09/23/2007   Ready for the Holidays? Well, I know it's only September, but by all the decorations in Wal*Mart, the holidays are right around the corner... including Halloween. We all have soo much fun this time of year.. all the goodies around, the special outfits, costumes, family gatherings, decorations, family gatherings, etc. Have you ever stopped to think how this all goes over for our pets? Think about it for a minute. Lots of new people, smells, odd things around the house... maybe even outside things brought inside! (Like a tree) This can be a dangerous time of year for pets. Make sure to introduce your pets slowly to costumes, and during parties or on halloween night, with people coming and going from the door, it's a good idea to put your pet in a secure room, with something to do. Cat's will mainly sleep, but if you have a dog, give them some good exercise first, and then give them something to do in the room, like a bone to chew or something. Practice a few days ahead of time, so the dog won't be caught off guard. All the cakes and candies and turkey bones can be hazardous to your pet, so keep them out of reach! Cats love tinsel, or tinsel like things, so make sure to get rid of the old, lead filled kind, and if you must have it, use it sparkingly, in area's where cat's don't go or can't reach. Be fastidious about picking up any fallen pieces, tinsel is famous for causing intestinal problems that can be fatal in cats who injest it. So everyone remember, have a happy, and safe holiday season, and don't leave your pets out of the fun, but do it safely.

10/29/2007   Pet Care Giving and Loss Support Group The Animal Rescue League of Southern Rhode Island is sponsoring an Animal Care giving and Loss Support Group, led by Beth Voso, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 19 years' experience in counseling. The purpose of the group is to provide a forum for adults who share a bond with pets to work through difficult issues such as the loss of a pet, the challenges and concerns of caring for an aging pet, facing the probability of euthanasia, managing feeling of guilt, and helping children to cope with the loss of a beloved pet. The group meets the second Wednesday of each month in Suite E205 at The Meadows Professional Office Park, 1130 Ten Rod Road (near the intersection of Rt. 102 and Rt. 4), Wickford, RI. Please call the ARL/SRI at 401-792-2233 if you are interested in attending. Participation is free.