EatonvilleNews

Submitted by Uber Animal Lover Pam Holt.
Read it and weep. It's a sad, sad reality.

It seemed like such a good idea in the beginning.
There I was, in my cage at the pet store with my brother and sister.
I could tell by the crowds in the store everyday that Christmas
was drawing near. My brother, sister, and I all hoped each
morning that today would be the day we would go to a new home,
one filled with loving, caring people.

First it was the Beagle in the cage next to us.
I saw the excited gleam in his eye as his new family prepared
to take him home. I hoped one day that I would feel the

THE NIGHT BEFORE DOG-MAS
by Claudine Gandoin

'Twas the night before Dog-mas when all through the pound
not a puppy was yelping, or playing around;
Our leashes were hung by our kennels with care,
in hopes that St. Bernard would soon find us there;
Chihuahuas were curled up, all snug in their beds,
while visions of doggie-treats danced in their heads.
Max in his collar, on somebody's lap,
had tucked in his tail for a mid-winter's nap.
When outside the room there rose such a clatter,
my ears perked right up to hear what was the matter.
Away to the window I jumped up with glee,
and barked at the shadows that were cast by a tree.
The glow from the moon changed night into day,
and started me thinking "Woof, woof! Time to play!"
When, what with my puppy-dog eyes did I see,
But a splendid dog-sled led by doggies like me.
With a regal furred driver commanding, not stern.
I yelped to the others, "That must be St. Bern!"
More rapid than greyhounds our saviors they came,
and we barked and we howled and called them by name:
"There's Duchess! There's King! Chance, and Buffy!
On Fido! On Scooter! On Rover and Scruffy!
Go by the red hydrant and run past those trees;
Nothing can stop you, not even some fleas!"
As puppies at play chase after a stick
and race to their masters so lively and quick,
So out in the field his canines all flew,
catching the frisbees that St Bernard threw.
And then in an instant, I heard at the door,
the scratching and clawing of each little paw.
As I pulled in my nose, and was turning around,
Through the door St Bernard came in with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his tail,
his wood cask adorned with an icing of hail.
A bag of chew-toys he had brought in with him,
and his mouth was turned up in what looked like a grin.
His eyes - how they twinkled! His ears flopped - how merry!
His coat shone like crystal, his nose like a cherry!
His big sloppy mouth was drawn up like a bow,
and the fur on his chin was as white as the snow!
The stump of a bone he held tight in his teeth,
and his collar encircled his neck like a wreath!
He had a large face and a furry round belly
that shook when he barked, like a bowl full of jelly.
He was fluffy and plump, a big cuddly old pooch;
and I laughed when I saw him,and gave him a smooch.
A wink of his eye, and a wag of his tail;
we knew right away we'd have homes without fail.
He howled, not a howl, but went straight to his deed,
and took down our leashes, that soon we would need.
He opened the door, and families stood there,
with children, all smiling, and much love to spare.
He lept to his sled, to his team gave a call,
and away they all flew as if chasing a ball.
But I heard him exclaim, as he chewed on a bone;

"Happy Dog-mas to all! And to all a GOOD HOME!"

The holidays are a joyous time, but they can be exceptionally dangerous for your pets. Please take precautions from these common holiday hazards. Bob Walter, Education Director for The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County Says “Applying a little common sense, and a little extra vigilance for the safety of our companion animals, will help to make the holidays happy”.

Avoid feeding people food, especially fatty foods, gravy and chocolates. Never feed your pets poultry or fish bones and remember to dispose of them properly, or they could become lodged into your pets stomach or intestine and require surgery.

Give your pets a quiet place to rest during the hectic holiday celebrations.

Be watchful of open doors, and make sure your pets are wearing their license in case of escape.

Protect your pets from enthusiastic youngsters who might not know how to gently play
with them.

Christmas Tree – Make sure it is well secured with a strong anchor, cord or rope. Check around the tree daily for pine needles. Ingested pine needles can cause vomiting and diarrhea and even puncture an intestine if sharp enough. Avoid additives to the tree water.

Holiday Plants – Mistletoe and Holly are extremely poisonous. Poinsettia and Azalea can
can cause severe gastrointestinal upset.

        Ornaments – Any string-like object, such as tinsel and ribbons, must be avoided. If these are
         ingested, they can cause serious damage to your pet’s intestines. Instead, use wide
         ribbons and swags that are not so dangerous. Select non-breakable ornaments especially for
         those lower branches.

Electrical Cords – Electrical cords are extremely dangerous if chewed, causing serious shocks and/or burns to the mouth and can even cause death.

Much thought should be given to the decision of acquiring a pet. The consideration should include the amount of responsibility, the lifetime commitment, and the specific type and breed. Clearly the best choice for those people who want to give a pet as a present, and who are not going to be the primary care giver, is to instead give an Adoption Certificate. The certificate will allow the recipient to choose the right match for his/her own family needs.



	Submitted by Uber Animal Lover Pam Holt. Read it and weep. It's a sad, sad reality. *The Christmas Puppy* It seemed like such a good idea in the beginning. There I was, in my cage at the pet store with my brother and sister. I could tell by the crowds in the store everyday that Christmas was drawing near. My brother, sister, and I all hoped each morning that today would be the day we would go to a new home, one filled with loving, caring people. First it was the Beagle in the cage next to us. I saw the excited gleam in his eye as his new family prepared to take him home. I hoped one day that I would feel the It seemed like such a good idea in the beginning. There I was, in my cage at the pet store with my brother and sister. I could tell by the crowds in the store everyday that Christmas was drawing near. My brother, sister, and I all hoped each morning that today would be the day we would go to a new home, one filled with loving, caring people. First it was the Beagle in the cage next to us. I saw the excited gleam in his eye as his new family prepared to take him home. I hoped one day that I would feel the same excitement. Then the cute little bunny from one aisle over was picked. When the ferret with the bad case of psoriasis found a new home, I began to think I would stay a pet store puppy forever! Finally, it happened. I had seen the couple in the store the week before, talking about bringing home a Christmas puppy for their son Billy. You see, Billy was eight years old, and had been pestering his folks for a puppy for some time now. Although they were busy people, they had decided that a new puppy would make the ideal Christmas present for Billy. The car ride home was exhilarating and terrifying at the same time. It seemed so cold outside, and I was very glad that Billy would keep me inside. I stayed at Billy's aunt's house until the night before Christmas, so as not to ruin the surprise. That night, Billy's dad put me in a small, dark box with a couple of holes punched in the side for air. I could see through the holes the pretty green bow they had tied around my box. Finally, it came time for Billy to open his presents. There was a GI Joe figure, some new slippers, and a big truck or two. At last, I felt my box being picked up and heard Billy's mom say, "OK, Billy, one more present. We saved the best for last". I felt like I was going to turn inside out with anticipation, when suddenly the box was flooded with light and there was my new boy, "Billy". He shrieked so loud when he saw me that it was a little bit scary! "A puppy, a puppy!" The first few days with Billy were puppy heaven! He was out of school you see, and had lots of time to take care of me. We played all day, and I slept in his bed at night. Things just couldn't have been better. After a week or so, Billy's mom took me to my new doctor. By then, Billy's holiday vacation was over and he was back in school. The doctor told Mom all about how to keep me healthy and happy. Mom did seem a little distracted though, especially when the nurse from school called on her cell phone to say that Billy had a bloody nose. I didn't even mind the shot I had to get, because like the doctor told me it was better than getting sick! As Mom and I left, the doctor reminded us that I needed more than just one shot to be protected, and I should come back in a month for another checkup. I never saw the doctor again. As time went by, I really started to grow! I suppose that I wasn't quite as cute as before, because Billy and I didn't spend as much time together. He seemed to have a lot of things to do beside take me for walks and fill my food bowl. Billy and his friends sat in front of a strange box filled with moving pictures every afternoon, playing some game I suppose. Heck, I couldn't even pronounce Nintendo, much less play those kind of games. I started to get confused about what my real name was. At first, everyone called me Petey, which I thought was a great name A funny thing started to happen when I got to be about six months old. Mom and Dad stopped calling me Petey, and started calling me "the dog". I guess that was OK, I am a dog after all. A few weeks later though, they changed my name again. Now I was "that damn dog". I wasn't sure, but I didn't think that was such a nice name. Since my family didn't have much time for me anymore, I had to think of things to do on my own. I liked to chew, and so I did! Remember that GI Joe Billy got for Christmas? Well, somehow I managed to chew off his left leg, which Billy seemed mad about. After a couple more incidents like that, Billy's dad decided I should live outside. Well, spring had come, and the weather was nice so I figured, why not? I thought they would build me one of those nice doghouses like I had seen in the pet store. Maybe it would have carpeting and a soft blanket to sleep on. Well, they must have forgotten to build it, because I spent most of the time tied to a tree in the yard. That was OK for a while, but I began to get pretty bored. I found some nice soft dirt to dig in, but that made Mom mad. Something about flower bulbs and grass seed that I really didn't understand. There was a dog next door tied to a tree in his yard, so we spent most of the day talking. For some reason, that made Dad mad too! I just couldn't seem to do anything right. Finally, one day I heard Dad say to Mom, "I don't care how you do it, just get rid of that damn dog!" I figured Billy would convince them I should stay, but he didn't much care one way or the other. Mom came outside and unhooked me from the chain. She put an old belt of Dad's through my collar and we went out to the car. At first I thought it was time to go to the doctor's for a checkup. Once we drove off though, we headed in the opposite direction. I could hear all the dogs talking inside the building as soon as we turned into the driveway. Mom and I went inside, and she handed the belt to the lady at the counter. Then she patted my head, and walked away, without me. The lady at the desk took me in the back and put me in a cage like the one I had in the pet store, only colder and dirtier. The room was filled with dogs, I even saw that cute Beagle I had known at the pet store. That was five days ago. I guess that I must have a new home now, because a man came by this morning and put a red sticker on my cage door. Here comes the lady who feeds me, and she is carrying a thing to give shots with, just like my doctor did. As she walks me into another room, I see some of the friends I have made in this new place. Funny, they all seem to be asleep on the floor. Oh well, the lady just told me not to worry, everything would be all right. She seems sad though, and I don't really understand why. Maybe being a Christmas puppy wasn't so great after all. Author Unknown Also submitted by Pam Holt. This one has a happy ending . THE NIGHT BEFORE DOG-MAS by Claudine Gandoin 'Twas the night before Dog-mas when all through the pound not a puppy was yelping, or playing around; Our leashes were hung by our kennels with care, in hopes that St. Bernard would soon find us there; Chihuahuas were curled up, all snug in their beds, while visions of doggie-treats danced in their heads. Max in his collar, on somebody's lap, had tucked in his tail for a mid-winter's nap. When outside the room there rose such a clatter, my ears perked right up to hear what was the matter. Away to the window I jumped up with glee, and barked at the shadows that were cast by a tree. The glow from the moon changed night into day, and started me thinking "Woof, woof! Time to play!" When, what with my puppy-dog eyes did I see, But a splendid dog-sled led by doggies like me. With a regal furred driver commanding, not stern. I yelped to the others, "That must be St. Bern!" More rapid than greyhounds our saviors they came, and we barked and we howled and called them by name: "There's Duchess! There's King! Chance, and Buffy! On Fido! On Scooter! On Rover and Scruffy! Go by the red hydrant and run past those trees; Nothing can stop you, not even some fleas!" As puppies at play chase after a stick and race to their masters so lively and quick, So out in the field his canines all flew, catching the frisbees that St Bernard threw. And then in an instant, I heard at the door, the scratching and clawing of each little paw. As I pulled in my nose, and was turning around, Through the door St Bernard came in with a bound. He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his tail, his wood cask adorned with an icing of hail. A bag of chew-toys he had brought in with him, and his mouth was turned up in what looked like a grin. His eyes - how they twinkled! His ears flopped - how merry! His coat shone like crystal, his nose like a cherry! His big sloppy mouth was drawn up like a bow, and the fur on his chin was as white as the snow! The stump of a bone he held tight in his teeth, and his collar encircled his neck like a wreath! He had a large face and a furry round belly that shook when he barked, like a bowl full of jelly. He was fluffy and plump, a big cuddly old pooch; and I laughed when I saw him,and gave him a smooch. A wink of his eye, and a wag of his tail; we knew right away we'd have homes without fail. He howled, not a howl, but went straight to his deed, and took down our leashes, that soon we would need. He opened the door, and families stood there, with children, all smiling, and much love to spare. He lept to his sled, to his team gave a call, and away they all flew as if chasing a ball. But I heard him exclaim, as he chewed on a bone; "Happy Dog-mas to all! And to all a GOOD HOME!" Caution! Holidays Can Be Dangerous The holidays are a joyous time, but they can be exceptionally dangerous for your pets. Please take precautions from these common holiday hazards. Bob Walter, Education Director for The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County Says “Applying a little common sense, and a little extra vigilance for the safety of our companion animals, will help to make the holidays happy”. õ Unusual foods can cause stomach upsets. Avoid feeding people food, especially fatty foods, gravy and chocolates. Never feed your pets poultry or fish bones and remember to dispose of them properly, or they could become lodged into your pets stomach or intestine and require surgery. õ If you have guests visiting: Give your pets a quiet place to rest during the hectic holiday celebrations. Be watchful of open doors, and make sure your pets are wearing their license in case of escape. *Protect your pets from enthusiastic youngsters* who might not know how to gently play with them. õ Protect your pet from the holiday temptations: Christmas Tree – Make sure it is well secured with a strong anchor, cord or rope. Check around the tree daily for pine needles. Ingested pine needles can cause vomiting and diarrhea and even puncture an intestine if sharp enough. Avoid additives to the tree water. Holiday Plants – Mistletoe and Holly are extremely poisonous. Poinsettia and Azalea can can cause severe gastrointestinal upset. Ornaments – Any string-like object, such as tinsel and ribbons, must be avoided. If these are ingested, they can cause serious damage to your pet’s intestines. Instead, use wide ribbons and swags that are not so dangerous. Select non-breakable ornaments especially for those lower branches. Electrical Cords – Electrical cords are extremely dangerous if chewed, causing serious shocks and/or burns to the mouth and can even cause death. õ Giving pets as gifts should be done with extreme caution! Much thought should be given to the decision of acquiring a pet. The consideration should include the amount of responsibility, the lifetime commitment, and the specific type and breed. Clearly the best choice for those people who want to give a pet as a present, and who are not going to be the primary care giver, is to instead give an Adoption Certificate. The certificate will allow the recipient to choose the right match for his/her own family needs.		"Pity the poor kids who grow up in a big city. They miss the little things that made growing up in a small town, ah, so wonderful." ~Tom Morrow