 I will soon be embarking upon a summer vacation – how about you? Summer officially arrived in the Northern Hemisphere last Friday (June 21). Along with the longest day of the year comes warmer temperatures, sunshine mixed with rain, and travel, near and far. My dog Jeremiah often goes with me on extended weekends and longer vacations. Whenever he sees suitcases being packed, he knows something is up (so do the cats, but they are homebodies, so even though they like exploring the luggage, they never worry they will be going along for the ride!) Jeremiah doesn’t worry either – he LOVES car rides! I’m blessed to have a dog who curls up in the back seat and sleeps during road trips. Jeremiah doesn’t mind travel, including long distance trips. Last year it was Oregon, to visit the Pacific Coast and to meet up with family for a reunion. This year it’s Iowa, meeting up with former classmates for a mini high school reunion (not everyone can be there at the same time, but the ones I will share time with, I’ll be grateful to see!) Many of us plan summer trips, whether those are outdoor outings like camping or visiting large cities and staying in specialty hotels. Some of us want our pets to accompany us on those trips. There are several helpful websites for those traveling with pets, whether that travel takes you by car or in an RV. There are also websites for locating pet-friendly accommodations, restaurants, and activities. Below you will find a few helpful sites if you’re traveling this summer with your pet: A Resource Guide for Pet Safety While Riding in a Car: http://www.buyautoinsurance.com/safety-guide-for-pets-in-your-car/ A Guide to RV’ing With Your Pet: https://www.your-rv-lifestyle.com/rv-pet-travel/ A Resource Guide to Traveling by Air with Your Pet: https://www.petswelcome.com/pet-air-travel A Website About Chain Restaurants That Allow Dogs: https://www.k9ofmine.com/dog-friendly-restaurant-chains/ A Website That Lists Pet-Friendly Accommodations, Restaurants, and Activities: https://www.bringfido.com/ A Blog/Guide to Road-Tripping with Your Pet: https://backroadramblers.com/road-tripping-with-your-dog-how-to-plan-the-best-vacation-ever/ Check out these resource guides and websites before you embark on your next excursion with your beloved furry companion. And remember to NOT leave your pet in the car during these hotter days! 
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 The third week of June is known at Take Your Pet to Work Week, developed by Pet Sitters International, the creators of Take Your Dog to Work Day. Researchers have proven the companionship and comfort derived from pets benefit people physically and emotionally. Therefore, many companies now allow workers to bring furry friends to the office, even if only one day a year. A list of the top 10 businesses that are pet-friendly comes out each year; here is a link to this year’s companies that allow pets at the office: https://www.wellnesspetfood.com/our-community/wellness-blog/americas-10-most-pet-friendly-companies-2019. Another list, created by Rover.com, can be found here: https://www.rover.com/blog/best-dog-friendly-companies/. Two companies found on both lists are Amazon and Trupanion, both based in Seattle. That city was voted the most dog-friendly city in America earlier this year. Whether you live in Seattle or not, take advantage of this special week. This Friday, June 21, is Take Your Dog to Work Day, and there’s still time to ask the boss if your Fido or Fluffy can accompany you to the office. My pets Bailey, Murphy, and Jeremiah and I will be thinking of you on Friday as we spend time together in my home office while I polish up some articles and continue editing my novel! No matter where you are, honor the faithfulness of your furry friend by being faithful to spend time with him or her, not just this week but always!   We humans take pride in our residences. We clean, we mow, we paint, we cook, we garden, we tinker. Some find these endeavors painful, others challenging, and still others enjoyable. Whatever your thoughts are about cleaning house, planting and maintaining gardens, tidying up the garage, or trimming the yard, keep in mind some of the items we use for those jobs can help our dogs and cats. Throughout our homes, garages, and yards there are hazards. Below are six toxins found around our homes that are harmful to dogs and cats:
Securing these items, whether on shelf, behind a locked door, or fenced off, will help prevent dire illness, even death, of your furry friends. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) maintains an extensive list of pet toxins. They also service a pet poison hotline; that number is (888) 426-4435. And, they provide a mobile app. As summer arrives and we spend more time sprucing up our homes, yards, garages, and outbuildings, may we keep in mind the safety of our beloved animals.   Schools are dismissing, temperatures are rising, and the sun is shining, combining to chorus that summer is here! If you’re looking for a companion to share the longer days, warm nights, and great adventures that come with this season, look no further than your local animal shelter or rescue. Adopting a four-legged friend can add fun to your summer! Hiking, camping, basking in the warm of your patio or deck, relaxing with an engaging book, beach combing, traveling to a state or national park or seashore, visiting family and friends – all of these adventures can be even more enjoyable with a dog or cat at your side (or on your lap!). The soft purrings from a feline friend; the excited woofs from a new canine companion, the joys of running, playing fetch, wading in water, or simply relishing the quiet of your own back yard, all with a new-found buddy, adds flavor of contentment and joy to summer season. June is National Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month. Cat or dog, rabbit, hamster, horse, whatever animal delights you and adds joy, love, and friendship to your life, take to the internet and find that perfect companion for yourself and/or your family. Millions of dogs and cats are housed in animal shelters every year in America, and thousands more are cared for by volunteer foster families helping animal rescue groups. Horses, birds, rabbits, and other creatures also go into rescue; therefore, a person has a plethora of animals from which to choose. Before adopting any animal, however, keep these tips in mind:
For resources and further information about adopting a pet, visit these websites: https://www.petfinder.com/pet-adoption/dog-adoption/the-pet-adoption-guide/ https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/c/new-pet http://mentalfloss.com/article/546088/expert-tips-adopting-cat https://yourdogadvisor.com/adopting-a-dog/ Even if adoption of a pet is not an option for you at this time, there are many ways you can help homeless animals – find a valuable resource with a list of ideas here: https://yourdogadvisor.com/help-homeless-pets/ Enjoy your summer with your furry friend or by helping animals in need at your local rescue or shelter!  |
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