Holidays Call For Attention To Safety

“Puppies are not stocking stuffers,” proclaims a poster by the American Kennel Club.

The organization suggests wrapping toys or pet supplies for a friend or loved one intent on finding a pooch this holiday season. Then afterward, the owner-to-be can select the breed best suited to his or her lifestyle.

Also, PetSource.org provides the following information to keep pets safe during the coming weeks.

Food and drink safety

Don’t feed your pet human food

Human foods such as turkey, gravy and grease are too rich for pets; feeding them these types of foods can cause health problems. Feed your pet before a holiday party so he will be less likely to beg or steal food.

Never let your pet drink alcohol or coffee

Alcohol can cause serious intoxication in animals. Clean up glasses after holiday parties to prevent accidental ingestion.

Bones are a bad idea

Do not feed your pet bones from your holiday cooking. Poultry bones tend to split easily and can cause severe pain and punctures if swallowed.

Be aware of the trash

To make sure your pet doesn’t get into any potentially harmful food, put all food away immediately after consuming. The garbage contains all kinds of hazardous material, so be sure to pet-proof your trash bin.

Visitor safety

Pets feel stress

Holiday guests and activity can be very stressful and frightening to pets. Make sure your pet has a safe place to retreat to inside the house when there are visitors. Also, keep feeding and exercise on a regular maintained schedule.

Easy escape

Make sure that when guests are visiting your home they are careful not to let your pet escape out the front door. Put a sign on the door to remind guests who might not remember to keep the family pet inside. Make sure your pet has proper identification and always keep him on a leash when out and about.

Decoration safety

Poisonous holiday plants

While certain plants may make your home look festive for the holidays, many of these plants are very poisonous to pets. Keep ivy, holly and poinsettia plants out of reach.

Fire hazard

Never leave lit candles unattended, as pets can easily knock them over and cause a fire or burn themselves.

Gift wrap

Keep wrapping paper, ribbons, bows, string and scissors away from pets. Resist the temptation to tie a ribbon around your dog’s or cat’s neck. This may look cute, but can be very dangerous.

Christmas tree safety

Christmas tree

Place the Christmas tree in a stable stand to keep it from moving or falling on your pet.

Tree decorations

Hang all fragile and treasured ornaments higher up on the tree to avoid breakage and possible consumption. Ingestion of glass ornaments can be fatal. Christmas lights and fixtures should be taped down and cords should be covered to avoid shocks and burns to curious pets.

Edible ornaments

Decorating the tree with food such as candy canes, gingerbread men or popcorn can be pretty but also dangerous if a pet decides to eat some of it.

Give And Take Spell Success For Life With Your Pal

By TERRY McCONN of the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin

Most people spend much of their lives searching for something.

They think it’s money, a better job, more status. But likely it’s to find contentment and emotional security.

And for many, that need is increasingly filled by animals.

“People are looking for a relationship,” said Rebecca Oertel of the Blue Mountain Humane Society Shelter. “That type of companionship you get from an animal.”

Oertel, who is director of volunteer services and humane education, added that the love received from a pet is unconditional. And animals can exhibit true empathy. They’re sensitive to our moods.

“They seem to comprehend our emotional state,” Oertel said. Dogs cuddle with us when we’re sad or reflect our excitement when we’re elated, she explained. While cats tend to disappear when their owners are upset, they can be very affectionate when called upon to lend a helping paw in other circumstances.

The shelter’s executive director, Sara Archer, agrees that animals live in the moment, aren’t moody and don’t hold a grudge. “They’re always happy to see you when you come through the door,” she said.

The rise in pet popularity largely can be explained by examining challenges faced by society, Oertel believes.

“With the increasing divorce rate and violence, animals provide a stabilizing force and companionship a human can’t necessarily provide,” she said.

But people must realize when they bring a pet home they are adding another member to the family and should prepare as such.

“Planning for a pet is like you plan a child, your future or a job,” Oertel said.

Pets need basic care and preventive health care — such as vaccines to ward off invasive, fatal diseases, and attention to teeth disorders. Also, there may be plants in your yard or chemicals in your garage that could harm them.

Dogs and cats need to be protected from fleas and ticks, and undergo basic grooming of their coats and nails.

If you’re in the market, should you adopt a dog or take home a cat from the shelter? “It depends on the level of interaction you want to commit to the animal,” Oertel said.

Cat people usually have busier schedules, according to Oertel. Cats may sleep 80 percent of the day and don’t often need someone around. Dogs, on the other hand, take a lot of time and can command much attention. But they’re perfect companions for walkers or runners.

“Some people love both (cats or dogs). Most are inherently attracted to one or the other and there’s no rhyme or reason,” Oertel said. “When they’re picking, it comes down to the lifestyle.”

The same can be said of choosing a particular breed of dog.

Small breeds — such as Yorkies, schnauzers and pugs — are particularly sought-after. But they all have different temperaments and needs that aren’t necessarily compatible with everyone’s lifestyle and household habits.

The Humane Society has started a “Meet Your Match” program introduced by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Every dog that’s at least 6 months old and each cat at least 9 months of age is assessed to determine personality traits, stamina, playfulness and how cuddly it is. Then employees use results of a questionnaire that a potential adopter fills out to help the person find a suitable pet.

“It’s supposed to match you up better and give you a better chance to find (an animal) that meets your lifestyle,” said Cathy Barnett, customer service manager.

Oertel added the “Meet Your Match” program doesn’t preclude someone from adopting a pet with less-than-ideal personal characteristics. “But you know about it beforehand” and such knowledge increases the likelihood of a successful adoption.

Archer said some people choose to own exotic pets, such as snakes, iguanas, lizards, spiders, rats, mice and fish. She also expects more ferrets in the area because local stores sell them.

But the Humane Society is set up to care only for dogs and cats, Archer emphasized. For example, if an abandoned ferret were to show up, it probably would die.

One of the shelter’s goals is humane education, a topic that is getting more national attention through media outlets such as the Discovery Channel and Animal Planet. Oertel believes people who abuse pets lack empathy for life. 

“An animal has emotions,” she said. “They do feel pain and suffering. Most of the time, abuse is about power, control and anger.”

Oertel added that most people these days understand that dogs are companions. But some still view cats as “disposable” property.

Also, in some areas of the country, animals are becoming victims of the economic meltdown. In the face of property foreclosures, negligent residents are abandoning their pets as they leave their homes.

“We need to encourage responsible pet ownership and educate people about the issues,” Oertel said.

Seniors Benefit From Companionship Of Pets

By KARLENE PONTI of the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin 

When you look into the eyes of your loving pet, there’s an unconditional acceptance. A companion animal, such as a dog or cat can bring joy to the life of a senior, according to Rebecca Oertel, director of volunteer services and humane education at the Blue Mountain Humane Society.

The role pets play for seniors is mainly one of companionship, a relationship to defy loneliness. The senior may have outlived friends and other family members or perhaps, children and grandchildren are far away.

“Aging citizens may no longer be active in a family setting,” she says. The pet simply becomes part of the family. And plenty of people, young or older, simply love animals and choose to share their lives.

The benefits of having a pet to love can go to a more emotional, spiritual connection. According to Oertel, pets can also help alleviate depression.

“Companion animals have shown to lower blood pressure and level of stress.” Animals have a natural ability to help cheer a person. “They just seem to know,” she says.

Their therapeutic effects can go even beyond love and joy.

“Animals, especially dogs, have an incredible sense of smell. They can indicate when diseases are prevalent,” says Oertel. “There’s speculation they smell different body chemicals, which allows us to pay attention to something that might be wrong. So, if your dog is nosing around an area of your body, pay attention.”

Oertel suggests seniors consider what animal is most appropriate for their lifestyle, health and level of activity. She also suggests seniors think about different breeds, perhaps a smaller, less active dog than others. Perhaps adopting an older dog, not a rambunctious puppy, might be appropriate.

Another thing to consider is your living situation. Having a pet, if you decide to take on the responsibility, makes sense in your home but there are also senior facilities where you can have pets or pet visitations. However, it’s crucial for you to really think about what you want and what type of companion animal will work best.

Oertel says the most popular pets for seniors are interactive pets such as cats, dogs and birds that you can touch and with which you can form a close emotional bond. 

According to Oertel, seniors need to take into account health when deciding on getting a companion animal. 

“If they have thin skin, be cautious about claws,” she says. An active pet can inadvertently injure a fragile senior.

Oertel suggests the choice be age appropriate. Give some thought to what will happen if you are no longer there. 

For a health-impaired elder, a puppy that will live 20 years would be a poor choice, she explained. Also be aware of the expenses, such as medical costs, associated with caring for a companion animal.

After you’ve taken these things into consideration, if you decide to share your life with a pet, spend time with it. Remember, it’s devoted to you.

Karlene Ponti can be reached at karleneponti@wwub.com or 525-3300, ext. 217.