Halloween Pet Safety Tips

Halloween is just around the corner! While you’re putting together your costume, stocking up on candy and transforming your yard into a spooky graveyard, remember that holidays like Halloween can be stressful times for your pets. Animals don’t understand why their best two-legged friends are wearing scary disguises or why the doorbell keeps ringing all night long.

To keep Halloween fun and safe for everyone in the family, consider the following pet safety tips ...

Sniff Test

If you or your children are going to dress up for Halloween, allow your pet to smell the costume before putting it on.

Beat the Sweets

Keep candy – especially chocolate and gum – away from your pets. Certain candies, wrappers and ingredients can be poisonous and even fatal for pets if ingested.

Leave Fido at Home

Don’t bring your dog (or other pets) trick or treating! The costumes, noise, music, bright lights and decorations could be overwhelming for them. Try finding a quiet room where your pets can curl up with their favorite scary movie instead.

Don’t Over-Decorate

Be careful when decorating your home. Festive items like corncobs, cornstalks, cobwebs, glow sticks and small plastic decorations can cause a choking hazard. Also, don’t forget to cover or hide all electrical cords.

Trick or Treat

If you’re expecting trick or treaters, you’ll want to keep your pets clear of the front door. An open door can be very inviting and the constant ringing of the doorbell by the little ghosts and ghouls could scare your pets and cause them to run.

Dress for Success

Costumes for your pets can be fun (and adorable!) but they should fit well enough to allow them to breathe normally. And, be cautious of any loose or hanging parts like fringe, stuffing or buttons that could pose a choking hazard.

Halloween should be a fun time for everyone, including your pets. And, by following these tips, you can make sure that it’s safe too!

Sadie's Story

With her face out the window and nose to the wind, it’s clear this 10-year old Labrador Retriever mix is relishing every minute of the car ride with one of her favorite volunteers. This is Sadie. And, seeing her enjoy her time away from her kennel, walking carefree with a stuffed bear in her mouth you’d never guess the past she so narrowly escaped.

Sweet Sadie was found tied up outside during a snowstorm in January without protection from the frigid elements. Once she was rescued, she was taken to a local shelter and transferred to Animal Friends. As Sadie was getting settled into her second chance, our Medical team soon discovered that she was in need of some specialized care. Sadie was diabetic and needed medication to help manage her condition. So, we jumped into action and created a plan for her. Our compassionate staff and volunteers kept a close eye on her around the clock. But sadly, Sadie’s diabetes had gone untreated for so long that it’s causing her to slowly go blind.

But, we’re determined to give Sadie the life we know she deserves. Sadie hasn’t let her diabetes or diminishing eyesight slow her down one bit. She now has a special halo harness that helps her navigate her surroundings without the risk of bumping into obstacles. While she needs a little help getting around, she is always happy to spend time cuddling with friends and is even eager to learn new commands like “sit” and “give paw” – proving that old dogs can learn new tricks! Whether it takes days, weeks, months or even years, we’ll be right here for Sadie every step of the way – for as long as she needs.

But, there are still other pets – just like Sadie – who still need your help.

To Purchase Candy

Tell your friends, neighbors and co-workers about Animal Friends and ask for their support through the purchase of these sweet treats. Direct them to SarrisCandiesFundraising.com and simply ask them to use Group ID#10375 and designate Animal Friends as the organization they support when placing their order. Orders can be placed online through Dec. 14.

Deadlines

To receive your chocolate in time for Christmas, please place your order by Friday, November 16 – candy will be delivered on Friday, Dec. 14 and can be picked up at Animal Friends during our regular business hours (M-F 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and S-S 10 a.m.-5 p.m.).

A Buddy for Life

Cheerio’s journey brought him to Animal Friends after he was transferred to Animal Friends from another organization. Originally found as a stray, he had contracted a serious disease that left him blind. To alleviate his pain, our Medical team made the decision to remove his eyes. Once he recovered, Cheerio quickly became a favorite among staff and volunteers, cuddling and giving lots of kisses to everyone he met. But, as Cheerio waited to find his new home, it was clear that he would need a family as special and loving as he was.

That’s when Rose and John came to visit. After spending some time getting to know the dogs on our website, Rose remembers thinking that she wanted to get another dog, but thought she would wait a few years. But then she saw Cheerio. “I thought he looked adorable but was uncertain about adopting a blind dog. Then my daughter saw the video about Cheerio on Facebook and called me saying, ‘You've got to go get this little fellow!’ I had my doubts, but after watching the very moving video and hearing Cheerio's story, I knew I had to go take a look.” As soon as Rose and her husband John met Cheerio, it was love at first sight – and the feeling was mutual!

After a successful meet-and-greet, Cheerio – who has since been appropriately renamed Buddy – began life with his new family. “Buddy's transition went better than expected,” says Rose. “We marked different rooms with different scents so he would know where he was in the house. We don't need to do that anymore as he knows his way around fairly well.” Buddy loves his daily routine of napping, playing, and (of course!) cuddling with his family. “From my 93-year-old mother to my 5-year-old grandson, everyone loves Buddy. He is our own little rock star,” says Rose.

Buddy’s transition to his new family is a great reminder that disabled dogs make wonderful pets. While there are some changes a family has to make when adopting an animal with special needs, Rose agrees, “The love and devotion you get in return from your new pet is beyond wonderful!”

Fluffy: Animal Friends Home to Home Adoption Program

Fluffy is an 11-year-old sweetheart who is ready to cuddle up and find a family to shower her with the love she deserves. Her current family had been caring for her as a stray when they noticed Fluffy beginning to limp. So, they brought her into their home and got her the veterinary care she so desperately needed.

Now, Fluffy is ready to relax and enjoy her golden years in a home that can give her love, attention and her three favorite things: her blanket, catnip and soft food.

Although she is deaf, Fluffy lives her life to the fullest and melts the hearts of everyone she meets. She can be a bit shy at first, but with a little patience and head scratches, she is sure to be a loyal companion. If you are in need of a calm and relaxing friend, Fluffy could be the cat for you!

Does Fluffy sound like the missing piece to your home? Contact Melissa at  HoneyBeeRohm@Comcast.net.

Jewel: Animal Friends' Home to Home Adoption Program

Jewel is a sweet girl who is in search of her perfect family. Her current family made the difficult decision to begin looking for a new home for this her after a recent change to their living situation . Just shy of 2 years old, this gorgeous Siberian Husky loves life and is full of energy.

Jewel’s favorite things in life are long walks, playing with other dogs and squeaky tennis balls. She would do best in a home with a fenced-in yard where people are home often – she loves company! This pup also enjoys riding in the car and is housebroken. Jewel may also enjoy a canine companion as a new sibling. If you are looking for a new and energetic best friend, Jewel just might be the girl for you.

If you would like to meet Jewel, contact Ben at bhamm1991@gmail.com or 412.527.1510.

Thor: Animal Friends' Home to Home Adoption Program

Thor is a 3-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier who was adopted about a year ago. He is a lovable and cuddly boy who sometimes does not realize how big he really is! Thor loves to lay on laps and is always ready to snuggle. He is neutered, up to date on all vaccines, microchipped and is also house trained. Thor loves to go for walks with his people and absolutlely adores playtime!

His current family has three young children. Although he does well with them, they feel he would be a better fit for a family with dog-savvy children who are 10 years or older. Thor would do best as the only pet in his new home to make sure he receives all the attention he deserves. He wants all your love to himself!

Does Thor sound like the missing piece to your home? Contact Kelly at kcmedure@yahoo.com to learn how you can meet him. 

Maya: Animal Friends' Home to Home Adoption Program

Maya is an 11-year-old Golden Retriever with a very kind heart.  Although she is a senior girl, she is still in great health and has a lot of energy to share. She would happily go for a couple walks each day and then sit and enjoy some cuddles with her people. Maya has done very well sharing a home with cats and small children for years –  even sharing her bed with a feline sibling from time to time!

Maya tends to get nervous during thunderstorms, but as long as she has a trusted human companion nearby, she does much better. And, as is common with her breed, it's important to keep her ears clean. Although she isn't much for runs anymore, Maya enjoys playing fetch or splashing around in the water. Her current family is hoping to find her a home where she will get all the love and attention she deserves.

Update: Maya has found a new family to call her own!