Hi, I’m Pilot, a male Siberian Husky who’s three years old, but I act like I’m 10 months. Everything is a party to me so unrestricted fun is what I’m all about. Unleash me in a yard filled with toys, and I will gleefully bounce around playing with every single one of them. I’m mature enough that your participation isn’t required, but I love a captive audience. With a perpetual grin and wagging tail, I often beckon for petting and ticklish belly rubs, but I’m not loud or bratty about it! Admittedly, I have qualities that require attention like never denying myself the urge to leap over a fence, pulling on leash, and not responding to obedience cues. Ready to roll, I can’t resist the excitement of an aimless chase. I’ll be best in a home with people who can keep up with me, and are dedicated to providing me with training so that I can project my personality in an appropriate way. Pilot, ID #A060497 is available for adoption at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter located at 1640 9th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90404. The shelter is closed to the public and adoptions are by appointment only by calling the shelter at 310.458.8595.
PET TIP OF THE WEEK: HALLOWEEN PET SAFETY
Halloween is spooky for people, but the celebration has safety risks which can be tricky for pets! These can be avoided so that you may provide plenty fun for them instead.
Put the candy away and give them pet safe pumpkin treats! Chocolate and xylitol are toxic to cats and dogs. Corn plant decor can cause stomach issues. If any are consumed, call your veterinarian and look for symptoms of illness like foaming at the mouth, difficulty breathing, vomiting, hiding, disorientation, lethargy, and agitation.
Keep decorations out of reach. Tipped over pumpkins with candles can cause burns. Decorations with sharp edges, wires, and nets can cause injury. Give your pets their own Halloween themed toys to play with!
Pets in costumes are adorable! Avoid them and stick to nice grooming instead if they show signs of stress like abnormal behavior. If they don’t mind, pets in costumes must be supervised. Costumes should be well fitted. Avoid fabrics that can cause skin allergies, and accessories that can be choking hazards. Practice dressing them up in short durations of time a few nights before Halloween, while offering them praise and rewards.
COVID-19 will be keeping many people at home on Halloween night. But neighborhoods may be busier which can cause anxiety in pets, increasing opportunities for them to escape. Keep your pet’s ID on, inside of your home with the windows and doors closed, and restrict them from high traffic areas. Dogs outside should be kept on leash. Most important, make extra time for play, cuddles, and petting so that Halloween can be a happy one!
Pet of the Week is provided by Carmen Molinari, a long-time volunteer at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter and founder and CEO of Love At First Sit, a pet care and dog training company in Santa Monica. Learn about her, pet tips, and Love At First Sit services at loveatfirstsit.net
