High Desert Pets November 2013

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High Desert Pet Services,

Crossword and Word Search Puzzles, Coloring Page, and More

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HESPERIA FEED BIN 60ft. Priefert Round Pen .... $1499 Horse Shelters Starting at ........ $299 12’x12’ Corral for ..................... $449 Livestock Fence 5ft ........................ $59

ALFALFA

1199 per bale

$

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The ONLY PURINA DEALER in the High Desert!

One Stop for All Your Livestock and Pet Needs HORSE, DOG & CAT VACCINATIONS

Animal ACE HIGH PELLETS and MANNA PRO SEED Pet Foods FACTORY Clothing

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Saddles and COLLECTIBLE HORSES Tack 40 ft, 6-rail Mare Motels, Hay Barns, Round Pen Shelters & Corrals For $999.00 Set-Up & Delivery Available

16770 Yucca St. • Hesperia • (760) 948-2598

HIGH DESERT PETS is published and copyrighted 2013 by the Daily Press, 13891 Park Ave., Victorville, Calif. 92392 and the Desert Dispatch, 130 Coolwater Lane, Barstow, Calif. 92311 Freedom Communications Inc. newspapers.

Publisher: Al Frattura Editor and Page Layout: Micki Brown, Special Sections Editor Advertising Director: Angie Callahan Cover Photo: Submitted by Dolly and Lilly’s owners For Daily Press advertising information, call 1-760-951-6288 For Daily Press subscription information, call 1-760-241-7755 For Desert Dispatch advertising information, call 1-760-256-2257 For Desert Dispatch subscription information, call 1-760-256-8589

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First Safety Home Inspection ......................................... 14

Hesperia, City of...................................................................3 Hesperia Feed Bin................................................................ 2 Hesperia Veterinary Services .......................................... 11 High Desert Pet Nanny, The ..............................................7 McNamara Group, The.......................................................6 Mrs. Greenjeans ................................................................. 10 Pet Partners Bargain Boutique .........................................4

Do you have a pet with an interesting story, history or special talent and would like it to be featured in a future issue of High Desert Pets?

If so, please send a photo and brief description of the pet and its story, plus a contact phone number to mbrown@vvdailypress.com If selected, Daily Press Special Sections will write a story and take photos of the pet to be featured on the cover.

Robyn Morgan/Century 21 Fairway ............................... 15

&LW\ RI +HVSHULD Offering 2-for-1 Adoptions!

Hesperia Animal Shelter Adoption Fees*: Dogs: $65 / Cats: $50 # ( , " ( * & (( ( ) ( ( + ( ) ' ) + ) ( %$+ " ( )

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Hesperia Animal Hospital..................................................5

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SHOP AT OUR NON-PROFIT

PET PARTNERS BARGAIN BOUTIQUE

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Up of ea y store) a t d a r u d t e a s 1st S purcha e b t s u lley ag m a B V n e e l e p r (G , Ap SPAY & NEUTER CALL FOR APPT. 760-961-1011 M-F 10-4

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All help are volunteers.

Donations: We accept all household goods, clothing, jewelry, monetary/membership donations.

No large furniture or large appliances.

All donations are tax deductible. Free pick-up locally.

All proceeds go toward our one-of-a-kind spay/neuter program, the only one like it in the High Desert. “Help stamp-out unwanted critter litters”.

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HESPERIA ANIMAL HOSPITAL Thank You For Choosing Us “Best Of The Desert”

Seniornt Discou ys!

Tuesdaniors For Seir Pets & The

Discounted Puppy/Kitten Packages Available!

FREE

Rabies Vaccine w/booster shots Thursday

LOW COST SPAY-NEUTER CLINIC Vaccinations Required Surgical Procedure – NO CHARGE. Charges for anesthesia and pain management only.

Please call for appointment and details.

Low-Cost Vaccination Clinic Thurs. 9am-6pm Sat. 8am-2pm

CATS FVRCP/FeLv. . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00 FIP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $30.00 FVRCP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10.00 FeLv . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $15.00 Rabies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5.00

DOGS DHPP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10.00 Corona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10.00 Bordetella . . . . . . . . . . . . $10.00 Lyme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $30.00 Rabies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5.00

EMERGENCY SERVICE AVAILABLE 24 HOURS 9540 “I” AVENUE • HESPERIA NOW OFFERING LASER SURGERY

760-948-1553 Open Mon.-Fri. 9 AM to 6 PM Sat. 8 AM to 4 PM

Bear Valley Road

N

S Main Street

“I” Avenue

those prone to wildfires or coastal flooding, should map out a disaster plan. This plan will spell out what everyone in the home will do in the event an evacuation is needed or if you need to stay put with the potential for utility interruption.

While some shelters are not pet-friendly, many are. The Red Cross has a network of Pet Disaster Shelters where pet owners can turn. Finding one may require a bit more travel, but it could offer peace of mind.

• Keep medical records handy. Have an extra copy of pets’ veterinary records in case of disaster. Keep important papers in a waterproof container. Should you need to go to a shelter, staff may request proof of vaccinations. Dogs usually need to be up-to-date on distemper/ parovirus, rabies and bordetella (kennel cough) vaccines. Cats will need distemper, feline leukemia and rabies shots in most cases.

• Create an emergency supply kit.

Have extra food and water on hand for pets just in case you are stranded at home or need to go to a shelter. Store

HOSPITAL

trong storms can barrel through a location with tremendous force, obliterating homes in the process.

The prospect of a natural disaster often forces people to take inventory of their lives and make decisions about what items to protect and how to prepare for the inevitability of an approaching threat. When making disaster preparedness plans, pet owners need to factor in care of their companion animals.

Many people refuse to leave pets behind. However, faced with the prospect of an impending storm or other calamity, pet owners may not know where to turn when it comes to caring for pets. Some inevitably stay behind after disaster evacuations have been issued with the fear pets may not be allowed in shelters or could be turned away from hotels.

This can put homeowners, pets and rescue workers at risk for greater injury.

Knowing how to behave during a disaster, and caring for a pet in the process, can assist with keeping everyone safe.

• Know your options. People who live in particularly vulnerable areas, like

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If you are welcoming a new dog to the family but have yet to pick a name, you might want to consider “Max.” Max has been a popular name for male dogs in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia on and off for years, many times topping the list as the most popular male dog name.

Although names that described dog’s traits, such as Spotty or Dusty, were popular more than 50 years ago, today’s dogs (and cats) have decidedly human names.

Dogs named Max have starred in movies (think Max in “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas,”) and have also broken records.

A dog named Max lived to be the oldest dog at age 26.

Max has been a name given to pampered Yorkies as well as rough-and-tumble mutts.

If Max is not the name for you, Buddy, Jake and Rocky are a few of the other popular dog names.

— Metro

Benefits of Laser Surgery: • Less Pain • Less Bleeding • Faster Recovery

Visit us online at hesperiaanimalhospital.com

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he end-of-the-year holiday season — parties, celebrations, family visits and groaningboards of food crammed into the weeks from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve — can be rough, even dangerous for pets.

Everything from different foods in the house, to candles, decorations and snaking electrical cords put animals at risk.

Many vets and animal ERs report they see a spike in animal intestinal distress, injuries from accidents, ingestions of potentially life-threatening substances and dog-bites-dog cases from visiting-animal altercations.

Some of the dangers are fairly wellknown but even such obvious risks as tails swatting candles must be kept constantly in mind, experts say.

Other potential perils are less well known. For example: • Dogs that snack on macadamia nuts can develop profound rear-leg paralysis in 24 to 48 hours. Their owners, unaware of the phenomenon, assume the dog has had a massive stroke and have them euthanized. In fact, the condition resolves itself in two days and the dog walks normally again, according to the ASPCA Poison Control Center.

• Dishes of liquid potpourri can be fatal to cats that sample from them • The water in Christmas-tree stands quickly grows bacteria and may also contain traces of fire-retardant or preservatives. Pets often drink from those stands, often with severe reactions; the toxic liquid can be especially harmful to cats. You can buy a cover for the stand, or rig up one. Just make sure your dog or cat can’t pry into it.

The list goes on and on. Forthwith: a primer on keeping dogs, cats and other housebound pets safe, compiled with assistance from Marilyn Krieger, a certified cat behavior consultant (www.thecatcoach.com) from California who’s an ex-

pert for thecatchannel.com, and Darlene Arden, a Boston-area certified dog behavior consultant and author of several books on dogs (www.darlenearden.com).

• Even the most sociable pets can come unglued when people descend for a big dinner or party. Close pets into a room so they can’t escape through open doors or get too close to candles or sample food. Visitors can enter the room to say hello to them, but monitor those interactions each time, since the pets are probably already somewhat stressed and may react uncharacteristically, especially to strangers and children.

• Don’t feed pets foods they don’t ordinarily eat. A big chunk of turkey skin for the cat (way too fatty) or prime rib gravy over the dog’s food (same thing) will probably generate gastro turmoil that could require medical treatment.

• Pets often find ornaments and decorations fascinating and can get into trouble chewing on them. Cords to the tree lights can also be dangerous, especially to chew-happy kittens and puppies (and bunnies and ferrets) so figure out a supply route that minimizes the risk. And use only pet-safe ornaments low on the tree.

There are some things that may be particular issues with cats and some with dogs (but some dogs may get into trouble with the cat-specific risks and vice versa, so read both of the following lists even if you have only one or the other).

First, cats tips, from Krieger: • Let the cat get used to the tree before it’s decorated. And spray it with pet repellant. You can buy a commercial spray like bitter apple, or mix some lemon juice with water and spray that.

Reapply every couple of days.

• Secure the tree, just in case. You can attach it to the ceiling or to the wall.

• Many plants are dangerous for cats.

Devoted cat owners often take the artificial-greenery route instead. Pine, holly,

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their new environments. Here are some other reasons why the holidays are not a good time for new pets: • Holiday visitors may frighten the new pet, and he or she may become wary of strangers at the outset.

• The activities in the household may pose safety hazards for the young animal. An abundance of rich foods and various decorations could be ingested, potentially causing illness.

• New pets should be carefully supervised around children to see how they behave. A child may not be accustomed to handling a puppy or kitten and could injure the animal. Similarly, the pet may be skittish and lash out at the child.

Adults busy with holiday obligations may be easily distracted and miss how their child is interacting with the new pet.

• Once the glow of the holidays wear off, children may be disillusioned with the new responsibility that has fallen into their hands. They may not like the responsibility that comes with being a good pet owner.

Reputable pet breeders and animal shelters often discourage individuals from adopting or purchasing pets as holiday gifts. Many organizations and animal businesses require a careful vetting of potential pet parents to ensure the animal will be placed with a family and in a home that is suitable.

Animal welfare groups warn that an estimated 50 percent of pets adopted during the holidays end up right back at shelters. This can scar the pet. Avoid the temptation of giving a companion animal as a present. If it is your intention to gift an animal, talk to the gift recipient and discuss the pros and cons beforehand.

Then you can work together and make the right decision for all parties involved, including the pet.

— Metro

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any people consider pets great holiday gifts. But in spite of their popularity as presents, pets do not always make the most appropriate holiday gift.

Giving a pet as a present seems like a great idea, but shoppers might want to give it more consideration before giving a gift that is such a considerable responsibility. A puppy at Christmas or a bunny at Easter may be given with good intentions, but that well-meaning sentiment can easily backfire, ending with the pet being given up for adoption when recipients don’t feel up to the task of raising a pet. In such instances, the companion animal pays the steepest price.

Though it often is, buying a pet should not be an impulse purchase. You see sad eyes looking back at you from behind a cage door and want to give that animal a new home. However, introducing an animal into a family is not a decision to take lightly. You must factor how well the pet will fit in with the family dynamic. Do schedules allow for quality time spent with the animal? Is it a financially good time to care for an animal that will cost money? Are you aware of how long the pet will live? Making those big decisions for a person on the receiving end of your well-intentioned gift may be crossing a line. Would you want to have such a lifechanging decision made for you?

Furthermore, the holiday season is not one ideally suited for making careful decisions. People are often swept up in emotions and even stress, and shoppers may not be thinking rationally.

The hectic nature of the holiday season can be a difficult time for a pet to grow acclimated to its new environment.

He or she may be frightened to assimilate or take longer to settle down. Pets often need several weeks of quiet and constant care to become comfortable in

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Not a boarding facility

The High Desert Pet Nanny “Loving At-Home Care When You Can’t Be There”

Call Jennifer (760) 963-7602 Licensed, Bonded and Insured

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High Desert Pets Gallery

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"Bentley” S. of Helendale

"Wreckers” of Barstow

“Luke” and “Leia" H. of Oak Hills

"Bruno" T. of Hesperia

"Sugar" T. of Hesperia

"Bingo" S. of Hesperia

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"Buddyâ&#x20AC;? D. of Phelan

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"KeeKee" K. of Spring Valley Lake

"Hannah" E. of Apple Valley

"Reiley" D. of Phelan

If you have a cute photo of your pet and would like it to be considered for the gallery, please e-mail a medium file size (500 kb or larger) JPEG to mbrown@vvdailypress.com â&#x20AC;&#x201D; be sure to include High Desert Pets Gallery in the subject line.

Also include the pet's name and city in the body of the e-mail.

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"Detour" H. of Apple Valley

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MRS. GREENJEANS Animal & Plant Care Service “Take The Worry Out Of Leaving Home” Servicing the High Desert for 19 Years Licensed and Bonded • References on Request

760-964-2911

e train our dogs so we can control them. Control, however, comes from things besides training. Control comes from a fenced yard, leashes, and crates as well as the human-canine bond. If dogs see themselves as part of a family group they will want to please the leader. Control is enhanced by training and bonding.

In training we attempt to get the dog to behave as we wish so that they fit in to the family. We may also train our dogs to perform tricks or special behaviors. It is always better if the dog enjoys training.

Fitting in becomes natural and tricks can become play. Dogs and their people should enjoy training.

For the most part, training should reinforce the behaviors we want to encourage. Aversive training can be used to extinguish unwanted behaviors. Both positive and aversive training practices depend on linking the positive or aversive training technique to a particular behavior. Timing and an awareness of the dog’s understanding of connection between a behavior and reinforcement (positive or negative) make training successful. Training that lacks this connection creates frustration.

Positive reinforcement can work quickly if techniques and timing lead to understanding of the behavior-reward connection. If reinforcement is not immediately understood, the dog may still feel positive about the training experience since the aversion has not been used.

Aversive training, on the other hand, can achieve results but leave the dog thinking negatively and focusing on what it sees as punishment. It takes skill, combined with well timed rewards, for proper behavior to be achieved when training aversively. Otherwise, training becomes a series of punishments which are difficult to connect to a specific behavior.

The dog will more than likely eventually stumble onto to proper behavior to avoid punishment. In this case, training is not enjoyed. The training process involves avoidance and the desire to please is

based on avoiding punishment.

Aversive training involves more activity on the part of the trainer. The trainer may believe that training is progressing because of the high activity level of the trainer. In truth, punishment results in confusion and stubbornness until the dog relates the absence if punishment to a particular behavior.

Positive training requires a reward of food or voice that once connected to a behavior encourages that dog to repeat the behavior in order to be rewarded again. Training becomes a pleasurable activity.

Patience and practice are necessary in all training. Behaviors are shaped.

Sloppy behaviors can be made better through patience and practice. We can not expect perfection without patience and practice. Gradually shaping perfection by properly using reinforcements achieves results.

A dog overworked with aversive training becomes lethargic and does not look forward to training. Keeping training positive and upbeat helps a dog stay positive and upbeat.

Training is great for creating a bond between humans and dogs. The bond establishes closeness and a willingness to please. The bond should also establish leadership. Dogs love to have a leader.

They can look to the leader to take care of them. They can look to the leader to see if all is well or danger is imminent.

A dog who relies on a leader is more relaxed, more able to learn quickly, more willing to please, and more appropriate in its behavior.

Training improves control and adds to the human-canine bond. Positive training does this, may be faster in achieving results, and leads to a happier dog that is more willing to continue training.

About the author Bill Bobrow has trained 12 different breeds that have earned AKC titles. Bill and his dogs have earned over 200 AKC titles in conformation, obedience, rally, and agility. At present he owns Akitas and Shibas. Bill can be reached at (760) 964-5101 or billbobrow@rippa-na.com.

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High Desert Pet Services • Apple Valley Animal Control & Shelter 22131 Powhatan Rd., Apple Valley Ph: 760-240-7000; Ext. 7555 for animal control/licenses; Ext. 7510 for the shelter.

View adoptable animals at Website: www.applevalley.org • Barstow Humane Society 2480 E. Main St., Barstow Ph: 760-252-4800 Adoptions at the shelter and on weekends at Victorville PetSmart.

• Hesperia Animal Control Shelter 11011 Santa Fe Avenue East, Hesperia Ph: 760-947-1700 View adoptable animals at Website: www.highdesertinsider.com • Victor Valley Animal Protective League (VVAPL) (The original

Shelter on Zuni Road) 21779 Zuni Road, Apple Valley Ph: 760-247-2102 View adoptable animals at Website: www.vvapl.com • San Bernardino County Devore Shelter 19777 Shelter Way, Devore Ph: 909-887-8055 or 800-472-5609 • San Bernardino County Shelter — High Desert 19575 Bear Valley Road, Apple Valley (next to Dog’s Day Inn boarding and grooming facility) Ph: 760-961-7535 Website: www.sbcounty.gov/acc

ADOPTION/ RESCUE GROUPS • German Shepherd Rescue of the High Desert www.gsrhd.com

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mistletoe, kalanchoe and poinsettias can cause intestinal distress; sometimes plant ingestions are fatal.

• Tinsel can be lethal to cats, as it can cut intestines if swallowed. Other risks to cats: foam, angel hair, mylar. Keep them out of the house or use only in places where Kitty can’t climb (if there is such a place).

• Ribbons are interesting chew snacks for cats, and can cause gastro abrasions or blockages.

And here are some special concerns for dog owners from Arden: • Don’t give him the bones from the standing rib or any other holiday roast.

“That’s a really quick way to wind up with a dead dog,” because of punctures or blockages they can cause, says Arden.

• Be vigilant about foods brought into the house. Put it up where the dog can’t get at it, and if people bring or send you something gift-wrapped, place it up high

in case it contains chocolate or raisins (which can be fatal). “Don’t under-estimate a dog’s ability to counter-surf, even a small dog,” Arden warns.

• Keep the garbage sealed or outside the areas to which the dog has access.

The delectability quotient of trash increases substantially with holiday fare.

• Even the most dog- and cat-friendly dog may behave poorly around unfamiliar animals, in stressful conditions, or when there’s food around. Monitor them.

• Same’s true with kids. “Marauding children who aren’t familiar with how to behave around pets can run, yell, pull tails or poke fingers and do other things no reasonable dog can understand,” Arden says. Dogs may snap or bite. Further, tiny crawling infants make noises and moves that can prompt some dogs into a prey response. So never leave dogs alone with babies or young children.

• Tell guests to keep their suitcases closed and purses up high at all times so curious dogs can’t get into medicines or other items that could be harmful.

— CTW Features

E-mail: gsrhd@hotmail.com Ph: 760-565-8012.

• Mustang-Spirit Equine Rescue P.O. Box 290640 Phelan, CA 92329 E-mail: info@mustang-spirit.org Website: www.mustang-spirit.org Ph: 888-267-0196 • North Star Pet Assistance E-mail: lindee33@charter.net Website: www.localrescue.org Ph: 760-953-3557 • PAL Humane Society P.O. Box 3298, Wrightwood Ph: 760-249-1237 Fax: www.palhumanesociety.org • Pets Forever Found Ph: 760-953-7140 www.PetsForeverFound.org Adoptions on Saturdays at Apple Valley PetSmart

• Tanya’s Adoption Network 4 Young Animals, Inc. Ph: 909-522-3333 P.O. Box 290254, Phelan, CA 92329 • Wee Bar None Ranch Pet Placement, Apple Valley Ph: 760-961-1859 E-mail: wbnr@earthlink.net Website: www.wee-bar-noneranch.petfinder.com

AFTER-HOURS EMERGENCY CLINICS • Animal Emergency Clinic 12180 Ridgecrest Road, Ste. 122, Victorville Ph: 760-962-1122 Hours: Weekdays 6 p.m. to 8 a.m.; weekends noon Saturday through 8 a.m. Monday; holidays 24 hours • Animal Medical Center 15013 Main St., Hesperia Ph: 760-947-6000 Open seven days 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

DISCOUNTED PET SURGERIES

HESPERIA VETERINARY SERVICES

SPAY • NEUTER • VACCINATION CLINIC

ION VACCINAITC CLIN EVERY Y A WEDNESD

DISCOUNT DENTALS DAILY! • Orthopedics • Tumor Surgeries

Dr. Bill Connelly

(760) 244-3833

11011 Santa Fe Ave. • Hesperia (In the Hesperia Animal Control Bldg.)

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SHELTERS

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HAPPY THANKSGIVING

High Desert Pets Coloring Page The Apple Valley Kennel Club is providing High Desert Pets with a regular coloring page sponsored by the Daily Press and Victor Valley Animal Protective League.

Students from Kindergarten through Grade 4 can submit colored pages for prizes by mailing them to Apple Valley Kennel Club, 8363 White Road, Phelan, CA 92371.

Winners will receive a variety of fun prizes. Contestants need to provide a contact phone number.

For more information contact Carol Parker at 818-259-9671.

Sponsored by:

Name________________ Grade________________ Phone _______________

Word Search …

Answers for Puzzles on Page 15 Hint: The words to these puzzles can be found in various stories/features throughout this issue of High Desert Pets.

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esearch indicates that there are around 400 different types of parrots. Although the larger macaws and Amazon species may get the most fanfare because of their proclivity for human speech, there are several smaller species, including lovebirds, cockatoos and budgies, that are equally interesting.

Parrots are one of the more popular birds that people keep as pets. Parrots can be eye-catching companions with dynamic personalities, and these wild animals are naturally curious, intellectual and playful. They can bond easily with people, but the same intriguing traits that make them attractive to some also can make them challenging pets. Before prospective pet owners bring home their first parrots, it’s best to get a grasp of what it’s like to own parrots.

Unlike some other caged companions, parrots as a whole are intelligent social animals that will demand mental stimulation. Parrots thrive when given lots of attention, and a properly cared for parrot can live up to 80 years or more. As a result, it’s imperative that prospective parrot owners recognize that owning a parrot is a life-long commitment. Ensuring the health of the bird and a good relationship between pet and pet owner takes work and dedication.

Getting a parrot is not a decision to be made on a whim. Here are some points to consider before bringing a parrot into a home.

Space Parrots need a large amount of room in order to play and feel content. The cage will need to allow the comfort of moving around and also room for play. A parrot that does not have adequate cage room could develop nervous behaviors, like feather plucking or destructive measures, that can be detrimental to its health. Err on the side of caution when choosing a cage and go larger than what you may think you need.

you will serve as the bird’s main form of entertainment and interaction.

It is important for you to help parrots to socialize with you early on.

This helps mold a well-adjusted pet and can reduce the likelihood that the parrot will engage in destructive behavior resulting from boredom. A parrot is susceptible to feelings of depression and anger.

Socialization helps to quell these feelings.

Expect to give your parrot several hours of interaction time, both inside and outside of the cage. This will help acclimate him to socializing maintenance possible. with humans.

Bad habits

Other housemates

Understand that parrots can be large, intimidating birds. They are territorial and dominating. Parrots may not get along well with other animals in the house.

Conversely, other pets, such as dogs and cats, may not take well to parrots and aim to make them a play thing or a meal. These are considerations to make before bringing a parrot into a home.

Entertainment Although parrots can be social animals, they also A parrot will not be content to sit in an empty room can be dangerous. A parrot’s beak can easily break all day. Parrots are inherently social birds, and in the twigs and even snap fingers of small children. It may wild they tend to congregate. In a captivity setting, be unadvisable to have a parrot in a home with young children.

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Cleanliness Parrots are messy birds, and they will spill seed, throw food and cast feathers around the cage and elsewhere. During times of sexual maturity or arousal, a parrot also may mark its territory with feces.

Parrots have been known to shred paper and toys placed in their cages. An aversion to cleanliness makes parrots less than ideal companions for certain people, especially those who want to perform as little pet

In addition to vocalization, parrots can learn some not-so-pleasant behaviors. Parrots can scream and squawk to get attention. Certain parrots become territorial of their cages. Parrots can mimic sounds around the house, such as smoke alarms or even yelling. These traits may not be endearing to every pet owner.

Biting Biting is something bird owners often fear. Certain types of parrots have powerful beaks that can inflict painful bites. Biting is sometimes instinctual to parrots who merely want to inspect other birds or companions and may not always intend to be mean. Yet biting also can be a learned and aggressive way for parrots to get what they want. Parrots also can bite out of fear.

Building trust with a parrot and doling out discipline with firm biting limits and verbal commands can help break parrots of biting. Alleviating fears and helping

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the bird to feel comfortable can reduce a parrot’s tendency to bite.

Expense Like all pets, parrots have costs associated with their care and diets. These expenses can quickly add up, so people whose finances are already stretched thin may not be ready for a parrot at

this time.

Parrots have been companion animals for centuries. African Greys, macaws and cockatoos have brought happiness to homes around the world. Understanding the level of commitment required to have a parrot as a pet will ultimately separate those capable of the task from those who should look to other animals as companions.

— Metro

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three to four days’ worth of food and water in sealed containers. Take stock of any medications that pets take on a routine basis. Pack comfort items, such as toys or blankets, that have a familiar smell so that pets will be less skittish.

Place these items with your own emergency supplies.

• Find pet-friendly lodging options.

Many hotels allow pets overnight stays for a nominal security fee. Know which hotels will accept companion animals and include their contact information in your preparedness kit. Should the moment arise when you need to vacate to a hotel, you will know which motels to call first.

• Ensure your pet’s identification is current. Dogs and cats should wear identification tags that include a mobile telephone number. Should the animal

become lost, anyone can reach you regardless of your current location. Also, update contact information on the online database that corresponds to a pet’s imbedded microchip if it has one.

• Take a first-aid class. It is important to know how to treat pet injuries during natural disasters. By learning CPR for a dog or cat, you may be able to save the life of your pet should disaster strike. Similarly, stock a first aid kit with necessary pet supplies.

• Have a contingency plan. Speak with friends and family members and make arrangements for someone to care for your pet if you will be displaced for quite some time. It can relieve stress for the animal and also give you peace of mind that your cherished companion is being well cared for.

More information is available at www.redcross.org/prepare/location/ home-family/pets.

— Metro

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Crossword Puzzle and Word Search Answers

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