| Publication: The Frederick News-Post; |
Date: Dec 13, 2009; |
Section: Pets; |
Page: C-6 |
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PETS AND PEOPLE
Holiday and family
By DIDI CLEMENT
Special to the News-Post
IT’S HOLIDAY TIME again, and
that means family.
For many of us, family
includes nonhuman creatures who make holiday times less stressful just by being
around. With a little extra planning, you can keep it from working the other
way.
For those of us who actually do consider
our pets part of the family, it can be difficult to leave them behind. Flying
with pets is certainly an option and if your pet is accustomed to shipping
crates and waking up in a strange place, proper planning is all that's required.
Call airlines ahead, pay a little extra and, of course, if your pet travels,
your vaccination and license paperwork is always in order and you keep copies
with you at all times. There are even airlines
that specialize in pet travel. Enough said about that.
For pets who prefer common ground or pets too
large to be accommodated by airline crates, a pet sitter or kennel offer
options. Again, paperwork in order and calling
ahead make all the difference. Ask if someone remains in the building overnight
and if you can bring special food, toys or bedding. What vet do they use in an
emergency? Ask to see the accommodations. Some boarding facilities are homes
where your dog will be one of the gang. Many have cages that vary so much in
size, you’ll want to see what you are paying for and choose what your pet is
accustomed to. Be sure to leave an emergency number or two. Permanent ID for
your pet is a must; microchip or tattoo. Many facilities remove collars for
safety.
Staying home and having family come in
does not always solve pet concerns. Family members may be allergic or afraid of
dogs or even birds. Make inquiries and accommodations in advance. Family
arriving with pets? Be sure to get advice on introducing pets to one another and
set up in advance. Frederick County Animal Control Center has adoption
counselors experienced in such things who will be able to help you plan ahead.
Last-minute
changes? The hotel won’t take Aunt Lucy’s St. Bernard after all? This is what
the memorable holidays are all about. The kids will never forget the time that
Bruno stole the thawing turkey. So be sure you get some advice (remember,
adoption counselors at the shelter — they’ve seen it all) and keep a holiday or
emergency vet’s number handy just in case.
So
now you are sure there will be a pet related emergency? Usually not. But do
consider keeping anxious pets isolated from strangers to avoid mishaps and do
know the number for the local shelter (Frederick County Animal Control Center on
Rosemont 301-600-1546) just in case anyone goes missing. Emergency numbers are
usually enough to keep the holiday jinx at bay but if not, having the numbers
and a plan makes solutions so much easier to come by. Happy Holidays!