Nothing makes me sadder than seeing a shelter full of homeless pets at holiday time.  Yes, I know it’s just another day to the animals. I still can’t help but wish for all pets to have happy homes and warm beds, and enjoy the love of the season. I’ve read so many times through the years that it’s a bad idea to get a pet during the holidays. Some of the biggest reasons, which I agree are legitimate, are that pets given as holiday gifts may not be well-thought out or will be forgotten once the holidays are over or may not be appropriate for the recipient.  These are good reasons. But what about someone who wants to adopt a pet during the holiday season? I think it may be a good idea – under the right circumstances.

People who are extremely busy during the holidays, who have travel plans or who will be going out a lot, should probably consider waiting until their hectic schedule settles down. A new pet requires time and care. But someone who is not involved with a lot of holiday festivities may benefit from adopting a new friend during this time of year. We all know that the holidays can be lonesome for some people.  What better than to fill your life with a new pet!

A family who wants a new pet might consider the holidays for adoption if they are going to be at home. Kids are off from school and parents may not be at work. This leisurely time could be beneficial to your new pet, to help the pet adjust to your home. Good preparation is key. Once everyone is back to school and work, who will be caring for the pet?

A new pet is not an impulse buy. It takes planning and commitment.  Just because it’s the holidays does not change that fact. If you are considering giving someone a pet, how about a gift certificate as an alternative? Talk to the ARL about pre-paying for an adoption. And of course, always adopt a homeless pet instead of buying one.

Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday. No pressure to buy gifts, to decorate and generally run around until we're exhausted.  Thanksgiving is all about family, eating and relaxing! While it may be okay for us humans to over-indulge, please don't be tempted to give your pets the food on your Thanksgiving table. It can be harmful.

Bones: Please resist the temptation to give your pet any cooked poultry bones. They can easily splinter and the pet can either choke or the bones may pierce the pet's digestive system.

Turkey: Turkey skin, gravy, and dark meat are very fatty and may cause a serious inflammation of the pancreas called pancreatitis. Even white meat may make your pet sick.

Other human foods: We all want to treat our pets but it's best not to give them our food. 

Keep the poison control number handy just in case.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your pets!

I just read a very, very sad story about a dog from Afghanistan who alerted U.S. troops to a suicide bomber and saved lives. She was called a hero.  She was rescued and brought back to this country by a soldier and was living in Arizona with the man’s family. Unfortunately, the dog went missing, was found as a stray and taken to the local animal shelter. The really sad part of this story is that the dog was not microchipped, she had no license and was not wearing identification.  Consequently, the shelter could not contact her owners.  The shelter kept her over the weekend but a staff member accidentally euthanized her. The shelter admits that the staff member did not follow proper procedures. 

Was the shelter worker at fault?  Clearly.  And they admit it.  However, the morals of this tragic situation are: Always microchip your pets, license your dogs, and have your pets wear identification. And if you truly care about your pets, ensure that they are not roaming outside or given the opportunity to escape from your yard.  This story could have had a happy ending if the family had been more careful and responsible.

Read the whole story here: Dog Hero Accidentally Euthanized 

The number of applications available for iPhones keeps growing.  Some are very cool and handy; others make you want to say,”Huh?” I’ve found several apps for dogs.  Off Leash is great.  It helps you to locate dog parks close to you.  Dog First Aid is a terrific idea that gives you fast advice for common emergencies like poisoning or artificial respiration. Pet Minder is an organizer for all of your pets’ appointments, medicine dosing and even dog park dates with their friends!  I like this one but in reality, isn't it better to integrate your pets’ schedule with your own so that you don't have to go to two difference sources?

And the one I think is questionable: Good Dog Training Clicker.  If you follow my blog, you know that I ascribe to all positive dog training practices.  Clicker training is a phenomenal way to teach your dog so many things in a language that dogs understand.  But this app is a bit ridiculous. It’s supposed to take the place of a clicker. So instead of using a clicker to reward your dog, you tap your phone and it emits a sound like a clicker. I’d like to hear if it really sounds like a clicker and I wonder if your dog can tell the difference. My question is this, why use a bigger instrument (the phone) when you can be using a smaller clicker that is designed for the specific purpose of clicking?  Okay, all of you cell phone texting addicts are probably saying that it makes sense to be able to click when training your dog without putting down your phone in mid-text, right?  But I say this to you, put down the phone and pay attention to your dog! It’s an either-or situation. If you are paying attention to your phone, you can’t possibly be watching what your dog is doing. Use a clicker.

Other cool apps are Pet Services Finder, allowing the user to locate veterinarians, pet sitters, groomers and other services; and 101 Best Dog Tricks.

Check them out!