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PET
SENSE
by
Jeanne Epp
1. Have your pet wear an
identification tag. Stuff happens.
Companion animals get lost.
2. Take your puppy or dog to
obedience classes where you
will learn how to appropriately and kindly train your dog.
Learn to prevent destructive behavioral patterns before they begin.
3. Make certain your pet has an
annual physical examination
by a veterinarian. An area dog obedience trainer was recently
telling me that she first looks for health problems when dealing
with behavioral difficulties. Behavioral problems can be health related.
4. Have a plan for disasters.
In the event of flood, fire or
tornado, be prepared for your companion animal's needs.
Shelters across the country are increasingly accommodating this
challenge. Since our Brown County Humane Society does not
have a shelter, this is not a service we can offer.
5. Plan for your companion animal's
future. An admirable and
responsible companion animal caretaker was sharing how she has
provided for her parrot, who will likely outlive her, in her
will. Several of us have had detailed conversations with friends
who were dying, people sincerely concerned about the
future care of their beloved animal companions.
6. Learn both how to prevent your
dog from biting and how to
avoid being bitten. Back to point #2...dog obedience training.
7. Spay or neuter your companion
animal. In just four years,
one non-spayed female cat and her offspring could be responsible
for 20,736 more cats. Participate fully in
responsible companion animal care.
(stats
from Snyder Mfg. Co. flier)
(This article is adapted from 7
Steps to a Happier Pet on the back of the
business reply envelope of the Humane Society of the United States).
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"Make a friend for life!"