Spot & Me

Frostbite Taking a Nibble on Your Pets?

Beware of the effects of the sub-zero weather on your furry family members.

These arctic temperatures are dangerous for animals and humans alike. There are many hazards at this time of year for our family pets even if they look just fine walking around in their permanent fur coats. Just like us, our dogs and cats can suffer from hypothermia and frostbite. The best preventative for this is to keep your cats and dogs indoors during these cold spurts. Letting them out in your yard or taking them for a walk no more than 10 minutes at a time. According to the Animal 911 emergency veterinarian clinic in Skokie, frostbite can begin within five to 10 minutes of being exposed to freezing conditions. They emphasized that the most vulnerable spots on a dog or cat are their pads on the bottom of their paws and the tips of …

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Laura Frisch

8:35 pm on Saturday, February 5, 2011

Thanks for adding the photo of your adorable Cooper man, Denise! Anyone else have some winter doggie photos to share, we'd love to see them. I would be impressed to see someone who got those doggie booties on their pup's paws!   more ›

Board Hears Strong Feelings About Community's Pets

Police Chief Erickson responded to disgruntled community members.

Animal control was the hot topic Monday at Morton Grove's village board meeting. The board heard an address from Police Chief Mark Erickson, who responded to complaints from residents who are unhappy with the city's animal control services, which have  been severely scaled back in the financial pinch of recent years. At the heart of the controversy is an e-mail that urged pet owners to contact the board and the police department with their complaints. The message alleged: "I understand the responsibilities of being a pet owner," said Erickson, who had dogs while his children were growing up. "Some of these statements are inaccurate, but in the areas where we did fail, we're trying to correct those." Erickson categorized the decrease in …

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Spot & Me

Puppy Proofing Your Home

Did you get a puppy during the holidays? Here is some advice to get your new furry friend on the right track.

Puppy kisses are the best! I love how most puppies can run up to anyone and cuddle in your lap with a dozen free kisses. I also love other people's puppies, mostly because I can give them back after the kisses are done. I know how much work they are, not unlike newborn babies. For the past 20 years, I have fostered many puppies and even litters of puppies. Although each puppy is unique and has its own quirks and situations, there are some steadfast rules that will help you get through that first year.  First, look at the equipment you will need. Start with the collar, which can be nylon, cotton or leather. Check the collar often, you should be able to fit four fingers snug under it, or two fingers for toy breed puppies. There should be a …

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Spot & Me

Where to Holiday Shop for Spot?

As we indulge our friends and family with gifts this time of year, it's important to remember the furry family members.

Last week I wrote about where to get a furry friend in the area, and this week we will focus on how to spoil that precious member of your family. There are two main pet shops in Morton Grove. Paws Pet Place at 7961 Golf Rd. and Pet Supplies "Plus" at 7204 Dempster St. give our town a good selection of pet goodies - from cages to food to angora sweaters. You can also find such items as argyle collars and other stylish pet accessories at stores these days, such as The Dollar Store and Old Navy. In this column I am focusing on the true pet stores in town. Pet Supplies "Plus" is a chain that carries live animals such as rabbits, hamsters, frogs and fish. Since I talked about adopting and not shopping for a pet last week, I must point out that …

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Spot & Me

Adopt, Don't Shop for a Holiday Gift

Thinking about putting a wiggling box under the tree this year? Take a look at the options.

Those commercials with puppies or kittens look so appealing. I recently received a clothing catalog and the front cover was a sweet little Golden Retriever puppy wearing a big red bow. I thought to myself, "How many people are going to look at that and think how adorable and what a cute gift!" I will state this first, pets are not presents, they are a lifelong responsibility. Whether it is a couple years for a hamster or 20 years for a tabby cat, it is a commitment for the length of their lives. With that said, it is the dream of many parents, spouses and well-meaning friends to give a puppy, kitten or even a bunny for the holidays. I would like to give some alternatives and ways to make this work for you and that little fur ball. First, …

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