Happy Pumpkin Wednesday: Don't Eat That Poinsettia Holiday Edition

Hello Everyone and Happy Pumpkin Wednesday!  As I begin to write tonight, it is still Wednesday, December 7th, only 18 days to Christmas!!

As you are finishing putting up your decorations and gathering your gifts, Pumpkin reminds you not to forget about your pets.  No no, not just remember your pets at gift time (Pumpkin loves catnip and laser mice for anyone who is considering sending her something), but also keep your pets in mind while you are bringing shiny and large new objects into your apartment....

Please pay attention to my cuteness while I relay important information to you humans

Last year, Pumpkin shared some tips about human foods you should help your pet during the holidays (you can check those out here.)

This year, Pumpkin has expanded her list to include cat and dog safety tips related to your holiday decorations!

To begin the list, if you have a furry friend, keep the poinsettia out of your pet's reach and if possible, out of your home.  The poinsettia exceeds a sap that can cause blistering and an upset tummy.

Although holly is beautiful, watch where you place it because the leaves and berries, when ingested can be potentially fatal to both dogs and cats.  The same goes for mistletoe.

Mistletoe can be toxic to your pet!  Use something else to ensure a holiday smooch!

Remember, if Christmas tree needles are ingested by dogs or cats they can cause problems with your pets' intestines.  Also, make sure that if you have a real tree, to be vigilant not to let your pet drink the "tree water."

Same rules apply for dogs! We just tend to be less attracted to shiny objects than cats are...

If you happen to have a furry someone who chews on things, it's a good time to invest in some bitter apple spray.  This helpful product is available at your local specialty pet retail store, and can be applied to the unexposed plastic coated part of electric cords to prevent chewing on potentially hazardous cords and wires.

Can you spot Pumpkin?

Finally, if your cat truly is a meance to the tree, try the idea listed here and make the cat their own "mini" tree with cat safe toys to enjoy and distract :)

How are you and your pets enjoying the holiday season?

Looking forward to a lovely Thursday!

Pumpkin Wednesday!

Hello and welcome to Pumpkin Wednesday, you are halfway through the work week!

On Wednesday next week, I will be driving myself, my younger sister, and Pumpkin back to my parent's house in Michigan.

Pumpkin getting in the Thanksgiving Spirit

                   Pumpkin will be joining my mom's dog Phoebe as the resident pets of the house.

Phoebe is so excited for Thanksgiving!

While I am excited for turkey and all the other delicious holiday foods, I know that Pumpkin the mooch will be sniffing around looking for scraps.  But there are many hazards for both cats and dogs so follow these tips to ensure a delightful, stress free holiday for you and your pets.

1. Don't let your dog have any poultry bones!  They are far too small and can break and get caught in your dog's throat. 
2. Onions will make your cats sick!  A chemical in the onion can cause anemia in your cat!
3. Sage can cause gastrointestinal problems in cats and dogs, so be careful to keep any dish with sage out of the reach of your pets.
4. Make sure to remember your pet may not be used to all the commotion in the house.  At my house we have a lot of yelling during the football game, especially because the Dallas Cowboys are doing oh so well this year.... Be sure to have a place where they can retreat and get away from all the crazy family :)
5. Be careful about your turkey cooking paraphernalia!  Those turkey cooking strings, bags and tinfoil, are covered in delicious fatty turkey juices your pet will be searching for.  Your pet ingesting any of these non-food products can make for a holiday spent in the pet emergency room, so be conscious of keeping the trash can lid closed tight!

If you want to provide your furry friend with a feast, remember moderation is key.  A tiny bite of fully cooked turkey (with no skin or greasy goo) is probably alright.

How do your pets respond at the holidays?

-Best wishes for a wonderful Thursday!

Pumpkin Wednesday, on Thursday

Yesterday I was away from home until late and unable to post for Pumpkin Wednesday.  But I love Pumpkin and Pumpkin Wednesday so much I just had to make up for it today.

First and foremost on Veteran's Day we must say thank you to all those who have served and those who are engaged overseas protecting our freedom.  I know a few people currently serving and want to specifically thank Jason Dozier and Robert Riehl for all their hard work and dedication to protecting America.

Pumpkin says Thank you soldiers!

In honor of veterans and current service members, tonight's post is about their pets.

In Afghanistan, dogs provide more than just comfort to those men and women serving in the armed forces.  These Military Working Dogs (MWDs) serve a variety of purposes and are often used to sniff out bombs and other explosives.  This article highlights the important work these dogs and their handlers do to help keep soldiers safe.  

The SPCA, through a program called Baghdad Pups, helps soldiers in Iraq bring home animals they befriended during their service.  Bringing an animal home from a foreign country is certainly quite a task, and several organizations, including the SPCA, help navigate the legal and practical challenges of getting a dog or cat back into the United States.  At this point in time however, it seems that there is not a formal program set up for individuals who want to bring home an animal from Afghanistan.  The SPCA advises service members who want to bring home an animal should contact them directly.  There are also a few other charities helping rescue animals and a San Diego shelter bringing dogs home from Afghanistan.

When someone is deployed, they often have no one to look after their pets.  A nonprofit organization in Arkansas has set up a foster network to take care of service members pets while they are away, protecting our country.  Guardian Angels for Soldiers' Pet will find someone to foster a service man or woman's pets, ensuring these brave individuals have their loving dog or kitty to come home to.

Again, thank you for those that have served and thank you to all those serving and putting their life on the line for us.

Happy Veteran's Day

-Almost to the weekend!