Living in San Francisco, we're only too aware of natural disasters that occur without warning and force people out of their homes at a moment's notice.  Heavy snowfall this winter season has caused a number of cities back East to flood and countless homes to be destroyed because of rising water levels. A good friend of mine in Masschusetts is dealing with that nightmare at this very moment. Here in California, we worry about the ubiquitous "faults" becoming restless underground and erupting into The Big One. Having a plan in advance ensures that every member of our families, including the four legged, finned, and/or feathered ones, get out safely.

The Humane Society of the United States urges Americans to prepare for the worst by coming up with an evacuation plan.  In a Press Release dated March 30^th, 2010, HSUS Director of Field Services Arnold Baer stated, "If it isn't safe for you, it isn't safe for your pets."

The organization also recommends having some much needed supplies on hand to help ease your worries.  Some of the items include:

• Several days worth of food and water stored in air-tight containers.
• Food dishes and water bowls (collapsible if possible to save space).
• The pet's medical history, reports of vaccination, and allergies stored in a waterproof folder or envelope.
• Current photos of your pet with identifying markings noted.
• Medications and first aid supplies.
• Blankets and toys.
• Small garbage bags.
• A litter box for cats.
• Leashes and collars for dogs.
• Pet carriers to place the pets in.

Evacuation shelters commonly won't accept pets so having a backup plan for Fido and Fluffy is ideal.  San Francisco is famous for its pet-friendly hotels, but in a disaster, rooms may not be readily available. An alternative plan is to make note of any friends or family members willing to care for your pets in emergency situations.  Arrange to drop your pets off with these individuals before moving on to a hotel or safe house.  Knowing that your animals are being cared for takes the weight off your shoulders in a big way.  It also makes it easier for you to focus on the safety of you and your family.

Hurricane Katrina took New Orleans by surprise.  A number of pets and owners were reunited after successful rescue operations found the animals alive.  Pre-evacuation preparedness would have made the rescue process go much smoother.  Most of the homes in the heavily flooded areas were declared a total loss.  Possessions that were left behind were water logged and destroyed.  This included any medical information and personal photographs that would have helped rescuers reunite families with their beloved pets.  Having these items on hand would have made the recovery process that much faster.

It’s always better to be safe than sorry.  No one knows when disaster will strike.  Having supplies on hand and accessible can prevent confusion when a situation does arise.  It is important be level headed and to make sure that every member of your family gets to live a long happy life.

Buying bunnies to give to children on Easter is a bad idea unless a promise is made to care for the bunny through thick and thin, until its dying day.  In addition to being high maintenance, these furry creatures are prone to claw, chew, and spray everything around them if they are not spayed or neutered.  Although they appear cute and cuddly when they are small, their sharp claws need constant maintenance to prevent them from ripping through clothing, furniture, and their owner"s skin.  Individuals who are unable to keep up with their new pets often abandon them after a short time.

The House Rabbit Society works hard to place these animals in loving, nurturing homes.  It also provides detailed information about caring for your new pet.  If you are not willing to make the same kind of commitment that you would to other pets, you might reconsider adopting a rabbit.  Although the animals can be litterbox trained, it does not mean that they can roam around a home freely without supervision.  It also does not mean that they will adapt easily to their environment or be able to control their bowels the way that trained dogs and cats do. The kindest environment, although not the only environment, is one with a garden or patio for a bunny to hop around and roam in.

Rabbits are lovely, sentient creatures that are dependent on you for their care.  Not everyone is cut out to take care of one, however, and the House Rabbit Society warns that, "They have a lifespan of 10 years and require as much work as a dog or cat."  If you want your child to have an Easter bunny, consider buying a hollowed chocolate one. 

The Easter Bunny poem written Mary Brandolino illustrates the treatment many bunnies receive once they grow up to be rabbits:

"Once a cute and cuddly bunny
Like a little ball of cotton
Now I'm grown up and forgotten
In my cage.

I don't know what went wrong
At the home I did inhabit
I just grew to be a rabbit
In my cage."

Please do your part and conduct thorough research before bringing a bunny home.  You must have the space, the time, the patience, the commitment and the love to properly care for one of these precious creatures.

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is crying foul.  The organization's tests have revealed that much of the "faux fur" sold by many retailers is actually anything but synthetic.  Tests have proven that the material often comes from fur-bearing animals including dogs, cats, and raccoon dogs that were raised in deplorable conditions in China. 

You might ask yourself how this is possible.  It's simple, really.  Due to a loophole in the Federal Fur Products Labeling Act, one in seven fur coats are not labeled accurately as containing fur.

Clothing label Sean Jean went under fire recently for offering its Hooded Snorkel Jacket with "imitation rabbit fur collar" for sale on Macys.com.  A spectrometry test conducted by the HSUS determined that the fur came from a canine species known as a "raccoon dog".  Other retailers' furs failed the test which led the HSUS to urge Congress to make an amendment of the Dog and Cat Protection Act-which bans the sale of dog or cat fur in the United States-to include "raccoon dogs" that are tortured and killed regularly in China.

Fifty million animals worldwide are exploited for their coats.  The HSUS works hard to educate the public about fur-free, fashionable alternatives.  You can learn more about them by visiting http://www.furfree.hsus.org.

Stella McCartney, the daughter of Beatle Paul McCartney and the late Linda McCartney, is a fashion designer who refuses to use fur or leather in her clothing lines.  A lacto-ovo vegetarian who has worked with celebrities like Madonna and Liv Tyler, McCartney has been applauded worldwide for her cruelty-free designs. 

Activist Ashley Paige put herself through college by designing handmade knit bikinis and selling them to her friends.  In one year's time, her work was featured on the cover of eight nationally known magazines including the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.  Her designs have been scooped up by celebrities and featured in television shows.  She has authored a book and founded a non-profit organization named RuffHouZen Rescue which has helped thousands of animals.  She uses the press to her advantage by wearing animal friendly slogans on t-shirts and hosts weekly pet adoptions in her boutique-studio in Hollywood.

The fashion industry does not have to exploit sentient beings for profit.  You can do your part by educating those around you about the risks of "faux fur".  You can also launch a letter campaign and write retailers who willingly sell these items despite concerns from the public. 

Be conscientious and well-informed.  Know where products come from and what items are deemed "organic" and "cruelty-free" before purchasing them.  A little bit of preparation can go a long way in protecting our furry friends.  Sign a petition and get the word out about China's treatment of animals.  The greatest weapon against injustice that we have is our voice.

He's been your devoted sidekick for as long as you can remember.  You've taken long walks on the beach together and have calmed each other's anxieties during the toughest of times.  You provided physical, emotional, and financial support to him after he had his leg operated on and he showed you gratitude by meeting you at the door and planting a dozen wet kisses on your face. 

Up until this point, he has been your greatest source of comfort and the best friend that you always wished for.  With that in mind, it just wouldn't feel right to plan your wedding without him.  In fact, following traditions has never been your thing so why not plan your ceremony the way that you want it and include your beloved pal as a best man, or ring bearer?

A number of pet lovers around the world opt to include their furry friends in their nuptials.  Pet-friendly hotels and banquet halls around the country work hard to accommodate every member of your wedding party (even those with four legs!).  With that in mind, here are a few ways to prepare your dog for what is yet to come:

1.  Decide what role you want your pal to play.  Base this decision on your pet's breed, age, and temperament.  Some dogs are better suited for minor roles while others can play a bigger part in the ceremony.

2.  Give your pooch the pampering he or she deserves.  A day or two before the ceremony, make a visit to your groomer.  Have the dog shampooed (Opie & Dixie's Herbal Shampoo is a great choice, if I may say so myself!) and his or her coat spruced up.  Brush the dog thoroughly pre-ceremony to remove dander.

3.  Choose what duds your doggie will don.  Will a tiny tux or tiara do the trick or something as simple as a bow be more appropriate?  Doggie Clothesline offers affordable options to fit any budget.

4.  Designate a peacekeeper that can quietly intervene if your pup is being uncooperative.  Plan a discreet exit strategy for that person.  Give them instructions on how to deal with your misbehaving canine.

5.  Do not feed your pet or give him or her access to water before the ceremony.  A little accident can do a lot to ruin your big day.  No one likes poo on the bottom of their dress shoes... or any other shoes, for that matter!

6.  Allow ample time for photographs.  Your pet may grow restless and bored prior to meeting up with the photographer.  Be patient and allow plenty of time for your wedding party to get filmed.  Adjust your doggie's clothing and find a guest who is willing to sit with your pet if he or she becomes unruly.

Marital bliss is one goal you will want to achieve as a couple.  Make the transition as smooth as possible for your dog by including him or her in your activities prior to your big day.  No matter how large or small the breed, your pet can play a big role in your wedding ceremony or reception as long as you plan for it ahead of time.

Move over Lassie, there's a more heroic dog in town!  A five year old paralyzed dachshund recently made headlines because of the role that he plays as a pet therapy dog.  Once a week, Super Lance, a nickname given to him by adoring fans, visits Miami Children's Hospital and serves as inspiration to the youngsters who spend their days recovering from serious illnesses and lifesaving surgeries.  The pint sized pooch had his spinal cord damaged by two herniated discs which made it possible to get around without assistance.  Caio Stinchi, Lance's owner ordered a custom-made wheelchair for the dog and he rediscovered the pleasure of gaining his mobility back.  That gave Stinchi an idea.  She and her husband registered Lance as a therapy dog and make weekly visits on Tuesdays.  The children and nurses look forward to his visits where each patient receives a sticker with a picture of Super Lance and a booklet containing the dog's courageous story.  A mural in the hospital's main lobby is testimony to the success of the program.  Lance is included in the scene.

Therapy Dogs Inc., based in Wyoming, helped the couple train, test, and register Lance.  As part of the therapeutic process, the dog is not allowed to bark because it can startle and scare the children.  He also is not allowed to lick the patients or their families because of strict hospital guidelines.

Children love to take Lance for a walk.  His unique condition makes it easier for young people to sympathize with him.  The patients and staff at the hospital are all smiles the minute the dog walks through the door.

To find out how you can register your pet as a therapy animal, visit Therapy Dogs Inc.  There you will find the forms that you need to fill out to have your dog tested for the program. 

Wendy Nan Rees and Kristen Hampshire, authors of the Dog Lover's Daily Companion: 365 Days of Tips, Tricks, and Techniques for Living a Rich Life with Your Dog offer this recipe for a basic doggie deodorant:

MATERIALS

2 bowls

1 cup (110 g) arrowroot flour, sifted

1 cup (110 g) cornstarch, sifted

¼ cup (18.4 g) baking soda

10 drops of tea tree oil

10 drops of sage, bergamot, grapefruit, lemongrass, or eucalyptus essential oil (from a natural foods store)

Empty shaker bottle

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Mix the dry ingredients together in a bowl.
2. Add the oils and stir gently.
3. Sift the mixture into another bowl.  Resift, if necessary, to distribute the oils well.
4. Put the mixture into a jar with a shaker top.
5. To use, shake over dog's fur and brush.

Pampering your pooch has never been easier.  Websites like Frugal Living and Rover's Recipes offer homemade recipes for Flea Repellent and Spray.  Here at Opie & Dixie, we offer herbal shampoos and soothing balms for your pet's paws.  Peruse our store and choose the right type of product to spoil your canine or feline with.

When whipping up a batch of treats, don't forget to sew up a catnip toy or two for your kitty.  Also check out some natural litter box deodorizers recipes.   You'll be thanking yourself later for thinking ahead.  Cats can be very finicky.  You don't want Tabby to turn her back on you completely because you forgot to freshen up her litter box!   A clean kitty is a happy kitty.

Caring for your pet takes time and energy.  After treating your dog or cat to a day of luxury, spend a moment pampering you.  Draw a hot bath, light a few candles, and soak up some much needed rest and relaxation.  Play soft music in the background and reflect upon the moments that make you the happiest.  More often than not, these memories will include your four legged, feathered, and finned friends.

Pet lovers are special people.  To open up your heart and home to an animal in need is remarkable.  Nurturing, caring for, and building a relationship with a pet takes time but is certainly worth the effort.  A little TLC goes a long way.

Grab that empty shaker bottle and get busy deodorizing your doggie and freshening up after kitty.  Your pet will appreciate the gesture and show their gratitude to you by nuzzling your hand or giving you some well-deserved kisses.

Women around the world inherit items from loved ones that they do not want or need.  Many of these items include fur coats and stoles.  Rather than toss these articles out, opt instead to make a tax-deductible donation to PETA. 

In addition to using them in their educational programs and displays, PETA also gives them to impoverished people in bitterly cold climates like Afghanistan.  The coats are then cut into blanket sized pieces and given to refugees who put the fur to good use.

Clean out your closet and send the contents along with your name, address, and an appraisal if you have one to:

PETA Development Department

501 Front Street

Norfolk, Virginia 23510

To learn more about the program and the people of Afghanistan visit PETA's campaign, Fur is Dead.

In addition to helping people, fur coats are actually used in shelters and zoos to keep their animals warm.  The Humane Society of the United States runs a Coats for Cubs Program.  Wildlife rehabilitators use the coats and stoles with their animal patients.  Raccoons, rabbits, foxes, squirrels, and bobcats respond better to treatment when snuggled up to a fur blanket.  It reminds them of the comfort they received when being nurtured by their mothers.

There is no need to waste a thing in today's society.  Do a web search and find the type of organization that accepts the types of items that you want to give away.  In addition to receiving a tax deduction, you also get to help people and animals in need.  In my opinion, there is no better gift to give than a gift from the heart. 

You don't have to be financially privileged to make a charitable donation.  In fact, Nicole Bochard Boles' book, How to Be an Everyday Philanthropist: 330 Ways to Make a Difference In Your Home, Community, and World At No Cost provides numerous pages on ways that you can help the animals in your community with your time and unwanted belongings.  In fact, page 67 of the book mentions the Cage Comforter Program which accepts donations of handmade comforters that are in return used to replace the newspaper that lines cages in animal shelters.  A small way to help traumatized animals adjust better to their conditions, the program's website has instructions on how to start your own group in the city that you live in.

Clean out your closet and take pride in knowing that something that is no longer useful to you is extremely valuable to someone else.  In the spirit of the new year, make 2010 one that you are proud of.  Make giving a part of every facet of your life and see how different your life becomes.  "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

Sit.  Heel. Stay.  These are commands that most well-trained dogs learn.  If Fido passed obedience classes with flying colors and responds well to direction, then you might consider letting him go off-leash.  If he is prone to chasing cars and can't be tempted by treats, he might not be the ideal candidate when it comes to roaming free.

Here's how you can be absolutely sure that your pooch is ready to lose the leash.  Ask yourself:

• Does my dog know how to heel when asked?
• Does he or she stay put until given the signal to get up?
• Do treats work as an incentive in getting him or her to comply with orders?

Training doesn't always come easy.  It requires patience on your behalf.  You must be willing to shower your pooch with praise when he or she follows your command.  Having a tasty snack or two on hand as a source of encouragement is ideal.  A pat on the head or scratch of the ear will not always be enough to get your dog to repeat his or her past good behavior.

Positive reinforcement is necessary, especially when training younger dogs.  Their playful nature may cause them to be rambunctious and rebellious at times.  If this behavior isn't nipped in the bud, you may have no choice but to keep your pup on a leash.

Leash free dog parks are popping up around the nation, and California just may lead the pack, with Carmel being possibly one of the most dog friendly cities in the entire country. Opal, Dixie and I love living in San Francisco, where we have many leash-free areas. Their favorite is their "beach by the bay," Crissy Field, where on any given day you can find an array of happy pups romping around. No matter where you live, DogPark.com offers a complete listing of leash free parks in the United States and Canada. There is no price to join the site, and if you register your dog's birthdate, they'll receive a special greeting on their big day. A dog can never get too many birthday greetings!

Allowing your pet to go leash free is a big decision.  It is not only a matter of preference, but of safety. Running free should never, EVER lead to running away. Any questions or concerns that you might have can be best addressed by conducting a simple web search or consulting a good obedience trainer.