At the Shelter

The holidays are all about family, friends, fun and food - but sometimes it's easy to forget about holiday safety for your dog. We all want our pets to be part of the celebration, but there are some important guidelines to follow.

No table scraps! Rich, fatty foods can seriously upset your dog's stomach and even be toxic. It is especially important to keep your dog away from the following dangerous foods:

* Onions, which can cause anemia (high levels of garlic can, too)

* Grapes and raisins

* Chocolate

* Bones (especially cooked bones and ANY poultry bones)

* Alcoholic beverages

* Any foods high in fat, sodium and/or sugar

There are some human foods that are OK for dogs. Try a small piece of cooked turkey or chicken without skin or bones (and hold the gravy). Raw carrots and apples in moderate amounts are actually healthy for dogs. Just remember - everything in moderation.

Watch the holiday decorations! Most dogs are curious by nature, so they will want to check out any additions to the decor. Sniffing can lead to chewing, or even ingestion of foreign objects. Keep electrical cords tucked away and other decorations or holiday plants out of reach. Watch out for dangling objects that can be pulled down and cause injury. Candles should never be left unattended. Also, if you have a Christmas tree, don't let your dog drink the tree water - it can make her sick.

Don't let your dog get lost in the shuffle. Holiday parties and gatherings can mean lots of commotion. Lots of people in your home can result in injury or stress for your dog. A large crowd is not the place for most dogs, so consider keeping her in a crate or quiet room - especially if she is the nervous type. If she is comfortable around a smaller group, just make sure you set down the ground rules with your company: Don't feed the dog and keep the doors closed! Many pets get loose and run off during the holiday season. Though your dog should always wear a collar with current identification, this is especially important during the holiday season. Stay safe and have fun. Happy Holidays! (Source: About.com)

We want to thank everyone who participated in the annual "Santa Paws" which benefited the local homeless shelter animals. Without you, our doors could not stay open. We also thank The Pet Stop for graciously allowing us to hold "Santa Paws" in their store and along with national pet-supply vendors, providing pet-related items for drawings.

Friends, it is not too late to make a tax-deductible donation to the shelter before the new year. It is a wonderful way to honor and remember your loved ones and beloved pets. Specify how your donation should be directed. The Beagley Fund (heartworm treatment) is depleted and in need of replenishing. Heartworm-positive dogs face certain death without treatment. Other options are Save a Life Makeover (professional grooming), General Fund, and Memorials. Your donations help us keep our doors open. Please mail your donations to Dyersburg-Dyer County Humane Society, P.O. Box 223, Dyersburg, TN 38025-0223.

Let these three adorable silver tabby kittens entertain you with their cute kitty antics. Their IDs are #21732 through #21734. Pete, #21715, is dressed up in his finest. This handsome tuxedo cat promises to be a charming permanent host at your Christmas parties. Our cat rooms are full of equally fascinating kitties waiting to meet you. We have a selection of cats and kittens available for adoption at The Pet Stop any day of the week.

#50003, is a beautiful blue heeler named 'Blu'. She is heartworm negative and wants Santa to bring her a loving family for Christmas. Meet Lincoln, #49757, who is a handsome buff-colored lab. He would make a perfect companion/family dog and would love to be in your Christmas stocking. He is 1 1/2 years as old, heartworm negative, enjoys being petted, and going on walks. For a permanent home, he promises a lifetime of devotion.

Check us out at Dyerhumane.org or petfinder.com. Type our 38024 zip to see a wide selection of wonderful pets. Remember that we receive 100 pets a week, 52 weeks a year! Their lives are depending on adoption. We are grateful to our two local rescue groups. The Pet Stop's "Almost Home" has rescued over 400 dogs since Sept. 12, 2008. Jill Joyner's "One Step Closer to Home" rescues local shelter dogs and acts as a sister to other rescue groups.

We need volunteers but there are many other ways you can help the shelter. We always appreciate monetary donations, office supplies and pet needs, such as dog blankets, toys that don't present choking hazards, canned food for special-needs cats and dogs, bath towels, etc.

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. We are located at 1120 E. Court and phone number is 285-4889.