Seasonal Tips

Warren's Spring Pet Alert

2013-03-22T21:27:00Z

Spring is here! Enjoy the beautiful weather and outdoor activities with your pets but be aware of the hazards that accompany the season.

Whether you live in a private home or apartment, you'll be tempted to open windows to let the fresh air in. Be sure to keep screens or protective bars on your windows to prevent pets from escapes and falls. For those of you owned by cats, window bars should be narrow enough to keep Kitty from squeezing through. And bird-owners should make sure their feathered friends are protected from drafts.

Outdoor activities mean opening and closing doors more frequently. Be sure that you know where your pets are at all times.

Spring means it's time for spring-cleaning. Keep household cleansers and chemicals out of your pets' reach.

Some common types of house plants and outdoor bushes, flowers and shrubs can be poisonous to your pets. If you have any doubts about the safety of the plants in your home or on your property, check with your local nursery or garden center.

Tools, especially gardening tools, have sharp points that can puncture delicate paws or worse. Do you leave your tools and implements out where your pets can get to them.
Speaking of gardening, use special care when mowing the lawn and applying fertilizers and lawn chemicals. Pets or neighborhood animals walking on treated lawns can get these products on their paws, then lick it off. If enough is ingested, illness or even death can result. Read and follow the manufacturers' directions and warnings.

The warmer weather means barbecues. Great smells wafting off the grill are dangerous temptations to our pets. Be sure to keep them away from hot grills.

As the boating and beach season begins, it's important to remember that not all pets know how to swim. If you're planning to take Fido out on a boat, you might want to consider getting him a doggy life preserver - yes, they are available! And remember, fish hooks can be very painful if they become imbedded in tiny paws or curious noses.

NEVER leave your pet unattended in your car. While I am against this practice in any weather, it is particularly true in the warmer weather. Don't lull yourself into a false sense of security by leaving the windows open. This may not prevent heat stroke and may even encourage the theft of your beloved pet.

By following these suggestions, you and your pet can safely enjoy the beautiful spring season together!

Warren Eckstein's Holiday Alert

2011-12-08T00:57:00Z

As we enter the holiday season, there are steps you should take to ensure it's a happy, healthy and safe season for both you and your pets:

The holiday season means you may be doing a lot of entertaining at home. If you do any cleaning beforehand, be sure to keep all household chemicals out of your pet’s reach.

Speaking of guests, odds are you’ll have lots of company entering and leaving your home. Be sure you know where your pets are at all times. We don’t want them slipping out the door!

Be sure you and your guests don’t overfeed your pets... particularly with table scraps from those holiday dinners.

Turkey is in abundance during these holidays-especially during Thanksgiving. Turkey bones lodged in tiny throats can be disastrous so safeguard your garbage cans and leftovers.

Be sure to keep those holiday chocolates out of reach. Chocolate, which contains theobromine, can be particularly toxic to our four-footed friends. Also of concern are goodies containing Xylitol, a common sugar substitute found in sugar-free candies, gum and baked goods.

Holiday plants such as poinsettias and mistletoe can be deadly, so keep them out of your pet’s reach. If you receive a plant as a gift and you are not sure of its toxicity, check with your local garden center.

Christmas trees are tempting to our pets, especially our curious felines. To ensure that your tree is not knocked over, tie it to a railing or secure it to a banister.

Avoid using tinsel when decorating your tree as it can become stuck in your pet’s throat.

When decorating your tree, place all breakable ornaments towards the top of the tree... out of your pet’s reach. Remember, glass ornaments and Christmas tree lights can cut tiny paws if they shatter. Place only unbreakable items on the bottom of your tree.

Speaking of holiday lighting, your pet may try to chew on the extra extension cords used with holiday lighting. Keep your eye on Fluffy or Fido and, if necessary, spray the cords with a deterrent product such as Bitter Yuck.

If you are using a live tree, do not add chemical preservatives to the tree’s water. Your pet may drink the water and the chemicals might be toxic.

Use caution when using decorative candles. A burning candle knocked over by a curious pet could have disastrous results for both you and your pet.

Finally, there’s nothing like a roaring fire on a cool night. If you intend to use your fireplace or wood-burning stove, use a protective screen to prevent your pets from being singed.

By using a little thought and planning, both you and your pets can have a happy, healthy and safe holiday season!

Hot Weather - Cool Pets

2010-12-13T17:23:00Z

With the hot weather we'll all be enjoying outside activities, and there are special safety concerns when it comes to your four-footed friends. Pet expert Warren Eckstein has some advice on how to keep your pets cool in hot weather.

HEATSTROKE
This is the most serious and dangerous thing to worry about with your pet in the summer.

Here are the symptoms:

• Excessive panting
• Vomiting/diarrhea
• Elevated temperature
• Hot, dry skin
• Pale lips and gums
• Collapse and coma

Pets rely on panting and sweating to maintain their normal body temperatures but cats and dogs only have efficient sweat glands on the pads of their feet. So, even if you don't feel overheated under the conditions you're in, your pet may not be feeling too good.

Also, pets with pushed-in faces, like pugs, are more susceptible to heatstroke because they can't cool themselves down with panting as efficiently, so be careful.

Younger and older pets are also more prone to heatstroke because their cooling systems are not running at peak efficiency.

The best way to treat heatstroke, of course, is to prevent it from happening in the first place.

SOME DO'S AND DON'TS
• Never keep your pet in an unattended car.
Even if the temperature is moderate outside and the windows are open, cars can heat up like ovens. Never keep your pet closed up in a pen or kennel without shade, adequate ventilation or water.

• Shade is a must.
If you leave your pet outside while you go to work, remember to make sure there is always a shady place for them to rest. The sun moves through the yard all day, there may be lots of shade when you leave and no where to hide in the afternoon.

• Always have lots of water available for your cat or dog to drink in the hot weather.

• Freeze the water: Again, if you are leaving your pet for the day, Warren suggests freezing water in the bowl so they'll have cool water to drink throughout the day.

• Don't shave.
Shaving your dog's hair too short, rather than cooling them off, actually robs them of their natural sun block -- yes, they can be burned.

IF YOUR PET DEVELOPS SYMPTOMS OF HEAT STROKE ANYWAY, HERE'S HOW YOU CAN HELP:
• Take the pet to a cool place
• Apply cool water
• If you can, put the pet in front of a fan to speed up the cooling process
• Gently massage your pet's legs and body
• If your pet is conscious, let him/her drink small amounts of water and wash its mouth out with cool water
• Get them to a vet

OTHER BACKYARD HAZARDS BESIDES THE SUN
• Barbecues — keep the dogs away from the hot grill — one vigorous wag, the grill goes over, and its bad news for everyone.

• Pools, lakes, ponds — most people assume dogs and cats know how to swim ... not true. You need to make sure your pet can swim, so watch them in the beginning. If they have a hard time, you can get them a life preserver.

• Make sure you know what's in your backyard that could be hazardous.

SOME COMMON PLANTS TO AVOID ARE:
AVOCADO
AZALEA
BIRD OF PARADISE
CYCLAMEN
DAFFODIL
DIEFFENBACHIA
EGGPLANT
FRUIT AND NUT TREES (APPLE, PEACH, ALMOND, CHERRY, APRICOT),
HIBISCUS, HOLLY
HYDRANGEA
LILY OF THE VALLEY
MORNING GLORY
MUSHROOM
NIGHTSHADE
PHILODENDRON
POTATO
RHODODENDRON
RHUBARB
SCHEFFLERA
TOBACCO
TOMATO

Also, make sure you check any pesticides or fertilizers before you use them, and keep your pets out of toxic areas.

DOGS ON THE BEACH
Again, shade is the thing. Always think about providing a shady area. Don't take them, unless you can do that. And bring plenty of fresh water on the beach both for your dog to drink and to rinse off with.

DOGS IN THE CAR
Letting your dog stick her head out the window and let her ears flap in the breeze is not a good idea. Debris from the road can fly up and get them in the eyes, nose or mouth. And there's always the risk that they'll jump or fall out.

EXERCISING YOUR PET
The first rule of thumb, of course, is common sense. Try to exercise with your pet either early in the morning or after the sun goes down.

They get overheated way before you do, so check on them often. They often keep going to keep up with you, so be careful -- it's hard to tell when they're tired. Always have water available for you and your pet in hot weather.

Don't let your dog stand on hot pavement; also, keep in mind, your pet is much closer to the hot ground than you are, thus his body can heat up more quickly and his paws can burn.

You can soak them with water before you exercise to keep them cool — this is especially important for long-haired or heavy coated dogs. Spritzing with water is a good idea but don't let it give you a false sense of security.

Keeping Your Pets Safe at Halloween

2010-12-13T17:12:00Z

The voices, costumes, and the craziness can spook your pets. Keep them safely inside your home on Halloween.

Pets out on the streets on Halloween eve can easily run away and get lost.

Keep your pets in another room when the trick-or -treaters come to your home. This will help to prevent your pets from running out the door.

A normally friendly pet may react aggressively to the kids in costumes. Let's face it -- they can be pretty scary from a pet's point of view.

Keep your cats indoors. many cats, especially black cats, can be harmed by inhumane people.

Celebrate Halloween by giving your pets treats that are made specifically for your pet.

Do not give your pets candy or any other human treats.

As you know, chocolate can be very dangerous to our pets.

Sometimes the wrappers can be just as dangerous as the treat inside.

Keep Halloween decorations out of your pet's reach.

Be especially careful with candles. Many pets have been burned & fires started by pets knocking the candles over.

Reading, Writing, Sit, Stay!

2010-12-11T01:04:00Z

MAKING TRAINING FUN

Start early--the same energy it takes for the puppy or kitten to learn a bad habit can be used to create a good one...concentrate more on good behavior than focusing on the bad....

Keep the training sessions short and always end on a positive note...

Stay away from any training devices that cause pain---prong collars, electric shock collars or over zealous instructers.

Introduce distractions gradually as you and your pet gain more confidence.

Practice at different times and in different locations to prevent bordom

If you become frustrated stop, have a cup of chamomile tea, and try again later...

If your pet is having difficulty learning a specific command, make sure it is not a physical problem.

Always remember you're not perfect and don't expect your pet to be...

Have fun...and make sure your pet enjoys his education....

Warren's Cold Weather Pet Alert

2010-12-09T23:48:00Z

No matter where you live, colder weather brings with it some hazards you should be aware of:

It's always fun to run and play with your dog in the snow, but eating snow, no matter how clean or pure, is not good for your dog. It causes spasms in the gastrointestinal tract which can lead to diarrhea, stomachaches and colds.

Pets should be kept away from wood burning stoves and fireplaces. Screens or protective railings should be used to prevent accidents and injuries.

Antifreeze can be fatal if swallowed. When winterizing cars and trucks, keep antifreeze out of the reach of pets. If you spill it on the ground, be sure to clean it up properly.

Pet owners should be careful about walking pets where sidewalk de-icers or salts have been used. These substances can be irritating to the paws and can cause illness if your pet cleans his paws by licking and swallowing enough of the de-icing product.

To help prevent winter chills and illness, a pet should be dried with a towel immediately after coming in from the rain, or if the temperature drops and snow is falling, those melting snowflakes, if not properly dried, can greatly chill your pet.

Cold weather will also freeze the water in any outside water dishes. Water should either be changed frequently or a device purchased at better pet shops that keeps the water warmer than freezing temperatures.

The colder months usually bring less outdoor physical activity, and more overweight pets. Pets should be kept active to prevent weight build-up and behavioral problems linked with insufficient exercise, such as chewing and jumping.

While indoors, flaky itching skin can be a winter problem brought about by the drying effects of indoor heating. Coat conditioners that can prevent this problem are available at better pet shops.

If your pet is to be spending any time outdoors, an insulated doghouse or pet house should be provided. The door opening should be placed at one side or the other, not in the middle. Chilling winds should not blow into the center of the house. Placing the opening to the side allows for one end of the pet house to remain draft free.

Speaking of drafts, be sure bird cages are located in draft-free areas. Use a cage cover if necessary. And since our floors tend to be drafty during the winter months, why not provide a warm, comfortable bed for your cat or dog.

By following the above suggestions, you can ensure that you and your pets have a happy and healthy winter!

Christmas Corner

2010-12-09T00:48:00Z

Music now playing is a random selection from Warren's unique collection of Animal Carols & Holiday Tunes.
Click here for a different song.

A Greyhound's Christmas Wish

Dear Santa to you I make my wish,
This could be my very last Christmas list.
No time to be frivolous, I must hurry you see,
I'm no longer the best, they no longer want me.

I've heard of places where there are soft beds,
Sofas and pillows to lay your head,
Plenty of food and toys for play,
People who hug you night and day.

I've heard of the warmth the hugs can bring,
And car rides to get you wonderful things,
Large spaces to roam when you feel the need,
A place they will love me for being just me.

My wish, Dear Santa, I clearly state,
My hope as I sit closed tight in this crate,
To ask for myself I know is not right,
But please bring a family to love me tonight.

Copyright (C) 1995 Robin Krautbauer

Christmas Returns

Santa comes quietly long before dawn
While shops are still busy and lights are still on
While dinners are cooking and kitchens are warm
And children count presents they'll open by morn.

He slips past the trees in windows aglow
Through the gate to the backyard as icy winds blow
To find the pup he brought last year
chained up in the snow
And, kneeling, he whispers, "Are you ready to go?"

There are too many stops like this one tonight
Before the beginning of his regular flight
He leaves not a note or footprint in sight
Just an unbuckled collar on a cold Christmas night.

A Christmas Story

Piddle piddle dumpling, my boy Wu,
He piddles carpets and walls too!!
Casts an arrogant eye on you.
Piddle piddle dumpling, my boy Wu.

His leg-lifting a prelude to
Another "WuWu, Shame on you!!"
Wee Wee flying straight and true.
Piddle piddle dumpling, my boy Wu.

Late at night on Christmas Eve,
My piddling boy, old Wu perceived,
Smoke & flame, the Christmas tree!
Lucky Wu just had to pee.

He raced up to the fire brave,
And piddled out his heart to save
The one he loved, so dear and true.
Piddle piddle dumpling, my hero WU.

The flames were out and Wu so tired,
A better fireman just couldn't be hired,
Now the household up and grateful.
Wu the piddler, oh so faithful.

He spends his days now free to roam
All the rooms in all our homes,
Piddling spray, firefighting too.
Piddle piddle dumpling, our hero Wu!

By John Arthur Newman
Centerreach, NY

The Day Before Christmas

"Tis the day before Christmas, and all through the house,
The puppies are squeaking an old rubber mouse.

The wreath which had merrily hung on the door,
Is scattered in pieces all over the floor.

The stockings that hung in a neat little row,
Now boast a hole in each of it's toes.

The tree was subjected to bright-eye whims,
And now, although splendid, it's missing some limbs.

I catch them and hold them,"Be good I insist!"
They lick me, then run off to see what they've missed.

And now as I watch them, the thought comes to me,
That theirs is the spirit that Christmas should be.

Should children and puppies yet show us the way,
And teach us the joy that should come with this day?

Could they bring the messege that's written above,
And tell us that. most of all, Christmas is love!

Ridgeback's 12 Days of Christmas
By Elise Lewis. www.RidgebackRescue.org

Loki, my HugsKisses Gift Counselor is standing by to take your call @ 800-430-HUGS

On the first day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
The Santa topper from the Christmas tree.

On the second day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.

On the third day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.

On the fourth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Four broken window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.

On the fifth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Five chewed-up stockings
Four broken window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.

On the sixth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up stockings
Four broken window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.

On the seventh day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Seven scraps of wrapping paper
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up stockings
Four broken window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.

On the eighth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Eight tiny reindeer fragments
Seven scraps of wrapping paper
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up stockings
Four broken window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.

On the ninth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
My wreath in nine pieces
Eight tiny reindeer fragments
Seven scraps of wrapping paper
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up stockings
Four broken window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.

On the tenth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Ten Christmas cards I shoulda mailed
My wreath in nine pieces
Eight tiny reindeer fragments
Seven scraps of wrapping paper
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up stockings
Four broken window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.

On the eleventh day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Eleven unwrapped presents
Ten Christmas cards I shoulda mailed
My wreath in nine pieces
Eight tiny reindeer fragments
Seven scraps of wrapping paper
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up stockings
Four broken window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.

On the twelfth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
A dozen puppy kisses
And I forgot all about the other eleven days.

A Rescue Dog's Christmas Poem

Written by David, the Dogman.

'Tis the night before Christmas and all through the town,
Every shelter is full - we are lost but not found.
Our numbers are hung on our kennels so bare,
We hope every minute that someone will care.

They'll come to adopt us and give us the call,
"Come here, Max and Sparkie - come fetch your new ball!"
But now we sit here and think of the days...
We were treated so fondly - we had cute, baby ways.

Once we were little, then we grew and we grew -
Now we're no longer young and we're no longer new.
So out the back door we were thrown like the trash,
They reacted so quickly - why were they so rash?

We "jump on the children," "don't come when they call,"
We "bark when they leave us," "climb over the wall."
We should have been neutered, we should have been spayed,
Now we suffer the consequence of the errors THEY made.

If only they'd trained us, if only we knew...
We'd have done what they asked us and worshiped them, too.
We were left in the backyard, or worse - let to roam -
Now we're tired and lonely and out of a home.

They dropped us off here and they kissed us good-bye...
"Maybe someone else will give you a try."
So now here we are, all confused and alone...
In a shelter with others who long for a home.

The kind workers come through with a meal and a pat,
With so many to care for, they can't stay to chat.
They move to the next kennel, giving each of us cheer...
We know that they wonder how long we'll be here.

We lay down to sleep and sweet dreams fill our heads...
Of a home filled with love and our own cozy beds.
Then we wake to see sad eyes, brimming with tears-
Our friends filled with emptiness, worry, and fear.

If you can't adopt us and there's no room at the Inn-
Could you help with the bills and fill our food bin?
We count on your kindness each day of the year-
Can you give more than hope to everyone here?

Please make a donation to pay for the heat...
And help get us something special to eat.
The shelter that cares for us wants us to live,
And more of us will, if more people will give.

A Beloved Dog's Christmas

'Twas the day before Christmas when all through our house
Every creature was stirring, including Pet Mouse
The stockings were hung by the chimney - my lair -
Next to my Master's favorite stuffed chair.

My family was singing and still decorating;
Three dogs and three cats were anticipating
A glorious Christmas of new gifts, great treats;
The cats wanted catnip, the dogs wished for meats.

Excitement was building throughout the day
Our people were happy; we all got to play;
Gift wrapping, baking, smells of turkey and ham
I felt grateful to be "Home" as the loved dog I am.

As night came and our warm beds awaited,
The excitement had built to a pitch unabated;
But we all went to bed for a short night of rest,
Knowing Christmas would bring us only the Best.

I thought of my "brothers" and "sisters" outside -
Some starving and freezing with no place to hide;
No families to love them; no food; some in pain;
I knew that many would die in the cold and the rain.

I said a dog prayer for each unwanted stray
And asked Santa Paws to give them one Special Day
To let each of them know of real love and sharing,
A kind human touch and sweet, gentle caring.

A Light filled the sky and glowed everywhere;
Someone from above had heard my prayer!
An angelic Presence came into my view
And said, "For one day, your wish will come true."

When I awoke, I heard sounds of great glee
My folks were all laughing over a stocking for me;
Kong toys and rawhides, squeak toys and more
With presents for everyone spread over the floor.

The ferret, the hamster, the bird and the fish
Got new ! toys and food, a cage or a dish;
We got lots of attention and every need met
And gift certificates for our favorite vet.

In fact, we had so much, we wanted to share;
So my folks called a Rescue to check with them there;
They learned, to the shelter's surprise and delight,
Every animal's lack had been made all right.

New beds, bowls of food, and toys everywhere
Someone must have come and spent the night there;
The infirm seemed younger; the sick were now well
And, whatever had happened, no one could tell.

Without making a sound, with no one in sight,
A miracle had happened during the night!
Oh, why can't it be like that every day
With every pet wanted and no such thing as a stray?

The Spirit of Christmas is alive in each heart
Through Loving and Giving we can all impart
The Christmas Spirit every day of the year
And make Miracles happen, like the one told of here.

"Until one has loved an animal,
a part of one's soul remains unawakened".
author ~ Anatole France

T'was The Night Before Christmas, when all through the house

not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
in the hopes that St.Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds
with no thought of the dog filling their head,
And mama in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
knew he was cold, but didn't care about that

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
figuring the dog was free of his chain and into the trash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
gave the luster of mid-day to the objects below
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear
but Santa Claus - with his eyes full of tears

Santa unchained the dog, once so lively and quick
Last year's Christmas present, now painfully thin and sick
More rapid than eagles he called the dogs name,
And the dog ran to him, despite all his pain.

"Now, Dasher! now, DANCER! now, PRANCER and VIXEN
On, COMET! On CUPID! On, DONDER and BLITZEN
To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall!
Let's find this dog a home where he'll be loved by all.

I knew in an instant there would be no gifts this year,
for Santa Claus had made one thing quite clear
The gift of a dog is not just for the season,
we had gotten the pup for all the wrong reasons.

In our haste to think of a gift for the kids
there was one important thing that we missed.
A dog should be family, and cared for the same.
You don't give a gift, then pit it on a chain.

And I heard him exclaim as he rode out of sight,
"You weren't giving a gift! You were giving a life!"

The Heimlich Maneuver for your Dogs & Cats

2010-06-01T23:01:00Z

The well known Heimlich Maneuver or 'Hug of Life' for removing obstructions in human throats works for dogs and cats too.

The objective is to compress the lower chest forcibly to raise air pressure inside the chest to blow the foreign material out of the throat or the larynx.

Here's what you need to do:

• Place the pet on its side on a hard surface.

• Place both hands behind the last rib and press down quickly and firmly - release immediately and repeat rapidly several times.

• Try to direct the force of your hands slightly forward - this will make your efforts more effective.

• Have someone carefully open the dog's or cat's mouth wide and attempt to retrieve the material from the throat as you compress the chest.

Once the airway is cleared, if the dog or cat isn't breathing, obviously artificial respiration is necessary.

Now, the important thing here to remember is - even though you've been able to release what the dog or cat is choking on, you still want to get them to a veterinarian to make sure no damage is done.

Now let me give you my version of the Hemlich Maneuver that I have used many many times on medium to larger dogs.

If you have a medium to large dog what you need to do is:

• Straddle your dog from behind.

• You put your fist just behind the last rib in the center - lifting up and forward - several quick motions.

• If there is a second person and they can open the dog's mouth - it works better.

And in many cases what is stuck in your pet's throat will come out.

Remember, then get your dog or cat straight to the veterinarian.

- Warren Eckstein

Dog Performs Heimlich Maneuver on Owner

Calvert, Md. Mar 27 2007 (AP)

Toby, a 2-year-old golden retriever, saw his owner choking on a piece of fruit and began jumping up and down on the woman's chest. The dog's owner believes the dog was trying to perform the Heimlich maneuver and saved her life.

Debbie Parkhurst, 45, of Calvert told the Cecil Whig she was eating an apple at her home Friday when a piece lodged in her throat. She attempted to perform the Heimlich maneuver on herself but it didn't work. After she began beating on her chest, she said Toby noticed and got involved.

"The next think I know, Toby's up on his hind feet and he's got his front paws on my shoulders," she recalled. "He pushed me to the ground, and once I was on my back, he began jumping up and down on my chest."

That's when the apple dislodged and Toby started licking her face to keep her from passing out, she said.

"I literally have pawprint-shaped bruises on my chest. I'm still a little hoarse, but otherwise, I'm OK," Parkhurst said.

"The doctor said I probably wouldnt be here without Toby," said Parkhurst, a jewelry artist. "I keep looking at him and saying 'Youre amazing.'"

How to Prevent and Cure Noise Phobias

2010-06-01T23:01:00Z

Is your dog or cat frightened by thunderstorms? Have a new kitten or puppy? If your pet suffers from noise phobia, you probably cringe every time thunderstorms are forecast. Instead of celebrating the Fourth of July, you probably dread this firecracker-filled holiday.

Dogs in particular, with their keen sense of hearing, often suffer from noise phobia and their frightened behavior can be stressful for their owners as well. As if your pet's trembling and barking weren't bad enough, you probably have to deal with the dirty looks of your neighbors who have to endure Fido's barking, whining, and howling when a truck backfires or a thunderstorm develops. You may also find your home destroyed by his neurotic reaction - chewed furniture, dirtied carpeting and shredded tissues.

Both cats and dogs may become nervous and desperately try to escape under the couch or hide anyplace where they feel they can seek refuge. Dogs may try to soothe themselves by chewing on household items or even on themselves. Cats may scratch anything available, including your sofa or newspaper. If your pet's extremely nervous, he or she may even vomit or suffer from diarrhea.

So don't jump to the conclusion that your pet is simply being spiteful when you return home to find the house in disarray. It may be that he was traumatized by noise. If your four-footed best friend occasionally causes such destruction when left alone, think about it. What was the weather like during your absence? Check with your neighbors to see if they heard anything unusual (i.e., firecrackers) while you were gone. Don't blame your pet for being spiteful - he just might be suffering from noise phobia

Disaster Planning For Your Pet

2010-06-01T23:01:00Z

Your household should include a disaster kit for your animals as part of your overall disaster planning. This kit should include:

* Leashes for both dogs and cats.
* A health record of your pet's vaccination history, your veterinarian's number and address and any other pertinent information on medical problems. If your pets take medications, be sure to include a week's supply and rotate the medicine so that it does not expire.
* Food and water for seven days. Plan one gallon of water each day for a medium size dog and about a quart a day for small dogs and cats. Foods should be in sealed, watertight containers and should be rotated so as to keep it fresh.
* Carriers for all small animals should be readily available.
* Current photographs of all pets should be in the kit. This will help shelters identify them if they become lost and are picked up by animal control.
* Include a list of friends, kennels and veterinarians that your pets can stay with during a disaster.
* First aid kit, blankets, towels, muzzles and a manual can opener.
* Food and water bowls for dogs and cats.
* Plastic bags and a scooper for animal waste.
* Seven day supply of cat litter.

Other considerations:

All pets should wear a collar and an identification tag that give their name, your name and telephone number. Include an out-of-state relative's telephone number that can be contacted in case your local line is out. Consider having your pet permanently identified with a microchip. If your pet is lost, periodically check with your relative to see if authorities have found your pet and called. Post flyers/pictures and continually check with all shelters within 20 miles.

Keep your gas tank at least half full and remember to evacuate early and take your pets with you. If you have large animals, keep your trailer in good condition and stocked with appropriate foods. After rains, empty all containers so they will not become stagnant breeding centers for mosquitoes, bacteria and protozoa that can cause illness in your pet.