Hey, humans, keep us safe and happy! OK? 

We hate fireworks!

Loud noises, flashing lights, and smell of sulfur can cause excessive fear in animals. We tremble, whimper, and pant, and it is so distressful we want to run away from it. Sometimes we get so frightened we might run through glass windows, or escape from the yard, and maybe get hit by a car. Help us get through July 4th 1. Keep us indoors. 2. Close all doors and windows and put on background music to muffle the sound. 3. Close curtains and blinds to block the flashing lights. 4. Be sure we are wearing identification tags or have microchips in case we run away and get lost. 5. Give us toys or play games with us. 7. Speak to my veterinarian about a natural homeopathic, non- sedating remedy such as HomeoPet Storm Stress to keep us calm during storm and fireworks seasons. www.homeopet.com.

Editor's note: For those people who find fireworks enjoyable and continue to use them weeks and months after July 4th, please remember that every time you are having fun, some anim a l s are in great distress.

On a typical 4th of July, fireworks cause more fires in the U.S. than all other causes combined. But because most people encounter the risk of fireworks once a year, many Americans do not realize how great their risk is.

Keep poisonous stuff away from us!

Keep all these things from me 'cause I am curious and want to try "new things!"

 

• Common household items

• Laundry detergents and fabric softener sheets

• Mouse and ant killers

• Chocolate, even in small amounts

• Ice melt on driveways and stairs (can contain chemicals)

• Oleander, mistletoe, and lily plants are toxic to dogs and cats. Do not burn them. Inhaling the smoke can be harmful or even fatal to a pet.

• Macadamia nuts

• Tylenol or any pain medication intended for humans

• Antifreeze - The sweet smell attracts many dogs who lap up the pungent liquid.

• Avocados, raisins, grapes, and onions. Onions can be particularly dangerous.

• Mouthwash

www.doggies.com/articles/26-ten-household

-items-that-can-poison-your-pet.html

We are family, too

 

As tough economic times force more and more pet owners to surrender their animal companions to shelters, the PETCO Foundation is launching a new fund to support local programs that help keep pets where they belong - with their families.

The "We Are Family, Too" fund provides shortterm funding for animal welfare groups to help pet owners who have lost their homes or are experiencing temporary financial hurdles. We Are Family, Too funds such programs as pet food banks, product donations, referral lists of pet- friendly housing, short- term foster pet care, spay and neuter services, and veterinary services.

"Through this fund we are giving voice to the thousands of pets that have lost their families - abandoned or surrendered because their owners lost their home or could no longer afford to feed and take care of them," said Paul Jolly, PETCO Foundation vice president and executive director. "Animal welfare groups across the country are working to alleviate this growing crisis, and the PETCO Foundation is proud to support their efforts to keep families and pets together."

Animal welfare groups can apply for We Are Family, Too grants of up to $2,500 by clicking on the PETCO Foundation link on www.petco.com.