Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween is almost here… As we get ready to enjoy the festivities, here are some simple steps to take, (courtesy of the Suffolk County SPCA), to ensure that our pets have a safe Halloween too! Keep pets away from front doors. Dogs and cats are easily frightened by visitors/ commotion. The more adventurous pet may just take the opportunity to bolt. In particular, dogs may see costumed visitors as a threat, (even someone they know) so don’t take any chances. Never leave your pet outside on Halloween. They could easily be harmed or stolen. Black cats are particularly at risk this time of year. Do not allow your pets to eat trick-or-treat candies – many ingredients are toxic to dogs and cats. Be very careful with candles- pets may tip them over and cause a fire. Keep all holiday decorations out of your pets reach. Animals are inquisitive, and items like spider webbing and balloons can be deadly if swallowed. Don’t stress your animal if they really object to wearing a costume! Some pets are fine with it, others might really become anxious. If you do dress your pet, make sure the costume isn’t constricting or unsafe. Do not obstruct vision and check for strangulation hazards. Remember to remove costume from your pet when unattended. Always be sure your pet has proper identification on at all times. Know your veterinarian’s number and keep it listed with your other emergency numbers…being able to react quickly in an emergency could save your pets life! The Suffolk County SPCA reminds us to report any acts of cruelty or neglect to them 631 382-7722. All calls will be kept confidential.

 

 

October is Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month: Sparkle and Bear’s “Happy Tail”

With nearly 10 million animals entering local shelters across the country every year, Adopt -a -Shelter- Dog Month helps focus attention on the pet population problem we face in this country. Jeanette recently adopted Sparkles and Bear from the Town of Islip Animal Shelter, and asked me to share their story, in the hopes that others will consider adopting a shelter dog: Sparkles was 4 months old when they first saw him, one of several abandoned puppies (left in a Tupperware bowl in the rain!). For Jeanette and her family, it was love at first sight. They took their time getting to know him, and spent time in the viewing room interacting with him while asking lots of questions about his personality, temperament and needs. The shelter staff had questions for them as well- regarding small children, other pets, fenced yards- all these things are very important when matching up a potential adopter with a new pet. In the end, they decided to give him his forever home. They completed the required paperwork, paid the $55 adoption fee, and took him home. After adopting Sparkles they continued to go to the shelter every so often and soon noticed a 4 year old American Staffordshire Terrier named Bear who had the sweetest eyes. He weighed 90 lbs and because his ears were cropped people were hesitant to consider him for adoption. Jeanette and her family kept coming back to this friendly dog with his constantly wagging tail. After another carefully considered evaluation they were convinced that Bear would make a great addition to their household and they adopted him about a month ago. Jeanette credits the shelter staff for putting in a lot of time and effort evaluating and working with Bear (and all the other adoptable dogs): “This dog is well trained and is the sweetest, most intelligent dog you will ever meet…all because the shelter staff and team of great volunteers gave this dog so much love and care”.

For more information about Adopt-A Shelter-Dog Month, check out these websites: http://www.aspca.org/adoption http://www.americanhumane.org/protecting-animals/special-events/adopt-a-dog-month or contact the Town of Islip Animal Shelter at 631-224-5660.