The spookiest night of the year!

BOO! ... Did that startle you? Probably not, but if you’re the furry member of the family with dozens of kids laughing and milling about at your front door on All Hallows Eve, strange noises could have you more than a little ‘spooked.’

Some things are just going to be scary for them but there are ways to limit the stress for the timid, and avoid dangerous situations for the brave. By expecting the unexpected and using some basic precautions, you can make Halloween night as safe and comfortable as possible for them.

With opening doors and noisy strangers in all types of eerie apparel descending on them, some will panic and make a break for it. Having current identification on a flat collar (not a choker chain) with tags or a microchip implanted will greatly increase their chance of making it home safely. It will also allow the animal shelter to quickly contact you if they end up there.

Another solution is to give them some quiet time in a secure room away from scary trick-or-treaters.  It might be a temptation to some, dressing them up in costume to be with you when answering the door or while having guests over. But it can turn a night of fun into a nightmare. Your social “pet” can feel so threatened by it all or be moved to protect you, that a bite will put an end to the festivities.

Putting animals in costumes has never been one of my favorite things; most look uncomfortable or unhappy. However, statistics show that more than 50% of guardians choose a costume for their “pet” on Halloween. If you choose to dress them up, then make sure that it doesn’t expose them to hazards.

Comfort is the number one consideration: make sure the costume allows them to move freely with no mask that covers their eyes and ears, doesn’t have parts they can chew and choke on, or fastenings that interfere with their breathing. Know the signs of discomfort and take off the costume immediately. Flattened ears, rolling eyes or looking backwards for an escape route, a tucked tail or hunching over are sure signs they are not happy campers.

Keep all treats in high, preferably locked or securely fastened, places away from determined and resourceful critters. The lure of sweets seems universal and foods like chocolate, gum, raisins or treats containing xylitol as a sweetener can be seriously toxic and sometimes deadly. It’s very important that family youngsters understand why sharing treats with their fur-friends is not a good idea.

As All Hallows Night approaches, it’s important to bring your cat (especially black or white ones) and other vulnerable animals inside to a secure place and out of harm’s way. Most Halloween revelers would never hurt them but there are some who find tormenting animals amusing. To avoid the bad guys grabbing them for ritual purposes, safeguard your animals inside or confined away from public access for several days before and after Halloween. 

Remember that this special night belongs to a number of critters, not just humans. Nocturnal wild creatures such as raccoons, opossums, skunks, and foxes wake up and venture out for food, and Halloween is just another night to them. If you encounter a wildling, keep a safe distance between you. If you have your dog with you, make sure that she is on leash at all times. Respect the night time regulars and their space. Enjoy the special gift you’ve received and remember it’s their world too.

If you do suspect your animal friend has ingested something toxic, please call your veterinarian ASAP or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. There is a fee.

REMEMBER: if your dog or cat runs away or disappears for any reason, don't wait! Contact your local animal shelter immediately and ask for advice in finding your friend. Waiting and hoping they will “show up” could cost them their lives.

Article by Nancy Lyon, President, Ohlone Humane Society

Declawing your cat...an unkind cut

Your cat has taken to clawing your new carpet or drapes and you’re frustrated that she doesn’t seem to "get it"—that this is not acceptable behavior. Your friends have suggested a few solutions including having her declawed by your vet. No big deal right? You been told it’s just a simple removal of her claws and problem solved.

But not for your cat. It’s a cat’s basic nature to claw objects with their front paws. It’s believed that this is a way of marking their territory, relieving stress, and aiding in the removal of old and worn nail sheaths. It also is an instinctual way of exercising muscles used in hunting. While outdoor cats have an outlet for this inborn pattern using tree trucks and other natural surfaces, indoor cats tend to direct this strong natural impulse toward what is available…furniture, carpets, etc.

This can be frustrating to a guardian and may lead them to consider deterrents that can lead not only to other bad habits but cause suffering both physical and emotional trauma to their beloved companion and friend.

Before taking a step that will cause your feline friend excruciating pain and could well change her long-term behavior and forever end her trust in you, take time to understand what your decision means to her.

The procedure is often minimized as a “simple” process of removing her claws, while in reality the surgery involves the painful amputation of ten phalanxes at the last joint of each of her toes…equivalent to cutting off all your finger tips.  Removed are bones, nerve tissue, joint capsule, ligaments, and the extensor and flexor tendons. You are essentially removing part of her foot.

The aim of declawing, or onchyectomy, is to remove the entire nail bed and claw by amputation and the procedure is a permanent solution. Like any surgery, there are risks of anesthetization, excessive bleeding and postoperative complications, including infection, and is accompanied by severe pain that may last from several days to much longer unless appropriate analgesia is provided. Post-operative care and the length of time the cat must remain in the veterinary hospital depend on how the surgical procedure is performed and the skill of the surgical team.

Complications from surgery include: excruciating pain, damage to nerves that can cause lifetime distress, hemorrhage, chronic back and joint pain as shoulder, leg, and back muscles weaken. While some people may say “my cat wasn’t in pain,” the truth is that cats often do not show pain because it is a sign of weakness and vulnerability.

The trauma of declawing can have behavioral and psychological consequences. The suffering can change personalities: previously friendly and social cats can become withdrawn and fearful. Without their natural means of defense, cats can become so stressed that they exhibit aggression. Without their claws, they have no choice but to fall back on their only remaining means of defense, their teeth, and bite when faced with even minor upsets. The continuing stress can also challenge their immune system and lead to health problems.

Cats that have had this natural impulse taken away may stop using their litter box because of the pain associated with scratching in the litter after a declawing procedure. This means they will find a more comfortable place to go such as a soft blanket, carpet, etc.—an issue equal to or more challenging than the original scratching problem.

Statistics show that:

• 50% of cats will come out of the operation with immediate medical or behavioral complications for 2-3 weeks, and 30% will have complications for the rest of their lives
• 75% of the cats with litter box aversion and turned into shelters are declawed cats
• 80% of declawed cats that are surrendered to shelters are euthanized because they have a behavioral problem
• 70% of cats turned into shelters for behavioral problems are declawed 

Many cats surrendered to shelters are relinquished because of behavioral problems which developed after the cats were declawed, an action that may ultimately result in a cat deemed “unadoptable” and ending in euthanasia.

Laws in most European countries explicitly prohibit the practice. In Israel, declawing a cat can result in a fine equivalent to more than $20,000. Authorities in the U.K., Brazil, Japan, Turkey and Australia also discourage the practice.

Most animal welfare organizations, including Ohlone Humane Society, are strongly opposed to declawing cats for the convenience of their guardians. Although banned in some progressive U.S. cities, the practice still thrives in many areas.

The Bottom Line: Declawing is an unnecessary surgery which provides no medical benefit to the cat.

Learn how you can easily work with your feline family member to use their claws in a manner that allows everyone in the household to live together happily. Check out the following humane alternatives to declawing that protect your cat’s well-being and your property: http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/cats/tips/declawing.html


Tri-City Voice article by Nancy Lyon, President, Ohlone Humane Society.

Feeling the chill?

It's November and the recent cold snap is a heads up for what may be a colder than usual winter on the horizon. Whatever the months ahead, it's a reminder to protect your animal family members from the elements.

When the weather turns foul, here are the basics for keeping them comfortable and out of harm's way:

First of all, your cat, dog or other companion animal is just that—family members—and they suffer just as much as the rest of your family do from cold, wet and isolation. They are happiest spending time with you indoors, sharing the benefits and warmth of being part of the family circle.

Cold, forgotten and alone
There is nothing sadder than a lonely and cold "pet" who can only bark or scratch at the door trying to draw your attention to their plight if left in the backyard or unheated garage during freezing or rainy weather. In fact, if you think their lives must be an outside-only existence, don't even consider getting an animal.

If you are away at work and they need access to the outdoors, you should provide either a doggie door or a comfortable dry, draft-free shelter suitable to their size and species until your return.

Special needs
Senior and very young animals need special consideration in inclement weather. This is doubly important with oldies with creaky joints—who suffer when temperatures drop—and with short-coated critters. You might even consider a comfy sweater if they will tolerate it.

Our canine companions and other domesticated animals through their long association with humans no longer have the natural protections Mother Nature has provided for their wild cousins. Even with their furry coats, most no longer have the ability to tolerate severe weather and exposure. Soaking and chilling results not only in misery but presents risks to health and life.

Outside regulars
Free-roaming cats and some wild critters face other dangers when the weather turns foul and they seek sanctuary and warmth in what may seem unlikely places. One of those places may be the still warm engine of your car or even the tire well, and it can be disastrous to them and your car. Take a moment to bang on the hood or take a moment to look under it and scare them off, giving them a chance to leave before starting up the engine. Everyone benefits from this one.

Neglect
What can you do if you see an animal without protection from the elements? First of all, don't be reluctant to speak out - it can save an animal from suffering and even death. Animal Services agencies see a marked increase in citizen complaints when weather conditions turn severe, most complaints deal with lack of water, food and adequate shelter from the cold and wet. While laws governing what falls within the acceptable definition of "adequate shelter" vary and are often too loosely interpreted, it's always best to contact your local animal services/control and ask for a well-check. Often it's a matter of educating people that animals left outside are at risk of hypothermia, illness and even death. It doesn't hurt when regulatory agencies mention the risk of criminal charges for non-compliance. Remember to request a follow up report.

For more detailed information on protections for your animal family and wildlife during cold and wet weather, connect with the following Internet websites:

Protect Your Pet During Winter and Cold Weather

How to Care for Outdoor Cats in Winter

Fall into Winter: Help Backyard Wildlife Prepare for Cold Weather


Tri-City Voice article by Nancy Lyon, President, Ohlone Humane Society

The night of the Black Cat

In a short while, our homes will be besieged with goblins and ghosties, long-legged beasties and things that go bump in the night—but not to worry, it's just Halloween. A fun time for the kids and those of us who only pretend to be grown up.

However, All-Hallows-Eve does have a dark history. Long ago, this night celebrated festivities that were not so innocent. Dressing in costumes, lighting bonfires, going to parties, sharing ghost stories, and trick-or-treating all originated with the Celtic Druid Feast of Samhain. It was believed at the time that ancestral spirits might emerge and roam freely because walls between the living and the dead were at their thinnest. To nourish journeying ancestral souls, this pagan belief often involved ritual sacrifice of innocent animals.

These early pagan practices have long-lasting beliefs that persist even to this day with cruel and ignorant people placing animals in harm's way during their celebration of All-Hallows-Eve. As unlikely as it may seem, it's wise to err on the side of caution and keep members of your animal family—especially those with black fur—indoors for a few days on either side of Halloween when you are not with them.

That prospect is disturbing enough but there are other potential dangers your animal family faces on this night of celebration and you might want to consider them.

The frightening creatures at your doorstep are, for the most part, just candy-seeking pranksters having a good time. But this can mean little to the family dog who may see them as terrorizing invaders where her only choice is to stand and protect with perhaps serious results...or bolt and head down the road as fast as possible to face real danger.

For the safety of your non-human family members, keep them safely indoors away from direct contact with trick-or-treaters and other Halloween activities. Make sure all are wearing a well-fitting flat collar (not a choke chain) and tags with current contact information; if possible, they should be micro-chipped. Opening the door repeatedly for trick-or-treaters creates plenty of escape opportunities and a frightened animal's first response is usually flight. Proper identification can get them home faster and safely.

Having a sweet tooth is not exclusively a human weakness and the results of gobbling down chocolate, raisins and candy left temptingly within reach can be a very sick critter and a very big mess for you. Chocolate can be so toxic to dogs, cats, ferrets and birds that it might result in death. Hiding all candy is the safest choice but never underestimate the athletic prowess of a determined sweet-seeker so make doubly sure treats are securely out of reach.

This year has truly been the year of the black cat; for some reason, nature has seen fit to produce an unusually large number of black kittens. These beautiful and wonderful creatures need our protection not only from human abuse but in loving homes forever homes. Keep your resident black cat safe during Halloween and please consider adopting one of these fascinating felines from your local animal shelter.

Should your animal companion disappear on Halloween or anytime, contact your local animal shelter as soon as possible and ask for advice in finding your lost family member. Don't wait hoping they will "show up" as it could cost them their lives.

It might be unpopular advice but taking your dog, cat or other animal along when you go trick-or-treating is a really bad idea. For everyone's well-being, leave your companion animal home in a stress-free environment. Especially on a mystical night like Halloween, there is no way of predicting unexpected or terrifying incidents that can send even the most stable animal over the edge to react in an unpredictable manner. A painful bite or lost pet is a poor end to celebrations.

The Humane Society of the United States correctly states that "The only costume most pets want to wear is their own furry birthday suit." It may look like fun to you but unless they are used to wearing clothing, a costume or mask increases their risk of injury and stress. The feeling of confinement and restricted movement is unnatural to most animals and just being who they are is the best costume around.

And then there are the regular night dwellers out on Halloween—for raccoons, opossums, skunks and many other wild creatures, it is time to wake up and venture out for food. The night is their time and they should be respected and left in peace. The best advice is to keep a safe distance between you and any animal you do not know, including cats and dogs.


Tri-City Voice article by Nancy Lyon, President, Ohlone Humane Society

Little dog lost...

Saturday, September 29th, was a warm summer afternoon and Brian Maguire and his canine buddies set out on one of their frequent strolls down Sabercat Creek Trail that meanders along an oak-studded waterway not far from Ohlone College in the Mission San Jose District of Fremont.

The trail, a two-mile long bit of remaining wilderness, is a former archeological dig site where once saber-toothed cats, wolves, giant sloths and cave bears roamed and is, to this day, a shelter for local wildlife. It was this fact that brought their idyllic adventure to a sudden and devastating end.

One of Brian’s beloved charges, foster dog Bo—a small, young Chihuahua mix that had been rescued from the Fremont Animal Shelter months before—still had some behavioral issues that Brian worked on in the usually peaceful environment of the trail. On this day, Brian was working on Bo’s recall...something that free-spirited Bo was slowly ‘getting’ if somewhat reluctantly. She had been off-leash for a short space of time and had returned when called after a minor infringement. After praising her for returning, Brian clipped a long leash to her collar and proceeded toward home.

What happened next was unexpected and changed two lives perhaps forever.

Suddenly, a large deer bolted from the wooded area next to the trail and Bo, still pumped from her previous episode, took off in hot pursuit snapping her leash in the process. The leash should have held and the only thing Brian thinks could have happened is when he leashed her, he may have clipped the leash to her ID ring in error. If this happened, then it could mean the ring may have broken and her tags come off later.

Bo, for all her bravado when it comes to other animals, is still shy of strangers. Her life before Brian had not been easy.

It has been more than two weeks and Brian and friends, both two and four-legged, have scoured the trail and adjacent areas for Bo each day. Homes surround the trail area and lost flyers have been posted everywhere, shelters and local veterinarians alerted but with no response that has lead to bringing Bo home. Bo seems to have disappeared from the face of the earth.

A week later, a small lone dog was spotted in the area by a man who had seen one of the posters and tried to get the name off the tags but the dog, who according the report looked exactly like Bo, spooked and ran off. He stated that he later saw the same dog on leash with a man walking the trail - a dog described as looking exactly like Bo. Had Bo been rescued once again?

As it stands, we have a lost little dog in a potentially dangerous environment and a deeply depressed person who loves her so much that he has hardly slept and won’t give up looking for her. As each day passes…missing her more and more…remembering waiting for her to scratch the back door to come in when he returns from errands. Recalling all the little endearing things that we often take for granted until a loved one is no longer with us. Her favorite bed remains empty where she would be tucked under her fleecy blanket every night, poking out her little head to say goodnight.

One of the hardest things when a loved one disappears is not knowing what happened to them…there is no closure. In Bo’s case, she may have finally been caught by a Good Samaritan who didn’t know to report finding her to the animal shelter, or a worse scenario, she is still lost and alone. It’s the not knowing.

Please help us find Bo. She is about 12 pounds, wears a collar with an ID tag and has an embedded ID microchip with tag# 981020005083783.

Bo is very shy with most people so if you spot her, please call Brian ASAP at 510-501-4576 (call 24/7) or email BSMaguire@gmail.com. If you or someone you know has her, Brian needs to know she is safe.


Tri-City article by Nancy Lyon, President, Ohlone Humane Society

The hills are alive…

This year’s unpredictable and prolonged “off-again, on-again" weather had the hills and fields gloriously blooming with what must been every plant in the area.  And beautiful though it was, the tall green grasses and other plants have dried out and become a danger to the unwary hiker and in particular their four-legged trail buddies.

The lure to tramp through the open spaces will invite a lot of dog folks, and exploring the natural wonders we are so fortunate to have in our area can be a great experience to share with your dog. Unfortunately, while out there enjoying nature myself, I’ve seen dogs unthinkingly allowed by their guardians to behave in ways that put them at serious risk.

So before you hit the trail, it’s important that you look at those golden hills and fields with an educated and wary eye.  Much of the grasses covering the area are comprised of dangerous foxtails, with ticks lurking in bushes and tall grass, and that inviting cool stream often abounds with Giardia, a harmful parasite that can infect your dog and possibly you not to mention messy digestive tract results and pricey vet bills to correct the problem.

Trail Basics 101 –

Foxtails - Many people are unfamiliar with hazards to their dog from these opportunistic seeds. But if you’ve ever hiked during the dry season months, you’ve probably pulled a few of these nasty critters from your socks They are the wheat-like seeds of the drying or dried grasses that detach from the plant and stick to a person's clothes or an animal's coat. They can easily become lodged in between a dog’s toes, in his ears, and in his eyes. Since the seeds or awns are barbed like a fish hook, they can be very difficult to remove. Once embedded, they can travel through their body causing severe pain, infection and abscesses, even puncturing an eye or ear drum. ..and, again, expensive vets costs to remove them before they cause greater damage.

Depending on the location of the sharp pointed awns, symptoms can include persistent sneezing or coughing, headshaking, or compulsive licking and biting at a paw or around the groin or tail area or whining and crying with no obvious or acute injury. In addition to causing pain and localized infections, foxtail seeds can migrate and lodge in the spine, in the lungs and in other internal organs. They enter through the nose, ears, paws, eyes, and urethra or just through the skin and travel through the body. The seeds are small, making locating them difficult and the procedure expensive. Depending on where a foxtail seed has traveled to inside a dog, it can even be life threatening, requiring prompt surgical removal.

Stream water hazards - Giardia can infect a dog that drinks from a stream where feces from cattle or wild animals have come to drink. A dog becomes infected by eating or drinking the cyst form of the parasite. In the small intestine, the cyst opens and releases an active form that attaches itself to the intestinal wall and reproduces by dividing. After an unknown number of divisions, at some stage, this form develops a wall around itself (cysts) and is passed in the feces. The Giardia in the feces can contaminate the environment and water and infect other animals and people.

Often Giardia infections show no symptoms but when it does the usual sign is diarrhea. The diarrhea may be acute, intermittent, or chronic. Usually the infected animals will not lose their appetite, but they may lose weight. The feces are often abnormal, being pale, having a bad odor, and appearing greasy. In the intestine, Giardia prevents proper absorption of nutrients, damages the delicate intestinal lining, and interferes with digestion; it can be very resistant to treatment.  Basically, not a fun thing for your dog or you.

Blood sucking critters -Ticks must be one of Nature’s bad jokes. They are disease carrying parasites that hide out in grass and attach themselves to the unsuspecting passerby. Crawling up to bare skin or digging for it, if on a dog, the tick will bury its head under the skin layer and proceed to drink all the blood it can get.

We live in tick-country so during the summer season a body check after a walk is essential. Rub your hands all over your dog's body, and your fingers through his fur, applying pressure, enough that you can feel any abnormalities in the skin. If you feel a small lump, pull the fur apart to investigate it further. An embedded tick will look like a small black or brown pimple, sometimes flattish, depending on location, and sometimes legs are visible. Check with your veterinarian beforehand on the method of proper removal.  It’s good to check yourself out too; ticks carry Lyme disease, a serious health threat that can infect dogs and humans alike.

Weather dangers - Consider the temperature before you set out. A warm morning means that it will be a trek back in the hotter part of the day.  Never walk or hike with your dog mid-day when the weather is warm, keep to early morning for any kind of exercise.  Carry enough fresh water, rest frequently, and make sure there is shade along the way for a rest stop.

Remember that snub-nosed dogs like Pugs have difficulty breathing in warm weather, and older, over-weight, or heavy coated dogs are more subject to heat exhaustion. Don’t set out on a long hike if your dog isn’t physically able to handle the distance – work up to longer walks. Out of loyalty, dogs will over-extend themselves to keep up with their human so it’s up to you to give careful consideration to their well-being. Don’t be so taken with the scenery that you forget that half your journey is the trip back and it’s going to be hotter.

People don’t often give much thought to the fact that our four-legged companions can also get sun-burned. White and lightly colored animals can suffer sunburn from too much exposure to the sun and long-term sun exposure can lead to skin damage and in some cases skin cancers. There are sun blocks that are suitable for animals but check the labels carefully to be sure.

Many of our parks have cattle/wildlife grazing. For the safety of your dog and out of respect for the cattle and wildlife – leash your dog when you encounter them. You are a visitor in their home.

Safe hiking tips summary:

• Make sure your dog has a complete health check at the beginning of the year.
• Where possible avoid walking through tall dry grasses.
• Check thoroughly for ticks and foxtails immediately after your hike.
• Carry enough fresh water for you and your dog. Avoid streams.
• Prevent heat stroke by leaving and returning early
• Don’t ask your dog to overextend himself.
• Leash your dog when encountering cattle or wildlife.

Happy Hiking!

******

Tri-City Voice article (Archives) by Nancy Lyon, President, Ohlone Humane Society.

Photo's courtesy of: www.picdrome.com 

Celebrating Life

In a couple of weeks people around the world of the Christian faith will be celebrating Easter, the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead following his death on Good Friday. It symbolizes rebirth and shares the time with the vernal equinox, historically a time venerated by early pagans who celebrated the arrival of spring and the awaking of life.

While Easter heralds the resurrection of Christ, the word Easter was derived from a Saxon goddess known as Oestre or Eastre, and in Germany as Ostara, who represented spring and dawn and the coming of the light arising from the east. She represented the bringing forth of new life both human and animal and the flowering of plants. The hare known for its noteworthy ability to produce offspring was her sacred animal, an animal whose roots in pre-13th century pagan tradition was destined to eventually become the fabled Easter Bunny.

In pagan tradition, eggs and fluffy newborn chicks were a representation of new growth. And it is told that brightly colored eggs, chicks, and bunnies were all used at festival time to express appreciation for Ostara's gift of abundance. They were later incorporated into the celebration of Easter, separately from the Christian tradition of honoring the day Jesus Christ rose from the dead.

While there may be no real correlation in the history of Easter between the secular symbols and the Christian holiday, the Christian and pagan have been gracefully woven together; each reminding us of the cycle of rebirth and the need for renewal.

While there is also no clear connection between a rabbit being associated with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Easter Bunny is perhaps the biggest commercial symbol of Easter. Some believe rabbits were another connection with pagan belief associated with Eastre, the goddess of spring and fertility, because of their especially high reproduction rate.

The animals that have been brought into this as symbols of human belief do not always fare well. Today at Easter they are often given as gifts to amuse children and often do not represent an image of veneration as a remembrance of the renewal of life.

Tradition and belief aside, these innocent, temporarily fluffy and adorable little animals very soon become a larger problem. They have special dietary needs and behavioral issues, and their care, if they are to survive, will fall to the adults in the family.

They rapidly grow into extremely messy adult chickens and rabbits that can deposit sizeable amounts of droppings that soon turn into a constant need for cleaning to prevent insects and odor from becoming a home and neighborhood issue.

Baby chicks and ducklings can also present a serious health risk to small children. These young birds are often the carriers of dangerous bacteria called salmonella and each spring some children given very young chicks and ducklings as an Easter gift will fall ill from handling them. Children can be exposed by simply holding, cuddling or kissing them.

According to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), anticipating an increase of demand for young birds at Easter, hatcheries increase the hatching, especially of chicks, for the commercial market. Shipping large numbers of these animals at one time increases the stress upon the chicks and ducklings and makes them more prone to disease. This in turn increases the chance of salmonella being transmitted to both children and adults.

HSUS also warns that baby chicks and ducklings are fragile creatures that can be unintentionally injured or killed from mishandling. Not only does the animal suffer but children are traumatized by the death of a beloved pet.

The House Rabbit Society (HRS), an international nonprofit organization, warns against giving rabbits as gifts at Easter. The Richmond based Bay Area HRS strongly urges parents not to buy their children live "Easter bunnies" unless they are willing to make a 10-year commitment to properly care for the animals. Each year, thousands of baby rabbits, chicks, and ducks are purchased as Easter gifts only to be abandoned or left at shelters in the days, weeks and months that follow Easter.

HRS says that many of the rabbits purchased as Easter pets will never live to see their first birthday. Some will die from neglect, while others will be abandoned in local parks or left at animal shelters. Rabbits are fragile, ground-loving creatures that break easily when dropped. Additionally, rabbits are easily frightened by loud noises. It is unreasonable to expect a small child to make a 10-year commitment to taking care of a rabbit. All too often, the child loses interest, and the rabbit ends up neglected or abandoned.

Domestic rabbits abandoned to the wild no longer have the ability to survive in those circumstances and soon die or become easy targets for predators of all species.

Does this mean families with children should never have pet rabbits? "Not at all!" says the HRS. "But what it does mean is that parents must be actively involved on a daily basis, and willing to supervise any interactions between rabbits and children. Otherwise, chocolate is the way to go!"

Ohlone Humane Society joins the Humane Society of the United States and House Rabbit Society in asking people to refrain from acquiring live chicks, ducklings and rabbits as Easter gifts this holiday season. Young, adorable animals mature quickly into adults and need daily care for the rest of their lives. Instead of live animals as gifts, consider giving children a plush toy or a chocolate rabbit. Celebrate the renewal of life in a humane and compassionate manner that truly represents the holiday.

Tri-City Voice article by Nancy Lyon, President, Ohlone Humane Society

Halloween Safety Tips For Your Companion Animal

Halloween is almost upon us! That means it's time to ensure your companion animals enjoy a stress-free holiday with the following precautions:

1. No tricks or treats! Keep all candy out of the reach of companion animals. Chocolate, in particular, is toxic and often fatal to dogs and cats. The sweetener xylitol, used in candies and gum, can also cause problems. If you suspect your companion animal has ingested some candy, don't hesitate—get prompt veterinarian assistance.

2. Costume with caution: as cute as they look, dressing up companion animals can cause them stress. If they're okay being dolled up, make sure the costumes are comfortable and pose no risk for injury. They should not impede movement, hearing or the ability to breathe easily. Masks should be avoided.

3. Decorations can be hazardous! Dangling decorations can be ingested or entangle the animal. Candle flames from jack o' lanterns can set fire to their fur. Wires and cords from electrical lights and appliances can cause burns and shock if chewed.

4. Watch the door! Make sure your companion animal can't dash outside when you open the door for trick or treat-ers.

5. Provide a safe and quiet place for your companion animal, well away from the bustle and strangeness of the holiday.

6. Leave your dog at home when trick or treating. They can be easily frightened, possibly resulting in flight or bite.

7. Make sure your companion animal is properly ID'd. Should he or she manage to escape, tags and/or a microchip can be a lifesaver.

A Happy and Safe Halloween to you and your whole family!

Have a safe and sane Fourth of July!

Here are some tips to help get your companion animal (and you) safely through the holiday:

1) Don't take companion animals to fireworks displays. Their hearing is much more acute than ours so sudden explosive sounds can cause agitation and stress.

2) Keep your companion animals in a sheltered and quiet area when at home as residential neighborhoods can have their share of noisy fireworks "shows."

3) Never leave companion animals unattended while outside. If panicked, they can escape even from fenced yards. More dogs run away on the Fourth of July than any other day of the year.

4) Never leave a child or animal in a vehicle, not even for a short period of time. In warm weather, a car's interior can quickly heat to temperatures that cause suffering, heatstroke and death. And leaving car windows slightly open will NOT keep the car interior sufficiently cool.

5) Companion animals should have identification, whether tags or microchips, to help reunite them with their caretakers should they become lost. Shelters are taxed with the sudden influx of stray dogs and cats following the Fourth of July so any ID will help lost companion animal recovery.