Motherly Law

The Lockout: Averting Catastrophe with an Emergency Kit & Some Chocolate

The Locked Door

Yesterday in my haste to get out the door with Darling 2 to pick up Darling 1 from school, I grabbed the garage door opener, left from a side door, locked it behind me and walk/ran the two blocks to the school. I needn't have rushed. The dismissal procedure was changed on Monday and then tweaked on Tuesday. What they failed to tell the parents is that the students are now leaving the building later too.

Darling 2 and I stood waiting and waiting until finally Darling 1 emerged from the school doors. We headed back home with plans of a snack and playing and a little Mommy time on the computer. As I hit the button on the garage door opener, I got a sinking feeling. I realized I had locked the door leading from the garage to the house when Darling 2 and I had come home earlier.

I tried the locked door anyway...and all the other doors too, but to no avail. I didn't have any keys for my house or my car. I did have my cell phone. I thought we'll just call Will. He'll come to our rescue.

Left Out in the Cold

Nope. I realized he had several meetings scheduled for the afternoon. That didn't stop me from calling and calling and calling, texting and tweeting him, hoping to catch him in between meeting. But there was no answer; I had the times of his meetings mixed up. The whole time I was trying to contact him his phone was in his computer bag with the ringer off.

Fortunately, it was nice weather and we had access to the outdoor toys in the garage. The boys happily played for the first hour of lockout. Then, the sun started falling lower and it started getting colder. Darling 2 and I hadn't even worn coats to pick up Darling 1. So, we retreated into the car in the garage. The boys rummaged through CDs and maps in the glove box, went through our first aid kit, tried on a few Band-Aids and pretended to drive. Then, we all three sat in the back bench, reclined as far as it would go and read from our stash of books that I keep in the car to occupy the boys.

Chocolate to the Rescue

By then, it has been an hour and a half, the boys were getting hungry. We went through Darling 1's lunch box and backpack and found a package of uneaten granola bars. Then, we hit the jackpot.

We found a large dark chocolate bar that had been accidently left in the car earlier. I had bought a stack of large chocolate bars for my Norwex Launch Party on Sunday. I thought I had smuggled them in without Darling 2 seeing them, but one had been left behind in the car.

Ah, the little bit of dark chocolate that we split lifted our spirits and helped to sustain us until we could be "rescued." And then, finally, after 2 hours of lockout, Will did come to save us {mostly from each other}.

An Emergency Kit

This little "disaster" made me think about resources available to me in a real emergency. As noted, I have a small and mostly forgotten about first aid kit in the car. I also have a tackle box in the linen closet with various bandages, ointments, etc. but that's about it.

I have to admit that I have considered stockpiling water, canned foods, packs of tuna, toilet paper, medicine, dog and cat food and the like in case of a true catastrophic event. My brain is paranoid enough for me to imagine the kind of apocalypse that would necessitate such supplies, but my space and pocket book are limited enough to prevent me from actually putting together such a kit.

The List

With that said, I do think it's a good idea to be prepared for anything, especially with the past year of "killer" weather. Floods, hurricanes, tornados, super power storms or even man created emergencies/calamities. So, maybe you don't have to stock 300 cans of green peas and 120 gallons of water and 45 rolls of toilet paper, but a kit with basics isn't a bad idea.

Several government sites suggest that kits include:

1. Prescription medicines and basic over the counter meds, as well as bandages, disinfectants and other first aid necessities;
2. Water {1 gallon per person per day}
3. Flashlight with extra, new batteries;
4. Blanket/sleeping bag per person;
5. Extra water and pet food for pets;
6. Formula, baby food, diapers, etc if there is an infant in your home;
7. Change of clothes for each person {change out for seasons and sizes};
8. Matches in a water proof container;
9. Wrench/pliers for turning off utilities;
10. Battery operated radio/weather radio with extra, new batteries;
11. Toilet paper, baby wipes, trash bags;
12. Non-perishable foods, enough for three days;
13. Local Maps;
14. Dust masks for each person, duct tape, a whistle and utility knife;
15. Cash
16. Important docs like passports, licenses/I.D., birth certificates, etc.;
17. Books, small toys, games, etc. to keep your child(ren) occupied; and
18. In an actual emergency, have keys, cell phone and chargers at the ready.

Resources

Ready.gov has a list of sensible basic items necessary in the event of a threat or disaster. The CDC has a great article and list on its blog about which items to store at the ready and about making an emergency plan for your family to follow if a catastrophe should strike. If you are in need of a good travel first aid kit, check out this article from the USA Today TravelTips page.

The Scoop

Personally, I would also add Laptop/Tablet and cord and Chocolate {1 or 2 bars per person per day} to the above list, but that's just me. Let's hope that such a kit is never needed, but if it is then we would all be grateful for being paranoid/prepared enough to have put it together. Or perhaps you all have this kind of kit in your basements already? Maybe we're the only ones completely unprepared for a calamity. Over and out...

Anna

Where are you, Christmas Joy? Dealing with the SADness of Seasonal Affective Disorder

The Cruelest Month

December is the cruelest month. I have always loved winter and Christmas, but since moving to Iowa and then Minnesota 11 years ago, I have felt the blues begin to settle in come end of November and beginning of December when the days get exceedingly short and dark and dreary. I drag around completely exhausted, with bags under my eyes. I have no energy or "unction" to do anything. I feel low and down and sad.

Each year it seems to get a little worse. A number of years ago, I began to notice the pattern and acknowledge my blues. I would tell myself I wasn't going crazy; it would pass. And it does...eventually. I have come to realize that I suffer from SAD; that is, Seasonal Affective Disorder.

This year, with Ben's death, one month ago, and the many stresses of 2011, I have really begun to feel the SADness deepen and settle all around me like thick, black fog. I feel as though I am slogging through wet cement, hot tears roll down my cheeks as I drive along running errands or sit typing out articles, I can't get enough rest and I can't muster the joy of the season no matter how much I try.

A Ray of Light

This year is especially low, but this year I have a SAD lamp. Years ago, my brother lived in AK and suffered from SAD too. He now lives in sunny and humid Houston and I am now the proud owner of a big, bulky, very bright and sunny SAD lamp. I have used it only a few times, but I am working on getting into a schedule of using it on a regular basis in an attempt to brighten my mood.

Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD affects people in winter or summer, spring or fall, year after year. It can happen at different times of the year, but often occurs during the winter when a person with otherwise normal mental health suffers from episodes of depression.

SAD occurs more often in women than men, and those who live in places with long, dark winters have the greatest chance of suffering from this type of depression. Apparently, it's estimated that 20% of SAD sufferers are Irish; about 10% of those in Netherland are afflicted with SAD and 8.9% of Alaskans suffer from this disorder. Other factors include hormones, genes, amount of light exposed to each day and body temperature.

Symptoms of SAD

While there is no test to determine if one does indeed suffer from SAD, a health professional can make a diagnosis based on symptoms of the patient and by ruling out other illnesses. A person with SAD usually presents these symptoms:

• Increased appetite and weight gain;
• Irritability and unhappiness;
• Lack of energy;
• Difficulty concentrating and remembering details;
• Fatigue;
• Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping;
• Sad, anxious or empty feelings;
• Social withdrawal;
• Loss of interest in work or other activities; and
• Sense of hopelessness.

Phototherapy

There are a number of treatments that can be very helpful for SAD sufferers. The most common treatment comes in the form of light; a very bright light. It helps to get outside and exercise during the hours with sunlight, but light therapy is best way to get the "sunlight" needed. This is accomplished with a special lamp with fluorescent lights up to 10,000 lux.

Studies have shown that light therapy of 3,000 lux for 2 hours a day for 5 weeks or 10,000 lux for 30 minutes a day for 8 weeks is effective for many. By sitting a few yards away and glancing at the light occasionally, the "rays" can help ease the SAD symptoms.

However, commercial light boxes are not regulated by law in the U.S. So, use caution when selecting a phototherapy lamp. They are not all the same.

And, of course, neither are we humans all the same. Therefore, light therapy does not work for everyone. In fact, 20 to 50% of SAD sufferers do not feel a difference with the light box. If that is the case and the symptoms are severe and unrelenting, other treatment could be sought; that is, vitamins or supplements, occupational therapy or antidepressants. As with any medical diagnosis or treatment, seek the advice of a medical professional before beginning any treatment.

For now, I'm sticking with my light box and trying to find the right time and place to use it each day. I have been told that starting off each dark morning for a 30 minutes of light and/or 30 minutes of phototherapy each evening when it's already dark will be helpful.

The Scoop

I am optimistic, as always, even through this very low time. I give myself pep talks and try to force myself to keep up my social calendar, but it's extremely difficult getting through each day. Much of the time, I feel like I am accomplishing only the mandatory tasks of each day and going through the motions, leaving much undone.

This may sound backwards and crazy to some, but I really feel that some bright and beautiful snow would lift my spirits. There is more light reflected and less darkness when there is snow. Now, where are you snow? Where are you Christmas? Please come to me in Minnesota and light my very dark winter, and lead the way to a soggy spring and beautiful summer.

Does this sound familiar? Do you or someone you know suffer from SAD? How have you dealt with the lack of sunshine during the winter months? Over and out...

Anna

Benjamin: A DOG Among Dogs {An Obituary}

He had many names: Benjamin, Ben, Benner, BearBQ, Blueberry Blue, Benjamin Bear and Bubba; and he was our wonderful smooth coat St. Bernard. He passed away at exactly noon on Wednesday. He was 8.5 years old {which is pretty old for a Saint}. We are heartbroken and adrift in emotion and memories.

To know Ben was to catch a glimpse of God for no one but the God I know would have ever thought to make such an amazing creature. He was huge. He weighed 160 pounds. He had an imposing bark. But those who knew him knew that he wouldn't hurt a fly. He was truly a gentle giant.

Benjamin came into our lives as Ruben, but we didn't think that fit him. He was at a shelter in north central Iowa, having been brought there by the family that had bought him from a breeder just 3 months prior. He was 7 months olds; he was skinny and gangly with huge flopping ears; just like a teenager who hasn't grown into his body yet. And it's a long story as to how we came to know about this precious lovebug.

We soon figured out the reason that the family had given him up and why he was so skinny; food allergies. Once we found a remedy, he gained and grew and grew. He also slobbed and slobbed and slobbed and shed and shed and shed and loved and loved and loved.

We adored him instantly and fell head over heels in love with him. Everywhere we went with Ben people stopped us to pet him, hug his massive neck and take photos with him. He willingly obliged. We quickly got used to the giant muddy paws, the large dog food and vet bills and the slobbery slime forever flip flapping out of his massive jowls onto us, the walls, the ceiling. It was just part of the package deal; and we loved the complete package.

Ben was goofy and good-natured and loved a tasty treat. When he asked for a cookie he sounded like Chewbacca. He gave big, full-bodied, hairy, slobby hugs that I will miss so much. He loved his dog sister, his cat siblings, his human brothers, his mommy and daddy and his grandma. He was the last furry baby to arrive before the human babies, yet he was never jealous of the boys; not once. That just wasn't his style. He did worry about stepping on them with his enormous paws and took great care to never do that.

Last Saturday, it snowed for the first time this season. Ben loved everything about the snow and the cold; it was his favorite season of the year. On Saturday night, I went out to the backyard where he was enjoying the cold, crisp air. He was delighted to see me, as he always was. He sat on my feet and leaned on my legs; he rubbed his head on my thigh as I scruffed his fur with my hands. Out in the dark, cold night with first snow covering the ground, we whispered together in our secret language that was understood by us alone; the kind of language that is felt deep in the soul.

He was so happy on Saturday night; bouncing around like a puppy; as he always did when it snowed. All was right in his world. I'm so glad he got to see and feel the snow one more time. And I'm so glad I had that special time alone with him. Again, I am the luckiest. I am the luckiest for having had the chance to know and love and be loved by this magnificent creature.

He became very sick in early morning hours and we were awaiting the vet's arrival at our home. We were quite certain this was the end for him, given his symptoms and we were so grateful that he passed away on his own terms; surrounded by family, in our room, on his blanket, where he always slept. We are so blessed to have had the chance for each of us to say our goodbyes and hold his hands, hug his neck and kiss his beautiful head in his last few hours.

At noon, Darling 1 had come in the room again and said to me, as I sat there with Ben, "I don't hear him anymore." {He was always a heavy breather and loud snorer}. And that's when I knew he was no longer with us. Today is God's lucky day because today he was joined by my Benjamin.

We will forever love you and miss you, Benner; my sweet, sweet angel boy. The winter won't be the same without you here. Thank you for your love and the wonderful memories.

Anna

 

A Story About Poop: Life’s Messiest Moments

Pre-Parenting

Before you have your own kids, there are those who have kids already who love to tell stories involving poop, puke and pee in hopes of freaking out the non-parents. It's like a badge of honor earned by the new parent after the first tour of duty cleaning up human excrement: you've had to wash poop off the wall and clean puke off junior's favorite book, your shirt, all the stuffed animals, sheets, blankets, pillows and the rug, and you get to talk about it in public. Well, before I had done my tour in Babyland I laughed it off and made a mental note to never discuss my child's poop with anyone.

My Messiest Moment

Well, here I am writing about one of my messiest moments of my life and it involves none other than my son's poop. Now wait a minute, before you click away, hear me out. I've never written about poop before {and probably never will again}, but when I heard about the Clorox Bleach It Away campaign I knew which messy moment I'd write about. Listen, I could win $25,000 or a $750 Canon Rebel camera, either of which I could really use. So, here it goes.

Poop All Around

When my son was around 6 months old, he was over the moon about bouncing in his Jumperoo. He cared nothing for swings or saucers, but he loved to jump and he's got the calf muscles to prove it too, even 4.5 years later. Well, during one such bouncing session, we realized he had indeed filled his diaper because we could smell it. Yet, as only a parent can appreciate, my husband and I decided to wait to change him because we were in the basement away from the diapers and wipes supply, he was enjoying his exercise routine and we were watching a movie that was almost over.

After a few minutes, our dog, a very expressive, motherly canine, approached our little bouncing bundle of joy, gave him a few sniffs and gave us a look. Her look said, "For the love of Pete, change this baby's diaper and give us all a break! What kind of parents are you?" The admonishment from the dog was enough to make us further check the situation.

Upon inspection, we realized the stench was pretty bad; and yep, the poop had gone up his back. Seriously, that's really enough, but hang on, there's more. As we pulled our sweet muffin out of the Jumperoo, we noticed that the poop had also run down his legs all the way into his adorable little soft leather shoes and had soaked through the seat of his pants and was all over the fabric of the Jumperoo seat.

So the disapproving look from our dog regarding our parenting skills was well deserved. This was a royal, stinking mess. Thankfully, I was not alone in this situation. My husband set about the task of cleaning up our soiled child and I began cleaning the filthy clothes and fabric seat.

The Scoop

These days, if something has poop on it, I toss it in the trash. But back then, I dutifully rinsed, treated, washed, bleached, etc. I was able to salvage the clothes and the Jumperoo seat, but those cute little leather shoes were goners, despite all of my efforts to save them. Our child cleaned up quite nicely, and we all survived that messy moment of life and many more that followed.

One day, I'll tell my son that story while he cuddles his sweet-smelling {for the time-being} infant and he'll think, "Mom, why must you talk about {my} poop!" And then, when he least expects it, his time for cleaning up an explosion of poop will come and he'll have a poop story of his own.

It's not just the pristine, sunshiny moments of life that make us who we are; it's all the moments, even the messy ones. And I'm a mom, with two boys, ages 5 and 3. I've become better acquainted with bodily fluids than I ever intended to; such is life. Over and out...

I received information about Clorox's Bleach It Away campaign and am sharing my messy moment for the chance to win prizes from The SITS Girls. To learn more about the messy moment program, check out www.BleachItAway.com.  Sharing your story on the Clorox fan page gets you entered for the chance to win $25,000 and daily prizes, and you can grab a coupon for Clorox® Regular Bleach.

Anna

Best Buddies: Resources for Teaching Kids Rules for Safe and Respectful Interactions With Pets

Old Wives' "Tails"

Did you see the headline about the cat who sucked the air out of the infant's lungs? No? Me neither. You know why? Because it never happened. Such an incident sounds beyond absurd, doesn't it? And yet, when I was pregnant people actually asked me if I was worried about this happening. This is how conspiracy theories spread, people.

No, I was never worried that my cats would smother my children, etc. I briefly considered a net canopy that attaches to the crib so that cats can't jump in the crib to sleep, but then realized how ridiculous it was. We simply closed the door to the room where the baby was sleeping, but I needn't have worried at all. The cats wanted absolutely nothing to do with the little squirmy, crying aliens who had invaded their space.

Tips for Being Safe & Respectful

This does not mean that pets should sleep with infants or be left alone in the room with infants. They should not. Extra care should be taken to ensure that safety measures are in place when it comes to animals and babies, as previously mentioned earlier this week.

Kids should never be taught to fear animals or mistreat them. Pets in a home can be a positive addition. Pets teach unconditional love, responsibility and trust among other things.

For a child to feel comfortable around animals, the child should be taught how to approach animals, which animals to avoid and basic safe practices in dealing with animals they may come across while walking down the sidewalk, visiting a friend's house or at a farm, etc.

Here some resources for finding this information and more:

• Tips for safe interactions between kids and pets;
• General rules for interactions between kids and pets; and
• Prevent dog bites from stray animals or pet's of strangers

Of course, kids should also be taught to treat animals with respect and kindness. Abuse of animals by young kids is not only disturbing, but can also be an early sign of trouble that could lead to more serious criminal activity in the future. If your child or another child you know hurts or kills any kind of animal, you should seek psychological help for that child or alert that child's parents, caretakers or authorities to this issue.

Here are tips for teaching kids how to treat animals, whether you have pets in your home or not:

• Teach your kids to respect their pets;
• Show your kids how to be kind and compassionate to animals; and
• Be a good pet owner by knowing what to expect before getting a pet.

The Scoop

Overall, be kind, be patient, be considerate, be smart. Always be a good example to your kids by treating animals with respect and kindness. Remember that pets are a lot of work and take a lot of time and energy. Be prepared for this before you get a new pet. It's heartbreaking to a child and teaches your child to question whether to connect with and trust another if you are constantly getting a pet and then getting rid of a pet because you don't have time, hastily chose the wrong breed, etc.

Pets are amazingly intuitive and can teach kids many wonderful things, including unconditional love and loyalty. Pets are great for cuddling with when feeling sad, lonely or down. They are equally fabulous companions for romping and playing with and generally keeping one company. Over and out...

Anna

 

 

Pets and the Hereafter: Helping Kids Cope with Pet Loss

Rexy

Before I was born, my parents were talked into giving away two of their three cats, believing that it would be better for the baby. Nonetheless, the one cat that remained was a fierce guardian of me and my brother. He was a large gray tabby named Rex who would faithfully run to our assistance and wait for mom to come to our rescue when we cried out. He was loving and tolerant and everything a first pet should be. He died when I was in Kindergarten and I recall being very sad, but it was most upsetting to my mom who had known him, loved him and cared for him so much longer.

As previously mentioned in an earlier post, my childhood home was always populated by a cat or two or three. When tragedy struck and a cat died, we got more kittens. Some came and went without making a huge impact in our lives, but others were members of our family.

Princess

When I was 10 years old, we got Princess. She was just a run of the mill white kitten from the animal rescue. She had a little patch of tabby stripes, a little bit of orange marmalade color and few spots of this and that, but she believed her name was indeed her rank and she ruled her castle and its inhabitants with kindness and love, but always with a firm hand.

Princess lived over 18 years. I was 28 when she died. She was a big part of our family, and it was like losing a member of our family. If you don't really love animals, you won't understand this sentiment, but it was devastating to our family. We still talk about her fondly, just as we do my grandparents or other deceased relatives.

Preparing for Loss

All of my pets are getting elderly and it will be devastating to our family when they die. A huge hole will be left in my heart. They are like children to me. They were my first children after all. First came the cats, relatively independent; then came the puppies, not at all independent in the beginning...oh, who am I kidding, the dogs have never been independent; and finally the Darling Boys, who are getting more and more independent by the day.

The Boys love our dogs and cats and have never known life without them. They understand the animals are getting elderly and Darling 1 knows that one day they will die. We have had a few deaths in our family in the recent past and have talked about death. We believe in God and heaven and do discuss this concept in conjunction with our pets and death. I don't think that Darling 2 completely understands the concept of death yet.

Desser the Best Ever Cat

Nine years ago, when Princess died, I found a children's book about a guy and his cat. The guy meets a girl, guy and girl get married and have a little baby girl, little girl loves cat and vice versa, little girl gets bigger and cats ages, and one day the cat dies. It's the saddest book I've ever read, and I can't read it without crying. Just thinking about it now makes me tear up. The book is Desser the Best Ever Cat by Maggie Smith.

I bought one copy for my parents and one for me. Last year, Darling 1 found that book in the basement among other books in a stack; he wanted me to read it. I begged off for a bit with excuses and suggestions of other books to read. Then, I finally gave in and read it the best I could. By the end, as predicted, I was in tears and could barely get the words out. When I finished reading, the Boys sat very still and quiet, and then Darling 1 ask me to read it again. I said I couldn't and I excused myself to go get a grip and stop the tears. A little later, Darling 1 came in, and sadly said, "But, I don't want Jazzy to die" as he choked back tears.

And neither do I, but he will and so will the others. It's the circle of life; it's inevitable; and he's used up most of his nine lives now. So, when Jazz and Ben and the others leave us, the reality is we will have to help the Darling Boys to make sense of it all and give them the tools to get through this death in the family, while we help ourselves through it, as well.

Tips for Helping Kids Cope with Pet Loss

Besides Desser, which I will be using when the time comes, here are some tips and suggestions for dealing with pet loss and kids:

1. Don't underestimate your children. Tell them the truth. They can handle it, and you owe them the truth;
2. Hold a memorial service for your pet with family and/or friends to celebrate your pet's life;
3. Plant a tree or flowers in honor of your pet or over the area where your pet is buried in your yard;
4. Allow your child to keep the pet's special toy or collar, etc.;
5. Talk about your pet; discuss memories. Even if it makes you and the kids sad, it will also make you laugh remembering the good times;
6. Telling your child the pet went to sleep or went away will only make them feel worse that their pet abandoned them and could lead to other fears and issues; be clear in your description of death;
7. Make a plaster stepping stone or small monument in honor of your pet;
8. Get out photos of your pet for your child to look at; perhaps make an album dedicated to your pet;
9. Don't hide how you feel; grieve openly in front of your children; the grieving process is important; allow you and the children to go through it;
10. Read age appropriate books, like Desser, that help to convey the concept of pet death;
11. Don't be afraid to get a new pet, but wait until everyone in the family is ready; and
12. If you are not a pet lover and are not grieving this loss, but your child is, don't underestimate your child's grief; this is real and often extreme sadness.

Sources: ASPCA & Pet Loss Support Page

The Scoop

This is not the post I sat down to write, but these are the thoughts that came to my mind and these are the words that my fingertips nimbly brought to light. This was a very difficult post for me to write. In the next several years we face a great many losses with pets who range in age from 16 years to 8 years old.

Tomorrow I'll be discussing keeping kids safe around animals. Over and out...

Anna

Legal Tails: Laws Protecting Animals and People

A Fear of Dogs

Years ago when living in Iowa, I remember being at a friend's home for a small gathering of new acquaintances. These friends had two dogs, one of which was at least part Pit-Bull Terrier if not full-blooded, and also one of the sweetest dogs you might encounter. I recall another friend there who it quickly became apparent was terrified of dogs. My friends apologized for having theirs out and put them in the basement away from the party.

The terrorized friend then related her story of being attacked by a friend's dog years earlier. This dog had never attacked anyone before, but had lunged at her, and she was severely injured and taken to the hospital. Her physical scars had healed, but her mental scars will probably never go away. If this had happened to me, I would probably have different feelings about dogs. When I see a dog that is powerful and intense, I think of her story.

In Reference to Yesterday's Post {It's easier if you just go read it: Animal House}

In yesterday's post I gave you a detailed account of my crazy chaotic household full of cats, dogs and kids. You now know how I feel about animals in general {I love them...in case you missed yesterday's article} and you know that my pets and kids mix and mingle and all equally share the home with us.

Yesterday I also shared two examples of when the mix of pets and kids goes awry with very disturbing facts and endings. A reader alerted me to another similar tragic incident that occurred just a few days prior to the 2 week baby being mauled by the family dog in Houston. This story comes from North Carolina. Five dogs were taken away after one or more of them attacked and killed a 9 day old baby girl. Among these dogs there is at least one Rottweiler and one Pit Bull Terrier. The authorities are also investigating that incident to determine whether criminal charges should be issued or whether this was simply a horrible tragedy.

These news stories are frightening and might be enough for some people to rush to conclusions about parenting styles or about having pets at all if kids are in the house. These stories are not meant to scare or threaten anyone. There are many wonderful reasons to expose kids to pets. They are simply a reminder that pets are animals and can be unpredictable at times. If we make sensible choices and err on the side of caution then most situations can be avoided.

It's important to realize there's a lot we don't know about the dog mauling cases: we don't know whether the dog(s) had been introduced to the infant through smells, etc., whether the parents knew or should have known reasons to keep the dog(s) and baby separated, whether the parents were negligent in failing to keep the two separated and whether the parents were diligent in their care of their infants. The investigations of these two terribly sad incidents will determine the answers to these and other questions in deciding whether to charge anyone with a crime. Regardless of any of these facts, two families have lost their tiny, innocent, brand new babies, and I doubt anything else matters to them at this time.

It's also important to note that none of the dogs have been sentenced to death at this point which probably indicates that none of the dogs have had any run-ins with the law before; meaning no previous reports of biting, etc., up-to-date vaccination records and current licenses. Once the investigations have ended, the fate of these dogs will also be determined. {By the way, the python from yesterday's scenario was spared and is in the custody of the state now. Given the fact that she was being starved to death by her owners having not been fed for over a month and was severely underweight she was not blamed for this death.}

Protecting Your Household and Others

These are things you should know already, but let this serve as a reminder. Again, we sometimes forget these basic requirements of pet ownership. In order to protect your pets, yourself and others, you must keep your pets' vaccines current, renew licenses and keep your pet in its cage, inside a fence, on a leash or whatever enclosure is appropriate for your pet.

If you don't have an umbrella insurance policy, you might look into getting one that would cover the defense and damages of an incident involving your pet and another outside of your household {Check with policy/insurance agent for details regarding coverage.}

It's also important to be familiar with the local, state and federal laws that apply to you and your pet, depending on the type of pet you have. Laws regulating pets are centered on three basic principles: public safety, public health and animal welfare. That is to say, it's the intent of the authorities to protect the public against brutal and often fatal attacks of the owner, members of the household or a member of the public; prevent the spread of diseases, often diseases that are not native to the U.S. or animals here; and put a stop to animal neglect and animal cruelty, which so very often occurs with exotic pet reserves, horse farms or puppy mills.

Local Laws

For the most part, if you have only domestic pets, rather than exotic pets, local ordinances basically provide for licensure and leash requirements and may limit numbers and size of animals, etc. Licensing will ensure that pets are being regularly vaccinated for rabies and any other required vaccines. Licensing also aids in tracking and identifying missing or found pets.

If you are new to a city or a new pet owner or both, be sure to check your local ordinances regarding pets.

Exotic Pets and Laws

If you have exotic pets, there are many other laws and regulations that will apply to you on local, state and federal levels. The definition of exotic pets varies from state to state. So, if you have any question whatsoever as to whether your pet is "exotic" and whether there are laws that apply to your pet, check your area's ordinances, statutes and regulations on all levels.

State Laws

Due to the level of concern over attacks by animals and animal neglect by the owners, more states have passed laws banning certain types of animals in the last decade or so. If you are considering getting an exotic pet, which this term can include some reptiles, fish and birds that may not seem exotic to you, be sure to check the law prior to getting your new pet. For a comprehensive guide to state laws regulating animals, check Born Free USA.

Federal Laws

There are a few federal laws that apply to pets, such as the Endangered Species Act and the Animal Welfare Act. For more information on these laws and current legislation regarding federal law and animals, check Born Free USA for their list of federal bills they are tracking, etc.

The Scoop

Overall, the message is this, know the law and follow the law for your sake, your pet's sake and for other's sake too in regards to pet licensing, vaccines and leashes, cages, fences, etc. Tomorrow I'll be discussing tips for keeping your kids safe around animals. Over and out...

Anna

 

Animal House: Legal Issues and the Family Pet Part I

For the Love of Animals

On most days it's a regular zoo around here. My two Darlings Boys are loud and boisterous alright and sometimes pretend to be monkeys named George or lions or dinosaurs or even Clifford the Big Red Dog and his friends, but we also have two real giant dogs and 3 aging cats. The cats came first starting back in college, then the dogs and finally the kids. Each new addition has been an adjustment for the beings already residing in our household, and each has done beautifully.

I have always been an animal lover. There are very few animals I don't have some kind of affinity for. I talk to all animals, no matter the genus, breed or size as if they are 10 pound floppy, warm, cuddly, sweet, yellow lab puppies. I have never been able to read Call of the Wild or Black Beauty. I hate animal cruelty and cannot take it. I will step in to stop abuse to an animal if I see it happening.

DH loves our animals and has grown to be an animal lover after 17 years with me. His family members are pets belong outside and never in the house and absolutely not on your bed and pets are pets and nothing more kind of people. It's more of a farming community view and is quite a common view of pets.

My family is crazy about animals. In my entire life there have been only two years that I lived without an animal: my freshmen and sophomore years of college. My brother and his wife have 3 dogs and 2 cats. We are animal people. My Darlings seem to be following suit.

Our House

My kids are constantly monitored by our Leonberger who greets them with a lick to their heads upon each return home, as if mentally checking off that the boys are once again safe and sound and under her guard. She adores us all, but she is particularly protective of the boys. It drives her mad if the boys are in the front yard without her, especially if Darling 2, her baby, is darting about and in her opinion too close to the street. She watches from the front window her head going back and forth as they traverse the yard playing soccer or tag or baseball; and she eventually talks me into letting her outside on her leash so that she can be near them.

My boys learned to pull-up and cruise on our Saint Bernard. I am convinced there has never been and will never be a sweeter, more gentle animal on this earth. He is quite large and in his prime weighed 160 pounds. When the boys were babies, he would patiently lay in the living room while the baby grasped two handfuls of his thick coat and held on, laughing and babbling all along. He carefully sidestepped toys, baby gear and the boys themselves. He ignored their crying, loud singing and crashing and bashing of cars and other toys.

Now the cats, being cats, pretty much avoid the boys as much as possible, especially the older they get and the more rambunctious they become. And yet, they have completely accepted the boys (and the dogs). The oldest of all is the most social with them. After all, he's had to adjust to a lot in his 16 years.

Recent Headlines

With that said, I also hate to see tragic headlines about a dog attacking a baby or a pet tiger attacking its owner or a visitor or a monkey getting away from its owner or a python escaping and killing a child.

    Exotic Pets

It seems that exotic pet incidences have been on the rise, which could be indicative of the increase of exotic pet ownership. One such horrible story recently had its final day in court when a young mom, Jaren Hare and her boyfriend were sentenced to 12 years of prison each, after Hare's two year-old daughter, Shaiunna, was strangled to death in her crib by the family's pet python in the summer of 2009.

The snake, Gypsy, an 8.5 foot albino Burmese python, was poorly housed in a makeshift cage in the family's living room. Gypsy had escaped several times. In fact, on the night of the little girl's death, the snake had been found in the hallway of the home. The next morning they found the snake wound around Shaiunna's head in her crib.

The snake had not been fed in over a month and was severely underweight. Apparently, Gypsy had slithered past two other children sleeping in the living room and down the hall to the toddler's room.

The couple were found guilty of manslaughter. The snake had escaped the poorly constructed cage 1o times in the previous two months. The aquarium was covered by a quilt and fastened to the sides with safety pins.

    Domestic Pets

Just last week I saw a gut-wrenching headline about the family dog mauling a tw0-week old infant to death. The baby was sitting in his infant seat in a room in the family home. The mom was keeping an eye on her baby through a window while she was outside. The family dog, a 100 pound Labrador mix, was in another room separated by double French-style doors.

Apparently, the dog pushed its way through the doors into the room where the baby was. The dog began sniffing the infant and then lunged at the helpless baby mauling him before anyone could pull him back. The baby died about 5 hours later after being airlifted to a hospital.

The dog was quarantined by animal control. There was no history of violence from this dog. Animal control has not decided what will happen to the dog. The incident is under investigation to see if there was any negligence on the part of the parents or purely a tragic accident.

The Scoop

The problem is that you don't know how a particular animal might react to a baby, a child or any stranger, regardless of size or age. I know I have been surprised a few times by my animals by the way they have reacted to a particular situation, not necessarily in a negative way and not necessarily involving kids, but nonetheless surprised.

We certainly weren't going to get rid of our pets when he had kids, but we did follow a few guidelines. When I returned home from the hospital after giving birth I greeted the animals alone. Prior to coming home with our baby, DH had brought home and offered for sniffing a blanket and piece of clothing that was used by the baby. Then, we slowly introduced the animals to the baby with one of us holding the baby and the other holding onto the pet. We never left the animals alone with kids when they were babies and we always closed the baby's room door. We had no issues at all.

This is not to say that all results would be the same if another person with other pets took all of these precautions. I think you do have to think about it in advance, prepare for having kids and pets and then be cautious and never just assume your gentle loving pet is OK with kids. I'll be back with more on pets and the law tomorrow. Over and out...

Anna