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Keeping pets safe in the sun
Page 8 • August 2021 • Golden Gazette How to keep your pets safe in the sun
By Allison Monacelli
When summer rolls around each year, people seem to forget how hot it really gets. August’s average temperature for Lubbock is 91 degrees Fahrenheit.
Keeping yourself cool is all people seem to think about, but an important part of your summer activities should be keeping your pets cool as well.
Julie Kuenstle, vice president of communications and marketing at the Houston SPCA, stressed the importance of keeping the family pets hydrated and happy during these summer months.
“We are at a very critical time,” Kuenstle said, “espe-
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806-744-2220 Word Publications 1310 Avenue Q Lubbock, TX 79401
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cially here in Houston where we can see really extreme temperatures; and it’s not just the heat, it’s also the humidity.”
Kuenstle said she has already had two cases in Houston of animals dying of heat and owners’ neglect.
“Here in Houston you do see a lot of animals outside,” Kuenstle said. “The Houston SPCA strongly encourages all pet owners to bring their pets inside, even if it’s just for the worst part of the day.”
The hottest part of the day is 2 to 4 p.m., Kuenstle said. Many people believe it is noon, but it gets much hotter in the afternoons.
Throughout the day, the shade moves with the sun, Kuenstle said. Making sure you know where your pet is and not tethering them outside is vital to keeping them safe.
“Always know where your pet is,” Kuenstle said. “If they are outside, make sure you know that there is water, there is shade, they’ve got shelter, and that they have plenty of food.”
Kuenstle said it doesn’t take long for a pet to overheat and die if left alone outside.
If you are someone who loves to have their pet outside with them, don’t be afraid to bring them out, just make sure they are safe by walking them early in the morning or late in the evening.
“Hit those times of the day where you know your pet will be able to manage the heat,” Kuenstle said.
Kuenstle stressed the im-
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portance of never leaving your dog in the car, even when it’s hot or cold. The best thing to do is leave them at home with food and water.
“Texas state law says you have to provide your pet, which is considered property, food, water, and shelter,” Kuenstle said. “You have to make those things available to your pet, and you are responsible. Leaving your pet outside without those items is against the law, and it’s cruel.”
To report animal cruelty or neglect in the Lubbock area, contact Animal Control Lubbock at 775-3357 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 775-2057 from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m.
If you can’t be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.
If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.
It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others.
Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time because then you won’t have a leg to stand on.
Garrison Institute on Aging TEXAS TECH HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER
It is official! The Garrison Institute on Aging is open beginning Aug. 1.
We will be hosting Care Partner meetings and other sessions as we progress into the fall. We will continue to use safe practices for all attendees. You can contact us at the office for any questions or updates.
The Healthy Aging Lecture Series will resume at 3 p.m. Sept. 26. It will be held in person and also on ZOOM. In person will be at the Academic Event Center on the TTUHSC campus. Parking is available and shuttles are running as well. The speaker will be Lauriena Cruz, RDN with Natural Grocers. She will conduct a session on Healthy Food. Join us in person or pull up your favorite chair and dial in. To register, go to the Zoom Link https://ttuhsc. zoom.us/j/8527492853. Join the session by phone, tablet or computer. For questions on this session and others, call the office 806-743-7787 or 806- 743-7821. We are here for you.
The Care Partner Academy will re-open for inperson sessions beginning at noon Aug. 10. The speaker will be Caitlin Corey, Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas. She will discuss “Hidden Dan-
gers of COVID-19 - consumer scams, exploitation,
and abuse on the rise.” If you are a caregiver or know someone who is and needs another caregiver to talk to, maybe a health professional or other professional to ask questions, you are invited to join our sessions. Notify me with any questions via phone at 806-743-1217 or email joan.blackmon@ ttuhsc.edu. Sessions will be in person with safety precautions in effect. You will also be able to join by ZOOM by phone, tablet or computer. https://ttuhsc.zoom. us/s/99694133954
Sessions are 60 minutes in length and can provide you with an opportunity to discuss topics with others in the community as well as health professionals. We are asking for those who plan to attend in person to contact our office to reserve a spot.
Volunteers Wanted. Retired and Senior Volunteer
Program (RSVP) is looking for volunteers. Many of the non-profit sites have re-opened and are operating at full capacity. If you have a desire to get out and share your time and talents with those in need in our community, contact our office. We will find the right place for you. Contact the office at rsvp@ttuhsc.edu or 806743-7787. By
My favorite jokes taken from kid’s milk cartons… • Why did the chicken do jumping jacks?
She wanted scrambled eggs. • Why shouldn’t you tell a pig your secrets?
It’s going to squeal. • What do astronauts put on their sandwiches?
Launch meat • Why did the monster get a tummy ache?
It was goblin its food. • Why did the child stare intently at the cartoon of orange juice?
It said “concentrate.” • What do you get if you cross a chicken and a cow?
Roost beef. • How do cows stay up to date?
They read the moos paper.
I never called you stupid, but when I asked you to spell “orange” and you asked me the fruit or color, it kinda caught me off guard.
Husband: Please bring me a screwdriver. Wife: Flat head, phillips or vodka? And that was when I knew she was the one.
Smart people learn from everything and everyone. Average people learn from their experiences. Stupid people already have all the answers.
Your elected officials
Contact your elected officials. Keep in touch during good times, offer solutions in not-so-good times.
President Joe Biden
202-456-1414, or comments line 202-456-1111
The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW whitehouse.gov
U.S. Senator John Cornyn
U.S. Senator Ted Cruz
U.S. Representative Jodey Arrington
806-763-1611 or 202-224-3121
U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, DC 20515
Arrington.house.gov Gov. Greg Abbott
512-463-1782
Office of the Governor, P.O. Box 12428,
Austin, Texas 78711-2428
Gov.texas.gov
Texas State Senator Charles Perry
806-783-9934, 512-463-0128
Texas State Representative John Frullo
806-763-2366, 512-463-0676
Texas State Representative Dustin Burrows
806-795-0635, 512-463-0542 P.O. Box 2910, Austin, Texas 78768 10507 Quaker Avenue, Suite 103, Lubbock, Texas 79424
