Five Steps to a Pet Safe New Year's Eve

  It is almost New Year of 2015 and I have just gotten used to writing 2014!  We keep New Year’s Eve pretty low-key around here.  When the kids were growing up, we exploded fireworks.  They have never really bothered our dogs.  In fact, we had a miniature Schnauzer that loved to watch fireworks.

  Bentley absolutely HATES fireworks.  He is certain that we are under military attack.  Bathroom breaks must be timed very carefully.  If he is in the middle of some serious business and a firework booms,

it is not good.  His ThunderShirt has helped some, but he is still nervous.  There are two firework stands not far from our home.  They shoot a lot of their products.  Fortunately, it’s been raining/drizzling steadily for several days, so we’ve escaped a lot of the normal holiday noise.  I know that sounds Grinchy, but I’m thinking about Bentley’s peace of mind.  Of course, Pierre thinks fireworks are a challenge to see who can be louder.  It is a constant Boom * Bark * Boom-Boom* Bark-Bark, etc.  Like I said, let it rain!

   Here are some tips that will help to make your New Year’s celebrations happy and safe:

1.   Keep ALL fireworks away from your pets.  Fireworks contain dangerous chemicals like potassium nitrate, charcoal, sulfur, and coloring.  Ingesting fireworks can cause gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting, stomach pains, and bloody diarrhea.  Many pose choking hazards.

2.   Be sure to scout your lawn for any burnt fireworks that may have landed there.  I have found burnt bottle rocket sticks in my back yard.  Actually, I should say Bentley has found them on New Year’s Day.  Those flimsy sticks are extremely dangerous!

3.   If you are having a party, put the pets in a room away from the crowd.  There are too many temptations with food and drinks being set around within snout reach.

4.   NEVER, ever, ever, give your dog alcohol.  It is not funny.  It is stupid, cruel, and dangerous.  Feel free to quote me on that.  ☺

5.   Take your pet outside on a secure leash.  Sudden noises or flashes can startle and cause them to bolt.

  I know these seem like no-brainers.  However, the craziness of holiday festivities can sometimes cause us to get distracted.  It only takes a minute for your dog or cat to nose into an unattended bag of fireworks.  Snitching candy, sandwiches, or cookies can take mere seconds for a skilled treat snatcher.  A glass of wine makes pets instant connoisseurs and they suddenly need to swirl and taste.  Dog tongues can make their way into a glass of wine in a split second.  Just take a few minutes to make sure your furry friends have a safe New Year’s Eve too.

   I want to thank everyone that voted for The Returns and Showstoppers’ book covers.  It is with great pride, and excitement that I announce that both of my books won!  The Returns was awarded the silver medal and Showstoppers took the gold in AUTHORSdb 2014 Book Cover Contest in the humor division.

  I must give a special shout-out to my graphic designer Holly Madison.  She read both books and worked with me to get the exact nuance of my stories.  Congratulations and thanks again on an awesome job Holly!  ♥