"Howl"-o-ween

Blogging Friends.... It is quite timely that I need to repost this today. I am still riding the waves of mood swing-infused pity parties. There have been conflicting thoughts/feelings/emotions, plus tears. It is really very healthy, as God grows/matures me!! I'm learning how to take my board and surf sans drowning, I suppose. So. Surf's up!! When I'm riding the waves of mood swing-infused pity parties, I need three things. I want chocolate. {Which, surprisingly, I have not binged on!! I am a recovering chocolate addict, remember?} I need Robert Downey Jr.  And I find myself writing as though life depends on it!! This time, however, it isn't posts about Rose for Beautifully Unique. Not yet!! No, I have been writing creative fictional children's stories for "Minuscule is good!". November's post? It is "in the can", as that phrase goes. And December's Christmas-themed story? It should be finished today!! Stay tuned!!

        

My goodness, is it really that time of year again? Halloween!! It is merely two days away!! Last night, I carved my plump, very, very unique-looking, nearly hollow pumpkin. It has "scars" all over one side, {Which, I love!!} and looks so disfigured, it may as well have craniosynostosis!! {No offense to any of my Beautifully Unique Kindred Spirits out there!! I am only poking fun at me!! And the weird-looking pumpkin!!} I was unsure of what, exactly, to carve this year. So, I just stabbed the knife in my pumpkin, then gave "him" one square eye and smirk!! Done!! As Halloween is so swiftly looming ahead of us, here are some tips for assuring our beautiful four-legged canines' safety!! I hope that they're helpful!!

 

{Words taken from our local dog shelter's Web site, plus a HealthyPets e-mail}

 

Halloween can be a fun time for our children, but not necessarily for our pets. Please follow these tips, and share them with others, to help keep pets safe this Halloween. Protect your pet by keeping {him} indoors. Trick-or-treaters' excited voices and costumes could spook your dog causing {her} to run off and get lost. Make sure your dog is wearing identification just in case. Many pets get spooked and escape. Unfortunately they end up in shelters without identification. Pets can also easily become victims of trick-or-treaters if left outside and unattended. Keep your pet confined away from the door as you greet trick-or-treaters to prevent it from darting outdoors. {We do not encounter many trick-or-treaters, other than neighbor kids!! During this time, Rose is kept--against her own will--in our great room behind closed French doors!!} On Halloween, your dog may feel {his} territory is being invaded by the onslaught of odd visitors. Keeping your dog in a secluded area of the house will help {her} stay calm and prevent {him} from growling or possibly biting a visiting ghoul or goblin. {Although my ever-friendly Rose would never feel invaded, and her worst defense against ghouls or goblins would be a series of excitable "Beagle" bays!!} It may help to provide a chew toy or a toy stuffed with treats, like a KONG which may help reduce stress. You may also want to crate your dog. Keep Halloween candy out of your pets reach because it can make your pet sick. In fact, chocolate can be fatal to dogs! {Because chocolate contains twain hazardous ingredients: Caffeine and theobromine. If Rose were to eat an ounce per pound of her body weight, she could be in grave trouble!! Thus say the experts!! That is when it would be absolutely necessary to induce vomiting!! Plus rush her in the direction of our nearest emergency center.} The wrappers, such as tin foil, can also get stuck in your pet's digestive tract, making them sick. If you have to take your dog with you outside, make sure you use a short leash for the most control, and that your pet is highly visible at all times. Also make sure your pet doesn't stop to eat anything off of the ground. Don't dress your pet in a costume unless you know they love it. {I'm afraid that Rose would disown me for dressing her in a costume!!} Otherwise, it will put a lot of stress on your pet. Be sure costumes are safe and will not choke your pet. Also, make sure your pet has a clear view and that their noses are not covered. Your dog can also be a hazard to {her}self. If your house has a lot of decorations, your dog may knock them over with a wag of the tail and burn {him}self. Be sure that your decorations are not pet accessible. And, when the trick-or-treaters have gone home for the night, don't forget to reward your pet's good behavior with treats made especially for him/her, like dog biscuits. {I intend to bake Rose a batch of peanut butter biscuits. On Halloween. A recipe post will soon follow!! So stay tuned, dear Friends!!}