Safety alert: Don't leave pets in parked cars during warm weather

Keep your pets cool and safe during the summer season.

It's that time of year when pet owners are planning to travel with their pets. There's nothing more rewarding and comforting than taking your beloved companion along with you when you are on the road. However, rising temperatures also mean increased dangers for animals left in unattended vehicles.

As a pet owner, you may believe that leaving car windows down is sufficient ventilation for your pet's safety. It's not. Even on a balmy day, an animal can suffocate from the heat inside a parked vehicle. It can take only minutes for an animal to succomb to heatstroke and suffocation.

Rolling down a window or parking in the shade won't guarantee protection, either. On-a 78 degree day, temperatures in a car parked in the shade can exceed 90 degrees -- and hit 160 degrees if parked in the sun. Even when the outside air temperature is in the 60s, temperatures inside some vehicles can reach the danger zone on bright, sunny days. So many experts recommend not to leave pets or children in parked cars even for short periods if the temperature is in the 60s or higher.

Pet owners shouldn't count on a vehicle's air conditioning, either. By leaving it running on a hot day, the compressor can shut down, leaving your animal in a virtual coffin of heat.

According to the Partnership for Animal Welfare (PAW), in August 2004, a North Carolina couple lost two of their beloved dogs, and nearly lost their third dogs, as result of a similar failure. They had left bowls of water and ice in the car, and the air-conditioning on, during their shopping trip of less than 30 minutes.

So what's an owner to do? Here are some precautions recommended by PAW:
* Leave your dog at home on warm days.
* On trips with your pet, bring plenty of fresh drinking water and bowl.
* Don't let dogs ride loose in pick-up truck beds. The hot metal can burn a dog's paws, the sun and flying debris can hurt the dog, the dog can accidentally be thrown out of the truck if the brakes are suddenly applied, and the dog can jump out if scared or upon seeing something interesting to chase. Instead, use a crate to create a safer space for the dog if you can't fit the dog inside the truck cab.
* Take the dog into the shade, an air conditioned area, or to the vet if you see signs of heat exhaustion, which include restlessness, excessive thirst, heavy panting, lethargy, dark tongue, rapid pulse, fever, vomiting, glazed eyes, dizziness, or lack of coordination. To lower body temperature gradually, give the animal water to drink, place a cold towel or ice pack on the head, neck and chest, and/or immerse the dog in cool (not cold) water. Call your veterinarian.
* Get free brochures (see below) to use to educate pet owners.
If you see a pet in a vehicle on a hot day, take immediate action:
* Note the car make, model, color and tag number, then go to the nearest stores and ask the managers to page the owner.
* Call the police, which usually can respond much faster than can animal control departments. The police have the capability to enter the vehicle and rescue the pet.

Pet-related events are plentiful during the fall season

Adorable cats and kittens like the one above are available at the Randolph Animal Pound. Check out the pound's special kitten adoption on Saturday, Oct. 23, from noon to 4 p.m. at Morris K9 Campus, 1 Aspen Drive, Randolph.

Morris County, and other nearby, animal shelters and rescue groups are in full wing with their fall events. Here are some happenings for this weekend and in the week ahead:

• Dance to the sounds of the '40s during a dinner dance on Saturday, Oct. 29, from 6 to 10 p.m. at The Barn at Hillside Park, 146 Lake Iliff Road, Andover, to benefit One Step Closer Animal Rescue (O.S.C.A.R.). Cost is $25 per adult/$15 per child ages 6 to 15 in advance; $30 per adult/$20 per child ages 6 to 15 at the door. No children under age 6. There will be a DJ and dancing; B.Y.O.B. beer and wine only. There will be a hot and cold buffet. Dinner starts at 6:30 p.m. Make checks payable to O.S.C.A.R. and mail to P.O. Box 248, Sparta, NJ 07871, or visit www.oscarcanimalrescue.org, click the donate button and write, "Dinner Dance," in the memo.

• A special kitten adoption will be sponsored by Friends of the Randolph Animal Pound on Sunday, Oct. 23, from noon to 4 p.m. during the Fall Festival at the Morris K9 Campus, 1 Aspen Drive, Randolph. Look for the Randolph Animal Pound table. A special pet adoption will take place Saturday, Oct. 29, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Randolph Animal Pound, 1345 Sussex Turnpike, Randolph. Adoption fee will be $50. For more information about either event, call 973-989-7090 or e-mail Doggie54@optonline.net.

Go 'Fetch' lunch or dinner at one of two canine-themed restaurants

On Saturday, I took a drive to Warwick, N.Y., to go apple picking. After visiting Applwood Orchards and Winery, I stopped to browse some of the shops and antiques stores in town. Looking for a place to grab a quick lunch, I stopped at the Fetch Bar & Grill at 48 Main St. in Warwick. Unfortunately, having just opened, the proprietor informed me that the restaurant was not open for lunch and is only serving dinner temporarily.

As an animal lover, the canine-themed concept of this eatery was so appealing, that I plan on dining there soon. I just wanted to let fellow dog owners know what it's all about. This isn't the only location, either. There is another Fetch Bar & Grill at 1649 Third Ave. in New York City.

So what makes this restaurant so unique? Not only does it offer an appealing menu offering a varied menu American comfort foods, Fetch Bar & Grill has a mission --to support dog rescue efforts. Both restaurants' walls are adorned with hundreds of photos of their customer's furry friends, with more added daily, plus colorful prints of various dog breeds.

One table along a wall of the Warwick restaurant's is dubbed the "Dog House." Twenty percent of the patrons' tab at that table is donated to animal rescue efforts. Both locations hold weekly Sunday Brunch adoption events (for dogs and cats). In Manhattan, the restaurant has an Animal Haven and Canine Rescue Adopt a Dog Wall.

Here is a video featuring the original Fetch Bar & Grill in Manhattan. Do homeless dogs a favor and check this place out.

Halloween events guarantee a howling good time for people and their pets

With Halloween just around the corner, it's time to start howling at the moon -- well, not literally, but a good way to start having some holiday fun is at the Boonton Howl-O-Ween Canine Costume Parade and Contest on Saturday, Oct. 15, starting from Upper Plane Street parking lot in Boonton and ending at Santa Land (North and Main streets). The annual event will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine. Cost is $5 per entry, which includes a doggie goodie bag). Eleventh Hour Rescue and Best Friends Grooming are hosting the event.

Here is the schedule: 11 a.m. to noon, registration; noon, parade starts; 12:30 p.m., parade ends; 12:45 p.m., costume contest begins; and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., adoptions, games, children's activities, pet photos and more will take place.

The event benefits Eleventh Hour Rescue, a volunteer-based nonprofit, that saves dogs from death row. Eleventh Hour Rescue is made up of dedicated individuals who believe that innocent pets deserve love and a place to live where they are honored and cared for. No dog deserves to die simply because they do not have a home. Visit www.ehrdogs.org to see all of EHR's adoptable dogs and cats, upcoming events and to learn more about the organization.



Another holiday-themed event is the "All Howl's Eve Dog Parade." This annual event will  take place Sunday, Oct. 16, in Morristown (meeting at Town Hall parking lot, Franklin Street) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Rain date is Oct. 23. Registration is from 10 to 11 a.m.. Cost to march is $5 and includes a goodie bag.



Pets and their people will march in costume down South Street to the Green. Prizes will be awarded to the five best costume winners. Special guests will include Rufus, the 2005 Westminster Dog Show winner and a variety of adoptable pets from Randolph Animal Shelter. Proceeds of the event benefit a local shelter.

Planning ahead, there's the Coming Home Rescue Inc.'s Halloween Party on Sunday, Oct. 23, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Pawsitive Experience, 114 Beach St., Rockaway. There will be a variety of activities, including a hot dog toss, Snoopy Says game, Ring Around the Doggie, costume parade, Tarot Card readings for dogs and people, pumpkin bowling, cider and donuts, agility area and take-home paw print card. Author David Doyle will sign copies of his book, "Blood Works."

Admission is $5 per adult. Children and dogs will be admitted free. There will be prizes for best pet costumes. A pet adoption will be held and there will be a 50-50 raffle. All proceeds will benefit Coming Home Rescue Inc. Pet photos will be available for $8 each; $13 for two. Reserve a time slot now by e-mailing to courtneycominghome@gmail.com. Walk-ins also welcome.

Furever Home Dog Rescue in Randolph has a pair of faithful friends for adoption

The weekend is nearing and it's time to make those "what to do" plans now. Thankfully, the Morris County area is filled with places to go and things to do. The most worthwhile activities are those that help a good cause. Like those events planned by volunteers and staff to benefit local animal shelters and animal rescue groups.

Many of these family friendly events include participation by pets. Don't have a pet yet? Camille Montagna Oakie, founder of Furever Home Dog Rescue in Randolph has two particularly cute puppies available for adoption as a pair, plus a weekend event to benefit her group's rescue efforts. The event is a multi-family garage sale on Friday, Oct. 7, from noon to 3 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 18 Orchard Street, Randolph. Meet Ben and Beth below:

Ben and Beth are Labrador Retriever mixes about 5 months old. Ben's coat is a mix of white and black; Beth has a beautiful soft black coat. They have the sweetest puppy dog eyes and look at those ears. Ben and Beth are happy, sweet, playful pups and they are living in a foster home. Their foster mom says the duo are affectionate pups who love to cuddle and love giving puppy kisses. Ben and Beth enjoy playing with their toys, playing in the yard with the foster family's children and their dog. The pups are very good on a leash when being walked and are on their way to be house trained. Ben and Beth are so good together and bonded, that we would like to find a furever home for the two together. If you want to add a lot of happiness to your home, adopt Ben and Beth. They are an amazing pair. If interested in adopting, e-mail FureverHomeRescue@att.net and request an adoption application.

 

 

Find a warm, fuzzy friend during Adopt-A-Dog Month

Honey is a young Pit Bull-mix female available at Randolph Animal Pound.

Did you know that October is the American Humane Association's "Adopt-A-Dog Month"? Local shelters hope everyone gets in the spirit of the event by adopting a shelter dog to experience the joy of pet ownership.

Yes, it's a lot of responsibility to own a pet, but consider the advantages. A dog can be an exercise buddy; a confidant; a constant companion; or just a fuzzy face to greet you after a difficult day at work. That's just a few of the advantages. Here are some upcoming adoption events to begin your search.

Saturday, Oct. 8: Special pet adoption at Randolph Animal Pound, 1345 Sussex Turnpike, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Adoption fee is $20 for an adult dog, older kittens and adult cats (if adopting two pets, the fee is waived for the second). All animals are spayed/neutered, de-wormed and vaccinated. Applications and references are required. Renters must have a lease agreement indicating that pets are permitted. For more information, visit www.pound.petfinder.org.

Stewart a 4-month-old male kitten in foster care.

All cats and kittens at the off-site pet adoption are from foster care.

Saturday, Oct. 8: Friends of the Randolph Animal Pound is holding a pet adoption from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Petco, 275 Route 10 East, Succasunna. If adopting two pets, adoption fee is waived for the second.  For more information, call 973-886-1485 or e-mail doggie54@optonline.net.

The following pets are available for adoption from Eleventh Hour Rescue:

This is Jake from Eleventh Hour Rescue. He is a 1-year-old, handsome, brindle, Pit Bull mix.  Although neglected as a young puppy, and in need of finding the “right” family to adopt him, he has made wonderful progress in gaining appropriate social skills.  This dog may not be for everyone, but truly is a diamond in the rough.  With the right environment, the right training, and the right owners, Jake is ready to blossom now.  He is a favorite amongst the volunteers and many of them have been working with him one-on-one to bring him along.  He has been attending adoption events on a regular basis now and really showing off all that he has learned and the adversities that he has overcome.  We are proud of his progress and want to find his forever home now.  To read more about Jake, to see all of EHR's adoptable pets, to see upcoming events, or to make a donation, visit www.ehrdogs.org  or call 973-664-0865.

This is Huck from Eleventh Hour Rescue. This 6-month-old black lab mix would be an adorable addition to any home. Full of puppy love and curiosity about his surroundings, Huck will explore everywhere he goes, and when needed, he will obey the “no” command.  Huck is very playful and enjoys a good game of “fetch” whenever he can.  He’ll chase his toy and then dutifully return it to you and drop it for another toss.  As with all youngsters, Huck is full of enthusiasm and has a lot of energy.  He will need a family that is willing to train him and harness that energy.  To read more about Huck, to see all of EHR's adoptable pets, to see upcoming events or to make a donation, visit www.ehrdogs.org  or call  973-664-0865. 

 

Autumn is the best time to adopt a furry friend

It's a great time of year to adopt a new pet. The weather will be turning cool and crisp soon, so taking walks and acclimating your new friend to the great outdoors will be enjoyable for you both. Here are some pets currently available for adoption in the Morris County area:

Speck is searching for his 'furever' home. He is approximately 4 months old and is adorable. Speck has one eye with a touch of blue in it -- hence his name. If you're interested in adopting him, e-mail FureverHomeRescue@att.net and request an adoption application.

Meet Bonito  from Eleventh Hour Rescue.  He and his other siblings, Pee Wee, Herman and Barbie are 4 months old.  They are all neutered/spayed and up to date on shots.  The foster mom reports that they are the most affectionate kittens that she has ever fostered.  They adore human companionship and purr whenever any human comes close to them.  They love to be petted and held, too.  They are very playful and get along  with other cats.  To read more about Bonito and his siblings, to see all of EHR's adoptable pets, check upcoming events or to make a donation,  visit www.ehrdogs.org  or call 973-664-0865.  

Derby from Eleventh Hour Rescue is a young, energetic, female Shepherd mix.  She has a beautiful coat of soft fur, wonderful markings and a beautiful personality to match.  She’s a girl full of love and affection and wants nothing more than to give out kisses and snuggle up by your side.  She’ll quickly roll over on her back to get some good belly rubs.  She is a total sweetheart and ready to be adopted now.  To read more about Derby, to see all of EHR's adoptable pets, check upcoming events or to make a donation, visit www.ehrdogs.org  or call 973-664-0865.

Here’s BC Sassy from Eleventh Hour Rescue.  She is a young, beautiful,and very sweet Border Collie (BC) mix.  She is 2 years old and full of love.  She is playful, but not overly excitable.  Sassy is a gentle girl who loves to swim.  On a recent field trip for some of the kennel dogs, she had a wonderful time playing in a stream, splashing about and actually doing the doggie paddle.  She is good with other dogs and walks well on the leash.  To read more about BC Sassy, to see all of EHR's adoptable pets, to check upcoming events or to make a donation,visit  www.ehrdogs.org  or call  973-664-0865