The first step is to visit the ASPCA’s website and request your FREE Pet Safety Pack. It includes a pet rescue window decal that alerts rescue personnel that pets are inside your home. The safety pack also includes an ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center magnet. It has the ASPCA’S toll-free number and website so you can call in case your pet gets into something they shouldn’t.

Second, set up a first-aid kit for your pets. You can find them online ranging from 9.99 on up. If you prefer, make your own. The following is a list of items you should consider putting in your kit.

• Sterile gauze pads (3″ x 3″ and 2″ X 2″) and gauze bandage rolls (1″ and 2″)
• First-aid adhesive tape, 1″ roll
• Cotton swabs (Q-tips®)
• Tweezers
• Scissors
• Plastic freezer/sandwich bags
• Small bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide
• Styptic pencil or cornstarch (stems blood flow from minor cuts)
• Antibacterial ointment
• Antiseptic cleansing wipes
• Kaopectate® or Pepto-Bismol®
• A current pet first-aid book
• Eyewash
• Eyedropper
• Mineral oil (a lubricant and laxative when given by mouth)
• Digital or rectal thermometer in a plastic case
• Leather work gloves (to protect you from being bitten)
• Latex gloves
• Leash
• Thin rope
• Splint materials (tongue depressor, 12-inch wooden ruler or thick magazine)
• Pet first aid or animal health book

Third, Read about pet first-aid and take a class if you can find one in your area. Check local vets and your local Red Cross.

Lastly, Familiarize yourself with pet emergency clinics – in your area and to places you travel to.

I hope you don’t ever have to use your kits for yourself or your pets.

*purrs*

5 Things to know about catnip

It’s been over a year since my last (or the cats’) post. A year? REALLY? ouch!

Ok to date Pandora has let me be her slave for 7 years.
Elvira 6
Lucien 4
Mac 3
Mimi 3
Aside from being VERY fat, they seem happy and healthy.

Raistlin and Caramon adopted Mel in 1997.  A few years later she, and James Grant started a webcomic based on the misadventures of  the pair. Raistlin became “Ebenezer” aka Eben or Benny, the intelligent, suave brother who is always searching for ways to rule the world while trying not to kill his brother. Caramon became “Snooch”, who only lives for for gooshy food, alcohol (vodka) and pettin’s. He’s often watching TV, eating anything in site or riding the carpet ship.

This comic never ceases to make me laugh out loud. The writing is beyond fabulous! The cartoon versions of the cats are awesome and on the website there are also pictures of the real Eben and Snooch. Even though Caramon will be missed, the comic will go on.

Click on either icon to visit Two Lumps.

EBEN

SNOOCH

Caramon
1997-2009

Marie Belew Wheatley, president and CEO said, “Kindness toward animals is a building block of a humane and compassionate society.”  “We celebrate and encourage that all year long,” she said.

Not that we need a designated time of year to do this, in honor of Be Kind to Animals Week, here are some tips on how you can show your appreciation for animals:

Speak out for animals
Get informed about policies and legislation that can impact the animals in your community and throughout the country. Also, register to receive Action Alerts from American Humane — you’ll be able to speak out for animals with just the click of a mouse. Advocacy for animals can make a huge difference in their safety and well-being.www.americanhumane.org.

Report animal abuse
Animal cruelty and abuse is not only tragic for animals, but also an indicator that other forms of abuse such as domestic violence could be happening. If you see something that looks suspicious — a dog chained in your neighbor’s yard that looks underfed, a child putting a cat in a box and kicking it around the yard –  please don’t hesitate.  Let your local animal control, humane society or animal shelters know.

Appreciate wildlife
All animals deserve to be treated humanly — family pets and animals in the wild. Create an inviting space in your yard and garden for butterflies, hummingbirds and other creatures. If wildlife comes too close to home, look for ways to coexist with animals or to protect your property humanely. Teach children to appreciate animals and wildlife. Lead by example and demonstrate how we can make a difference in the lives of all animals.

Adopt a pet from a shelter or rescue
Every year, an estimated 3.7 million animals must be euthanized at our nation’s shelters because they could not be adopted into loving homes. Help animals find a second chance at happiness by adopting your next pet from your local shelter or rescue group. American Humane has tips to find the animal companion that’s right for you and develop a bond that will last a lifetime.

Take care of your pet
Pets are like children who never grow up. Along with love, they need you to help keep them healthy and safe throughout their lives.  Take your pet to the veterinarian regularly. Keep your animal’s vaccinations up-to-date. Make sure he’s wearing proper identification and/or get them microchipped.  Know what it takes to be a responsible pet owner.

For more resources, visit http://americanhumane.org.