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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Sunday, December 29, 2002

ANIMAL COMPANIONS
Keep pets safe and happy during chaotic, noisy time of year

• Pets easily startled by fireworks
• Adoptables

Hawaiian Humane Society

It's the time of year when we pledge to make life better in the coming year, and for many of us, that includes the animals that are part of our families.

Start close to home. Resolve to devote more time to your animal companions. Give them more attention by playing and you'll both be happier and healthier. Cats love the thrill of chasing a feather or crumpled paper. A maze can be an exciting activity for guinea pigs and rabbits. Dogs appreciate a daily walk and an occasional trip to the dog park for off-leash romping with canine buddies.

Training your dog is a fun way for you and your pooch to grow closer in the year ahead. In a well-run class, both dogs and people will be enjoying themselves. The result is that you?ll gladly spend more time with your well-behaved dog. The Hawaiian Humane Society offers a brochure to help you choose the right trainer.

Other pets can benefit from learning new things too. Cats, birds, rabbits and rodents can be taught to perform tricks, play games such as hide-and seek, or respond to commands such as "come." Whether you're training or simply playing together, all the attention that you give to your companion animal will enhance your relationship. Pledge to walk, train, cuddle or play with your pet every day.

A great resolution that will help protect your pets is to provide them with identification. It's especially important at this time of year. Holiday parties and fireworks can scare pets who can slip out the door unnoticed, become disoriented and lost. With an ID, your pets can tell others that they do have a home, have become lost and need help getting back safely. If you don't have a tag, just write your phone number on your pet's collar using permanent marker or consider contacting your veterinarian for a microchip ID.

Expand your New Year's resolutions to make the world a better place for your pet. Probably the most important thing you can do is to have your animal companion spayed or neutered. The surgery has important health benefits for your pet and ensures your animal will not increase Hawai'i's pet population. The humane society has information about Honolulu's low-cost Neuter Now program, or call your or veterinarian.

Even if you don't have a pet of your own, you can resolve to help animals by volunteering your time with an organization that protects or benefits animals. The humane society has opportunities in all areas of the shelter; you can even "work" without leaving home by becoming a foster care volunteer.

Follow through on the tips above and you'll make 2003 a better year for your own pet and all of Hawai'i's animals.

To request a brochure on dog training, Neuter Now, or to volunteer at the humane society, call 946-2187, ext. 223, and leave your name and address.

• • •

Pets easily startled by fireworks

The flashes and explosions of fireworks frighten animals and can cause them to run away, getting lost or hurt. The Hawaiian Humane Society offers these guidelines for pet owners:

  • Keep pets indoors in a quiet room with the windows closed. Leave a light on and tune the radio to relaxing music. If pets are generally kept outside, bring them into the garage or onto an enclosed lanai.
  • Make sure pets are wearing identification. This ID will help ensure their quick return to you if they become lost. Keep photographs of all pets in case they are lost. The photos will help identify them quicker.
  • Stay with your pets if possible to comfort and reassure them. This is especially important if your animals are excitable.
  • Human tranquilizers are very dangerous for animals, so do not give them to your pets. If you don't have sedatives prescribed by your veterinarian, stay with your pets and make them feel safe.

The humane society is the official lost and found service for animals on O'ahu. If you find a stray, call the society immediately at 946-2187, ext. 285, or bring the animal to the shelter. The incoming animals desk always is open to receive found but lost pets. If you lose an animal, call the same number to report the loss, or come to the shelter during visiting hours to look for your pet. Please bring along a recent photo of your pet.

The Hawaiian Humane Society & McInerny Dog Park at 2700 Wai'alae Ave. are open noon to 8 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends and New Year's Eve. The incoming-animals area always is open. If you've lost or found an animal, call the society immediately at 946-2187, ext. 285. See www.hawaiianhumane.org.

• • •

ADOPTABLES

LIBRA

Tag No. 14328

Like her astrological name, Libra is a well-balanced cat who gets along with people and other cats. She has a fascinating mix of colors that make her coat look like it was painted with a broad brush. Her calico patches are gray, tan and white.

BEAR

Tag No. 11675

Occasionally there are pure-bred animals at the shelter that need homes. Bear is a border collie who is friendly with people and pets alike. Eight years old, he is an adult in the prime of his life. Smart, handsome and trained, Bear will be a magnificent addition to an active family.