Creatures and catastrophes don’t mix! June is National Pet Preparedness Month

Whilenot as convivial as International Corgi Day (June 4) nor romantic like National Pet Wedding Week (it’s June 12-16), a month dedicated to the awareness of keeping our furry (and feathery and scaly) family members safe during a catastrophe is all about some serious big love.

We Coloradans certainly have our share of natural disasters. Wildfires, storms, winds and floods happen throughout the year and frequently catch us off-guard. And, despite even the best safety protocols, houses can catch fire. Implementing plans to help navigate these emergencies today can save us from chaos and heartache tonight or tomorrow.

Boldly stated on the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region’s disaster preparedness page is, “it’s not a matter of if, but when.” I know—thinking about that makes me queasy, too.

These three websites are indispensable for pet owners:

• HSPPR.org (Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region)

• ColoradoSprings.gov (City of Colorado Springs)

• RedCross.org (Red Cross)

Each one has details—and checklists—needed to help with the process of preparation. They also provide crucial information about what to do during an emergency and what to expect in the aftermath.

To help you prepare, here are four important considerations to

BY MARTI BENSON

remember before disaster strikes:

1. Identification. Make sure the information on your pet’s tag, collar or microchip is current. Phone numbers and names on tags should be legible.

2. A place to go. If you and your pet need to evacuate, family or friends might be able to temporarily accommodate you. Animal shelters, boarding facilities or veterinary hospitals may have space. Keep a list of pet-friendly motels and their numbers handy, too. Plan with neighbors or friends to evacuate your pet if you are unable to do so.

3. A “go-kit”. Include the following for your pet:

• Medication, written prescriptions and medical records

• Food and water (and bowls) to last three days and a can opener, if needed

• Your veterinarian’s name and number

• A current photo of your pet for identification purposes

• A leash and a collar or harness

• A familiar toy or item, to help with your pet’s stress

4. No pet left behind. Never, ever leave your pet behind in an emergency.

With plans in place, you can breathe a little easier about facing the unexpected. Now you and your four-legged friend can both let your hair down—and celebrate National Dog Party Day on June 21! ■

Putting a parent in assisted living is such a hard decision, and I never expected my mom to be a true part of the community. 6 months ago you would never have convinced me she would participate in music, bingo, exercises, activities - and she’s now fully engaging in it all! When I visit I can always find her in the community areas having fun and thriving, and I can’t thank the Winslow Court staff enough.

Send your questions to Marti in care of Life After 50, or email her at OutnumberedByDogs@gmail.com

Submitted by Miles Alexander

How many telemarketers does it take to change a light bulb? Only one, but he has to do it while you are eating dinner.

Why didn’t Han Solo enjoy his steak dinner? It was Chewie.

Why don’t pirates take a bath before they walk the plank? They just wash up on shore.

Did you hear about the guy who froze to death at the drive-in? He went to see Closed for the Winter.

I had a happy childhood. My dad used to put me in tires and roll me down hills. Those were Goodyears.

What invention allows us to see through walls? Windows.

The bank keeps calling me to give me compliments. They say I have an “outstanding balance.”

The past, the present and the future walked into a bar. It was tense.

Submitted by M L Madsen

The other day my wife and I went downtown to do some shopping. As we headed out to leave, we saw a cop writing a parking ticket. We walked up to him and I said, “Come on man, how about giving a senior citizen a break?" But he ignored us and continued writing the ticket. Then I called him a “butthead.” He just glared at me and started writing another ticket for having worn out tires which really upset my wife, so she called him a “jerk.” He finished writing the second ticket and put it on the windshield

with the first one, then he started writing another ticket. This went on for about 20 minutes. When he finally finished, he sneered at us, shook his head and walked away.

Just then our bus arrived and we headed home. We try to have a little fun each day now that we're retired. It's so important at our age!

Submitted by Bob Breazeale

A man goes into a flower shop to buy roses for his wife.

“I love a man who loves to say it with flowers. How about three dozen?” the florist asks him.

After seeing the price, the man said, “Make it a half dozen. I’m a man of few words.”

Submitted by Bonnie Wright

A keen but unskilled golfer plays the same course every week. He has particular trouble with the water trap on the 14th hole, losing a ball in it every time.

One round he decides that using