ANIMAL COMPANIONS
You can have a pet even if you're allergic

Hawaiian Humane Society

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Pet pictures Celebrate your relationship by entering your pet's photo in the Hawaiian Humane Society's 2004 Pets in Paradise Calendar. The $15 entry fee helps care for lost, abused and homeless animals. Every photo is included in the full-color calendar and 14 will be featured on full pages and the cover. July 31 is the deadline for photos. Pick up an entry form at the humane society office or download one from the calendar of events at www.hawaiianhumane.org.

While an animal provides companionship and unconditional love, your pet will also require training, veterinary care, time, attention and even tolerance.

Tolerance is especially necessary when a person is allergic to his or her companion animal.

On the Web site at www.petpopulation.org, the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy ranks the top ten reasons for pet relinquishment to shelters in the United States, and allergies are right up near the top of the list. So understanding allergies is important for those who live with animals.

About 2 million people who are allergic to cats live with at least one cat anyway, so it's clear that the benefits of pet companionship outweigh the drawbacks of pet allergies for many people.

The source of irritation to pet-allergic humans is allergens that are found on the animal's skin and in the saliva and urine, too. When saliva dries on the fur, the tiny irritants become airborne. To reduce the symptoms of allergies, take these steps:

For you:

• When you clean your home, refresh the litter box or bathe your pet, wear a dust mask and rubber gloves.
• Ask your doctor to test for a variety of things that you may be reacting to, such as pollen, mold and perfume, in addition to your pet. Reducing each might allow you to live in harmony with your pet.
• Consider allergy shots to gradually desensitize your system to pet allergens.

For your home:

• Create an "allergy free" place in your home (such as the bedroom) and keep your pet in the other rooms.
• Invest in an air cleaner, refresh your air conditioner filters often, and use a vacuum cleaner that filters out allergens.
• Avoid furnishings that attract and hold allergens such as cloth curtains and carpeted floors. Get washable cotton slipcovers for the furniture.

For your pet:

• A weekly bath for your pet can reduce the level of allergens on fur by as much as 84 percent. Ask your veterinarian for bathing tips.
• Brush your pet's fur as often as possible, and do it outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Cats should be brushed in a safe place, such as a screened porch.
• Launder your pet's bed separately.

Find an allergist who understands your commitment to living with your pet.

The combination of medications and good housecleaning allows many allergic persons to live happily with pets.

ADOPTABLES

Nani

Tag No. 12434

Striking a pose that could get her a spot in the 2004 Pet Calendar is Nani, a light brown and white medium-size dog. At 2 years of age, Nani is active and fun-loving. She enjoys the company of other dogs and people of all ages.

Bonnie

Tag No. 14270

Here's a lass with yellow eyes and a tabby coat of brown and tan tiger stripes with white accents. She ?s only 9 months old, already litter-trained and very affectionate. Look for Bonnie in Room 3 at the Cat House.

These particular animals may have already found homes. Please visit to see all the wonderful pets in person. The Hawaiian Humane Society & McInerny Dog Park at 2700 Wai'alae Ave. are open noon to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. 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.