From Rea Cord

Humane Society of Elmore County

Photos courtesy of Punishers LEMC Three Rivers

For the most part the rain held off and it was a great day for the Punishers Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club River Region Chapter benefit Poker Run for our Shelter. It was a super turnout for this first-time event, we loved everyone stopping by the Shelter to visit our pets, and a lot of fun was had when everyone got back to the clubhouse. We will get the total amount raised later this week after all the accounting is taken care of. We are most appreciative to all who worked putting this together and to all who came out to support a great day to ride and help animals.

Looking ahead, if you have pets and are planning to be away for the 4th of July holiday, then hope you have made your pet boarding reservations already. Boarding facilities book 100% for long weekends, so get on the phone ASAP if you have not already, This includes updating your pet’s vaccinations with your Veterinarian as required by all boarding facilities as well.

We are now into the hot summer days of summer so time to ensure your pets safety if they stay outside during the day while you are away. Shade, moving air if possible and plenty of clean, cool water are critical. Ensure your outside pet’s water is not only in shade but that there is a LOT of water available to your pet. Plastic children’s wading pools can work great as some dogs will also lay in the water to cool off. Inexpensive box fans can greatly help as well with moving shaded air but please make sure your dog(s) cannot chew on the power cord and make sure to routinely clean the fan to reduce any fire hazard from accumulated dust and hair.

Dog houses MUST be well shaded elsewise they are just mini-ovens that no pet will want to go into. If you think an unshaded doghouse is adequate shelter for your pet, just crawl in one this summer and see how you like it. Our wish, of course, is for dogs and cats to be inside your home so they can enjoy the air conditioning or fans with their human family. For those with ‘short-nosed’ dogs like Bulldogs, Pugs, Frenchies, Boston Terriers and more, keeping them in air-conditioning is critical! These snub-nose breeds are HOUSE DOGS IN SUMMER as they can easily suffer heatstroke or death if left out in the high heat, even if they have shade.

While many like taking their pet with them on daily runs, in all honesty, this time of year – PLEASE LEAVE THEM AT HOME. Your car can turn-into a killer oven in just a few minutes and you never know when that quick trip into the store turns into one longer than expected. Get stalled in a traffic jam and you’re A/C might give out or your car overheat. Many modern vehicles automatically turn OFF after a limited period of time if left idling. And the A/C on idling vehicles also can fail or simply quit cooling as well with devastating results. If you see a pet in a parked vehicle during these hot temps, please call the appropriate law enforcement so they can take any necessary actions.

And no dog belongs in the back of a pickup truck – just DON’T! The bed of a truck is hot enough to scorch your dog’s paws so please put your dog in the cab of the truck with you so it too can enjoy the air conditioning and be much safer.

For all who love going to yard sales, flea markets and outdoor festivals/events this time of year, PLEASE JUST LEAVE YOUR DOG AT HOME. You may think taking your pet with you shows how you love it, but far too many dogs are simply miserable (or actually endangered) on hot sand or pavement and would be much happier (and healthier) staying at home in the A/C, happy to greet you on your return.

Our pets are not super beings able to withstand conditions that we don’t like ourselves. If you are miserable in the heat, your pet is too so please plan accordingly to keep your pet safe and happy throughout our long Alabama summer.