Holiday Pet Dangers

ANIMAL RESCUE AND CARE IS NOT A JOB, ITS A PASSION!

As we celebrate our sixteenth year, I thought I would give my yearly pet danger advise in a 'fun serious song' (for those of us who love oxymorons like military-intelligence or dobermans, the gentle guard dog!)  However, I digress.  As 2006 approaches our new Mrs. McDonald outreach program is rolling along. For those of you who happened to catch our musical at the LA County sponsored Topanga Disaster Fair at Topanga Elementary, we had children AND adults singing composer Ken Mazur's songs and weeping at his 'Don't Leave Me Behind!'  Headquartered at The Topanga Coyote Club, our local community education center at Pine tree Circle, Topanga Animal Rescue will soon commence animal education classes for children and adults with exciting speakers and invaluable information on pets and wildlife. Look for these classes in February of 2006.The best news of all is that in 2006 we will have full non-profit status. (as opposed to now being NO profit, out of pocket, scrimping by, whipping the hat round etc.. Ah well, you get the picture.) We'd like to thank everyone that contributed last year to our cause.  And we send a furry and feathery thanks from all the critters that were helped by your generosity.

Oh yes, perhaps you've wondered why our hotline says 'if you have not heard back within an hour please call another agency to help the animal in distress.'   Simply, at the moment, Topanga Animal Rescue is a two and a half person show!  Sometimes it's not possible to get back to people if we are already out in the field, in a cellular void, in the road or the ditch or the creek bed etc.. This will change with your help! We would LOVE volunteers. We NEED volunteers. We can and will train you. Animal care and rescue is not a job--its a passion! If you want to read stories of some of our rescues or just want to find out more about us, visit www.TopangaAnimalRescue.com.

In case you don't know us yet and haven't a moment to visit our site, here is a brief description of our organization:

"Topanga Animal Rescue provides immediate medical field triage and treatment for domestic and wild animals in Topanga. In addition to  placing homeless domestic animals in new homes, the organization provides community education classes covering the responsibilities of domestic animal ownership, and the challenges of living close to and preserving local wildlife. TAR also serves as center for training of volunteers  in emergency animal handling and restraint through out the county.

Although Topanga Canyon is home to over 12,000 people, it is located in the middle of undeveloped State and Federal park land in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Topanga Canyon Boulevard serves as a major route through these mountains between the San Fernando Valley and the Coast. Over 20,000 cars per day (at least) travel in the canyon. The juxtaposition of people, wild and domestic animals, and fast moving vehicles creates and an environment that endangers all. Animals are often hit by cars. Domestic animals are attacked by wild animals or simply abandoned in Topanga. An emergency medical triage and treatment and relocation program is essential to well being of all these animals and the safety of the people of this community."

And remember,  its unadvisable to give anyone a pet for Christmas.  Firstly, they may not really want it. Secondly, new pets need routine and calm if they are to settle into a new home and the holiday season is not the time for this.

Peace on earth to all creatures great and small,

Susan Alice Clark
FOUNDER, TOPANGA ANIMAL RESCUE

Holiday Cautions for Critters
Sing to the tune of 'Jingle Bells'

Chorus
Jingle belly, jingle belly, jingle all the way,
Oh what fun it is to ride,
to the vet on Xmas day.
Jingle belly, jingle belly jingle all the way.
We'll help you avoid the trip,
and this is what we say:

Verse
Dogs and cats are quick, so keep the decor high,
Keep the chocolate out of reach even if they cry,
Tinsel on the tree can be a danger too,
If they do ingest the stuff they can't go to the loo!  Oh...

Oh jingle belly jingle belly jingle all the way...

Verse
Toxic plants are bad and here's a few for you.
Deadly mistletoe, pointsettia, balsam too
Juniper and fir, holly and your pine,
None of these will leave your little
Fluffy feeling fine, oH..

Oh jingle belly jingle belly jingle all the way....

Verse
Don’t give the bones or fat to dogs on Xmas day.
Watch your candles too, they often love the taste.
Keep the spirits high but don't give them the rum,
Its very dangerous for them and not just for their tums,

Oh jingle belly jingle belly jingle all the way...

Verse
Tell your lovely guests there's something you request.
Don’t sneak table scraps, you know Fido best
Hide all electric cords, keep rubber bands at bay,
We wish you lots of safety rules for all the holidays!

Oh jingle belly, jingle belly jingle belly jingle all the way....