Last week in “Days of Our Nine Lives,” the ARF cats talked about caring for pets in the summer heat.
Stevie: I have been compiling fun and sensible ways to keep pets cool during the heat.
Whiskers: I bet this group could come up with some good ideas.
Stevie: One I read about was giving dogs frozen treats to cool them.
Don: Right! Freezing their favorite fruits is good. I know they often like apples, watermelon, strawberries, blueberries and bananas.
Stevie: And I know of a human who freezes bits of these fruits into water and voila! Pupsicles!
Mila: And don’t forget that many dogs like veggies! Pupsicles may also include carrots, broccoli, cucumber, and sweet potato. Dogs go crazy over this treat.
Lulu: And don’t forget that ice cream especially formulated for dogs may be purchased.
Whiskers: No one has yet suggested things to keep us felines cool. I think we would also like frozen treats!
Don: Heck! We even like plain old ice cubes!
Lulu: And at times I really like taking a nap on a cool, damp towel.
Don: I know of a human who put a cooling mat under his cat’s favorite bed.
Mila: And if there is not a cooling mat on hand, a human could wrap freezer blocks or pads in a towel to put under the bed. Where there’s a will, there’s a way!
Stevie: People just have to be aware of the temperature and its effect on their cats and dogs. There should be plenty of fresh, cool water for them to drink.
Lulu: And there should always be a quiet, shaded spot for them to relax.
Be sure to keep up with the animal antics of “Days of our Nine Lives” each week. And please stop in to say hello to the entire adoptable cast at the ARF House, 26890 Highway 243. ARF is open Saturdays 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Sundays 10 a.m.-2 p.m., and during the week by appointment. Please call 951-659-1122.
Creature Corner is sponsored by Sandi Mathers.