To the rescue: cats and dogs : Pet Safety on New Years Eve

To the rescue: cats and dogs

Carol Hawn-Miller and Cindy Liggett are local animal advocates who work to save the lives of homeless cats and dogs. In 2001 they founded Kitty and K-9 Connection, a non-profit rescue/foster/adoption program. In this blog, they will discuss the issues around the numerous homeless cats and dogs in Anchorage, and the process of placement, including animal and human behaviors that lead to success or failure. They are pictured here with Gladys on Carol's knee, Cherri in the middle, and Ambrosia the cat on Cindy's lap.

Contributors

Cindy Liggett

Because she's a "cat person," Cindy concentrates on cat rescues, fosters and adoptions. She faces daily attitudes towards cats as "throw-away pets" and deals with issues regarding "unwanted" cats due to over-population. She has advocated on their behalf for over 20 years and enjoys sharing her knowledge and insights so cats can enjoy their nine lives in the manner they truly deserveas an important member of the family.

Carol Hawn-Miller

Carol loves being the "dog mom" to all kinds and varieties -- small to large; mutts or purebreds. At home she deals with an ever transitional pack as she rescues, fosters and adopts dogs that would not otherwise have a "new leash on life." She has been doing pet rescue for more than 14 years. While loaded with a lap full of dogs, covered in dog hair or accepting K-9 kisses, Carol advocates for permanent, lifetime homes and responsible ownership so rescue will no longer be a necessity.

Sue Wirth

Sue is the other cat mom who takes in fosters and gets them ready for adoption. She has been doing cat rescue since 1998. To help control reproduction of unwanted pets, Sue advocates with a local veterinarian to spay/neuter cats as young as 8 weeks old before they go to their forever homes. She would like to see an end to full Animal Shelters, euthanasia and a home for every pet.

Emily Brand

Emily joins us as a guest blogger from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) to raise awareness about issues affecting companion animals in Anchorage and the surrounding area. She shares the ASPCA�s mission to prevent animal cruelty and provide positive outcomes for at-risk animals across the country. Emily hopes to encourage people to be a voice for animals by doing something to help people understand the importance of treating animals with the love and respect they deserve.

Multimedia

VIDEO

First Aid for pets

Robin Newby of the American Red Cross of Alaska teaches pet first aid. In this video of a recent class, she describes the focus and some of the techniques. Find schedules of ongoing classes at "The Red Cross"

Resources

ALASKA LOCAL

Alaska Dog News

Pet Safety on New Years Eve

Posted by Sue

Posted: December 30, 2009 - 2:11 pm

Tips for New Year's

Fireworks and noisemakers; confetti and champagne – these are the makings of a successful New Year's bash, and potential hazards for your four-legged family member.

Make sure the party favors are pet-safe. If your dog decided to chow down on some confetti, it can cause problems in her digestive track. It is best to forgo confetti altogether if your pup likes to munch on everything and anything, but paper-based confetti is generally safer than plastic or metallic-based varieties.

Don't share the champagne with your dog. And be sure to clean up any glasses that are within your dog's reach. Every year, hundreds of dogs die from alcohol poisoning. Sharing that bubbly beverage with your dog isn't cute, it's dangerous. If you're not sure if your dog has ingested alcohol, knowing the signs can help you realize there is a problem: vomiting, diarrhea, lack of coordination, difficulty breathing, and tremors.

Prepare for your dog's reaction to fireworks and noisemakers. The best plan is prevention. If you're not sure how your dog will react, make sure he is in a safe area and wearing proper id. If you already know your dog has a problem, the best plan is to work on desensitizing your dog throughout the year to the loud noises that may startle him. But if you haven't already done that, there are many other ways to help him cope with the stress on December 31st.

Give your dog a quiet place to retreat from the party. If you're going to have people over to the wee hours of the morning, be aware that it's not just the kids that will get cranky because they stayed up past their bedtimes. Dogs that are not used to the late night schedule or the comings and goings of so many strangers can become stressed. Make sure your dog has an area away from the festivities to escape it all if need be.

Keep emergency contact information handy! During any party where your dog might slip into the trash can unnoticed, it's a good idea to keep contact information for a 24-hour clinic handy, as well as the number for the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center National Hotline: 888-426-4435.
tips posted courtesy of http://www.cesarsway.com/tips/seasonal/tips-for-new-years

LAST BUT NOT LEAST: KEEP YOUR DOGS COLLAR ON WITH IDENTIFICATION TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR THEM TO RETURN HOME TO YOU. Too many pets are lost during the holidays and it is noted that they got out without their collar on.