FROM HUMANE SOCIETY OF ELMORE COUNTY
We hope everyone will take some time today to pause and reflect on the true reason for Memorial Day. So many brave men and women gave their lives for our freedom so please take time to reflect on the sacrifices they made for all of us.
Memorial Day traditionally signifies the start of summer and time spent on Alabama’s many wonderful lakes, rivers and even the Gulf. Many families take their dogs along for fun on the water (not too many take kitties), and we hope you have planned for your dog’s safety just like your own. If you didn’t head out this weekend and your dog hasn’t been on a boat, then it might help to let your dog explore the boat while it is still docked or on a trailer a few days before your outing.
Just like you, your dog needs its own personal flotation device (PFD) which it should wear while aboard. You can find PFD’s for pets in area pet, sport and outdoor stores and on many on-line stores as well – make sure to get the correct size for your dog to ensure your dog’s safety. We may also have some at our Tail’s End Thrift Store (open for shopping Thu, Fri & Sat 9-3). We have had dogs rescued from the middle of Lake Martin brought to our shelter and never reclaimed. When in a body of water as large as Lake Martin, if a dog falls overboard and is not noticed it might not be able to make it to shore before tiring out. Like getting used to the boat, let your dog get used to its PFD before heading out on the water.
Make sure to carefully supervise your dog and have a plan in mind for how you would retrieve your dog from the water (especially a larger dog) should you need to get him back into your boat. Give your dog a shady, secure spot to rest and pack a dog first aid kit in the event of hazards from fishing gear and walking around unfamiliar shores. One last caution might be to not feed your dog too much before going out in case it is susceptible to motion sickness – smaller snacks might work better than a big breakfast.
And our dogs can get motion sickness just like we can so perhaps talk to your Vet for advice on what you can give your dog in the event it is exhibiting signs of sea sickness. Please also keep in mind that, just like people, not all dogs will enjoy being out on a boat all day, so, if you have one like that, let it chill at home in the air-conditioning.
Our pets ask for so little from us – the least we can do is make sure they safe at all times and well cared for in our absence. We hope everyone has a safe Memorial Day while also honoring all who gave so much to ensure the freedoms we embrace!
Our Shelter will be CLOSED on Monday, 31 May so our staff can also honor Memorial Day and what it stands for.
