For the Love of Pets
August 2, 2013
Pets…..a lot of people have them, and the real lucky ones are treated as a member of the family. Maybe that’s where the phrase ‘lucky dog’ comes from! Lucky are the dogs, cats, and other pets that really are given the time and attention they so deserve. Lucky are the owners who come home after a stressful day at work to a pet who runs to greet them, be it the cat who is so happy to see you that they almost trip you while wrapping themselves around your legs; or the little dog who is so excited you are home that his tail is like a propeller and you swear he would be airborne if he could.
Either way, that unconditional love you get from them is so worth the time and money you spend to keep them healthy and happy. Which is where I’m headed with this; reminding you to make sure your pets are up-to-date with their shots and annual vet visits. Rabies seem to peak in the summer, but that could be because families and pets spend more time outside this time of year. Keep an eye out for any wildlife that is acting strangely, and, believe it or not, if you come across a bat in your home, capture it and call the health department.
Show YOUR unconditional love by leaving your pet at home. It might sound cruel, however, with these hot days the safest place for them is the comfort of their home. If they must be outside, please be sure they have enough water and shelter. You will find more information on Summer Pet Safety here.
Make sure your dog or cat has ID tags on them. Just last week two beautiful Labrador Retrievers came into my yard, obviously having just escaped and out for a run. I don’t recommend this for everyone, but somehow I managed to ‘capture’ them in my garage, read their tags and call their owner. A simple act of making sure your family member can be identified helps to ensure their safe return should they escape.
Finally, if you are looking for a new pet to add to your family, check out the local shelters: Stevens-Swan Humane Society, Rome Humane Society, Herkimer Humane Society, or any of the smaller, local animal shelters. Your new friend will thank you!
Your SZW Team
