March symbolizes new growth; procreation in humans, animals and plants! It is also a time to think about all around poison prevention.

Poisonous items are everywhere. They are in our cabinets, garages and flower beds. Everyday items can be poisonous to pets. There are many things that can harm our pets, but let’s review items most everyone would have in and around their house.

Medications, such as, Advil, Aleve and Motrin are all a danger to our four legged friends. Tylenol poses a threat to dogs, but is particularly dangerous to cats. How we store these medications needs to be taken into consideration. Don’t store in small plastic bags that can be easily chewed. Always keep your medications in containers with tamper proof lids and in a different location as your pet’s medications. As pet sitters in people’s homes, we frequently see medications setting on tables where dogs or cats can get to them. Store all medications out of reach!

Household paints, glue and cleaning chemicals can be a threat of danger. These items do not smell good, but have an interesting texture at might entice a cat or dog to ingest it. Glue can expand in the stomach and cause blockage.

Spring is near, so let’s visit what items that can bring harm from our garden. It is logical to keep Pesticides/Insecticides away from pets, but blood meal and bone meal are plant fertilizers that can be quite harmful to pets. There is a wide range of flowers and household plants that are toxic. Lilies, tulips and crocus top the list. The entire list can be viewed at www.petpoisonhelpline.com. Certain mulching products can be chemically dangerous or splinter internally in a dog’s stomach.

Let’s not forget the items we love to eat! Cooked or raw garlic and onions are harmful to cats, while grapes/raisins and chocolate are listed to keep away from dogs. The darker the chocolate percentage: the more toxic. Alcohol or caffeinated drinks, raw yeast dough and raw meats can also pose sever illness to death in pets.

Xylitol (in sugar-free gum & some peanut butter) is dangerous to dogs, while certain essential oils are dangerous to cats.

While we can’t monitor our pets 24/7, if you think they have ingested anything that could be toxic or poisonous contact your Veterinarian immediately. Many of these items listed cause internal issues and might not be detected right away. Take a quick assessment of what and how much was ingested, the time frame the ingestion took place (if known) and note any changes your pet might be experiencing. This information will be helpful to your Veterinarian. You may also call the Pet Poison Help Line for assistance. We recommend having your Veterinarian and the Pet Poison Help Line (885-764-7661) stored in your phone!

Black Paw 101: Keep them safe!

Bobbi Wilson, CPPS since 2018

The main purpose to spay and neuter is preventing unwanted litters, increased health benefits and curbing behavioral issues for dogs and cats.

Spay/Neuter Facts:

-Dogs live on the average 20% longer and Cats live on the average 50% longer when spay or neutered.

-Cats can become pregnant at 4 months old and dogs at 6 months.

-Cancer risks are lower in cats and dogs that are fixed.

-Urine marking is reduced by 90%.

-Neutering Males reduces Roaming and barking.

-It is worth the cost to keep your pet(s) healthy!

Columbia is fortunate to have a clinic on the business loop, that specializes in spay/neuter surgeries. Here is what they had to say…

What does the clinic do?

The Spay Neuter Project-No Kill Columbia (since 2015) provides a service directed towards community by offering high-quality, reduced cost spay/neuter services, with a mission to remove financial barriers; reducing the unplanned and homeless pet population, and helping pet owners keep their pets happy and healthy, and families whole.

Who can utilize your services?

We serve pet parents from 28 counties and have worked with 22 animal rescues to help provide surgeries/vaccines, but do not compare the clinic as competition to other pet care providers in Columbia; we consider our services as an alternative to those who are in need of quality care at an affordable price.

How can the community learn more about the clinic?

We are always open to speaking engagements and presentations, in regards to share what we do and how to help the community. Look for our community festivals/events each year, along with hosting events, such as SPAYghetti, Spring Fling, Pumpkin PAWlooza, CoMoGives and Mile of Money (first year 2022).

What is your next event?

The Spay Neuter Project is hosting their 9th annual SPAYghetti event on Tuesday February 21st, 2023 at the First Presbyterian Church (18th Hitt Street). This is the biggest event of the year for the not for profit, with a spaghetti dinner, auction items, bake sale, wine pull and live music.

Tickets are $20.00 in advance and can be purchased at Lizzi & Rocco’s, Treats Unleashed, Papa’s Cat Café and The Spay Neuter Project.

Online at @spayneuterprojectmo.org.

Advanced ticket sales end February 14th or $30.00 at the door.

Black Paw 101: Hope to see you there!

Bobbi Wilson, CPPS since 2018

Peace Love Paws Pet Sitters, LLC… How did that happen?

What was a desperate need for more income clashed with my desire (for YEARS) that turned into what PLP is today.

We all get caught up in life’s things! Thinking we know our direction and then…well, we have all been there. Some make it out okay, while others fight it. Scott and I seem to have this happen to us every so many years. Hence, how we jumped into Pet Sitting! I will back up a few years…

I wanted a Pet Sitting Business for several years, after stumbling across an online publication by Patti Moran (Now founder of Pet Sitters International) in 1998. Scott’s job just did not allow time for us to do it and I owned a lamp work bead/jewelry business, which kept me busy. We had adopted several pets from the CMHS and Second Chance, but our first real pet rescue was a Black Cat named Zena B.. She was a pregnant cat and living in terrible conditions when I found her. I brought her home and that was the first litter of kittens I had ever seen. (We have since helped with 6 more adoption litters over the years.) When Zena B. died, I wanted to honor her with a pet rescue. I thought how hard is it to set up a not for profit? Answer; Not as easy as one would hope. We ran it for eight successful years, while all the time I wanted to pet sit as a career. Still the opportunity to do so was not available, due to one thing or another. Life changed for us several times again over the next several years, and we become home inspectors. I know, still not in the pet sitting business...truth is, for 20 years, every neighbor in our neighborhood would ask us to pet sit. When we did… we would be "paid" with rocks from exotic places, or a souvenir from somewhere! We moved from that neighborhood and I missed pet sitting all the neighbor’s pets! Then the clash moment happened to us. The home inspection business took a turn for us, and we needed a second income quick. FINALLY, we knew being Professional Pet Sitters was what we should do!

Black Paw 101: Hold on to your dreams…your clash moment will come!

Bobbi Wilson, CPPS

@peacelovepawspetsittersllc