Be A Hero!

Do you have a hero in your life?  Someone for whom you feel sincere gratitude and unconditional love?  Well, dogs want a hero in their lives too but, unfortunately, they often don’t get their wishes granted.  They often end up either abandoned on the streets where they’re left to fend for themselves or taken to shelters where they face the possibility of euthanization.  Becoming a dog’s hero is probably one of the greatest feel-good experiences you will ever have, and you’ll be rewarded every time your four-legged companion shares big sloppy kisses, nudges your hand when he or she wants to be pet, or just curls up next to you on the couch while you’re watching your favorite movie.            

 
October is Adopt-A-Dog month which was established in 1981 as an annual event to encourage people to save lives and enhance their own lives by adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue group.  Thirty-six years later, that message is just as strong, true and important as ever!  Each year, an estimated 3-4 million animals wait in shelters for someone to give them a safe, loving home but  never find a hero to adopt them and are subsequently euthanized.  If you’re thinking about getting a dog, be a hero and consider adopting one from your local shelter.  You’ll be saving a life and greatly improving yours! 

 
Dogs are amazing, supportive, and heroic companions who can make a huge difference in your world as a best friend, an exercise buddy, or simply be a furry face to greet you after a long day at work.  Some may even be able to provide animal-assisted therapy and help those with challenges.  Your local shelter is the perfect place to find dogs of every type, size, age and personality — all waiting for a loving home.  If you prefer a particular breed that isn’t currently available at a shelter, you can try going online to find a breed-specific rescue group in need of adopters like you. 

 
Here are some other things you can do to celebrate Adopt-A-Dog month.  

 
When you’re ready to open your heart and home to a new best friend, adopt from your local animal shelter or rescue group.  Talk with shelter staff to find the perfect match for you and your lifestyle, and remember that older dogs make excellent pets too.

 

Have your dog spayed or neutered, thus preventing the possibility of unexpected and potentially unwanted puppies.  Spayed and neutered animals have been shown to lead longer, healthier lives and have fewer behavioral problems than animals who have not been spayed or neutered.

 

Putting identification on your dog - either in the form of a tag, a microchip or both - reduces the chance that your beloved pet will become one of the presumably “homeless” dogs who end up at shelters.  Only about 15-20 percent of dogs who enter a shelter are reunited with their owners.  Make sure your dog is one of the lucky ones!

 

Show the animals at your local shelter or rescue group that you care by donating time, money or supplies like pet food, leashes, beds and toys.  Call the shelter to see what supplies or services are needed most.

 
If you haven’t yet experienced the remarkable power of the human-animal bond, consider adoption and find out just how life-changing it can be.  With so many dogs in shelters across the country available for adoption — and many of them never finding a safe, loving, furever home — adopting a dog will make you a true hero!

 
Happy tails to you until we meet again!

Tips From Harvey

In light of the recent trail of disaster caused by hurricane Harvey in Texas and Louisiana, I decided it was time to do some research on how to keep our beloved pets safe during an emergency situation. We always need to be ready to take care of our animals, so we should take a few moments to learn how to be prepared in case our pet gets injured, lost, or has to be evacuated. A pre-determined plan in case of a disaster will help you remain calm and think clearly. Remember to communicate and cooperate with all emergency personnel. If you must leave the premises, let someone know where you are going and try to remain in contact with that person at all times.

　
As a pet owner, you need to make sure to have basic first aid supplies for your pets in your household. Carefully putting together a well-provisioned first aid kit will make you more ready to deal with a medical emergency if you are faced with one. Have this kit in the house and fully stocked with supplies at all times, keeping it right next to the first aid kit for your family. Many of the items in a family first aid kit can be used for pets as well. Here's a list of some of the important items you should keep on-hand. 
　
1. Phone numbers and your pet's medical record (including medications and vaccination history).
2. Gauze For wrapping wounds or muzzling the injured animal.
3. Nonstick bandages, towels, or strips of clean cloth To control bleeding or protect wounds.
4. Adhesive tape for securing the gauze wrap or bandage. Do NOT use human adhesive bandages such as Band-Aids.
5. Milk of magnesia/Activated charcoal To absorb poison. Always contact your veterinarian or local poison control center before inducing vomiting or treating an animal for poison.
6. Hydrogen peroxide (3%) To induce vomiting. Again, always contact your veterinarian or local poison control center before inducing vomiting or treating an animal for poison.
7. Digital Thermometer. You will need a "fever" thermometer because the temperature scale of regular thermometers doesn't go high enough for animals. Do not insert a thermometer in your pet's mouth — the temperature must be taken rectally. 8. Eye dropper (or large syringe without needle) To give oral treatments or flush wounds.
9. Muzzle to cover your pet's head (a rope, necktie, soft cloth, nylon stocking, or small towel may be used in an emergency). If your pet is vomiting, do not muzzle it!
10. Leash To transport your pet (only if your pet is capable of walking without further injury). 11. Stretcher to stabilize the injured animal and prevent further injury during transport (a door, board, blanket, or floor mat may be used in an emergency).

If your pet is injured, it could be in pain and is also most likely scared and confused. You need to be careful to avoid getting hurt, bitten or scratched. Never assume that your pet will not bite or scratch if injured. Pain and fear can make animals unpredictable or even dangerous. Don't attempt to hug an injured pet and always keep your face away from its mouth. Although it may be your first impulse to comfort your pet, it might only scare the animal more or cause them pain. Perform any examination slowly and gently. Stop if your animal becomes more agitated. Call your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary clinic before you move your pet so they can be ready for you when you arrive.
If necessary and if your pet is not vomiting, place a muzzle on the pet to reduce the chances they'll bite. Dogs may be muzzled with towels, stockings or gauze rolls. Cats and other small animals may be wrapped in a towel to restrain them, but make sure your pet is not wrapped in the towel too tightly and its nose is uncovered so it can breathe. NEVER muzzle your pet if it is vomiting. If possible, try to stabilize injuries before moving an injured animal by splinting or bandaging them. While transporting your injured pet, keep it confined in a small area to reduce the risk of additional injury. Pet carriers work well, or you can use a box or other container but make sure your pet has enough air. For larger dogs, you can use a board, sled, door, throw rug, blanket, or something similar to act as a stretcher. You should always keep your pet's medical records in a safe, easily accessible place. Bring these with you when you take your pet for emergency treatment.

Always remember that any first aid administered to your pet should be followed by veterinary care as soon as possible. First aid care is not a substitute for veterinary care, but it may save your favorite furry friend's life until it receives appropriate treatment. Hopefully none of us will ever actually need this information, but preparing for the worst is what a responsible pet owner would and should do. Let's all be safe out there!  

　
Happy tails to you until we meet again!