. East Bay SPCA Chief Veterinarian Michael Sozanski says pets often find the loud, unpredictable noise and bright light displays frightening and should not be subjected to fireworks shows. "In case of severe phobia," Sozanski says, "nothing may work to ease your pet’s fear. If there is a chance your pet may exhibit this level of fear, speak to your veterinarian about possible medications." Medications can include anti-anxiety drugs or sedatives.

– Consider your pet when party planning. If you have friends over to celebrate, be especially mindful of doors and windows. Guests may be unaware that your dog or cat might escape even if a door is left open for a short amount of time. Try securing your cat in a quiet room or keeping your dog in the kennel or with you on a leash as guests are coming and going.

– If you are going to an outdoor event and bringing your pet, make sure there is plenty or water and shade.

Things to watch for:

–In dogs, warning signs of anxiety can be excessive panting, drooling, trembling and shaking, pacing, aggression, panicking and escape behavior. Watch for inappropriate body movements, such as jumping erratically over or on furniture, that could lead to injuries.

–Symptoms in cats may include panting, drooling, trembling, hiding, freezing, aggression, panicking and escape behavior. They also may behave erratically, jumping and climbing. They may hurt themselves or others.

Joan Morris’ column runs five days a week in print and online. Contact her at jmorris@bayareanewsgroup.com.

*Even events at home and indoors can be traumatic for some dogs/pets.  Be watchful for signs.  Sometimes putting pets who are not social in a separate room by themselves or with another pet with the TV or music on and some of their toys and snacks can be helpful.

Related:

Fourth of July food safety tips

4th of July Pet Parades Around the Country

Happy New Year 2015 From Just One More Pet

Take a moment to enjoy the beautiful photographic train ride and the accompanying words: HERE. <–

At the end of the year it has become a journalistic tradition to recap the year’s top stories, to recall the highlights and low points of the months and to remember those who have left us.  It is also a time to look forward with hope… This year that reach for hope and improvement seems more difficult than at anytime in my memory.

“It’s Auld Lang Syne time again. Robert Burns is credited with “collecting” the lyrics for the old Scots’ drinking and dancing ballad that’s become a traditional part of New Year festivities. The most memorable verses: “Should old acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind?” and the chorus, “For auld Lang Syne, my dear, for auld Lang Syne, we’ll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld Lang Syne,” are oft’ described as reminders of “the good old times” amidst new beginnings. That’s a tough task this year. Saying goodbye to 2013 won’t be hard. But looking forward with hope for a better year in 2014 is a bit of a challenge!”

Happy New Year!

Angel and Annabelle Celebrating… Happy New Year 2012~

(And it is water in that glass… Please no alcohol for your pets!!

And if you possible can… adopt just one more pet (or two) in 2015 or become a pet foster parent and donate to your local shelter.  Our shelters are over-flowing and your help will save a life or perhaps many lives.

Happy New Year 2014 From Just One More Pet

Take a moment to enjoy the beautiful photographic train ride and the accompanying words: HERE. <– 

 

At the end of the year it has become a journalistic tradition to recap the year’s top stories, to recall the highlights and low points of the months and to remember those who have left us.  It is also a time to look forward with hope… This year that reach for hope and improvement seems more difficult than at anytime in my memory.

“It’s Auld Lang Syne time again. Robert Burns is credited with "collecting" the lyrics for the old Scots’ drinking and dancing ballad that’s become a traditional part of New Year festivities. The most memorable verses: "Should old acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind?" and the chorus, "For auld Lang Syne, my dear, for auld Lang Syne, we’ll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld Lang Syne," are oft’ described as reminders of "the good old times" amidst new beginnings. That’s a tough task this year. Saying goodbye to 2013 won’t be hard. But looking forward with hope for a better year in 2014 is a bit of a challenge!”

Happy New Year!

And if you possible can… adopt just one more pet (or two) in 2014 or become a pet foster parent and donate to your local shelter.  Our shelters are over-flowing and your help will save a life or perhaps many lives.

Technorati Tags: 2014,Holidays,Happy New Year,Remembering,Hope,Fun,Trains,Auld Lang Syne,JOMP,Pets,animals

Some Fun Christmas Pet Photos From 2013 and Years Past

 

Too-Cute Kitten Holiday Chorus (Video)

Video:  Chorus line of Kittens performs Christmas dance

Merry Christmas From Just One More Pet

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas

And a fabulous Holiday Season

May you be surrounded with the people, pets and things you love.

May your heart be filled with joy and memories of former Christmases

And may you be blessed by the story and love of the true reason for this beautiful season.

The characters below are at the top of the list of what makes us happy!

US… Angel, Angelina, Apachi and Princess

Us… As We See Ourselves

Us… Singing to Wish you a very Merry Christmas…

Cross-Posted at our Sister Site: AskMarion who hope you enjoyed their ‘The War on Christmas (and religion) verses the Spirit of Christmas Series – (WoC 2013)’  which began on December 1st with Advent and will end on December 6th with the Epiphany.  Most recent posts were Simpler Times, A Groetzmeier Christmas and Members of Congress Win Right to Say ‘Merry Christmas’ Without Ethics Violation – WoC 2013

Merry Christmas and God Bless You All!!

A couple 2013 Christmas Miracles 

Healed After 19 Years: A Christmas Eve Miracle

Puppy Rescued Just Inches from the End of Its Life on Moving Belt 

Christmas for Pet People – Woc 2013 

Adopt a Pet This Christmas… Or Give Someone a New Forever Friend – WoC 2013

‘Miracle’ dog that survived gassing headed to Rose Parade

Technorati Tags: WoC,War on Christmas,Merry Christmas,God Bless You,Reason for the Season. Jesus,Joy,Nativity,War On… the War on… The War on Christmas,Holidays,Pets,Love,Fun,Faith Community,Americana,JOMP,Just One More Pets,AskMarion

Cute Dogs Barking: Jingle Bells, Rescues Rock! Please share!

Video: Cute Dogs Barking: Jingle Bells, Rescues Rock! Please share!

Rescues Rock! Adopt Don’t Shop and Let’s Stop Puppy Mills.

Happy Holidays and Thank You to all the adoptable rockin’ rescues and staff at the Toronto Humane Society (www.torontohumanesociety.com) & the cast of the Rescues Rock! Talent Hounds Campaign and upcoming TV Episode (the Pet Network 2014). This campaign aims to dispel the myth that Rescued Dogs have issues that can’t be solved with love and patience or are not trainable, and to promote adoption and responsible pet parenting in a fun way.

Rescues Rock! Adopt Don’t Shop.

The Singing Rescue Rock Stars are all adoptable dogs at the Toronto Humane Society. Consider taking one home or making a donation.

Our other Rockin’ stars are happily adopted from Boston Terrier Rescue Canada http://www.bostonterrierrescuecanada….
Boxer Rescue Ontario http://www.boxerrescueontario.com/
CCRT http://www.ccrt.net/index.php
Helping Homeless Pets
Tiny Paws Dog Rescue http://www.tpdr.ca/
Pugalug Pug Rescue http://www.pugalug.com/
http://www.frommyheartrescue.com
Fabulous photos by Colleen Yates and Aria Evans. Videographer James Yates. Editor Aria Evans THANK YOU!!!!! 

Adopt a Pet This Christmas… Or Give Someone a New Forever Friend – WoC 2013 

Christmas for Pet People – Woc 2013

Christmas for Pet People – Woc 2013

“A hug from a child or a lick from a pet makes everything better including the holidays!”

(Consider adopting or fostering just one more pet for the holidays… the shelters are overflowing and 2 out of 3 animals who get into the shelter system never leave there alive!)

Video: Animals of the Tube sing “Deck the Hall”

The War on Christmas (and religion) verses the Spirit of Christmas Series at AskMarion – 20

Santa Photos With Fido or other Furry and Feathered Friends

Many places these days offer photos for pets with Santa. Some do better jobs than others!! Even within a chain like PetsMart or Petco, the quality of the photos vary with the group contracted to do the photos in individual stores. (They are often amateur volunteers sponsored/run by local rescues inside the store) And remember, most are Polaroid, so if they come out well have them copied or scan them in.

At our local Petsmart, you basically get a Polaroid of your dog sitting on Santa’s lap. Others may have a higher quality set up and better photographers, but don’t count on it. Most allow and even encourage you to be part of the photo. And some will let you snap a few shots with your own camera as well (as long as you purchase one of theirs as well).

Some local malls have special ‘pets day(s)’ with the mall Santa and even some smaller pet store chains do Santa photos. The special “pictures with Santa” days during which dogs, cats and pets in general are allowed inside the mall is usually in the evening or off hours. They are also usually sponsored by a rescue, so the proceeds go to a good cause. The pictures are usually okay, but not great. Nothing to write home about, but when you have x amount of dogs waiting in line and lots of stuff going on, even the best photographer may not manage making your dog look like Lassie, RinTinTin or the Beverly Hills Chihuahua… after all half the kiddie photos aren’t much better. But it is fun to have a photo with Santa no matter what!

Some of the photos of ourselves, our kids and our furkids with Santa aren’t the greatest, but as the years go by the old ones seem to get better and better! And, over the years we have managed to get a few cute ones too!

Some places will allow you to bring your own camera and take a shot as long as you buy their package. And definitely always, like with the human kids, be ready prepared to end up in the photo along with your pet(s).

Santa pet photos are usually with dogs, but I’ve seen people come in with cats, bunnies, ferrets, pot belly pigs, birds, and even a fish bowl but I would suggest coming in at a slow time to do that, or the cats and birds will be spooked and even try to run or fly away.  We had a greycheek, Poly, that was tame and friendly as can be that flew out the front door because she was afraid of Santa.  I did see a Santa come for the day to an exotic bird shop where people came with their large parrots and cockatoos.

Even with dogs, remember there will often be lots of dogs in line and Santa can be a scary figure to some, just like he is for some children!

Some of the best Christmas and holiday photos are done at home or better yet by a professional; in a private session.

Councilman Ed Reisinger plays Santa at Locust Point Dog Park

Every Pet Santa Deserves a Tip!!

 

PetsMart and Santa Paws are just a few programs that take Pet Photos with Santa. Often the proceeds go to help homeless pets in shelters and rescues or to supply needy families with food and needed supplies.

Merry Christmas… the Season has begun!

Critter for Christmas Gift… Not Best Idea! unless you know the person wants a pet and which one or kind they want; taking them to the shelter, a rescue or pet store and allowing them to choose the pet is always the best idea!!

Often Photos taken at home (without Santa) are the the cutest and the least stressful!!

Photo #5 –Where’s Apachi? and Photo #6 – Can You Find all 6???

by Ask Marion/the UCLA Shutterbug

There is always room for Just One More Pet!!

Adopt a Pet This Christmas… Or Give Someone a New Forever Friend – WoC 2013

Mahatma Gandhi…  “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated” 

‘Miracle’ dog that survived gassing headed to Rose Parade

Related:

Christmas Baking – WoC 2013

The Best Christmas Gifts – WoC 2013

Remembering Military and Veterans at Christmastime – W0C 2013

American Traditions – WoC 2013

Still Think There Is No War on Christmas – WoC 2013

In Defense of the Truth and Megyn Kelly – WoC 2013

Carolling… or Caroling and Christmas Music – WoC 2013

Best Christmas Season Movie Classics – WoC 2013

Santa Photos… Often Yesterday’s Oooops Are Tomorrow’s Treasures! – WoC 2013

Christmas Lights – WoC 2013

Nativity Scenes and Glories – The Reason For the Season – WoC 2013

European Markets or Christkindlmarkts Capture the Christmas Spirit – WoC 2013

St. Nickolas Day – WoC 2013

Hanukkah… The Jewish Festival of Lights – WoC 2013

God Rest Ye Merry Merchants – Christmas: An American Holiday and Tradition to Love and Preserve – WoC 2013

Where Does the War on Christmas Come From? A Worthwhile Read – WoC 2013

The War on Christmas verses the Spirit of Christmas Series 2013 at AskMarion – WoC 2013

Advent – The Season of Anticipation and Hope – WoC 2013

2013 Official Christmas Card Only Features the Four-Legged Obamas

Sending Holiday Season Regards to our Conservative Warriors

ANOTHER FAILED IDEA: Woman gets laughed at after bringing up Obamacare at Thanksgiving…

The Twelve Days of ObamaCare

Huckabee’s ’12 Days Of ObamaCare’

Disney scores big with biblical values

The Thanksgiving Illusion

Obama Thanksgiving and Christmas Disgrace

Keeping Pets Safe for the Holidays: The “Not So Safe” or No-No Pet Food List

Sarah Palin on Politics and Religion • 11/10/13 With Susan Page

The Cross – Billy Graham’s Message To America

Citizenship and Church Membership

There are some great books out for Christmas this year: ‘Good Tidings and Great Joy: Protecting the Heart of Christmas’ (Kindle), The Romney Family Table: Sharing Home-Cooked Recipes & Favorite Traditions (Kindle) and Dear Chandler, Dear Scarlett: A Grandfather’s Thoughts on Faith, Family, and the Things That Matter Most (Kindle) Plus: Losing Our Religion(Kindle) by atheist S. E. Cupp

MERRY CHRISTMAS! God bless us all, each and every one!

‘Miracle’ dog that survived gassing headed to Rose Parade

Daniel the shelter dog who refused to die gets his own float at California parade after warming nation’s heart by emerging from pound’s gas chamber wagging his tail

• Daniel was put in box filled with carbon monoxide with 17 other dogs
• Survival prompted workers to name him after biblical character, Daniel, who survived lion’s den
• Will star at the Rose Parade on New Year’s Day in Pasadena, California

NEWARK, N.J. –  Things are coming up roses for a scrappy beagle from New Jersey who survived a dog pound gas chamber.

Daniel will be among eight shelter dogs riding on a float in the Rose Parade on New Year’s Day in Pasadena, Calif.

Daniel was 6 months old when he was slated to be euthanized in 2011 at an animal control facility in Florence, Ala.

He surprised workers by emerging unscathed from a container that had been filled with carbon monoxide.

Daniel has been living happily ever since with his adopted family in Nutley, N.J.

He’ll perform tricks with other animal shelter survivors on a parade float sponsored by the Lucy Pet Foundation, which runs a mobile spay and neuter clinic.

The miracle dog that wagged its tail after surviving a gas chamber, warming the nation’s heart, has been given his own float at a New Year’s Day parade.

Daniel, a beagle mix named after the biblical figure who survived the lion’s den, was six months old when he was placed with 17 other dogs into a stainless steel box in Alabama filled with carbon monoxide.

Now, at the age of two, the animal – described as ‘one of the most joyous, happy dogs’ – is to star in the Rose Parade, held in Pasadena, California, which is one of the United States’ biggest celebrations.

After Daniel survived his gas chamber in Florence, Alabama, he was adopted by Joe Dwyer from New Jersey

Daniel, the dog that survived a gas chamber, has been given his own float on a New Year’s Day parade

The box which Daniel was put in to, roughly the size of a pickup truck bed, was filled with carbon monoxide – however Daniel emerged frightened but unscathed, still wagging his tail after the scary experience.

Following the media storm that ensued Daniel the ‘miracle’ dog was immediately adopted by Joe Dwyer, a motivational speaker from Nutley, New Jersey.

Mr. Dwyer described Daniel as ‘one of the most joyous, happy dogs I’ve ever met in my life’

The Rose Parade attracts thousands of people to Pasadena, California, every New Year’s Day

‘He’s in extremely good shape, especially in light of what he went through,’ his new owner Joe Dwyer, 50, said when he got his dog.

‘His attitude is just incredible.’

His owner said Daniel’s story of survival and thriving has prompted laws in 31 states that protect shelter animals against inhumane forms of euthanasia.

Daniel, who will be on the float along with seven other dogs, will perform his ‘high five to keep pets alive’ trick and perform with his companions.

The float is sponsored by the Lucy Pet Foundation, which runs mobile spay, neuter and adoption clinics across the United States.

Mr. Dwyer said Daniel has been chosen as a ‘spokesdog’ for the organization.

‘He’s definitely one of the most joyous, happy dogs I’ve ever met in my life,’ his owner said.

‘I think his positive attitude is why he’s survived.’

The popular Rose Parade is known and watched across the United States.

It has been running for nearly 125 years and hundreds of thousands of people visit Pasadena for the show each year.

Mahatma Gandhi…  “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated”  Join the NO KILL MOVEMENT!

2013 Official Christmas Card Only Features the Four-Legged Obamas

iLoveDogs: You won’t see a picture of Barack, Michelle, Malia and Sasha smiling beside a tree on the official 2013 White House Christmas card.

No… just as last year and in 2011, the only Obama family members on this year’s card are those with four legs – and this time, it’s Bo and his new friend, Sunny; a bit odd!

The pop-up card, designed by Michigan artist Chris Hankinson of PopUpCards.com, features the two Portuguese Water Dogs walking in front of a 3D White House.

“As we gather around this season, may the warmth and joy of the holidays fill your home,” the card says. All six Obamas have signed the card – Bo and Sunny’s signatures include their (faux) paw prints.

Speaking of “gather around,” that happens to be the holiday theme this year at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

“It celebrates the stories and traditions that bring us together this special time of year,” says the White House website. “As members of one American family, we are united in a story built over the course of two centuries.”

During a holiday decorating party at the White House earlier this month, Sunny made headlines when she bumped noses with 2-year-old Ashtyn Gardner, causing the little girl to fall to the ground.

Although the news media painted Sunny as a bit of a monster (“Sunny Obama: Terror of Toddlers” was the U.S. News and World Report headline), a video showed that the incident was simply an accident… and no big deal.

“If Ashtyn remembers anything from the event, it’s getting that big hug from the first lady and playing with the dogs,” her dad told CBS News.

Replicas of a more subdued Sunny alongside Bo are also featured on the 2013 gingerbread White House. You can watch it being created in this official video:

Video: Holidays at the White House – Building the 2013 Gingerbread White House