Page 21 - Boca Club News - November '22

Boca Club News, Page 21

Nature & Pets

The Environmental Enthusiast:

BONe Voyage

By Tina K. VaLant. Remember Dr. com–double sided plastic • When we do a transport for rescue, the dog is crated.
Dolittle, the man who was able to or the stainless collar (non- If this isn’t an option, two six-foot leashes are used: one
converse with all the animals? Boca dangly) tags, guaranteed for clipped to a harness with ID, the other clipped to the
Raton’s Tina VaLant, who was named life! collar with ID. The dog is with unfamiliar people, in new
Palm Beach County “Animal Friend • Use a standard four- or environment(s). Always best to err on the side of caution.
of the Year,” doesn’t claim that ability, six-foot lead. You have far I cringe every time I see an unsecured dog hanging
but she does relate remarkably well less control over your dog, out a window or, worse, loose in the back of a pick-up.
to flora and fauna. An avid rescuer with retractable/flexi-leads. Your dog may very well enjoy the sights and scents, head/
(known for her beloved Australian Leave those at home, or front feet out of the window. Dust, particles of sand, or
shepherds), she serves as a foster home to surrendered pets, better yet—just throw them bugs can permanently damage eyes, especially while the
volunteers with numerous organizations and assists wildlife. away. A regular lead has a vehicle is moving. Years ago, a friend’s mastiff spotted a
She raises/releases ten species of native butterflies, for over loop for over your wrist, so squirrel and leapt out of the slowly moving car. “He always
20 years. Recently she garnered worldwide attention with an you still have hands free to travels (unleashed) with the window wide open. Nothing
unexpected animal adventure: reCRABilitation of HERbert, a scoop, or hold, other items. like this ever happened”, she said…Well, until that day.
limbless blue land crab. For over four decades, Tina’s award- If your dog is too large to be Thousands of dollars, hydrotherapy and many tears later,
winning company, Extraordinary Photography, captures crated for car travel, or there his broken shoulder recovered. He was never allowed to
portraits, pets, weddings, and events. She will answer are multiple dogs (as in my stick more than his nose out the window. This expensive,
questions at TinaValant.com or (561) 945-6363. case), keep them leashed traumatic lesson could have so easily been avoided. Think
Well, the leaves aren’t changing color here in SoFla, but in the car. Even better, use Sebastian (Tina’s rescued of your dog as a toddler. Restrain him/her for their own
the temps will be dropping. Perhaps you’ve planned a trip to a harness which attaches yorkie) is always rarin’ to (and your) safety!
a green market or art show, or have a road trip scheduled, and to the seat belt. Years ago, go! He’s wearing his buckle • Pack food/snacks and bottled water for your dog.
your dog gets to go. Abiding by these precautions increases I witnessed a minor car collar with ID and harness Bring extra towels and shampoo, in case your dog goes
the safety and health of your dog. Before you load up: accident in Delray Beach. with standard lead. His for a swim. Have a first aid kit and use sunscreen on
• Make sure your dog has a snug buckle-style collar with A dachshund (unleashed, travel crate is ready with a your dog. Be extra attentive to black and dark-colored
a current ID tag. No more than two fingers should fit between uncrated) escaped. It would blanket, favorite toy, water, dogs; they absorb more heat. If the pavement/surface is
the collar and your dog’s neck; otherwise, s/he can slip out have been much easier had doggy bags and even some uncomfortable to your bare feet or the palm of your hand,
of it. The ID tag should have your last name and two phone he been on leash–and far less sunglasses! Photo by Tina it’s even hotter for your dog. Be mindful of heat exposure
numbers. I avoid putting the dog’s names on tags (security). risk to those of us trying to VaLant. and do not overdo it. Wishing you and your dog(s) safe
On the back, I also put: Needs Daily Medicine, my vet’s help, as the little daredevil travels and happy memories. Bone voyage and dogspeed.
name and phone. You’re more likely to get your dog back if darted through traffic. We got him to safety, but literally
people think s/he needs meds. I use www.BoomerangTags. risked our own lives.
You and Your Pet:

Keeping Your Pet Safe During Thanksgiving

By Dr. Nadrea Sookhoo, DVM, Chief of Client Experience, painful condition called pancreatitis that causes vomiting
Calusa Veterinary Center, 6900 Congress Avenue, Boca and diarrhea.
Raton, FL 33487 (561) 999-3000. www.CVCBoca.com Raw meat can also contain harmful bacteria, such as
This is the time of year when the holiday festivities start. Salmonella. If you are tempted to feed a small amount of the
Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and we look forward family meal, just make sure that it is boneless, skinless and
to that time when we can feast, reflect and be thankful for all well cooked.
in our lives. Onions, Garlic and Scallions. Now turkey usually is
This is also the time of year, however, when pets are served with gravy. So, what about a little of this? Gravy
exposed to several hazards that end up making the veterinary usually contains onions and/or garlic, which is toxic to
hospitalization rates increase. It may be difficult not to give most dogs and cats even in very small amounts. Gravy
your four-legged friend some of the foods off the table, but can sometimes be fatty which can also lead to pancreatitis.
many can cause serious illness. Stuffing, similarly to gravy, usually contains onions, garlic
Skin and Bones. Chicken and turkey bones can damage or scallions, which are toxic. with possible liver damage and failure. If your pet is exposed
your pet’s digestive tract and lead to a blockage in the GI Beware of False Sugars. Many baked goods are now to this artificial sweetener, it requires veterinary monitoring
tract. Turkey, chicken and ham skin are very fatty and hard made with artificial sweeteners, such as xylitol. Xylitol is and hospitalization.
for animals to digest. They can lead to a dangerous and hepatotoxic (liver toxic) to pets and can cause hypoglycemia, Say No to the Dough. Raw bread yeast dough should not
be fed to your dog or cat. The yeast in the dough continues to
change the sugars in the dough to alcohol and carbon dioxide.
A Free Opportunity The yeast continues to make the dough rise, which will cause
For Animal Lovers ... your pet’s stomach to create a condition called bloat that is
dangerous. Bloat, along with alcohol toxicosis, can become
Now Feed 6 Shelter Dogs and Cats Every Day at No Cost to You ... a life-threatening emergency for your pet.
Thanksgiving should be a wonderful time to share with

in Less Than a Minute ... with just “Click” your family and four-legged family members. Keeping in
Want to feel really good about yourself? If, like most of us, those TV announcements bring mind the foods that your pet should not have will help prevent
any unwanted trips to the veterinary hospital this season.
tears to your eyes with photos of sad shelter dogs and cats in small cages, hoping somehow to
be brought into loving homes – when you wish over and over again that you could somehow
bring joy into their lives, here is an act of loving kindness that will cost you absolutely nothing
... and take less than a minute a day.
Visit the website: www.theanimalrescuesite.com and click on the words “Click here to feed
a dog or cat.” A “button” will appear on your screen, and all you have to do is click on it once.
Each time a person clicks on that button, the website’s sponsors provide bowls of food, free,
to feed 6 dogs and cats.
That’s all there is to it. In only seconds each day, you can see to it that 6 animals are fed. The
folks who run the website never bother you with tons of promotional e-mails. You can, if you
wish, click on a link that sends a daily reminder to you. I did that; the reminder is e-mailed,
and that is it. No hard-sell follow-ups. And if you realize how good it will make you feel to be
able to do at least something for these poor, loving creatures who are there through no fault of
their own (some have been rescued from abusive owners), imagine how even bowls of food
will help make the animals feel better.
Please take just seconds a day to lift 6 animals’ spirits ... and your own. Thanks.