GETTING OVER IT
Recovering from the Loss of a Pet
Whether you lose your pet in an unexpected way, such as a Hurricane called Katrina, a Midwestern tornado or the more traditional way, losing a pet is difficult. Recently we had to make the decision to put one or our cats to sleep. Zoe was 16 years old and had a really good life. I’d had her since she was eight weeks old and spoiled her rotten. She was allowed both inside and outside at her whim and had access to any lap, sofa, chair or bed at any time of the day or night. Unfortunately it was her time to go and reluctantly we let her. There were tears and wavering and more tears, but ultimately the thing had to be done. It has been about three months as I write this, but even now as I conjure the words for this article the lump in my throat and the tears return to me blurring the computer screen and causing me to pray that the telephone next to me remains silent as I am unsure of my speaking voice.

STUFF YOUR TURKEY, NOT YOUR PET, DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON
Because we celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday and frankly, the entire upcoming holiday season with food, pet owners are often tempted to slip their pets bits and pieces of the feast. But even a seemingly innocent indulgence can cause digestive and stomach problems. Each year, dogs and cats are fed turkey, ham, gravy and other holiday "people foods'' by well-meaning owners and wind up in a veterinarian's emergency room. It's best to give thanks for your pets by spending some extra time with them or by giving them a holiday treat made especially for pets. While dogs and cats are valued members of the family, they're still animals - not human beings. Traditional, rich holiday foods can mean, at most, a few extra pounds and maybe a nap for humans, but it presents a host of health hazards for the furry members of our family.