Second Chance: September and Emergency Prep

25 Sep Second Chance: September and Emergency Prep

Lilly

During September, National Disaster Preparedness Month, Second Chance Humane Society would like to remind pet owners to prepare for emergencies by taking some simple – but critical – steps to keep your companions safe.  And, with the recent flooding and subsequent evacuations and emergency situations that people and pets were finding themselves in during the horrible flooding in the Boulder area, this is a good time to be reviewing our information. Natural disasters can hit anywhere – even in our own backyard.

In conjunction with National Preparedness Month Second Chance is reviewing (below) how to create a pet emergency kit that will prove effective if the need arises. At the top of the list for pet parents is making sure your pets have micro-chips – contact Second Chance about our discounted micro-chipping program–  the best way to locate your pet should an emergency cause a parting of ways.

Other critical items for the pet emergency kit are as follows:

• Three-or-more-day supply of food in airtight, waterproof container, and drinking water
• Bowls for food and water
• Current photos and physical description of your pets, including details on markings (ideally you should also be in the photo)
• Medications, vaccination records and pet first aid supplies
• Comfort items such as a toy and blanket
• For dogs include: leash, harness and a sturdy carrier (with pet’s identification information) large enough to use as a sleeping area.
• For cats include: litter and litter box and a sturdy carrier (with pet’s identification information)  large enough for transport

In addition to this kit, Second Chance strongly recommends developing a plan for how you would take your pets with you in the event of an evacuation, e.g., creating a list of hotels and boarding facilities that allow pets and discussing with family members the possibility of bringing your pets with you to stay.

This is also a great time for pet owners to get to know their neighbors. If you are away at work or elsewhere during an emergency, a trusted neighbor can evacuate your pets and bring emergency kits to a pre-arranged location.

Animals and humans are profoundly impacted by unexpected, unpredictable, emergency events. However, with advance preparation all community members —both two-legged and four-legged—have a much better chance of safely making it through a crisis.

And now a few words from our pets of the week, Lolita and Lilly:

LOLITA:

My name is Lolita. I have already been left behind by one family, and hope to be adopted again. (Please let it be soon!!!)  I have a micro-chip so I can be found, and a nice gentle disposition so that I am easy to gather up and take along at a moment’s notice. My time here at the shelter has taught me to be patient, so as we ride out any storm together, I promise to be a very calming influence.

LILLY:

Lolita

This is my second time as pet of the week, which you would think would be an honor, but what it really means is that I have been waiting for a new family to adopt me far too long. Go ahead and feel sorry for me as long as you use those emotions to help me to find a new home. I am a Spotted Boxing Springer Spaniel, a cool breed that likes exercise and companionship.  They call me Lilly because my sweetness floats out from my being like ripples on a pond. I also like to play games with other dogs, so you could call me Silly – but that would leave the wrong impression. I am really quite serious about finding my forever home.

Editor’s note: It’s no secret. The Telluride region is dog heaven. Well, pet heaven. Unless you are one of our furry friends who gets caught in the maw of neglect and abuse. Then heaven is on hold until Second Chance Humane Society comes to the rescue. Second Chance is the region’s nonprofit dedicated to saving animals’ lives and promoting responsible pet parenting and human-animal bond. In her weekly blog, executive director Kelly Goodin profiles at least one, generally two of the many animals now living at the no-kill shelter, Angel Ridge Shelter, a dog and a cat, hoping to find them loving permanent homes. The column is sponsored by Ted Hoff of  Cottonwood Ranch & Kennel, who from time to time exercises his skills as a dog whisperer, partnering with Kelly and her staff to help train a particularly challenging animal.

By the by, there is no better place to park your pup than Cottonwood whenever you head out of town (for locals) or are heading to town and staying somewhere that does not allow pets. Consider joining Ted’s Very Important Dog (VID) Club for added benies. (Details on Ted’s website.)

Second Chance Humane Society Animal Resource Center and Thrift Shop are both located in Ridgway, but service San Miguel, Ouray & Montrose Counties. Call the SCHS Helpline at 626-2273 to report a lost pet, learn about adopting a homeless pet, or about the SCHS Spay/Neuter, Volunteer, Feral Cat, or other Programs. View the shelter pets and services online:www.adoptmountainpets.org.