Not your usual end-of-year appeal

This will be an appeal, or three appeals really, but there’s nothing traditional about them!

                                                                                             H. Marcoux pic

• First, please care for animals who still need and deserve homes for the holidays and beyond.


• Be alert to cats and dogs who need rescue and love, as well as the warmth a home would offer. You might check your area animal shelter and ask around: does anyone know of a needy homeless pet during this season of giving?  


• Second, assemble a pet disaster kit.    

Yes, this winter-holiday hubbub will die down, and yes, you’ll get past all the shopping, wrapping, visiting and festivating.  Then, before the next extreme event of any kind can happen -- and you know one of them is bound to affect you, me and us at some time! -- this appeal:  please make time to assure your pets’ safety before disaster strikes. 

Take it in steps: (1) Through Friday, January 3, 2020, just think about a disaster kit for your pets. And then, (2) assemble it.  (How?  you say.  Easy.  The ASPCA poster below will guide your thoughts now, and then later, your actions.) 

          ......... ASPCA Pet Disaster Preparedness Plan ..........

 Tips to keep companion animals safe in time of disaster

Never Leave Your Pet Home Alone
The safest place for your pet is with you, so if you must evacuate, take your animals along.
Check Boarding Place
Make sure it’s not in a flood plain and will be attended throughout a storm. Ask if crates are available for transport and if they have an evacuation plan – and get their emergency contact number.
Ask For Help
If you live in a high-risk area, arrange ahead of time for you and your pet to ride out the storm with friends in safe zones. Or check with hotels in safe areas to see if they will permit you to stay there with your pet.
Have Carriers Ready
Make sure travel carriers are safe, the right size, and easily available. And make your pet’s carrier a fun and safe place throughout the year by adding treats, toys and meals on a routine basis.
Have Medication Plan Ready
Talk to your veterinarian about medication options if your pet is fearful of thunder or travel.
Prepare a Travel Kit
Include food, water, bedding, towels, medical supplies, bathing supplies, flea/tick control and leashes – and have enough of everything to last two weeks.
Provide Plenty of ID
Do not assume your owner tag will immediately reunite you with your pet. If your neighborhood is evacuated and phone lines are down, or your pet is lost during travel, it may be months before you are contacted. Include several forms of ID on your pet’s collar, including a temporary tag with the phone number of a friend or relative outside your immediate area.
Microchip Your Pet
Make sure your chip is registered and that the contact information is updated. Keep current photos. Always have current photos of your pet with you – they can greatly aid in reuniting you with a lost pet. Report a loss immediately. If you become separated from your pet during a storm or evacuation, report it immediately to area humane societies, law enforcement and animal control agencies.
Volunteer
If you are untouched by a natural disaster, your volunteer time may be invaluable in helping those less fortunate.                          
                                                 .......... ASPCApro.org  ..........

 ·    Third, and most important if the two earlier appeals are to happen: please take good care of yourself, to take better care of animals!

Wishing animals and people a happy, healthy 2020!  (Will return early next year.)

                                                                                                                                                                               Dodo pic

  

#

Your comments are always welcome.  Simply go to 1moreonce.blogspot.com.