Brandy and Val

Hurricane Irene, the storm, has moved on but our thoughts and best wishes go out to all those families and homes that continue to be without power, are flooded, are damaged, etc. etc.    In stark contrast and probably as a result of the Hurricane Katrina disaster in 2005, governments and towns along the Eastern seaboard had  better emergency plans in place and those ordered to evacuate had ample time to do so and mostly did.  Continued good news followed on the “care of animals” front in that may shelters this time around had contingency and evacuation plans in place and many states organized pet evacuation shelters, too!   The ASPCA, Humane Society, and local shelters (based on my Google search of the topic, yes, rather informal) really had it together this time around–kudos to all those involved.   Best Friends, the animal sanctuary who was so instrumental in helping the Katrina animals, kept their website current and provided state listings  of resources to tap into for animal aid.      The Air National Guard had a role in helping transport animals in NJ back to their shelters.

We at Brandy and Val are so pleased that, from what we can see so far, a Katrina Calamity has been averted.  Val, as a Hurricane Katrina survivor, is especially pleased that so many families had plans for their pets and were able to keep them safe and with them.    Hurricane Katrina’s 6th anniversary coincided with Hurricane Irene’s, a reminder that the wrath of Mother Nature’s storms are not one-time events.     Remember the animals — the four-legged members of the family who are so near and dear.

Comments? Suggestions?  We’d love to hear from you. Brandy and Val are two former rescue dogs who star in their children’s board  book series.   Animal shelters throughout the U.S.  benefit with every sale from  Brandy and Val’s books and toys.

I don’t know about you but the mosquitoes are out in full force where we are.  No matter that our town sprays for them and that we have bug zappers all over the place, they’re still swarming.  We also have something called a SKEETER VAC which is worth its’ weight in gold in a normal mosquito year and which is doing overtime now.   Mosquitoes also bother the pooches, too, and in fact are a carrier of heartworm which is why it is is SO important that you keep up with regular treatments to prevent this.  Val acquired heartworm while wandering the streets of New Orleans, Post Katrina, and so we have to monitor him closely.   K9  Advantix and Frontline have mosquito repellant in their formulas in addition to protection for your pooch from fleas and ticks.  Lemon eucalyptus oils have been documented as an “all natural” remedy against mosquitos. The REPEL brand has received good reviews from Amazon and can be found at outdoor stores like REI and even Target.  Along with Amazon, your local pet stores and doggie catalogs have plenty of offerings but it’s best to read all the labels and decide which one you personally wish to try.   For Brandy and Val, we don’t use any repellent but we do limit their time outside romping on the lawn and we keep their heartworm and flea treatments up to date.  So far, they don’t seem to be scratching or picking more than usual so I am hoping that their bites are far and few between.  On the natural front,   Dogs Naturally has an article worth reading on natural remedies for pets.

I’ve even heard that if your dog is bitten and gets a red welt, the use of calamine lotion on the spot helps the itching. However, if ingested, the lotion can be toxic so if it’s in an out-of-the-way spot or you can figure out how to put a bandage on it, I guess it’s ok.  I also assume, ingestion quantities depend on the quantity and size of the dog.  ALWAYS confirm with a vet or animal specialist before deciding to put something on or give your dog something you think might be harmless as it may not be.

If you see bugs swarming around the dogs, bring them inside!  Also, make sure there is no standing water around your property which gives the buggers a breeding ground.  I often forget to empty out flower pots or saucers that accumulate water.  A definite NO NO!   If you have a water fountain or pond, ensure that there is circulating water and if you have birdbaths, refresh the water frequently.

At Brandy and Val, LLC our mission is “to do good where good is needed.”  We hope that the thoughts and ideas we share with you on the blog are helpful and welcome comments and tips from our readers.  In addition, it is through the sales of Brandy and Val books and toys that we hope to improve the lives of animals in shelters and sanctuaries.