By Janice Murasko

Last week in “Days of Our Nine Lives,” ARF cats and kittens talked about how they might find a forever home.

Harley: Woohoo! Halloween is almost here!

Pepper: And that means a great parade down North Circle.

Phil: We cats are pretty safe on this spooky holiday, except in cases of black cats.

Don: That’s terrible. I guess it is a good reason to keep a black cat in the house and safe from people who might mean harm.

Rosy: Isn’t it wise to always keep cats indoors?

Phil: Very true.

Delight: How can dogs be safe on Halloween?

Harley: So much depends upon their humans. Hopefully, dog parents recognize that many foods, such as chocolate, gum and xylitol (a sweetener used in many foods) are hazardous to pets.

Delight: Wow. And for humans who want to dress their dogs in costumes, they really should consider the pets’ personalities and what type of costume they may tolerate and for how long.

Pepper: Right! Masks and hats that fit around the face, for example, may be OK for the length of time it takes to snap a quick pic, but they can pose dangers and make a pet feel uncomfortable. It is probably best to keep pet costumes minimal.

Delight: How about dogs at and in the parade?

Harley: That really depends upon each individual dog.

Pepper: Hopefully, the dog guardian doesn’t take the dog to such an active event for his or her own sake. Often times dogs are at events where they aren’t comfortable. Humans should carefully consider whether it’s a good idea for the dog.

Rosy: I truly believe many pet guardians want to show off their dogs, but the dogs don’t always want to be shown!

Phil: Personally speaking, I don’t think many cats like costumes.

Rosy: And even if they do, I doubt many want to participate in Halloween activities!

Carrie: And certainly they don’t want candy.

Delight: Even if they do want the candy, it’s probably not a good idea.

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 Hwy 243. ARF is open Saturdays 10-3, Sundays 10-2, and during the week by appointment. Please call 951- 659-1122.

Creature Corner is seeking monthly sponsors. For those interested in sponsoring future months of Creature Corner, contact ARF at 951-659-1122 or info@idyllwildarf.org.