It’s a grim subject, but one you need to consider as a pet guardian.  What would your beloved pet do without you?  Although most people take the precautions necessary to prepare their families for death, few realize how important it is to include their pets in their plans. 

Do you know what would happen to your precious companion if something were to happen to you?  Have you appointed a pet-loving friend or family member as the person to care for them?  If you haven’t, the time to start thinking about this is now.

Here are a few of the ways you can prepare your pet for a life without you:

1. Make arrangements for two people to be emergency caregivers for your pets in the event that something happens to you.  Make sure that these individuals can access your home, know how to feed and care for your pets, and are willing to provide or find the animals a permanent, loving home if they are not able to keep them themselves.  Your veterinarian’s name and number should be provided to your caregivers along with any pertinent information regarding your pets. Make sure they have set of keys to your home.
2. Post notices on your doors and windows alerting people about the animals you have in your home.  Clings can be easily applied to glass and serve as a voice for your pets if you’re not around.  Make sure to note the number and type of animals you have.  This will make it easier for all of your pets to be accounted for when all is said and done. 
3. Carry a card in your wallet that declares your intentions for your pets in the event of an emergency.  Make sure to include the names and phone numbers of your caregivers on the card.  Don’t forget to note your address, the types of pets you have, their names, the name of their vet and any special needs they might have.
4. Work with an attorney to provide a legal document that provides for the care and ownership of your pet.  This can be a special will or trust.  Make sure that you’ve set aside enough money to take care of your pet’s needs and clearly state what the funds should be used for.

Determining who will become the guardian of your beloved pets is a hard decision.  You may want to have a "back-up" designated caregiver or two in the event that the person chosen has a life-altering event as well.  If these individuals are your friends, chances are they know how much your pets mean to you. Regardless, it never hurts to drive this point home from time to time. It’s often more difficult to find a home for two or three pets rather than just one, but if you have more than one pet and they have lived together for most or all of their lives, stress how painful it might be for them if they were to be separated. This will help them take on a conscientious role in caring for your dog or cat in the event of an emergency.

April is a busy month.  Not only is it National Poetry Month, it is also Community Service Month, Stress Awareness Month, Pets are Wonderful Month and it’s the topic of my blog today, Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month.  I love that all of these causes coincide, because pets can be celebrated with all of them!  You and your pet can serve the community by bringing joy to Senior Citizens, young patients in a children's hospital, or at a special needs group home. We all know that pets help reduce stress and add so much love to our lives; they deserve to be treasured, loved and protected in return. Sadly, many animals suffer the opposite fate. Let's make Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month EVERY month.

Animal cruelty occurs when someone intentionally injures or harms an animal or when a person willfully deprives an animal of food, water or necessary medical care. Below are some signs that may indicate abuse or neglect:

• Tick or flea infestations
• Wounds on the body
• Patches of missing hair
• Extreme thinness and protruding ribs, indicating starvation
• Limping
• Animals who are repeatedly left alone without food and water and often left chained in a yard
• Animals who are kept outside without shelter in extreme weather conditions
• Animals who cower in fear or act aggressively when approached

According to the Human Society of the United States, there is no national reporting system for abuse to animals. However, Pet-Abuse.com has collected statistics on animal cruelty since 2001. As of October 13, 2012 they have 19,517 cases listed on their web site. The following animal abuse stats for the U.S. are from their database:

Top 5 Types of Abuse

32% neglect or abandonment

12% hoarding

11% shooting

9% fighting

7% beating

6% mutilation/torture

Most of these forms of violence are directed toward dogs, cats, and horses and are self-explanatory. However, hoarding, though not new, is on the rise as a more drastic form of neglect.  With hoarding, animals are collected to a point that their owners cannot physically keep up with, or afford to care for them. Another lesser known risk for animals is living in a home where domestic abuse occurs. The chances they are abused willfully, or become accidental victims, are over 60%.

There are many things you can do to help create awareness of animal cruelty in your community.  Here are a few examples for you to try:

• Go Orange for Animals - Show your support by donning the ASPCA signature color, putting out orange ribbons and encouraging a local school or YMCA to participate. Teach your child what they can do to help animals and urge your local schools or after school programs to integrate humane education curricula...better yet, volunteer to bring an animal to your child's school and teach the curriculum from a local ASCPA facility.
• Help raise funds and awareness by participating in an ASPCA event, such as a bike ride or marathon.  Go to www.teamaspca.org to learn more.
• Establish a dedicated squad of animal cruelty officers or volunteer to work with your community's police officers. If you live in New York State, become an ASPCA HLE Agent. The ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement Division investigates 400 to 500 cruelty complaints a month, which result in approximately 100 arrests per year. The position of HLE Agent at the ASPCA is prestigious and highly sought-after.  ASPCA's HLE agents have investigatory and arrest powers in the entire state of New York.
• Report internet sites that promote cruelty, including fighting, to the FBI.
• Report concerns about a questionable animal breeder by contacting the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
• Report animal abuse to your local ASPCA.  Without you, most animals would remain in abusive situations, unable to defend themselves. You are their voice. When reporting abuse, follow these simple steps: Write a simple, factual statement of what you observed using names, contact info, dates and times; provide photographs if possible. Let officers know you are serious and willing to lend assistance. Keep a record of who you spoke with about the abuse, as well as any documents you provided; make sure to follow up.

 And now, to tie this all in with National Poetry Month, I give you this rather Shakespearian verse of Susanna Strickland Moodie's (803-1885) -- The Dying Hunter to his Dog:

"Lie down -- lie down! -- my trusty hound!

Death comes, and we must part --

In my dull ear strange murmurs sound --

More faintly throbs my heart;

The many twinkling lights of heaven

Scarce glimmer in the blue --

Chill round me falls the breath of even,

Cold on my brow the dew;

Earth, stars, and heavens, are lost to sight --

The chase is o'er! -- brave friend, good night!"

I'm late! March 3^rd through the 9^th was the 19th annual Professional Pet Sitters Week. I meant to share this with you earlier, but it seems I missed my mark… sigh… The annual celebration highlights the important role pet care professionals play in our lives and the lives of our pets. Not only are there some wonderful kennels, B&B-type homes and "resorts" similar to Tappen Hill in beautiful Sebastopol, just a bit North of San Francisco, but there are also pet sitters who will care for your pets right in your own home.  I've always been fortunate enough to have pet sitters and good friends who know and love Opal and Dixie (and vice versa) stay in my home with them when I'm away. I believe the girls prefer to be in their own familiar environment, not to mention that Nunu, their kitty, gets very lonely when her sisters are gone for too long. If you have yet to find a pet sitter and are in the market for one, below are a few tips that come to mind:

· Ask for references and read reviews put out by other pet owners. If you’re thinking about using a pet sitting business, see if they’re rated by the Better Business Bureau, or if they're members of Pet Sitters International, the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters, representing more than 7,000 independent professional pet-sitting businesses in the United States, Canada and abroad. Take a few minutes to get acquainted with their reviews online. Ask individuals for references and make a few calls to see what people have to say about the pet sitter before hiring them to care for your animals.

· Does the person or business carry commercial liability insurance? Are they bonded? This is the only way you can protect your pet from accidents and neglect and protect yourself against loss in case your pet is stolen while you’re away.

· Is your pet sitter First Aid and CPR certified? If needed, can the individual or business perform basic First Aid on your pet if they were to become ill or injured?

· What type of services will the sitter provide? How often will they walk your pet? Will they groom your pet if needed? Will they be around all the time, or will the animal be placed in a kennel where they will be alone at times?

· What kind of contract do they have on file for you? You’ll want to have a written contract in place that spells out the terms and services provided by the pet sitter. You’ll also want to know exactly what you have to pay and when.

Pet sitters are excellent caregivers for your animals. It’s important to know which one is right for your family. Use the tips above to select an individual or business to tend to your dog or cat while you’re gone. Rest assured that your cherished pet is in good hands by choosing a pet sitter that is caring, responsible, and well-trained.

With the New Year comes change.  Whether you like it or not, things just... change.  Rather than hide beneath the covers when thinking about New Year's Resolutions, why not embrace them this year? Your pet can be a big motivator when it comes to meeting your goals.

Here are just a few of the ways that your dog or cat can help you reach your goals in 2013:

• Get more exercise.  Here's your excuse to get active! Take your dog for longer walks or play with your kitty throughout the day. Buy yourself a pedometer and aim for a set amount of steps daily. Make extra trips to the kitchen to check your pet's food and water bowl if you need an excuse to get up and get moving.
• Volunteer for a worthy cause.   Contact schools and healthcare facilities in your community to see if you can volunteer to bring your dog or cat in for a visit. Children and the elderly love interacting with animals. Studies prove that stroking a pet's fur has a calming effect. Become a regular volunteer and spread happiness wherever you go!
• Be more patient.  Ever caught yourself getting irritated with things that are out of your control? Don't worry; we've all had moments like that. Pets teach us patience.  Like children, they depend on us and love unconditionally. If you want to learn how to be more patient, spend time with a puppy or kitty as they're being potty trained. If you don't loosen up your high expectations after that experience, you never will!
• Love without limits.  One look into your dog or cat's eyes will allow you to see the love and appreciation that they have for you. Pets don't hold grudges.  They're willing to greet you after a long day at work with a wag or flick of their tails. Love others the way you love your pets. Without expectations. Without judgment.
• Travel often.  With pet-friendly lodging widely available, there's no reason for you to leave your dogs and cats at home. Pay the pet fee and rest assured that your furry friends are being well cared for. Many hotels and resorts offer special amenities for pets. Don't forget to inquire about these things before making your reservation. Travel well and travel often. Your pets will enjoy it every bit as much as you will.

Enlist the help of your pet this New Year's and reap the benefits of sticking to your resolutions. Make 2013 your best year yet!