Allowing Children to Help Care for a Sick Animal

One wise individual said, “If you’re old enough to love, you’re old enough to grieve.” Learning of a pet’s illness impacts the entire family, especially young children. They immediately want the role of caregiver, ensuring their four-legged friend has a quality life even in those final weeks or days. Caring for a fragile pet is much different than the act of placing gauze and tape on a stuffed animal’s boo-boo. While parents might feel hesitant to allow their child the opportunity to help, the moment presents an emotional connection to instill the values of compassion and kindness towards a sweet friend. and combinations to ensure your four-legged friend, for instance, can eat without repercussions of stomach upset, which may include gas, nausea, constipation, and diarrhea.

Help with Grooming

Most animals, when feeling poorly, do not have the energy to groom themselves. Start with the act of petting before offering a brush to a child. Point out sensitive areas and model using the tool first. In lieu of baths, use a damp cloth. Cotton balls are helpful in cleaning waxy ears.

The best meals for dogs include:

• boneless and skinless chicken breasts, shredded, with rice • unseasoned, boiled, shredded chicken • pumpkin, an easily digested food high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals • bone broth, an ideal liquid for dogs with reduced appetite

Hide-and-Seek

When animals no longer seek comfort of familiar locations, it’s time to start searching. Usually, animals will want to hide. Explain to young children how similarly animals act when compared to humans. When the body feels bad, it’s okay to seek a quiet environment, such as a bedroom with a comfortable bed, and sleep.

Together, you can check on your sweet pet or consider lying on the floor at a distance to build reassurance.

The Rule of Absorbent Pads or Pet Diapers

Children are good observers and will be eager to inform their parents or babysitter of notable changes, both positive and negative. Pets suffering from cancer may leak fluids, such as mucus or blood. It should be a household rule never to admonish a pet for accidents, and only adults should remove bedding or diapers from bed-bound animals.

TIP: Animals can contract bedsores, too. Only adults can help ailing animals change their position.

TIP: For an animal’s stiff joints, consider adding extra blankets underneath absorbent pads. The goal is plush comfort.

TIP: Hydration is vital to health. Keep a water bowl close to the bed.

Changes in Food and Feeding

A turned away nose or skipping meals is an immediate sign your animal requires an alternative diet. Start researching various foods

The best options for cats include:

• wet canned food, including a seafood-based variety • pouring a low-sodium, warmed chicken broth or tuna juice over the food. Avoid broths containing onion powder, onions, garlic, or chives, all toxic to cats.

For both dogs and cats:

• stage-two baby food, especially meat-based meals that do not contain garlic or onion powder. • Young children can assist in making small-portioned meals while offering positive praise. Parents can encourage hand-feeding, which usually is well eceived.

TIP: Avoid trying to hide a pill in food. It will cause disinterest in meals; instead, consider popping the pill directly down their throat and adding a syringe of water afterward.

Open Dialogue and Reading Books

Children will continue to have a lot of questions concerning their ailing pet. Since the words may not always come easily, consider using a book or two.

Consider reading titles such as:

• A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead, • Ida, Always by Caron Levis, • Dog Heaven and Cat Heaven by Cynthia Rylant, • The Rainbow Bridge: A Visit to Pet Paradise by Adrian Raeside

Through a presentation of words and illustrations, each page can ease excessive worry and provide comfort. Talking about life without the family dog or cat presents strong emotions, but together you can heal and love again!

Wake Forest Demon Deacon Football is BACK!

BY A. KEITH TILLEY / PHOTOGRAPHY BY WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY

The leaves are changing, the weather will soon be getting cooler, and best of all, everyone has gotten the opportunity to be vaccinated—so, Deacon Nation, it’s time to play FOOTBALL! Wake Forest head football coach Dave Clawson and the entire University community are so excited to see all the Truist Field stands filled and in a frenzy this season. They are not alone as all of Deacon Nation feels the same way. Wake Forest announced plans earlier in May to be at full capacity this season. They added, in consultation with local, state, and University officials, that any necessary health and safety protocols to ensure the safety of everyone in the Winston-Salem community will be announced before the season begins.

There is no better place to be on Saturday afternoons this season than at Truist Field. But first, it all begins on Friday evening, Sept. 3rd at 7 p.m. when Wake Forest takes on Old Dominion University. The Monarchs did not play in the 2020 season, so both sides will be eager to get started. In a nationally televised game on the ACC Network, this is sure to be an action-packed evening, so let us fill the stands with Old Gold & Black.

Then at high noon on Saturday, Sept. 11th, Wake Forest welcomes the Spartans of Norfolk State University, under new head coach Dawson Odums from Shelby, N.C. Next up, on Sept. 18th is the ACC home opener against Florida State at 3:30 p.m. The Seminoles are more experienced this year with some new talent at quarterback, which should deliver an intense battle. The Louisville Cardinals come to Winston-Salem on Oct. 2 for the annual “Family Weekend” event. The Deacs will be looking to avenge last season’s loss in Cardinal Stadium. Homecoming Weekend on October 30th begins the “Big 4 Championship,” as Wake Forest hosts the Duke Blue Devils. After a trip the following weekend to Chapel Hill to take on the Tarheels (non-conference game), they come back home on Nov. 13 to complete the championship series and face the Wolfpack of NC State. The Deacons finish the regular season with two road games at Clemson and Boston College. Wake Forest is looking to build on its winning tradition this season and earn a sixth-straight bowl appearance. Deacon Nation is a major part of that tradition, as always. Once again, fans will be able to enjoy the high-energy tailgate experience at Truist Field, including the new DEACTOWN Fan Zone, presented by North Carolina Farm Bureau Insurance, on the lawn outside McCreary Tower. The Fan Zone includes live music, video screens, food trucks, and local drink options. There are also inflatable games, balloon artists, and face painting for the children. A great time for the entire family! Officially licensed Wake Forest merchandise will be available for purchase, and it’s THE prime spot to witness the “Deacon Walk,” as the team arrives at Truist Field and makes their way through the heart of DEACTOWN for the pregame parade and pep rally. Note the DEACTOWN Fan Zone opens three hours before game time and closes 45 minutes before kickoff, so be sure and arrive early to enjoy all the fun. There is no doubt, as Director of Athletics John Currie says, it is “The Best Fan Experience in North Carolina!”

The response for season tickets starting at just $120 has been outstanding. Wake Forest Athletics wants their fans to know there are a limited number of very desirable ticket

options still available to purchase on their website (GoDeacs. com/Tickets) and at the Bridger Field House ticket office. This includes the 4-for-$59 ticket packages available for each of the Demon Deacons’ first two home games, including Opening Night at Truist Field, presented by Lowes Foods on Sept. 3rd (while supplies last). There are also special discounted fourticket (single-game) packages available for each of five select home games including ACC foes Florida State, Louisville, and Duke. And of course, as always, the popular Deacon Hill packages are going fast.

For fans of the Triad’s ACC Team, the stage is set for one of the most fun and entertaining seasons in Demon Deacon history. And they are ready to go, both on the field and in the stands, to once again experience the excitement that is Atlantic Coast Conference football inside Truist Field.

Get your tickets early by visiting GoDeacs.com/Tickets or calling the ticket office at 336-758-3322 (ext. 1, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). Also, visit the Fan Zone page on the website, where you’ll find valuable information on tailgating, contests/promotions, clear bag policy, updated instructions and more, to make your game day experience the best it can be.

Get ready, Deacon Nation, it’s GAME TIME!

GO DEACS!

PHOTO BY HARRY CASTON

BATTERIES

BY TARYN JEREZ

Each month this series will provide important facts and tips surrounding child safety in an effort to support parents and caregivers as they attempt to reduce risks and create the safest environment possible for the children in their lives.

Curiosity and kids go together like Macaroni and Cheese. Regardless of how recently you skimmed a room for risky items before a child enters, it seems as though they have a knack for finding the one threat in the room. It may surprise you that one of the most deadly safety hazards for children is batteries, which can be found in more than dozens of household items, including children’s toys. Before you toss every battery-operated item you own in the trash, let’s talk about how to understand the risk, avoid incidents, and what to do in the unlikely event something does go wrong.

Understanding the Dangers of Household Batteries

The real risks that batteries pose to children come into play when batteries are either swallowed or cause external burns.

If swallowed, batteries can cause a severe choking hazard and can also create mayhem once inside. For burns, this is typically the result of a rechargeable battery-operated device that was irresponsibly placed during charging, allowing it to overheat. On the other hand, burns can happen when something is spilt on the charging battery and it is not turned off immediately. In general, all batteries can pose both of these threats, with some being more severe than others.

Among all battery-related injuries to children, button batteries, such as those used in watches, key fobs, thermometers, and singing greeting cards constitute the highest risk. Once swallowed, the child’s saliva mixed with the battery creates an electrical current which severely burns the esophagus in a short amount of time, causing serious damage. According to Safe Kids Worldwide, “Each year in the United States, more than 2,800 kids are treated in emergency rooms after swallowing button batteries. That’s one child every three hours.”

Reducing Risk of Battery Related Incidents

INSPECT ALL BATTERY-OPERATED TOYS AND ELECTRONICS MAKE A ROUTINE WHEN ADDING/REPLACING BATTERIES As a general rule, when purchasing batteries for a new toy or other electronic devices, make a habit of opening the package someplace out of reach of little hands. Additionally, count how many batteries came in the package you opened, and how many old ones you may be removing from a device. This will help keep you aware if something goes missing.

CREATING SAFE STORAGE FOR BATTERIES Have a specific container to store all loose batteries, and make sure that it includes a lid or other type of closure. This should, of course, be kept somewhere out of sight of curious kids. Make sure any electronics containing batteries are stored in their devices properly with screws or snaps in place. When devices have an opening that may be simple for small hands to open, consider adding a piece of duct tape to enforce the closure.

DISPOSING OF BATTERIES SAFELY Not all batteries can be disposed of equally, as lithium-ion batteries, for example, need to be recycled responsibly to avoid the risk of injury and environmental issues.

Also, never place large quantities of used batteries together to throw away, as this can also cause a dangerous situation.

TAKING ACTION IF A BATTERY-RELATED INJURY OCCURS Despite every avoidance, sometimes, unfortunate accidents happen. If you notice a missing battery in proximity to your little one or suspect he or she may have swallowed it, look out for the following symptoms, according to SafeKids.org: • Coughing • Excessive Drooling • Discomfort • Decreased eating or drinking • Difficulty swallowing • Hoarse voice • Vomiting

Due to the severity of risk associated with ingesting batteries (especially a lithium or coin battery), if you are unsure but have a concern, don’t wait to head to your nearest emergency room.

While most children’s battery-powered toys are perfectly safe, it’s still important to inspect the toy for any issues, from easily opened battery compartments to any spills that could cause damage to the batteries. Making sure that anything needing a charge doesn’t get too hot is imperative to avoid burns or even the rare occurrence of exploding devices.

Helpful Resources to Learn More

• National Battery Ingestion Hotline #1-800-498-8666 • www.PreventChildInjury.com {ONLINE ARTICLE

HYPERLINK: https://www.preventchildinjury.org/ toolkits/buttonbatteries} • Call2Recycle® Program at Lowes on University Parkway – r ecycle batteries responsibly

JEJ Photos