Lisa Faust, Master Instructor
We have agreed pets make our lives so much better. Because your awareness about their care has advanced, do you have the “the information and skills” to keep pace with their needs?
Case on point: would you know what to do when your pet needs you most? Younger dogs are curious, active and quick, all the while doing some pretty silly things like swallowing a pair of your knee high stockings; would you know what to do? Or the car is leaking anti-freeze and your dog runs in the garage and rapidly laps up the spill. Now what?

What about emergency pet care, are you prepared? Let me to share an experience I had as a 11-year professional pet sitter. I share this personal story as it could have just as easily happened on your watch as a pet parent.
“The loud jarring screech from young dog Lucky was like he was being struck or attacked by another dog or a wild animal. I was just leaving that afternoon from a regular pet care visit. His squeal caused me to quickly re-enter the house. Looking out the back door, I saw him dangling from the fence-gate, upside down, his back left leg wedged tightly in the fence. I instinctively knew, because of my first aid training, that any pet that is in pain or going to be moved into pain can and will bite. I hurriedly grabbed a leather lead from the tabletop; I used it as a temporary muzzle. I proceeded to free his leg from the fence. I was still bitten, ever so lightly.At first he was hobbling, after a few minutes he put full weight on his leg. I was reassured when he reached over and licked my hand and arm; as if to say, hey that was a close call, you saved my life! I did a snout to tail assessment to make sure that he had no tender spots or that he responded anywhere with discomfort. All seemed well.

When the vet checked him a few hours later he said, “There was no permanent damage due to his young age and mainly the quick reaction of getting him freed from the fence.” Lisa Faust