The weather is finally more like December here. We had a cold front come through yesterday that cooled us off. They have predicted snow flurries for us during the day today. I can't tell you all how much that excites me. The weather being in the upper 70's really haven't been conducive to the Christmas spirit. This is more like it. I just hope at least a flake or two materializes. It's supposed to be cold for the coming week, so that should do the trick for my lagging Christmas spirit. Of course, it's been too wet to get the outside lights up this past week, so I get to freeze my touchie off putting them up this weekend. My co-worker Kim and I have plans to go out today and get a few things for our upcoming section party. We are going over to the side of town that you ONLY go to this time of year if you are insane or suicidal! I may regret that decision by the end of the day. We've also got to go through some stuff to find our paper products, i.e. plates, cups, and napkins for the party too. Not much else going on other than that today. Tomorrow, Mom and I are planning on getting just a bit of Christmas shopping done. I also would like to get the outside decorations up too. On Monday, I'm meeting with a former coworker, Helen, to have a holiday lunch. It seems that my days off are going to be full again this week. I really expect every weekend will be like that until after Christmas. I've got to go and make my shopping list out. Everyone have a great weekend! I'll do my best to get the photoblog updated today I've posted some humane holiday tips below from the American Humane Association . Enjoy!
'Tis the Season to Take Extra Precautions for Your Pet's Safety Christmas is a wonderful time of year. But make sure it's a wonderful time for your pets, as well. The decorations, food, and festivities can add up to disaster for your companion animal.Christmas trees
Anchor trees securely. Climbing cats and dogs with wagging tails can knock over your tree. Hang breakable, glass ornaments well out of reach. The small glass and metal fastenings can be stepped on or even swallowed by your pet. Keep tinsel, ribbons, and garland out of reach of pets, especially cats that are intrigued by them. These can become lodged in their intestines and cause obstruction and lead to surgery or death. Clean up pine needles frequently. They can be toxic when eaten by your pet. Prevent your pet from drinking water in the tree stand if you have added preservative chemicals. These can be poisonous to pets. Also, stagnant water can contain bacteria, which may lead to vomiting and diarrhea if ingested.
Holiday house plants Although they add a warm touch, many plants can harm your pets. Keep these potentially dangerous bloomers well out of reach.
Lilies can be deadly to cats, and many types can cause cats to have kidney failure. Poinsettias, although not as toxic as people often think, can upset your pet's digestive system. Mistletoe, especially the berries, is highly toxic, can cause stomach upset, and has the potential to cause fatal heart problems. Holly can cause vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and lethargy. Certain types of Ivy, such as English Ivy, can also cause severe harm. Amaryllis can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Hibiscus can cause diarrhea.
Lights, candles, and fragrance
Keep lights and extension cords safely secured or covered to deter chewing, which can lead to electric shock or even electrocution. Better yet, invest in pet-proof extension cords, or spray with products such as Bitter Apple or Chew Stop. Candles can be fragrant and enticing to pets. But they can be a fire hazard if knocked over by an exuberant pet, and the fumes can be harmful to birds. Liquid potpourri and sachets, popular during the holidays, can be very dangerous. Exposure can cause skin or oral damage to your pet and may cause illness or death.
Food
Chocolate can affect the nervous system and cause urinary system and heart muscle damage in your pet. It also contains theobromine which can be especially harmful to dogs if ingested in large quantities. Keep unsweetened baking chocolate, especially dark chocolate out of reach. Coffee is also dangerous to animals. Watch out for grounds and whole beans. Nicotine is a stimulant that can increase the heart rate leading to collapse, and in the worst case, even death. Onions are toxic. They inhibit an animal's ability to coagulate blood. Foods containing high amounts of onion powder should also be avoided. Fatty foods can cause digestive upset, as can bread dough, nuts, and other "people" foods. Traditional holiday foods such as turkey, ham, and other fatty foods can cause pancreatitis in some animals. Stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea can occur if pets consume these items. Limit table scraps, and let your guests know as well. Alcoholic beverages should be kept away from animals year-round. Bones can be damaging to intestinal tracts. Poultry bones can be especially dangerous or even fatal to animals. Grapes and raisins can lead to loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and acute renal failure in dogs resulting in death. Watch the string that ties up the turkey or roast, as well as the little red "pop-up" thermometers. Dogs and cats often eat these tasty things, causing intestinal blockage.
If you suspect your pet has gotten into a potentially poisonous substance, call your veterinarian immediately! Have the telephone number to your local emergency animal hospital readily available, as well as the number for the national animal poison control center.
Make the holidays special for your pet
Provide your pet some extra love and attention to let them know they’re not forgotten. Take your dog for an extra walk -- it’ll help both you and your pet relieve some of that holiday stress. Keep a supply of pet treats handy and reach for one before you’re tempted to toss your pet that little bite of “people” food. Let your pet get into the gift-giving spirit by making a donation (e.g., food, litter, toys) to your local shelter in his name.
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