From Rea Cord
Elmore County Humane Society
Punishers LEMC Three Rivers provided the images.
It was a fantastic day for the Punishers Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club River Region Chapter benefit poker run for our shelter, and the rain mostly held off. This first-time event had a great turnout, and we loved seeing everyone visit the Shelter to see our pets. After everyone returned to the clubhouse, there was a lot of fun. After all of the bookkeeping is completed later this week, we will receive the entire amount raised. We sincerely appreciate everyone who helped put this together and everyone who showed up to support a fantastic day of riding and animal welfare.
Looking ahead, I hope you have already booked your pet boarding if you have pets and intend to travel for the Fourth of July holiday. Boarding facilities reserve 100% of their space for long weekends, so if you haven’t already, call as soon as possible. All boarding facilities also ask that you update your pet’s immunizations with your veterinarian.
Now that summer is here, it’s important to make sure your pets are secure if they spend the day outside while you’re away. It’s essential to have lots of cool, clean water, shade, and circulating air if you can. Make sure your outdoor pet has enough of access to water and that it is not just in a shaded area. Since some dogs may also lie in the water to cool down, plastic kid-friendly wading pools can be a great idea. Cheap box fans are also an excellent way to move shaded air, but please make sure your dog or dogs can’t chew on the power wire and clean the fan frequently to prevent fire hazards from hair and dust buildup.
Dog homes are like mini-ovens that no pet will want to enter unless they are properly shaded. This summer, if you believe that an unshaded doghouse is sufficient shelter for your pet, have a look and see whether you like it. Naturally, we want dogs and cats to live in your house so they can enjoy the fans or air conditioning with their human family. Maintaining air conditioning is essential for owners of short-nosed dogs, such as Boston Terriers, Frenchies, Bulldogs, Pugs, and more! Even if they have shade, these snub-nose breeds are HOUSE DOGS IN THE SUMMER because they are susceptible to heatstroke or even death if left outside in the intense heat.
Despite the fact that many people enjoy bringing their pets on daily runs, please leave them at home during this time of year. You never know when that short trip to the store may grow into a longer one than anticipated, and your car can transform into a lethal oven in a matter of minutes. Your car may overheat or your air conditioning system may malfunction if you are stuck in a traffic jam. If a modern car is left idling for an extended amount of time, many of them will automatically turn off. Additionally, idling cars’ air conditioners may malfunction or just stop working altogether, with disastrous consequences. Please contact the relevant law enforcement so they can take the proper action if you witness a pet in a parked car during these scorching temperatures.
Additionally, just DON’T put your dog in the back of a pickup truck! Please take your dog in the truck’s cab with you so it may enjoy the air conditioning and be much safer, as the truck’s bed is hot enough to burn your dog’s paws.
Please leave your dog at home if you enjoy attending yard sales, flea markets, and outdoor festivals and activities at this time of year. You may believe that bringing your pet along demonstrates your affection for them, but far too many pets are really miserable—or even endangered—on scorching concrete or sand, and they would be much happier—and healthier—staying at home in the air conditioning, waiting to welcome you back.
Pets are not superhuman entities that can survive in situations that we find unpleasant. Your pet is just as unpleasant in the heat as you are, so please make plans appropriately to keep them safe and content during our lengthy Alabama summer.
