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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Sunday, April 20, 2003

ANIMAL COMPANIONS
Easter sweets aren't suitable for animals

Hawaiian Humane Society

Sweets are not treats for your pets. When Peter Rabbit hippity-hops his way down the bunny trail and into your home, make sure he leaves your Easter baskets out of paws' reach.

Treat-filled baskets with chocolate bunnies and sugar-coated marshmallow ducks can be hazardous, and even fatal, if your pet eats them.

Before you dish out Kitty's Easter supper, resist the impulse to give her a sample of your table food, because human food is not appropriate for her. Even milk is not recommended because it can cause diarrhea. Animals have special needs that can be met by any nutritionally balanced pet food.

If you think that an expensive brand of food always is better than a cheaper brand, think again. Price does not necessarily reflect quality, so check the ingredients on the bag and be sure that protein is listed within the top three. Also, check for an expiration date and choose the freshest package available.

Even if you are careful not to feed your pets table scraps, make sure your family and friends follow your example. Let them know that no matter what kind of sad, droopy-eyed look Pup gives them, he is not allowed to eat any human food.

Keep coffee, onions, macadamia nuts, alcohol, fatty foods and dough out of his reach. Other delicious dangers that Pup may find hard to withstand are sugars and chocolate. These sweets are a delight that he may not be able to resist so, help protect him from the temptation. Put your Easter indulgences in a cupboard or on a high counter out of his reach. Give him a dog biscuit instead.

Make sure to plan ahead and paw-proof your Easter treats and gift baskets. Don't leave them where inquisitive cats or dogs may come across the enchanting aromas and nestle their noses where they do not belong. If your pet does begin munching on your goodies, have your veterinarian's number handy so you can seek treatment quickly. The sooner your cat or dog is examined, the less likely the Easter treats will be fatal.

Gingham Dog and Cat Biscuits

  • 1 cup whole-wheat flour
  • 2 tablespoons wheat germ
  • 1/4 cup bran flakes
  • 1/4 cup soy flour
  • 1 tablespoon molasses
  • 2 tablespoons oil or fat
  • 1 tablespoon kelp or salt
  • 1 teaspoon sage
  • 1/2 teaspoon bone meal
  • 1/3 cup milk or water

Mix all ingredients together. Knead and shape into crescents, rounds or sticks for dogs. For cats, rollout and cut into narrow strips or ribbons. Bake 25-30 minutes in a 350-degree oven until lightly toasted. Watch the narrow strips, as they tend to get done sooner than others. If the biscuits are not hard enough, leave them in the oven with the heat turned off for an hour or as long as desired.

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ADOPTABLES

Jasper

Tag No. 24548

This big, amiable cat enjoys socializing with people and some other cats. At age 6, Jasper qualifies for the Seniors for Seniors program. Jasper's adoption fee will be waived for those who are 60 or older. Find out more about Jasper from an adoptions counselor.

Kai

Tag No. 16367

At 18 months of age, Kai is tall, brown and handsome. He gets along with other dogs and loves to play. This pit mix has learned good manners through the shelter animal behavior program. He will be happy joining a loving family with children.

Misc.

These particular animals already may have been adopted. Come see all the wonderful pets at 2700 Wai'alae Ave., noon to 8 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays including Easter. The incoming-animals area always is open. Phone 946-2187, ext. 285 immediately for lost or found pets. Also see www.hawaiianhumane.org.