At the shelter

Let's talk turkey. Too many table scraps can give your pet severe gastrointestinal upset and some foods are potentially dangerous to your pet. If you give your pet a little nibble of turkey, be sure it is boneless and fully cooked. Sage used in dressing contains essential oils and resins that can cause pets to suffer stomach upset and possible depression of the central nervous system. Other foods to always avoid are chocolate, coffee, caffeine, alcohol, avocado, macadamia nuts, tomatoes, grapes and raisins, yeast dough, raw/undercooked meat, eggs and bones, Xylitol (sweetener), sweets of any type, onions, garlic, chives, fried or greasy foods, fruits or vegetables with a pit or core, and milk. The holidays mean taking pictures of family and friends. Don't leave batteries lying around. If swallowed by your pet, they can cause choking or obstruction; if punctured, the chemicals in alkaline batteries can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus. If you suspect your pet has ingested a harmful substance, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. (Source: ASPCA and Dr. Robyn DVM, veterinary and pet care expert)

'Daisy' is a precious Boston terrier/feist. She is heartworm negative, easygoing and would make a wonderful companion dog. Boston terriers, also known as Boston bull dogs, originated in the United States in the 1800s. They were developed by crossing the English bulldog, bull terrier, boxer, and extinct white terrier. They weighed over 44 pounds but were bred down in size. They were used for ratting and as a companion dog. Terrier in name only, they have lost any ruthless desire for mayhem, only preferring the company of humans. (Source: Fogle's The Encyclopedia of The Dog) 'Precious' is a great Pyrenees-mix puppy who is 3 months old. She is cute, cuddly and sweet as can be. 'Peaches' is a gentle feist/terrier-mix. She is white with brown spots. 'Porgy' and 'Bess' are adorable Dalmatian-mix pups with personality plus. Dalmatians originated in Yugoslavia in ancient times. It gets its name from Dalmatia, a region in western Yugoslavia. Although it played many roles, its primary role was a carriage dog and was a coach dog in Victorian England. It continued as a coach dog for horsedrawn fire engines, and this association led to its adoption as the modern "fire-dog." It received AKC recognition in 1888. It is bred to run for miles so must receive daily exercise in a safe area. It is good with other pets and especially good with horses. It makes a good jogging companion. Most of all, it needs human companionship. (Source: Coile's Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds)

Consider adopting the shelter as a community service project or volunteering and making a difference. The pets love the attention and you will feel good inside. Call the shelter office for details. Our shelter animals enjoy receiving daily treats and toys. Younger pets love to cuddle with soft, fuzzy stuffed animals. Would you make a pet's day brighter by donating treats, toys, and stuffed animals? Our expenses are 20 percent over last year and donations and supplies are always appreciated to help the animals and keep things running smoothly.

A wonderful way to honor and remember your loved ones is to make a donation in their names to the shelter. General donations, The Beagley Fund (heartworm treatment) donations, Save a Life Makeover, and memorials may be mailed to the Dyersburg-Dyer County Humane Society, P.O. Box 223, Dyersburg, TN 38025-0223. On your check, please specify which fund your tax-deductible gift should be directed. Thank you for helping the animals!

The Dyersburg-Dyer County Humane Society is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday. The shelter is located at 1120 E. Court St. and phone number is 285-4889.