Special to Aroostook Republican
Valentine’s Day is almost here; what have you got planned for your special pet? Well, here are some ideas to make their Valentine’s a special one: have special treats on hand, ones that you don’t usually give your pet, perhaps some heart-shaped ones; spend some extra time with your pet to let them know just how much you appreciate them.
Contributed photo
Blackjack is a resident at the Madawaska Lake Homeless Cats location who overcomes his initial shyness with time and love ( in about three days). A male, estimated to be one and one-half-years old, Blackjack has been leukemia tested, has had his distemper and rabies shots, cleared of any parasites and has been neutered. Very good with other pets, he is free to a good home and would prefer a quiet home with lots of love. He has had a rough background but does well after his initial shyness wears off. Anyone interested in having Blackjack become part of their family may call Norma at 896-5650.
Or, you could give a donation in your pet’s name or in your honey’s name to the Central Aroostook Humane Society. Giving a donation as a gift is a wonderful way that everyone wins. We in return send a letter of notification to your honey, letting them know a gift has been donated in their name; we do this for all holidays and even for birthdays.
Just recently, Pine Street School had a penny drive to benefit the Central Aroostook Humane Society. Students collected pennies and at the end of just two weeks they had collected over $600. Isn’t that amazing? It brings a smile to my face to think about how something so easy and inexpensive can make such a huge difference in the lives of the homeless animals of our area. By one person doing a little, it amounted to a lot!
A couple of years ago, my boxer mix Rusty bent one of his toenails back running through crusty snow. I had to take him to my vet and have his nail removed; it was an expensive trip and a painful one for Rusty. I felt horrible because I felt that if I had done a better job trimming his nails it may not have happened, but it is a job we both hate.
Trimming a dog’s toenails is very important for your dog’s health and well-being; if you don’t trim the toenails, your dog’s overgrown nails will drag on the ground and make walking or running uncomfortable for your pet. This, in turn, could result in soreness or other problems further up the leg. There is less of a chance of damage being done to you or to your furniture if you take the sharp tips off the nails.
Most dogs will need their nails clipped approximately once every one or two weeks. When trimming, be sure to use only nail trimmers that are designed for dogs. Never use scissors! If your pet is not used to or is nervous about having his nails trimmed, be sure to start slowly. Start getting your dog used to having his feet handled before trying to clip his nails. Gently lift each paw and just pet it or massage it; reward him with praise or a yummy treat. When you’re ready to actually clip a nail, do so in a relaxed, quiet area of the house where you won’t be disturbed. You may want to begin by clipping the nails on only one paw, or even just one or two nails on a paw, if your dog becomes restless or fearful. Above all else, you want to make this as pleasant an experience for him as you can. So don’t rush it!
Trim only small amounts at a time, so that you’re less likely to cut the “quick” of the nail. The quick contains the nerves and blood supply and, like cutting your fingernail too short, if you cut it, you’ll know it and so will your pet! Cutting the quick is painful and messy. If bleeding occurs, sprinkle a clotting powder such as cornstarch or press a styptic pencil (a stick of a medicated clotting substance) on the nail tip. If necessary, hold a gauze pad firmly to the nail until the bleeding stops.
If you’re new at trimming your pet’s nails, watch your veterinarian or groomer do it first, and then let them talk you through it. With practice, both you and your four-legged friend will learn that nail trims really aren’t that bad. But if you still feel uncomfortable, there’s certainly no shame in letting a professional perform the manicure! Good luck!
If you are looking for a “friend for life,” please contact the Central Aroostook Humane Society. We are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday, or you can give us a call at 764-3441. Visit our Web site at www.centralaroostookhumanesociety.org for a list of available pets.
Please have your pets spayed or neutered.
