Tips to ensure a pet-friendly season with lots of holiday decor
By METRO CREATIVE
Decorating is one of the great joys of the holiday season. Stores adorn their front-facing windows with amazing displays, and homeowners often deck out residences from top to bottom with all measures of holiday wonderment.
About 94 million households in the U.S. feature a pet, according to the American Pet Products Association. Many of those households will be decorating for the holidays and must figure out ways to keep homes safe for all residents – including those covered in fur. These tips can ensure a pet-friendly season with lots of holiday decor.
• Choose shatterproof decorations. Select shatterproof ornaments and other decorative items that are durable and nontoxic. Items made from felt, fabric or wood tend to be safer than items that can break.
• Pick pet-friendly plants. Poinsettias and mistletoe may be traditional, but they can be toxic to pets. Additional options like Christmas cactus can be safer. Artificial plants are another alternative to consider.
• Opt out of open flames. It is best to avoid traditional candles when pets are around. Instead, there are plenty of those powered by LED lights that even mimic the flicker of real candles.
• Avoid tinsel and ribbons. Digestive issues or blockages can affect pets who ingest tinsel or ribbons. Select pet-safe ribbons or garlands, and skip the tinsel entirely.
• Avoid edible decor. Candy canes on trees or popcorn garlands are festive, but they may prove too tempting for pets to resist. Animals can get sick and may knock over the Christmas tree or other items to access the food.
• Secure decorative items. Position
DID YOU KNOW?
A pet-friendly holiday season involves being mindful of pets’ safety while decorating.
the Christmas tree in an area that is not easily accessible. Avoid putting it near furniture that can be used as a jumping-off point. Make sure the tree stand is sturdy enough to prevent tipping, and consider using wire or string to tie the tree to a ceiling or wall anchor for further stability.
• Mind the scents. Some fragrances can be overwhelming or irritating for pets, so use scented diffusers or plug-ins sparingly. A simmering pot of cloves, cinnamon sticks and orange rinds can create a welcoming, all-natural aroma.
• Create a sanctuary. Try not to move too many of the pet’s creature comforts, such as favorite toys or bedding. If you must move these items out
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–MetroCreative
of the way, gradually introduce the pet to his or her new area, which can be set away from the hustle of the main entertaining area.
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Homes. Hearts. Helping Hands.
At Kankakee-Iroquois-Ford Association of REALTORS®, g iving back is part of who we are. Our members proudly support a variety of local and national chari ties — from food drives and housing ini tiatives to youth programs and animal rescues. Because helping others f ind a place to call home means more than just closing a sale — i t’s about opening hearts and strengthening our communi ty.
BBCHS Academic Foundation
Best Buddies
Birth to Five
Bishop McNamara Catholic Schools
BL AST Program
Bourbonnais Elementar y School District
Bradley Elementar y School District Family Nig ht
Bradley Lions
Bradley Lions Club 9
Ci ty of Kankakee Christmas Parade
Ci ty of Kankakee Ci ty Council
Ci ty of Kankakee Economic and Community Development Agency
Communi ty Foundation of Kankakee River Valley
Communi ty Leaders' Prayer Breakfast
Dr Martin Luther King, JR Memeorial Foundation Prayer Breakfast
Economic Alliance of Kankakee County
Fraternal Order of Police
GFWC IL Woman's Club of Kankakee
Gift of God Street Church and Shelter
Grace Christian Academy
Grant Park Chamber of Commerce
Grant Park Foundation
Grant Park Li ttle League
Harbor House - Kankakee and Watseka
Hippocrates Medical Clinic: A Lifeline for the Uninsured
Hispanic Partnership
Indian Oaks Academy
Iroquois County Historical Society
Jump Mentor
Kankakee Chamber of Commerce
Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce
Kankakee County Training Center for the Disabled, Inc.
Kankakee Development Corporation
Kankakee Forg ives
Kankakee Holiday Tournament
Kankakee Reg ional L and Bank Authori ty
Kankakee School District
Kankakee Valley Park District
Kankakee Valley Symphony Orchestra
Living Alternatives Pregnancy Resource Center
Manteno Chamber of Commerce
Manteno Christmas Basket program
Manteno Historical Society
Manteno Oktoberfest
Manteno School District
Materni ty BVM Church
MCA Senior Adult Day Care
Mound Grove Cemeter y Board
National Nig ht Out
Olivet Nazarene Universi ty
Operation Christmas Child
Our Ag ing Service
Pemborke Days
Pembroke-Hopkins Park Communi ty Development Corporation
Project Re:Cycle - Bicycle repair chari ty
Relay for Life
Riverside Heart Ball
Riverside Hospi tal Foundation
Riverside Medical Center Foundation
Rotar y Club of Kankakee
Safe Families
Salvation Army
Sleep in Heavenly Peace
Special Olympics
St. Anne Catholic Church
Sun River Terrace Village Festival
Uni ted Way of Kankakee and Iroquois Counties
Village of Bradley Christmas Parade
Village of Bradley coloring contest
Will Kankakee Reg ional Development Authori ty Board
Youth for Christ
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