and not chewing on everything in sight, or a kitten that will be into absolutely everything in the middle of the night! Bringing a new pet into a new home during a time when you are busy, stressed, and tired is not in the best interest of that new pet. They deserve and need more from you. If you are considering giving someone a pet as a gift, we ask that you think carefully about what the best time is for the animal as well as their new human. Consider giving the person a stuffed toy dog, cat, bird or horse as their Christmas gift, with a picture of the new pet enclosed in a card. Set a date to go with that person to pick up the new pet AFTER the holidays are over if at all possible. This will give the person time to plan and to prepare their home for the new addition. Explain to the Shelter/Rescue/breeder that you want to do what is best for that animal, and would they consider holding them for you until after the holidays. Most responsible organizations and people should at least consider doing that for you if they are able. A word to parents on the subject of giving children pets to “teach them responsibility”. I hear that one a lot from parents, and I always cringe when I do. If you want to teach your child responsibility, and that child has not been asking for a pet, then please don’t do it! Give them a routine task to do instead like mowing the lawn each week, or taking out the garbage or cleaning their room. When I asked my parents repeatedly for a horse as a child, they were wise enough to understand that until I was older, I was not going to be capable of caring for a horse entirely myself. Instead we got a dog, and I subjected them to a duck, a snake, a turtle, several goldfish, and hatched praying mantises in my mom’s flower arrangement (she was NOT amused). For those with pets, be sure to take time to acknowledge and connect with them at least briefly each day. They do not understand why we are more stressed and at home less. If you are having family and friends over, please let your pets know ahead of time. If you have a pet that is shy or who does not like noise, please make sure they have a quiet place in the house to go to while company is there. If you are traveling during the holidays, please let your pets know how long you will be gone, and that you are coming back to them. Tell them you love them, and that you always come back.
Infinity
We wish you all a wonderful holiday season. Please take time to breathe and be at least once a day, and enjoy the wonderful lights and sights and sounds of this time of year! Cindy, Terri, Obi, Lukas, TJ, Simba, Sophia, Diana, Rohan, and Cheyenne
Animal Communication & Wellness Services Cindy Huff & Terri Noftsger
(513) 310-3997 (513) 309-0957
www.acwservices.net •Animal Communication •Healing Touch for Animals •Flower Essence Consultations •Canine & Equine Massage •& Other Healing Modalities
Humane Association of Warren County
Animal Shelter & Adoption Center Celebrating 37 years of Saving Homeless Pets
Spay/Neuter is the only answer to the tremendous overproduction of abandoned and homeless pets. The Humane Association of Warren County’s Spay/Neuter Programs are working. Help us ELIMINATE this deplorable overpopulation problem with a Donation to the
Karen Nixon Heaberlin Spay/Neuter Fund. To donate, call 513.695.2076 The Humane Association of Warren County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center 230 Cook Road Lebanon, OH 45036
www.homelesspets.org 25