The Christmas Twins

During the holidays, it is a great time to really focus on family and friends and pets.  It is important to remember some great holiday safety tips for our pets:

Try to keep your pet's eating and exercise habits as close to their normal routine as possible. And be sure to steer them clear of the following unhealthy treats, toxic plants and dangerous decorations:
The Christmas Tree: aka the indoor bathroom for the dog! Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn't tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pet. This will also prevent the tree water—which may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset—from spilling. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria and your pet could end up pretty ill, and a trip to the emergency vet over the holidays is NOT cheap.

Tinsel: Puppies love this as it is an easy item for tug of war.  But a nibble can lead to a swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery. Refer back to the expenses of the emergency vet!

Make sure to keep your pets away from the table and unattended plates of food, and be sure to secure the lids on garbage cans.
 
Stocking Stuffers! Choose gifts that are safe.

• We all love when our dog pulls apart the wrapping paper and dives into the toy or treat we so lovingly purchased for them.  But make sure that in wrapping up the gift, it is not something that can tear apart into little bits or shreds or shards that can harm the dog. 

Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. And many varieties of lilies, can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested.

NO to the leftovers, or the high fat foods and most importantly, keep them away from the poultry bones.  Do not let your guests give alcohol to your pets and make sure grandma or grandpa put away their medications safely and secure.

Even you can prevent forest fires!
Don't leave lighted candles unattended. Pets may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over. Be sure to use appropriate candle holders, placed on a stable surface.  This goes for wires that can be chewed and lead to electrical shock, sparks or burns on the mouth.

And while you are caring for your beloved pet this year, think also of the many dogs waiting to be adopted.  

Rappa and Rawnie are two incredible girls.  They are the sweetest, most mischievous team of twins you will encounter.  Weighing in at only about 30 pounds each and they absolutely adore children!  But they did not have the greatest start to life . . .

Several months ago, the Rescue Coordinator received an urgent call from the Director of the West Virginia Chapter of Tails of Courage.  She reported that a home had been raided for a severe hoarding situation and that two dogs were pregnant and in need of rescue.  "Whatever you need." was the response given.  So Rappa and Rawnie were moved to a foster home, which was later turned into a puppy nursery as the girls decided to give birth within weeks of one another!  They received the best foster care possible and their puppies were healthy, happy and well adjusted.  The puppies, of course, were adopted, the last one being adopted mid-December.  Now these two sisters are still in foster care, without their children and wondering when they will find their forever homes. 

They are now housetrained, trained on the invisible fence and think dog doors are just great!  They adore children and are so gentle.  They can no longer have any more litters as they have been fixed.  If you know someone who might be interested in adopting one or both of these ladies - www.tailsofcourage.org.