5 Ways to Keep Pets Safe on Halloween

Halloween can be a fun event for families and their pets. However, if safety precautions aren’t taken, it can also be a hazardous time for our four-legged companions.

According to Dr. Justine Lee, a critical care specialist and associate director of Veterinary Services at Pet Poison Helpline, calls increase by 12 percent during the week of Halloween, making it the call center’s busiest time of year.

Here are some practical yet potentially life-saving tips that can help protect your pets on Halloween.

1. Dangerous Pet Costumes

Your safest choice in a pet Halloween costume would be a loosely tied bandana; however, if you choose to dress up your pet, outfit your dog or cat with a simple approach. Pets can become tangled in elaborate, tight-fitting costumes with strings, ties, belts and sashes. Difficulty in mobility can lead to bodily injury, including strangulation.

Never leave a pet unattended while wearing a costume. Small (or large) parts of a costume can become chewed and ingested and can in turn potentially lead to foreign body ingestion which can be life threatening to your pet.

2. Halloween Decorations and Fire Hazards

If you like to decorate your home in the Halloween spirit, take into consideration what you're putting on display and where the decorations will be placed. Easy-to-reach decorations — or candles — can be eaten or knocked over, potentially leading to choking, foreign body ingestion, electrical shock and even burns and a household fire.

Err on the side of caution while decorating and choose pet-safe products.

3. Noise Affects Pets

Dogs and cats can become skittish and anxiety ridden on Halloween due to the incessant ringing of the doorbell, constant squeals and chatter just outside the door, and small fireworks set off in the street.

In addition, the barrage of strangers dressed in unfamiliar and scary costumes can alarm some pets, increasing their anxiety. Take extra precaution on Halloween: gauge your pet's typical reaction while greeting visitors and decide if putting up a baby gate or leaving your dog or cat in a back room of the house would keep them calmer throughout the evening.

4. Candy and Chocolate Are Toxic

Candy and chocolate are never good for dogs or cats and on Halloween there is an increased chance that Fluffy and Fido may consume treats meant for tricksters.

• Chocolate and xylitol, a sweetener found in many candies, can be extremely toxic to pets.
• Lollipops and their sticks can be choking hazards and cause a painful obstruction or foreign body ingestion that may require surgery to remove.
• Candies wrapped in plastic and other types of wrapping can also lead to chocking or cause an obstruction and upset stomach.

Easy solutions to prevent accidental toxicity or ingestion:

• Keep pet-safe treats on hand to satisfy your curious pet.
• Make sure all candies are out of your pet's reach.
• Consider leaving your pet in another part of the house where exposure to hazards is impossible

5. Lost Pets

Halloween isn't an ideal time to let your dog or cat wander outside unattended. While there aren't any documented reports or statistics to indicate that pet abduction increases on Halloween, be mindful that a prankster or a mean-spirited individual could be inspired to mess with your pet.

Take caution and keep pets indoors with you, or escort them outside on a leash if you plan on including your pet in neighborhood festivities. Sudden noises and strange-looking costumes can also spook your pet, causing them to run away, therefore, it’s always a good idea to adorn your pet with a collar and identification tags in case you become separated.

If you haven’t already opted to have your pet microchipped, now is a great time. Should your pet become lost, an ID tag and/or a microchip can help quickly reunite you with your dog or cat.

Emergency Care is Available

Don’t wait to have your pet treated in the case of an emergency. Locate a 24-hour veterinary clinic if your family veterinarian is not available.

If you suspect your pet has consumed a toxic substance during Halloween and you can’t see your veterinarian, contact the Pet Poison Helpline, a 24-hour service* that assists pet owners, veterinarians and veterinary technicians who are treating potentially poisoned pets.

SOURCE:  Veterinary Pet Insurance

MORE SAFETY TIPS FOR PET OWNERS

http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/halloween-safety.html

http://www.petmd.com/dog/seasonal/evr_multi_halloween_safety_tips#.UnJXH3CkrYE

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/10-tips-to-protect-your-dog-on-halloween-night/page1.aspx

Exorcism of 1949 Continues to Fascinate St. Louis

Saint Louis University junior Zach Grummer-Strawn has never seen "The Exorcist," the 1973 horror film considered one of the finest examples of unadulterated cinematic terror. He's only vaguely familiar with the monthlong 1949 demon-purging ritual at his school that inspired William Peter Blatty's novel and later the movie.

But just in time for Halloween, Jesuit scholars have joined a whole new generation of horror buffs in St. Louis to recount the supernatural incident. The university hosted a panel discussion Tuesday on the exorcism, which involved the treatment of an unidentified suburban Washington, D.C., boy. About 500 people crammed into Pius XII Library, with some spilling into the library aisles, leaning against pillars or sitting on desks.

"I'd like to believe it's the real thing," said Grummer-Strawn, a theology and sociology student from Atlanta. "But you just can't know. That's part of why we're here. It's the pursuit of truth. And it's such a great story."

Click HERE to Read Entire Article

SOURCE:  ABC NEWS at http://abcnews.go.com

The War of the Worlds’ 75th Anniversary: Could We Be Duped Today?

Orson Welles was as shocked as anyone after his 60-minute radio drama “The War of the Worlds” sent some Americans running for cover from an alien invasion by Martians. Welles had broadcast “Dracula,” after all, so he had “high hopes that people would react as they do in a movie,” he said in the 1938 interview shown above.

“You’ve no idea how many are listening and what they’re thinking,” the actor-filmmaker said of his audience.

Well, some of them thought Martians had finally descended, although it’s unclear from media reports how many actually panicked in the aftermath of Welles’ Oct. 30, 1938, broadcast on CBS radio.

Seventy-five years later, and 28 years after Welles’ death, could a similar “melodrama,” as he called it, set off panic now?

Click HERE to read more And to View Orson Welles interview

 *~*~*~*~*~*~*

Me personally, I believe we could.  I mean think of all the hoaxed Celebrity deaths that people bought into on Face Book and Twitter?  

Seriously yea!  I believe the majority would be more duped than they were back all those many years ago!  

Sad, but True!  And you know it!  

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

COUNT DOWN TO HALLOWEEN!!!

SOURCE:  ABC News at http://abcnews.go.com

The Crypto Locker Virus

The Crypto Locker virus is considered to be a historically devastating virus because it holds your computer hostage until you pay a ransom. The Crypto Locker virus is easy to get and almost impossible to get rid of, unless you pay a ransom of up to $700. “The CryptoLocker Virus - which not only has the potential to destroy a computer hard drive, but holds the computer owners data ransom -infects computers through a legitimate-looking email, usually from a reputable company like FedEx or UPS,” reported University Herald on Oct. 26, 2013.

Click HERE to Read More

21 Most Dangerous Halloween Candies

Halloween is a tricky holiday for the health-conscious. Before you load up on treats, you should check out the fat and caloric content in some of the most tempting and gob stopping goodies.


Click HERE to find out if your favorite Treat is among the 21 Most Dangerous Halloween Candies!

Happy Halloween!

The Law Of The Garbage Truck

“Many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they look for a place to dump it. And if you let them, they’ll dump it on you. So when someone wants to dump on you, don’t take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Believe me. You’ll be happier.”

How often do you let other people’s nonsense change your mood? Do you let a bad driver, rude waiter, curt boss, or an insensitive employee ruin your day? Unless you’re the Terminator, you’re probably set back on your heels. However, the mark of your success is how quickly you can refocus on what’s important in your life.

Sixteen years ago I learned this lesson. And I learned it in the back of a New York City taxi cab. Here’s what happened.

I hopped in a taxi, and we took off for Grand Central Station. We were driving in the right lane when all of a sudden, a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, the car skidded, the tires squealed, and at the very last moment our car stopped just one inch from the other car’s back-end.

I couldn’t believe it. But then I couldn’t believe what happened next. The driver of the other car, the guy who almost caused a big accident, whipped his head around and he started yelling bad words at us. How do I know? Ask any New Yorker, some words in New York come with a special face. And he even threw in a one finger salute! I couldn’t believe it!

Click HERE to Read More

Stray Cat Visits Farm Cow Every Day For Love And Affection

A stray ginger and white cat visits his unlikely friend, a cow, every day on a dairy farm in Isreal. Sometimes when he comes over, the cow welcomes him with a slobbering kiss.

“We live on a kibbutz and have a cowshed with a designated area for the young calves. There are also three stray cats in the area,” said Yochi Aranov Zwilling. They come to the farm everyday for food.

“One of them usually wanders off to see the calves once it has had its breakfast, looking for love and affection. I spotted this interaction between the cow and cat one morning on my daily walk and now make a point of looking for them each day,” he added.

The kitty often walks into the farm as a dry kitty but walks away with dripping wet fur. Clearly they adore each other as they are often seen giving each other love and affection.

Ever since the cat met the cow, he hasn’t missed a single day of visiting his best pal.

“The cat has found his own way of getting the love and affection he is yearning for.”

Click HERE to Read more at Love Meow.

Mom asks courts to help protect son from bullying at school

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WHAS11) — A Jefferson County mother is asking the courts to force her son’s school to protect him from what she said is continuous bullying.

Bekishia Cosby, whose son attends Olmsted North Middle School, claims teachers and administrative staff are negligent by not protecting her son from being bullied by fellow classmates.

Cosby said she wants the courts to issue a protective order to ensure the staff will watch over her son at school.

Several months ago, Cosby filed a lawsuit against her son's former school, Thomas Jefferson Middle School.  The lawsuit names Thomas Jefferson principal principal, eight other JCPS staff members and nine minors.

A sworn affidavit states the boy, identified as BB, tried to commit suicide last year while at Thomas Jefferson because classmates bullied him for his perceived sexual orientation. According to the affidavit, when BB started at Olmsted the physical threats, name calling, and harassment continued.

The family's attorney said JCPS needs to fully enforce its zero bullying policy, that’s why they want the court issue a protection order. Attorney Ted Gordon said protection for BB would include suspensions and making sure the accused bullies have no contact with BB. 

A judge will hear the motion in court Friday at 11 a.m.

Source:  Brittany Gonzalez -- WHAS11.com

Help Make Shelter Cats More Comfortable

Shelters can be scary and stressful for many animals. Cats in shelters often live in small stainless steel cages with litter pans, food, water, and a towel or blanket. Although this certainly provides the basic physical needs, a setting of this nature is not comfortable for a cat that is already tense and confused in unfamiliar surroundings.

The Cat Castle provides a safe and secure area for the cat to relax, and minimizes the stress that comes with shelter life. Made in the U.S.A., the Cat Castle's bottom section is an enclosed space that has multiple ventilation holes and a 'drawbridge,' giving the cat ready access to a private, safe hiding place. The top section is a perfect surveillance point for cats that want to see what's going on in the shelter. The Cat Castle provides shelter cats with the opportunity to become familiar with new surroundings at their own pace, a process that is important for a cat's mental health.

When a shelter cat is adopted into a new family, the Cat Castle easily transforms into a secure cat carrier for transportation. The box can then be reassembled into the Castle format to provide a safe, familiar retreat that is already saturated with the cat's own scent, while the cat adjusts to her new setting peacefully. This is a much smoother transition than coming straight from the shelter with no familiar comfort.

You can help! Just $5.00 provides one Cat Castle to a shelter cat. Your generous donation will improve the well-being and happiness of a shelter cat waiting for the perfect forever home.

CLICK HERE TO MAKE YOUR DONATION TODAY

Cop catches woman shoplifting, buys groceries for her

This is a wonderful example of human kindness!

I LOVE stories like this one!

Cop catches woman shoplifting, buys groceries for her

100 Year Celebration! Making Strides! 100 Dollars in 100 Hours!

HELP ME MEET THE CHALLENGE BY MAKING YOUR DONATION TODAY!

JUST CLICK HERE TO BE TRANSPORTED 

TO MY STRIDES PAGE!

$100 in 100 Hours!

To celebrate the American Cancer Society’s 100^th Birthday – along with 100 years of saving lives – I’m raising $100 in 100 hours, through Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. I’m asking for your help to reach my goal.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is the largest network of breast cancer awareness events in the nation, uniting nearly 300 communities to finish the fight. Every breast cancer walk and event is an incredible and inspiring opportunity to honor those who have battled breast cancer, raise awareness about what we can do to reduce our breast cancer risk, and raise money to help the American Cancer Society fight the disease with research, information and services, and access to mammograms for women who need them. 

One hundred years ago, the American Cancer Society started the fight of a lifetime – the fight against cancer. I’m working to reach my goal of $100 in 100 hours to help the American Cancer Society reach their goal to make this cancer’s last century. Please help me by donating to my Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

Just Click HERE to be transported to my Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Page

Thank you!

Message from Michelle Langbehn: Cancer Survivor

Last week when the government re-opened, thousands of furloughed employees who were struggling to get by without a paycheck rejoiced. I celebrated for another reason -- because thousands of people like me with cancer will be able to resume treatment and clinical trials through the National Institutes of Health. 

I started a petition on Change.org when the government shut down shortly after I applied to enter a clinical trial for my cancer that was federally funded. Over 150,683 people signed -- including you -- giving a voice to people like me who were directly impacted by the shutdown. 

Thanks to you and everyone who signed, my story was highlighted by news outlets like Reuters, The Washington Post, MSNBC and the BBC. By lifting up the voices of those who were hit hardest by the government shutdown, you and I contributed to the national outrage that pressured our nation's leaders to reach a deal and reopen as quickly as possible.

When this began, I thought I would be lucky to gather a few hundred signatures. To watch my petition grow into the tens of thousands was truly humbling. Now that the government has reopened, my hope is that the cancer patients who were waiting to receive treatment from the NIH have not been compromised and are soon able to acquire the assistance they desperately need. 

I hope this episode will lead to more political cooperation and that politicians will begin to put the American people first. Thank you so much for helping my voice, and the voices of other cancer patients, be heard. 

Michelle Langbehn

Your Signature Could Free Sara

Sara Kruzan was a victim of human trafficking when she was 13 years old, and was trapped for three years in a cycle of sexual, physical, and mental abuse. Night after night, Sara was sexually exploited for her abuser’s gain. Then, after years of torture and exploitation, she shot and killed her trafficker and was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole. She was just sixteen years old.

Sara has been in prison for nearly two decades now. When I learned about her story and that she was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole after living a life of horrific violence and abuse.

On Jan 18, 2013 Sara’s sentence was reduced to second degree murder and since she had already served 18 years, Sara was fast-tracked to parole. Now, California Governor Jerry Brown has only a few weeks left to sign off on Sara's parole. I need your help to bring her home. 

Sara's friend, Carrie Christie, has started a petition because while she can't help all human trafficking victims, she can help one. 

There was no expert to tell the jury that with counseling, support, and care, Sara could heal from her traumatic past and grow to be a strong and moral woman.

In June, the California Parole Board reviewed her case and signed off on granting Sara’s parole.  Her case currently is in the California Governor’s office waiting for Governor Jerry Brown’s final consideration. He can free Sara. 

Click HERE to sign the Petition and Help Free Sara!

Dolphins Dying in the Gulf Need Our Help

Bottlenose dolphins have been dying in unprecedented numbers in the northern Gulf of Mexico, closest to where the BP oil spill happened.   It’s been more than three years since the BP oil disaster began, but dolphins in the Gulf are still struggling. 


Dolphins in areas most heavily oiled by the BP oil disaster are suffering from terrible illnesses. An in-depth study of dolphins off the Louisiana coast found animals with agonizing lung disease, liver damage and anemia—all symptoms indicating oil exposure.

Friends of wildlife like you were critical to protecting Gulf wildlife in the immediate aftermath of the oil disaster.



Now your support is urgently needed to make sure that the fines and penalties BP pays for the disastrous spill are used to restore habitat for dolphins and other wildlife in the Gulf of Mexico—rather than being funneled away from healing the fragile ecosystem dolphins depend on.


CLICK HERE TO MAKE A DONATION


BP must be held accountable to pay for the extensive damage that their negligence caused to the region’s wildlife and wild places.

Decisions about how to use this money are being made right now in the Gulf States. Unfortunately there are few guarantees that all of the money from BP’s fines and penalties will be used to restore habitat for dolphins, sea turtles, tuna and other wildlife.

With your help, we can rally wildlife advocates to speak out for dolphins in the Gulf before the funds needed for restoring their habitat are funneled away. We’ll keep up public pressure on U.S. Commerce Secretary Pritzker and local officials to make sure that the fines paid by BP are used to restore dolphin habitat.

Donate now to help make sure that BP’s fines and penalties are spent on habitat restoration!

Hungry woman charged with theft for taking $2.87 from fountain

Hungry woman charged with theft for taking $2.87 from fountain

SERIOUSLY?  For SHAME!

Wal-Mart worker: Fired for helping assaulted woman: Associated Press

Wal-Mart worker: Fired for helping assaulted woman: Associated Press

This is another example of Big corporations making painfully wrong mistakes.  Not to mention, their little "rules and policies" are  perpetuating looking the other way while someone is being hurt!   

I haven't shopped at Wal Mart in years.  Mostly because the stores here are just filthy!  And I'm talking dirty and nasty!  And their prices are too high!

IPet Companion: Play With Shelter Animals

With iPet Companion, you can play with cats in shelters from the comfort of your computer. Just follow the instructions below to make some kitty's day special!

Click HERE to download the App

Or just copy and paste the URL below:

http://theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/clickToGive/ars/ipet-companion?link=ctg_ars_ipet-companion_from_home_MegaNav


And while you're at the Animal Rescue Site...

DON'T FORGET TO CLICK!

An Open Letter to the United States Government

Dear Congress:

I recently started watching   6 Minutes to Success™  by the Proctor & Gallagher Institute (http://www.getresultsthatstick.com/dream-life/).   I highly recommend it!

And though I am only a fraction through the vast video library provided through my membership, and have only absorbed the first two chapters in both  Think and Grow Rich (by Napolean Hill) and You Were Born Rich (by Bob Proctor), I can say with great confidence that this information is our Country's  salvation.  In fact, I'm more than a 100% sure that this information is our only salvation in  eliminating  our debt entirely!  And to the only map to a stable economy.  

I invite each of you to  Click HERE   to download Bob Proctor's book, You Were Born Rich and read Chapter 2 on Debt Reduction.    

And for a copy of Napolean Hill's book Think and Grow Rich just Click HERE

It's FREE!

No doubt you're asking...Debt reduction?  In our time?  Doing these simple steps in this book will do all that? Unrealistic you say?   Insane! You say?

Well, seeing how your way has only accomplished more debt, wouldn't the choice to do something totally different be more sane?   

I believe you will agree that following good old fashioned advice as outlined in both books, and taught in the on-line video library at the Proctor & Gallagher Institute,  is an excellent way of breaking the "doing the same thing over and over expecting different results  a.k.a. Insanity" Cycle!

The information found at the Proctor & Gallagher Institute is simplistic in nature.  Again, it's nothing more than Good old fashion sense and application.    It is information that requires not only action, but an overall shift in attitude and thinking.    Something we all need to revisit and put into practice...daily!

Perhaps you are familiar with the processes described in both books?  If you are, then my only question is, why are you not applying them and setting an example for the American People?  And the World?

If you are not familiar with the process, then I invite you to get acquainted with them.  It's not difficult at all!  And I can tell you it's worth your time, your efforts and your money invested.  

The Proctor & Gallagher Institute should be your first (and only) source in resolving the issues each of you are faced with.     Clearing the debt!  Setting a more healthier economic standard.

And no, no one at the Proctor & Gallagher Institute knows I am suggesting any of this to you.    I'm doing this all on my own.  

For you see Ladies & Gentlemen of the U.S. Congress, each of us here in America are a little more than tired of the lack of leadership in Washington.   Especially and in particularly, the seemingly inability to handle money in a more appropriate fashion.    

Because I am a firm believer in our Country and in the Proctor & Gallagher Institute, I strongly urge you--each and every single one of you--to take the time to read and study both Think and Grow Rich (by Napolean Hill) and You Were Born Rich (by Bob Proctor); listen to each of the videos on the Proctor & Gallagher Institute website and start applying the wisdom provided.

You will be more than glad you did.  And so will the American People!

Thank you.

Cordially,

Get Your Pink ON and Help Fund Free Mammograms!

Get your Pink On and help fund free mammograms in the process!

Every purchase helps a woman get a FREE Mammogram!

There's all sorts of Pink Wear on the Breast Cancer Awareness site on-line store!

Click HERE to shop!  

And while you're there.... Don't Forget to CLICK!

Halloween Safety Tips For Your Pets

There are many Halloween pet safety hazards related to this October holiday -- some are well-known (the dangers of chocolate toxicity), and some aren't. Learn what to be aware of to protect your pet and stay safe this year!

Things to Watch For on Halloween

Halloween is a fun time for kids and many adults, but can be a frightening and stressful time for your pets. As a pet owner, you know your pet best, but here are some points to consider for your pet's safety.

• Continual doorbell ringing and people at the door (in costume, no less!) can be stressful for a pet. Some pets may experience stress-related diarrhea or potentially injure themselves if crated or otherwise contained. Keep your pet in a quiet and safe place on Halloween.
• Strangers in costume - some animals may become unexpectedly aggressive or fearful, even normally friendly pets.
• Candles and Jack-O'-Lanterns within a pet's range are a fire hazard. Wagging tails and frightened cats zooming through the house can easily tip over a candle or carved pumpkin, causing burns or a fire.
• Keep your pets indoors on Halloween night, especially black cats. Animals are at risk for cruel treatment by some Halloween pranksters. Many adoption agencies and humane societies will not allow adoption of black cats around Halloween for this reason.
• Candy - For many people, Halloween = candy. Many pets have a sweet tooth. Please warn children not to share their goodies with the family pet.

Click HERE to Read More

Sources:

PETA

http://www.peta.org/features/halloween-animal-safety.aspx

About.Com:

http://vetmedicine.about.com/cs/winterinfo/a/halloweensafety.htm