This Summer..
Keep calm...
And keep your Pets Calmer!
Aren't you excited for that wonderful time of the year when your schools, colleges and jobs will be welcoming you back from a great vacation? (oh no!) The heat was horrible this season, but thankfully rains will be shortly coming to our rescue.
The boiling temperatures have shot up to over 40 degrees in our very own country causing discomfort not only to us but also to our beloved pets and all those loving animals and birds who peacefully dwell amidst us.
It is my painful but necessary duty to inform all my brothers and sisters of the world of the fact that over hundreds of street animals and pets have fallen prey to the scorching heat this time. While we were always smart enough escape the horrible summers by spending time with buddies at cool malls or grab a smoothie or an ice cream, our poor animal friends became victims of the many harsh and painful effects caused due to the heat which include dehydration, heat rash, skin cancers, sunstroke and even unfortunate death.
I lost my two dear angels, Lonely and Naughty, two street pups I used to take care of since a long time ago, due to the same effect. I rushed for medical help but couldn't save them. I pray to The Lord to comfort their souls and the souls of all others who died in vain due to our negligence and ignorance.
Thus I believe it to be our duty to prepare for a better tomorrow and take precautions next summers to shelter all our animal brothers and sisters. In this elaborate and exhaustive article of lucid information, I shall be highlighting some of the important steps we all must take together for a better tomorrow for our beloved pets as well as all animals. Please excuse the length but half knowledge is dangerous and so I have tried to consider all prospects of the subject. I shall always welcome valuable inputs and suggestions from the much loved side of my dearest readers and would actively encourage to participate in local and national discussions that would benefit the society for the same. Next summer is a long time from now but I strongly believe that if we think about it right now, we'll definitely make some effort when summer strikes next year...
The primary basic necessities of animals and birds, identical to us are food and water. We often concentrate on food but neglect water as some normal 'thing' Well, it's happy realisation time, water is the MOST ESSENTIAL THING in the world for animals as it is for us.
Clean and fresh water in regularly washed bowls is a must in house who shelter pets. Please see to it that you keep a check on your pooche's water intake and ensure he takes in enough water daily to keep himself cool.
Again for those who love to take care of street, domestic or any other animals and birds, you can always dig pots or bowls and fix them in the ground or tie them to a support with a strong rope so that no one can take it away. And I hope I don't need to remind you to clean and fill them up daily!
Pets love food time and so do we but it is necessary to feed them the right thing during summers to prevent the rising of their body temperatures. Regular dog food in proper quantities isn't always sufficient. Fruits like mashed bananas, pineapples or apples and treats like mashed sweet potato with yogurt icing which both contain healthy amounts of beta-carotene (in lay man's words: good nutrients) help in good skin and body growth. Some vanilla ice cream (please don't experiment other flavours), once every week, can be a fun treat for your cutey-pie pooch. For those great angels and pure souls, who feed street dogs and cats or pigeons and crows you can always mash up some chicken slices once in a while to avoid whatever you routinely give them. If some, like me, are uncomfortable with meat, they can always choose fruits, which are economical and healthy, mash them and feed them in bowls.
Vegetables like broccoli, green veggies are great for them, and the good news is that they don't shoo spinach, peas and cabbage away like YOU do! Peanut butter cottage cheese contain super calcium and proteins and are AWESOME as far as summer treats go until you make sure to give them in restricted amounts and prevent your pooch from growing bulky. You can always watch the ever entertaining Tom and Jerry shows with him while you both enjoy a large bowl of unsalted popcorn which are great as calorie free snacks
Remember, foods like corn, too much rice and junk garbage like burgers or chips can overheat and hurt your beautiful pet. Soft drinks and cheap sodas are a grave no-no for you as well as your pet. You can always walk up to your local vet to know more for free. If you approach politely, no one will mind sharing valuable tips...
The next basic need is clothes, of course. Clicking selfies with your baby dog or cat in colourful outfits or for that matter with any beloved and befriended animal and posting them on Facebook is really adorable and I love you...but let's forget the clothes and tiny boots for him/her temporarily for the summer.
It's necessary to keep him/her open and fresh. Make sure your pooch's coat isn't too thick or else trim it down a bit. Always try to keep a fan running in your room to allow air circulation and PLEASE KEEP THE WINDOWS OPEN DURING THE DAY to allow ventilation. You can leave the A.C on for a while now and then to cool down you pet's room or any room he/she shares.
All done, but aren't we forgetting the most important need??! Love. Make it a habit to take your pet for an evening walk daily but don't tire him out. Contact any specialist to know if there are pet friendly pools in your town. Take him to the park, enjoy with him like there's no other damn person on earth who matters. Play with him, cuddle him close and love him unconditionally like your own baby.
Try extending a willing hand to NGOS, emotionally if not financially to contribute in the betterment of those homeless who await your help.
You spend thousands in malls watching and eating junk you're not going to remember. You go on long vacations at cool hill stations to do nothing but relax yourself. Why not, next summer, spend for a good cause? Why not, next summer devote time for a better tomorrow, to make someone feel special, to remind God, as he reminds you, that you Love him Always? Animals have always been the answer to everything. They're loving, affectionate and forgiving...
Why not, next summer, love them too?
Why not, next summer, keep calm and keep our beloved animals calmer?
God bless us all! Thank You.
