The Pet Friendly Newsletter
For Pets and The People Who Love Them!
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August 2007

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Many regions have been hit with sweltering temperatures this summer. Please remember to keep your pets cool & hydrated - they can suffer from heat stroke just like people can! Never leave pets alone in the car, even for short periods of time. Temperatures can reach deadly levels within just a few minutes even if the windows are cracked open. Carry cool water with you and regularly offer it to your pet. You can try freezing a container of water to bring with you. As the ice melts it will provide drinking water yet still stay cool. Choose early mornings or late evenings for outdoor excursions with your pet. It's cooler at these times of the day. Be aware that hot sand or hot asphalt can burn your pet's paws. Choose cooler, grassy areas instead. Make sure your pet always has access to shade and plenty of drinking water. You can "make your own shade" with an umbrella or with a tarp. Finally, please send us your favourite pet photos! You could see them in a future issue of this newsletter. See you next month!

PET QUOTES

"For me, a house or an apartment becomes a home when you add one set of four legs, a happy tail, and that indescribable measure of love that we call a dog." (Roger Caras) "Most beds sleep up to six cats. Ten cats without the owner." (Stephen Baker)

PHOTOS FROM PROUD PET PARENTS
"This is our favourite picture of our dog Coco camping... just relaxing in the sun." - Debbie from St. Albert, Alberta
"Sammy turned a year old on the 19th of June and my 11 year old grand child gave him a birthday party which he seemed to like." - Linda of Abbotsford, BC	"This is my 2 1/2 year old Maltese, Riley. He is the joy of our lives and we love to travel with him. Thank you for helping us do this successfully!" - Diane of Windsor, Ontario
Want to see your pet here? Send us your photos!

HOW TO CHOOSE A BOARDING FACILITY

Although many people travel with their pets, there are times when it may not be possible or appropriate to take your pets with you. Some people leave their pets with friends and family, however, not everyone has the experience or the time to properly care for a pet. A good boarding facility can provide quality care for your pet while you're away. Some people still think of "kennels" as depressing places with row upon row of cages. But today, many facilities have extensive and luxurious quarters for pets -- not the typical "kennel" at all! "Cat condos", for instance, are becoming more commonplace, as are park-like areas for dogs to run and play. Ask friends, family, vets, animal shelters, dog trainers, or other reliable sources for recommendations. If possible, visit the facility unannounced (rather than during specific "visiting hours) so that you can see how the facility is run. Once you have a few possible boarding facilities, check for things like: Cleanliness. Does it look and smell clean? Is the light and ventilation good? Is it a comfortable temperature? Are there sufficiently roomy indoor & outdoor runs for dogs? Are the outdoor facilities protected from wind, rain, and snow? Are there scheduled exercise times? Does the facility require proof that pets are up-to-date on vaccinations? Any time there are large numbers of pets housed in the same quarters, the risk of passing an illness from one animal to another are higher. Facilities should always require pets to be current on vaccinations. Are cats separated from dogs? Cats will generally be more relaxed when they are housed away from the noise and rambunctiousness of dogs. Do the cats' quarters provide sufficient room so that there is reasonable space between the food & water bowls and the litter box? Cats do not like to eat/drink where they eliminate. Do cats have enough space to move around and stretch out fully? Are pets provided with bedding so that they don't have to sleep on bare floors? Can you bring your pet's own bedding from home? How often are pets fed? Can you bring your pet's own food? Are there any additional amenities or services available for your pet, such as longer walks or playtimes, or bathing or grooming? Do the staff seem knowledgeable and genuinely interested in the welfare of the pets? Are staff trained and qualified to monitor pets for health problems and administer medications, if required? Are there veterinary services available either on-site or on-call? Will the facility provide such services if it believes your pet is having a medical emergency? How will you be notified and billed? Is there an emergency plan just in case pets need to be evacuated? What happens if your return home is delayed? If your pet has never been boarded before, it is best to get him accustomed to it slowly by scheduling short stays at first. Be sure to book early to ensure that the facility has space for your pet.

UPCOMING PET EVENTS

August 9/07: Cochrane, Alberta: Cochrane Humane Society's 4th Annual petsDOmatter charity golf tournament @ Links of Glen Eagles in Cochrane. More info Sept 8/07: Cochrane, Alberta: Cochrane Humane Society's 6th Annual Mutt Strut. Hundreds of dogs and their guardians take part in the walk, and the popular marketplace features pet portraits, pet-i-cures and more. More info Sept 9/07 - 37 communities throughout British Columbia: BC SPCA's Paws for a Cause... walk for the animals! Help raise $750,000 for animals in need. More info If your non-profit pet organization is holding an event, please send us the details!

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