From Rea Cord, Humane Society of Elmore County
For the most part, the rain held off, making it a fantastic day for the Punishers Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club, River Region Chapter’s benefit Poker Run for our Shelter. This inaugural event saw a wonderful turnout; we thoroughly enjoyed welcoming everyone who stopped by the Shelter to meet our animals, and a great time was had by all upon returning to the clubhouse. We anticipate having the final amount raised later this week once all accounting is complete. We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who dedicated their efforts to organizing this event and to all who participated to support a great day of riding for a worthy cause – helping animals.
Looking ahead, if you are a pet owner planning to be away for the 4th of July holiday, we hope you have already secured your pet boarding reservations. Boarding facilities typically reach full capacity for extended weekends, so it’s crucial to contact them as soon as possible if you haven’t done so yet. This also includes ensuring your pet’s vaccinations are up-to-date with your veterinarian, as required by all boarding establishments.
As we are now entering the peak heat of summer, it is essential to prioritize your pet’s safety if they spend time outdoors during the day while you are away. Providing ample shade, ensuring moving air circulation if possible, and access to plenty of clean, cool water are absolutely critical. Make certain your outdoor pet’s water source is not only in the shade but that there is a significant quantity available. Children’s plastic wading pools can serve as an excellent resource, as some dogs will also lie down in the water to cool off. Affordable box fans can also be very helpful in circulating shaded air, but please ensure your dog(s) cannot chew on the power cord and remember to clean the fan regularly to minimize the risk of fire from dust and hair buildup.
Dog houses MUST be situated in deep shade; otherwise, they transform into miniature ovens that no pet will willingly enter. If you believe an unshaded doghouse provides adequate shelter for your pet, try crawling inside one yourself this summer to experience it. Our ideal scenario, of course, is for dogs and cats to be indoors with you, enjoying air conditioning or fans alongside their human family.
For owners of ‘short-nosed’ breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Frenchies, Boston Terriers, and others, keeping them in air-conditioned environments is paramount! These brachycephalic breeds are unequivocally HOUSE DOGS IN SUMMER as they are highly susceptible to heatstroke or even death if left outdoors in high temperatures, even with access to shade.
While many enjoy including their pets on daily outings, honestly, during this time of year – PLEASE LEAVE THEM AT HOME. The interior of your car can become a lethal oven in mere minutes, and you can never predict when a quick stop at the store might take longer than anticipated. Getting stuck in traffic could cause your A/C to fail or your car to overheat. Many newer vehicles are designed to automatically shut off after a limited period if left idling. Furthermore, the A/C in idling vehicles can also malfunction or simply stop cooling effectively, with potentially devastating consequences. If you observe a pet in a parked vehicle during these high temperatures, please contact the appropriate law enforcement agency so they can take necessary action.
And under no circumstances does a dog belong in the back of a pickup truck – simply, DON’T DO IT! The surface of a truck bed gets hot enough to severely burn your dog’s paws. Please bring your dog into the cab of the truck with you so they can also benefit from the air conditioning and be significantly safer.
For those who enjoy visiting yard sales, flea markets, and outdoor festivals or events during this season, PLEASE JUST LEAVE YOUR DOG AT HOME. You might feel that bringing your pet demonstrates your affection, but far too many dogs are genuinely miserable (or frankly, endangered) on hot sand or pavement. They would be far happier (and healthier) remaining at home in the A/C, eagerly awaiting your return.
Our pets are not equipped to tolerate conditions that we ourselves find unbearable. If you are uncomfortable and suffering in the heat, your pet is too. Therefore, please plan diligently to ensure your pet remains safe and comfortable throughout our long Alabama summer.
