6 minute read
DOG BITE PREVENTION WEEK
DOG BITE
PREVENTION WEEK
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April 10-16, 2022
BY C.A. RITZ
WATCH OUT!
One day a little child skipped down her street to visit a kind elderly lady known for handing out freshly baked cookies. Through the woman’s wooden gate, up the stairs, and to the door was never an issue since that old woman delighted in company. The only obstacle that day to those yummy cookies was a fluffy noisy dog. Normally docile, the little dog chased the child away from the door, down the steps, and back through the gate which thankfully closed behind the girl.
An even smaller child came along who did not heed warnings and stuck her hand through the fence toward the dog. NIP! That was a scene neither child would ever forget, nor the elderly lady who never handed out cookies again. I was one of those girls. We all know someone who’s been bitten. Obviously, you’d like to avoid this kind of situation, so what can be done?
AWARENESS
Research reveals about 4.5 million people get bitten by dogs in the US every year. Some breeds of dogs have reputations for being dangerous, and a large dog can often be more threatening than a small one. Courts encounter many lawsuits yearly. The American Veterinary Medical Association recognizes the role dogs fill in families, but also acknowledges a potential danger. However, many animal bites can be prevented through awareness. So, how can you stay safe? Here are a few tips.
AS A PEDESTRIAN OR VISITOR ✘ Don’t startle a dog ✘ Don’t awaken a sleeping dog ✘ Don’t take a dog’s toy or food ✘ Never walk between a mother dog and her puppies
Watch for animal warning signs like: → A dog’s ears pulled back or eyes widened → Fur standing upward → A dog crouching, growling or barking Keep your eyes to the owner, not the dog Keep your hands to self until given permission AS A RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNER ➠ DO NOT put your dog in unsupervised situations without you ➠ DO NOT put your dog in public scary situations, like firework displays ➠ PLEASE keep your dog leashed at public events
THE END OF THE STORY
Children grow and memories fade. After overcoming more than one dog-related scary moment, a furry dog named Tiger came into our lives. With big brown eyes and a sweet temperament, he sat waiting in the middle of a pet store looking to adopt a family. Who would believe he’d been there three weeks without finding a home? Leaving the store, I couldn’t shake the feeling that he was meant to be our dog, so we went back! We’ll always be thankful for the training and love Tiger brought into our home.
Dogs, if trained, and children if taught boundaries, can thrive together. Remember to do your part to keep yourself and others safe.
Have a tremendous spring!
C.A. Ritz ~ Author & Illustrator cynthialeopoldritsko.com
Animal Assistance, Rescues, Shelters
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Diesel
Furgotten Friends Dog Rescue furgottenfriendsdogrescue@yahoo.com www.furgottenfriendsdogrescue.org
Belle is a 4 year old DSH cat with beautiful green eyes. She is very shy at first but does warm up with time. Belle will do best in a home with no other animals or small children. Y Cat adoptions every Saturday & Sunday from 11am to 4pm at PetSmart 6650 N. Durango Dr.
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Las Vegas Valley Humane Society info@lvvhumane.org | 702-434-2009 www.lvvhumane.org
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Foreclosed Upon Pets Inc. 702-272-0010 | forecloseduponpets@hotmail.com https://forecloseduponpets.org
Batty is an easy going dog. He absolutely loves to lay with you and be with you and has a touch of separation anxiety. He barks when you leave but settles down quickly. He does posture and growl/bark at new dogs until he gets used to them (this takes a day). Batty is a real nice dog and even though he is a senior, he is in excellent shape now that his medical is done and he acts youthful. Y Batty
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Bunnies Matter Rescue LasvegasBunniesMatter@gmail.com | 562-373-5376 www.BunniesMatter.org
Rudy is approx. 4-5 years old. He is joyful, loving and a playful companion. He makes us laugh and is a favorite of volunteers and staff! He is handsome and knows it. Highly food motivated and very smart, so training should be a breeze. He is a special “once in a lifetime” dog. Y
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APACHE is nicknamed “Frankie - Ol Blue Eyes” for his stunning appearance and gorgeous eyes. He’s seeking a home as a companion animal due to airway disease and intermittent lameness. 15.3hh, approx. 14 yrs old, UTD on teeth/feet/ vax. Intermediate+ handlers only, $400 to approved home. Y Apache
Local Equine Assistance Network For more info: www.leanhorses.org/horse/apache
Golden Retriever Rescue Southern Nevada is an allvolunteer organization which is devoted to providing a second chance at life to displaced, abandoned and neglected Golden Retrievers, Golden Mixes, and and any dog with a heart of gold, regardless of their age and/ or health. We are dedicated and passionate about placing dogs in loving, responsible and committed forever homes. If you would like to start the process to become approved to meet our available dogs, please fill out an adoption agreement on our website. We are processing applications on an ‘as needed’ basis as things are slowly returning to normal. Y
