Ready for the parties

The New Year's countdown has started. 2019 is almost in the history books. A new year is a good time for hopes, dreams, and plans. But meanwhile, are you ready for the parties?

Your local first responders are.

Looks like 4th of July, but these are New Year's fireworks, as seen from the side of a Branson, MO Fire Rescue truck. And while 4th of July is the busiest holiday for first responders, New Year's is right up there. (LION Gear/Branson MO Fire Rescue)

Perhaps surprisingly, New Year's Eve is not the busiest day for them. Those honors go to the 4th of July in much of the USA. Thanksgiving is another notably busy time, especially for fires and medical emergencies, followed by Christmas for most of the same reasons.

But even if they're not securing Times Square from terrorists, first responders everywhere are getting ready for the parties. Because where there are parties, there's drinking.

Dread running into a sobriety checkpoint on New Year's Eve? The police don't exactly love doing them, either. But cops would rather stop drunk drivers this way than scrape them off the pavement later. In the story from Tulsa, OK that this photo originally illustrated, one police chief advertised his willingness to give free rides home to anyone who'd had too much to drink. In fact, Chief Tracy Roles is doing it again this year. (Photo from KJRH/Scripps News Service)

Dangers on the road
We all know the drill. We've heard the lectures. We all know it's not safe to drink and drive. Or do we? From the declining numbers of alcohol-related accidents over recent decades, the message appears to be widely understood, but still today not everyone pays attention or thinks this applies to them. So, one more time: Alcohol can quickly impair your ability to drive safely.

Your size, weight, gender, what you have or haven't had to eat, and the amount of alcohol you drank all influence the amount of impairment your central nervous system suffers. That's why some people can drink and still think they're functioning just fine.

But the plain facts are that alcohol consumption slows your reaction time, impairs your coordination, reduces your concentration, decreases your ability to see, and impairs your judgment. That makes it a recipe for trouble if you drink too much, then get behind the wheel.

There are similar problems if you're high on any other drug, if you're texting while the car's in motion, you're overly tired, or you're distracted by raucous passengers. New Year's Eve is prime time for all of those things!

And please, be nice to first responders you do encounter. They're working on a holiday, to help keep you safe, and they'll do it whether you appreciate it or not. But I really hope you'll appreciate it, and tell them so.

And thank you for doing it between calls, Officer! A significant percentage of police officer deaths and injuries in traffic are the result of officers being distracted by all the tech and other things they're supposed to monitor. (Stopping the Stigma of PTSD in First Responders and High Stress Workers/Facebook)

Pre-party preparation
When you're getting ready for the parties, it pays to make plans. The Los Angeles Police Department has some tips to offer, and I've added a few of my own.

Party Hosts:
Be wary of anyone you don't know. Did they come as the guest of an invited guest, or are they crashing the party to case your house?

Make sure party decorations are secured so they can't be pulled over by accident, especially by pets, children, or unstable drinkers. Keep all flames (such as candles or fires in a fireplace or fire pit) far away from flammable clothing, decorations, or furnishings.

Keep potentially hazardous treats out of pets' reach, and keep an eye out for guests accidentally letting a pet outside into danger.

Even if you offer alcoholic drinks, also have non-alcoholic drinks available for party guests. Consider offering food that can help buffer the effects of alcohol consumption. Have a plan for helping intoxicated guests get home via alternative transportation, a quiet place where guests can rest and "sleep it off," or perhaps a designated driver for the party who doesn't drink any alcohol.

If you're ready for the parties, your parties will be lots more fun.

Partygoers:
If you're traveling anywhere, especially at night, don't travel alone if you can help it. And while you're forming a group, why not pick a designated driver?

Remember to lock doors and windows while you're gone, so the burglars can't get in! And surely it goes without saying that small children should always be left under competent, caring supervision--but I'll say it anyway.

If you know you'll be drinking, consider eating first. That'll make the evening last longer. You'll have more fun if you're not passed out in the corner somewhere.

Be sure you're ready for the parties, so you and your friends can stay safe while you're having fun. And HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone!

I couldn't have said it better. Thanks, Calgary Fire Department!

IMAGE CREDITS: 
Many thanks to LION Gear and Branson Fire Rescue for the fireworks photo. I deeply appreciate the sobriety checkpoint photo from Tulsa's KJLA/Scripps News Service--and even more the willingness of Bartlesville, OK Police Chief Tracy Roles to go the literal extra miles to prevent drunk-driving accidents! 
Many thanks to Stopping the Stigma of PTSD in First Responders and High Stress Workers on Facebook, for the "Text 'Happy New Year!'" image--and also for your worthy mission! PTSD is near-endemic in these highly necessary, but high-stress jobs. Our first responders shouldn't have to suffer the results with no support!
Last but not least, thank you Calgary Fire Department and Jackie Long, via Jackie Long's Twitter feed, for the closing image with New Year's wishes.

Artdog Bonus Image: Merry Christmas!

Do you have a cat like this?

IMAGE: Many thanks to Emma Bruck's "Emma's Pics" Pinterest Page.

Countdown to Halloween Pet Safety #1

Death by Chocolate--and other lurking pet-poisons

What hazards lurk in the treat basket?

One of the biggest hazards to your pet at Halloween is the treat basket by the door. Chocolate is a major no-no (causes heart and nervous system damage), the artificial sweetener Xylitol is poison to your pet (liver failure hazard), and even that "healthy" box of raisins could cause kidney failure.

Here are the top "Dog DON'Ts"

Cat "DOs" and "DON'Ts"

Keep the human treats for the human trick-or-treaters. Fix your own, or invest in some pet-appropriate treats for you beloved furry companions. 

More appropriate dog treats--recipes available from Cesar's Way.

Petfinder offers recipes for both cats and dogs.

And HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

IMAGES: the spilled bucket of Halloween treats photo is from Fabulously Frugal. Many thanks also to Animal General for the great poster of foods that are dangerous for dogs, and to Kara's Critter Care, for the handy "Cat DOs and DON'Ts" chart. Thanks to Cesar's Way for the photo of the bowl of dog treats (along with some homemade treat recipes to try), and to Petfinder for the image of treats for both dogs and cats (plus more recipes).

Countdown to Halloween Pet Safety #2

Avoid the Lost Pet Apocalypse
One Halloween tradition that can terrorize your pet is the dreaded night-stalking trick-or-treater. Even normally level-headed pets can get weirded out by all the strange, and strange-looking, humans appearing at your door. Cats and dogs are equally at risk for bolting out into the night.

Especially if your pet normally hides from visitors, make sure he or she is in a secure, safe place far from trick-or-treat "invaders."

How can you tell if your dog is afraid? Here are some body-language cues. Watch for them!

Even normally-gregarious creatures can get freaked out by large groups of strangers. It's usually best--both for the pets and for trick-or-treating children who may not be used to animals--if your animals are secured somewhere far from the door on Halloween.

Goes equally for other pets! Halloween night is a particularly bad time for an animal to be lost, because sometimes pranksters can be cruel.

The Top of Ohio Pet Shelter has posted a list of preventive measures you can take to protect your pet before s/he gets lost. Have you done all of these things for your best friend? If not, now's a great time to do them!

You do NOT want your pet portrayed on a wall like this! But make sure you have photos in case s/he does get lost.

#1 Take pictures! 
Think "mug shots," here. Take images from front and side(s), and any identifying marks, tattoos, or other characteristics that could be used to identify your pet on sight. Should the worst happen, you'll be prepared to create posters, post on Facebook, etc.

A microchip can make the difference between losing your pet forever and getting him or her safely back home. 

#2 Microchip your pet!
It's quick, almost painless, and getting less expensive the more people do this. It also is an extremely good way to make sure your pet can be identified.

Yes, it's a "cat scan." Microchipping is safe, and all vets and shelters now routinely scan lost pets for them.

#3 License your Pet 
It's the law in most places, anyway--and another form of identification, should your pet become lost. An ID tag on the collar is another good idea.

"Critterbling" on Etsy offers a cute ID tag--the other side can be engraved.

IMAGES: Many thanks to Pet Cat Health for the photo of the cat in hiding, and to the ASPCA for the quick photo-pictorial on frightened-dog body language. The "Please don't let the Cat out" sign is from Scalawags Online, the pano-shot of the lost-pet posters is from The Humane Society of South Mississippi, the comparison of the dog microchip and the grain of rice is from the My Mini-Doxie website (devoted to Miniature Dachshunds). The "cat scan" photo is courtesy of Vet Co (New Mexico), and the clever "Have your people call my people" ID tag is from Critterbling, on Etsy.

Countdown to Halloween Pet Safety #3

Dressed for Terror?
Who isn't a sucker for a creative pet costume? I mean, seriously. If it's fun for people to dress themselves up as whatever their imaginations can devise, it's just as much fun for many of them, to dress up their pets.

I think the verdict is still out for this Italian Greyhound. I know mine would freak out.

Fun for them, not necessarily for their pets. If your pet is a ham at heart--and plenty of them are--then you might want to try some of the ideas in the photos I've been unable to resist, below. But keep scrolling--because not all pets are into this whole "costume" thing.

This "Fluffy" seems to be taking things in stride.

And I'd swear some of these ghost-dogs are smiling.

Nor does this terrier seem particularly terrorized.

Other pets, however, may not be so sanguine about dressing up. Pay attention to their reactions and body language. The cutest idea in the world won't be cute at all, if it turns your loving companion into a freaked-out basket case.

I'm less than sure the E-collar martini-dog is happy about this particular happy hour.

According to the ASPCA, "If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume isn't annoying or unsafe. It should not constrict the animal's movement or hearing, or impede his ability to breathe, bark or meow. Also, be sure to try on costumes before the big night. If your pet seems distressed, allergic or shows abnormal behavior, consider letting him go au naturale or donning a festive bandana."

While this Chia-Pet Frenchie is being a good sport, that look says, "Mom, can I take it off now?"

Is there an unwritten law that IGs get afflicted with more costumes? I'm not sure Sniffer is thrilled.

I couldn't find as many costumed cats as dogs (big surprise), but while we're on a Tootsie-Roll theme . . .

Another thing to consider is the choking hazard that may be posed by some costumes. The ASPCA advises, "make sure it does not have small, dangling or easily chewed-off pieces that he could choke on. Also, ill-fitting outfits can get twisted on external objects or your pet, leading to injury." 

After all, it's no treat if your pet feels he's been trapped in a cruel trick, or if she is injured by an ill-conceived costume. Let's keep Halloween fun and safe for all!

IMAGES: many thanks to Funny Image Collection, for the “Tootsie Roll Pup,” “Fluffy and Harry,” and “Ghost Dog Lineup” photos, and to Romp Rescue for the "Star Wars At-At," "Terrier Package," "Martini E-Collar" and "Chia Pet" photos. The "Tootsie-Roll Cats" photo is from the IGN "Kitties" thread.

Countdown to Halloween Pet Safety #4

Fireproof?
Nearly every creative person I know loves to decorate for Halloween, and one of the most popular decorations is a carved Jack-o-Lantern. Even if we aren't sculptors most of the time, there's something about pumpkin-carving that can stimulate creative juices.

A friend of mine used to have a pumpkin-carving party every year--but it wasn't this big! Wow!

For many of us, there's nothing better than a genuine, burning candle to make old Jack glow at his spookiest, whether he's channeling Batman, lighting up a mini-pumpkin, or otherwise haunting the premises.

But pet-owners, beware! Especially if you own cats (black or other colors).

According to the ASPCA, curious kittens are at particular risk of "getting burned or singed by candle flames," or knocking over pumpkins and starting fires.

We also know how the "cat-in-box" syndrome might sometimes become cat-in-pumpkin, with a potential for things to get knocked off, or for cat-and-all to fall from a table or porch railing to a hard surface below.

In the name of kittens everywhere, please decorate with care, and keep an eye on fierce baby paws!

Yes, I am shamelessly exploiting this opportunity to post cute kitten pictures.

IMAGES: Many thanks to Nassau Happening, for the photo of all the lighted Jack-o-lanterns in a big group. The candles-in-pumpkins images are from Movie Chronicles (Batman) and Instructables (mini-pumpkin). The kittens in the pumpkins are from IGN's "Kitties" thread (single kitten) and Pixdaus (two kittens). Finally, the totally gratuitous "Deadly Predators" fierce kittens pic is from W Files Subreddit.

Countdown to Halloween Pet Safety #5

Wired for Safety?
Decorating for Halloween! Many of my creative friends love this time of year. The decorations can be so colorful, so fanciful, so atmospheric!

Paper Jack-o-Lantern lights for a spooky lighting effect.

I think every year there are more fun lighting options available. For just a little bit of money, you can string up spooky Jack-o-Lanterns, skulls, or other colorful glow-in-the-dark decorations, both indoors and outside.

DIY "eyeball" lights.

But as fun as the lights may be, it pays to remember all the members of your family and household. New kitten? New puppy? Pet gerbils or bunnies? Strings of lights and electrical cords can be too much temptation for some!

Bunny was here! Ouch!

Spooky can be fun! But all the fun goes away if the decorations turn deadly. 

Please take wise precautions!

For the ASPCA's list of Halloween pet safety tips, please see their Halloween Safety page. Please check some of the hyperlinks given in the image credits for other excellent resources:

IMAGES: the photo of the paper Jack-o-Lanterns is from Ideal Home & Garden's Holiday Decorations page. The DIY string of "eyeball" lights is from Landeelu--see the page for full DIY instructions. Many thanks to Canidae for the lolcats-style Corgi (check the page for techniques to keep pets from chewing power cords), to Way of Cats for the "chewin' wires" pic (see that page for kitty-safety tips), and to Bunnyproof for the image of the rabbit-chewed power cord (and ways to keep pet rabbits safe).