Julia K Cole

Around this time of year most people here in the United States,  and other places in the world as well, turn their attention towards love.    February being the month for St. Valentine's Day and all...i t is to be expected Sadly, as the masses set out to impress a love interest with an assortment of cards, gifts, dinners, cruises and all that there,  I guarantee that the majority of people will overlook--okay scratch that--they'll out right IGNORE one person in particular.   Their own Self .    Not surprising really.  You see (as I'm pretty sure you already are aware) Human Experiencers develop the habit of overlooking his or her self early in their earthly life.  We Human Experiencers are told it is selfish to think of one's self!  To do for one's Self!    Then we are scolded to take better care of ourselves whenever we get sick.  Talk about your mixed messages.  Oy Vey!  No wonder the masses are dazed and ...

Halloween can be a festive and fun time for children and families. But for pets? Let's face it, it can be a downright nightmare. Forgo the stress and dangers this year by following these 10 easy tips. 1. Trick-or-treat candies are not for pets. All forms of chocolate -- especially baking or dark chocolate -- can be dangerous, even lethal, for dogs and cats. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning may include  vomiting ,  diarrhea , rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and  seizures . Halloween candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can also be poisonous to dogs. Even small amounts of xylitol can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar and subsequent loss of coordination and seizures. And while xylitol toxicity in cats has yet to be established, it's better to be safe than sorry. 2. Don't leave pets out in the yard on Halloween. Surprisingly, vicious pranksters have been known to tease, injure, steal, and even kill pets on Halloween night. Inexc...

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 chew...

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 ...