Category: Tips & How To…

7 Reasons to “Freeze” Your Cookies!
While I’ve always been a huge cookie fan and have devoured them in just about every form imaginable (soft, crunchy, pre-cooked, hot from the oven … ) I’m here to say, “Freeze Your Cookies!” I know, it sounds extreme but hear me out.

First, you need a quality cookie – I prefer the giant Homemade Oatmeal Raisin Cookies from Cook’s Farm and Bakery – the thicker the better with a generous amount of raisins. If you’re going to try this, don’t hold back!

If you’re at all sceptical (I can still remember my first time), here are:

7 Reasons to Freeze Your Cookies!
- Won’t bend as easily when slipped into a pocket or bag.
- Keeps the cookie fresher, longer.
- Great on a warm, summer day or after a hard workout!
- Slows cookie consumption rate (CCR) allowing greater enjoyment of each morsel.
- A lower CCR may mean fewer cookies eaten at one time, stretching your cookie supply not your waistline.
- Serving in broken, bite-sized chunks adds to convenience, especially when watching TV.
- Anything sweet and frozen just seems to taste better.
As is often the case with any specialized cookie eating technique, there can be some, uh … drawbacks –
- Produces more crumbs than conventional method.
- FOR BEST RESULTS: Warm frozen cookie in mouth before chomping (this may take 15-seconds or more).
- ADVISORY: Check with a dental professional before consuming frozen cookies.
Related Post:

Don’t Hurt Me! I’ll Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookies!

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:
Words: Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Ed Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers’ comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.
November 8, 2012
7 Reasons to “Freeze” Your Cookies!
While I’ve always been a huge cookie fan and have devoured them in just about every form imaginable (soft, crunchy, pre-cooked, hot from the oven … ) I’m here to say, “Freeze Your Cookies!” I know, it sounds extreme but hear me out.

First, you need a quality cookie – I prefer the giant Homemade Oatmeal Raisin Cookies from Cook’s Farm and Bakery – the thicker the better with a generous amount of raisins. If you’re going to try this, don’t hold back!

If you’re at all sceptical (I can still remember my first time), here are:

7 Reasons to Freeze Your Cookies!
- Won’t bend as easily when slipped into a pocket or bag.
- Keeps the cookie fresher, longer.
- Great on a warm, summer day or after a hard workout!
- Slows cookie consumption rate (CCR) allowing greater enjoyment of each morsel.
- A lower CCR may mean fewer cookies eaten at one time, stretching your cookie supply not your waistline.
- Serving in broken, bite-sized chunks adds to convenience, especially when watching TV.
- Anything sweet and frozen just seems to taste better.
As is often the case with any specialized cookie eating technique, there can be some, uh … drawbacks –
- Produces more crumbs than conventional method.
- FOR BEST RESULTS: Warm frozen cookie in mouth before chomping (this may take 15-seconds or more).
- ADVISORY: Check with a dental professional before consuming frozen cookies.
Related Post:

Don’t Hurt Me! I’ll Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookies!

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:
Words: Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Ed Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers’ comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.
November 8, 2012
Scared of Celeriac?
There are two types of reactions to a basket full of celeriac at farmers’ markets. You’ll see smiles from the lovers of this variety of celery that is grown for its delicious root, and curious stares from those who have never tried this ugly, hairy, warty root vegetable.

Describing the Taste

One of the best descriptions of the taste of celeriac comes from Jack Staub, author of “75 Exciting Vegetables for Your Garden
” in a piece on NPR.org, “When peeled, celery root's creamy white flesh resembles that of a turnip and tastes like a subtle blend of celery and parsley.”

Stews, Soups, and Beyond

If you think about that flavor profile, you can see how well celeriac would fit into hearty winter stews and soups. But, don’t stop there. Think of what it could add if grated with cabbage, and carrots to make a coleslaw.

The French have their famous slaw-like dish of céleri rémoulade. They toss matchstick julienned celeriac with a dressing of mustard, mayonnaise or crème fraîche, and the chef’s favorite seasoning. There are as many recipes as there are cooks and in France this is found in every corner shop.

Now, imagine celeriac boiled with potatoes and turned into a wonderful mash using chicken stock instead of cream or milk as your liquid addition.

And, as celeriac goes from frog to prince status in your kitchen, consider giving it a starring role. Staub suggests cutting it into French-fry-like batons, boiling it until tender, draining it well, and then returning it to the hot pan with some butter, herbs, salt, and pepper.

Good for You & Fun Too!

A cup of naked celeriac only contains 42 calories. It has no fat and is low in cholesterol. On the plus side, it’s high in fiber, vitamin B6, magnesium, potassium, manganese, and is a very good source of vitamin C and phosphorus.

It also stores far better than its cousin celery. In root cellar condition, it can last for months. And a stock of celeriac in your freezer will allow you to add that celery undertone to many dishes on days when the celery in your crisper is past its useful life.

As for the fun factor, I often wish I had a Mr. Potato Head
kit when I have a celeriac bulb on my counter. Imagine the scary faces you could create with one of these!

Celeriac Tips
- When shopping, the often cited, “pick one that feels heavy for its size” works for celeriac.
- As you are working with it, water acidified with a good squeeze of lemon juice will keep it from turning brown.
- Pick young, tender celeriac to serve raw and save the older, larger ones for cooking.
- Keep it from drying out to extend its life. Wrapping in newspapers and storing in a cool place will extend its freshness.
- Celeriac is knobbily so cut off both ends before you try to peel it. This will help it sit safe and steady on your cutting board while you slice off the peel in strips from top to bottom with a sharp knife.
What's on your Food Lover's Shopping List? Shop Amazon for all your kitchen & dining needs and support this site!
Details:
Words: Penny Cherubino (From her Fresh & Local newspaper column)
Photos: ©2012 Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

Related articles

Thanksgiving 2011: Celery Root, Kohlrabi, and Apple Purée

Autumn Seasonal Soup "Recipe"

Slow Cooked Short Ribs and Celery Root Puree

An Italian Take on Pumpkin and Squash

Focaccia Croutons Are Tops
November 5, 2012
Scared of Celeriac?
There are two types of reactions to a basket full of celeriac at farmers’ markets. You’ll see smiles from the lovers of this variety of celery that is grown for its delicious root, and curious stares from those who have never tried this ugly, hairy, warty root vegetable.

Describing the Taste

One of the best descriptions of the taste of celeriac comes from Jack Staub, author of “75 Exciting Vegetables for Your Garden
” in a piece on NPR.org, “When peeled, celery root's creamy white flesh resembles that of a turnip and tastes like a subtle blend of celery and parsley.”

Stews, Soups, and Beyond

If you think about that flavor profile, you can see how well celeriac would fit into hearty winter stews and soups. But, don’t stop there. Think of what it could add if grated with cabbage, and carrots to make a coleslaw.

The French have their famous slaw-like dish of céleri rémoulade. They toss matchstick julienned celeriac with a dressing of mustard, mayonnaise or crème fraîche, and the chef’s favorite seasoning. There are as many recipes as there are cooks and in France this is found in every corner shop.

Now, imagine celeriac boiled with potatoes and turned into a wonderful mash using chicken stock instead of cream or milk as your liquid addition.

And, as celeriac goes from frog to prince status in your kitchen, consider giving it a starring role. Staub suggests cutting it into French-fry-like batons, boiling it until tender, draining it well, and then returning it to the hot pan with some butter, herbs, salt, and pepper.

Good for You & Fun Too!

A cup of naked celeriac only contains 42 calories. It has no fat and is low in cholesterol. On the plus side, it’s high in fiber, vitamin B6, magnesium, potassium, manganese, and is a very good source of vitamin C and phosphorus.

It also stores far better than its cousin celery. In root cellar condition, it can last for months. And a stock of celeriac in your freezer will allow you to add that celery undertone to many dishes on days when the celery in your crisper is past its useful life.

As for the fun factor, I often wish I had a Mr. Potato Head
kit when I have a celeriac bulb on my counter. Imagine the scary faces you could create with one of these!

Celeriac Tips
- When shopping, the often cited, “pick one that feels heavy for its size” works for celeriac.
- As you are working with it, water acidified with a good squeeze of lemon juice will keep it from turning brown.
- Pick young, tender celeriac to serve raw and save the older, larger ones for cooking.
- Keep it from drying out to extend its life. Wrapping in newspapers and storing in a cool place will extend its freshness.
- Celeriac is knobbily so cut off both ends before you try to peel it. This will help it sit safe and steady on your cutting board while you slice off the peel in strips from top to bottom with a sharp knife.
What's on your Food Lover's Shopping List? Shop Amazon for all your kitchen & dining needs and support this site!
Details:
Words: Penny Cherubino (From her Fresh & Local newspaper column)
Photos: ©2012 Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

Related articles

Thanksgiving 2011: Celery Root, Kohlrabi, and Apple Purée

Autumn Seasonal Soup "Recipe"

Slow Cooked Short Ribs and Celery Root Puree

An Italian Take on Pumpkin and Squash

Focaccia Croutons Are Tops
November 5, 2012
Scared of Celeriac?
There are two types of reactions to a basket full of celeriac at farmers’ markets. You’ll see smiles from the lovers of this variety of celery that is grown for its delicious root, and curious stares from those who have never tried this ugly, hairy, warty root vegetable.

Describing the Taste

One of the best descriptions of the taste of celeriac comes from Jack Staub, author of “75 Exciting Vegetables for Your Garden
” in a piece on NPR.org, “When peeled, celery root's creamy white flesh resembles that of a turnip and tastes like a subtle blend of celery and parsley.”

Stews, Soups, and Beyond

If you think about that flavor profile, you can see how well celeriac would fit into hearty winter stews and soups. But, don’t stop there. Think of what it could add if grated with cabbage, and carrots to make a coleslaw.

The French have their famous slaw-like dish of céleri rémoulade. They toss matchstick julienned celeriac with a dressing of mustard, mayonnaise or crème fraîche, and the chef’s favorite seasoning. There are as many recipes as there are cooks and in France this is found in every corner shop.

Now, imagine celeriac boiled with potatoes and turned into a wonderful mash using chicken stock instead of cream or milk as your liquid addition.

And, as celeriac goes from frog to prince status in your kitchen, consider giving it a starring role. Staub suggests cutting it into French-fry-like batons, boiling it until tender, draining it well, and then returning it to the hot pan with some butter, herbs, salt, and pepper.

Good for You & Fun Too!

A cup of naked celeriac only contains 42 calories. It has no fat and is low in cholesterol. On the plus side, it’s high in fiber, vitamin B6, magnesium, potassium, manganese, and is a very good source of vitamin C and phosphorus.

It also stores far better than its cousin celery. In root cellar condition, it can last for months. And a stock of celeriac in your freezer will allow you to add that celery undertone to many dishes on days when the celery in your crisper is past its useful life.

As for the fun factor, I often wish I had a Mr. Potato Head
kit when I have a celeriac bulb on my counter. Imagine the scary faces you could create with one of these!

Celeriac Tips
- When shopping, the often cited, “pick one that feels heavy for its size” works for celeriac.
- As you are working with it, water acidified with a good squeeze of lemon juice will keep it from turning brown.
- Pick young, tender celeriac to serve raw and save the older, larger ones for cooking.
- Keep it from drying out to extend its life. Wrapping in newspapers and storing in a cool place will extend its freshness.
- Celeriac is knobbily so cut off both ends before you try to peel it. This will help it sit safe and steady on your cutting board while you slice off the peel in strips from top to bottom with a sharp knife.
What's on your Food Lover's Shopping List? Shop Amazon for all your kitchen & dining needs and support this site!
Details:
Words: Penny Cherubino (From her Fresh & Local newspaper column)
Photos: ©2012 Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

Related articles

Thanksgiving 2011: Celery Root, Kohlrabi, and Apple Purée

Autumn Seasonal Soup "Recipe"

Slow Cooked Short Ribs and Celery Root Puree

An Italian Take on Pumpkin and Squash

Focaccia Croutons Are Tops
November 5, 2012
Poppy says, “I Prefer a Onesie to a Cone!”

Miss Poppy is making another "Sunday Dog" appearance to protest cones on dogs. She was so offended by the nice, soft Comfy Cone we bought for her post-spay recovery period that we had to find a different solution to keep her from licking her incision.

We have long been fans of t-shirts on dogs. We've used them to protect rescue dogs with skin problems and as an easy-to-wash cover to keep our little, white dogs clean on messy days. We had t-shirts for Poppy but they only covered the incision if she didn't squirm around too much. Our solution was an infant's onesie!

We measured Poppy around her girth and from neck to tail and brought a tape measure to a discount store and measured the onesies. We learned that a 12-month onesie would fit our little pup. We picked one with no seams on the belly and extra snaps on the neckline to make it easy to get on and off.

She wore this while inside and we switched to a t-shirt to protect the incision from dirt and wet when she went outside.

The bonus was since this was right around Halloween, we convinced her that it was really a Froggie costume!

Update 11.12.16: This onesie came out of storage to have a second success story. Miss Skye (featured in our "We Finally Met the Famous Westie Puppy Skye!" post) has had her big girl operation and was not totally thrilled with her cone. Maybe it runs in the Westie family! We passed on the onesie and her guardian sent us this photo and said, "The onesie is genius! She is so much happier even though she was managing the cone."

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

Related articles

"Norman" Aces Sunday Dog Audition!

Poppy at Wollaston Beach

Sunday Dog, Rocky Is Show-Dog-Cute!

Sunday Dog, "Sandy" Loves Boston!

Dogs on Public Transit, Boston: 101

November 4, 2012
Poppy says, “I Prefer a Onesie to a Cone!”

Miss Poppy is making another "Sunday Dog" appearance to protest cones on dogs. She was so offended by the nice, soft Comfy Cone we bought for her post-spay recovery period that we had to find a different solution to keep her from licking her incision.

We have long been fans of t-shirts on dogs. We've used them to protect rescue dogs with skin problems and as an easy-to-wash cover to keep our little, white dogs clean on messy days. We had t-shirts for Poppy but they only covered the incision if she didn't squirm around too much. Our solution was an infant's onesie!

We measured Poppy around her girth and from neck to tail and brought a tape measure to a discount store and measured the onesies. We learned that a 12-month onesie would fit our little pup. We picked one with no seams on the belly and extra snaps on the neckline to make it easy to get on and off.

She wore this while inside and we switched to a t-shirt to protect the incision from dirt and wet when she went outside.

The bonus was since this was right around Halloween, we convinced her that it was really a Froggie costume!

Update 11.12.16: This onesie came out of storage to have a second success story. Miss Skye (featured in our "We Finally Met the Famous Westie Puppy Skye!" post) has had her big girl operation and was not totally thrilled with her cone. Maybe it runs in the Westie family! We passed on the onesie and her guardian sent us this photo and said, "The onesie is genius! She is so much happier even though she was managing the cone."

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

Related articles

"Norman" Aces Sunday Dog Audition!

Poppy at Wollaston Beach

Sunday Dog, Rocky Is Show-Dog-Cute!

Sunday Dog, "Sandy" Loves Boston!

Dogs on Public Transit, Boston: 101

November 4, 2012
Poppy says, “I Prefer a Onesie to a Cone!”

Miss Poppy is making another "Sunday Dog" appearance to protest cones on dogs. She was so offended by the nice, soft Comfy Cone we bought for her post-spay recovery period that we had to find a different solution to keep her from licking her incision.

We have long been fans of t-shirts on dogs. We've used them to protect rescue dogs with skin problems and as an easy-to-wash cover to keep our little, white dogs clean on messy days. We had t-shirts for Poppy but they only covered the incision if she didn't squirm around too much. Our solution was an infant's onesie!

We measured Poppy around her girth and from neck to tail and brought a tape measure to a discount store and measured the onesies. We learned that a 12-month onesie would fit our little pup. We picked one with no seams on the belly and extra snaps on the neckline to make it easy to get on and off.

She wore this while inside and we switched to a t-shirt to protect the incision from dirt and wet when she went outside.

The bonus was since this was right around Halloween, we convinced her that it was really a Froggie costume!

Update 11.12.16: This onesie came out of storage to have a second success story. Miss Skye (featured in our "We Finally Met the Famous Westie Puppy Skye!" post) has had her big girl operation and was not totally thrilled with her cone. Maybe it runs in the Westie family! We passed on the onesie and her guardian sent us this photo and said, "The onesie is genius! She is so much happier even though she was managing the cone."

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

Related articles

"Norman" Aces Sunday Dog Audition!

Poppy at Wollaston Beach

Sunday Dog, Rocky Is Show-Dog-Cute!

Sunday Dog, "Sandy" Loves Boston!

Dogs on Public Transit, Boston: 101

November 4, 2012
A Sunday Dog Alert on 911 Emergency Calls

A recent tweet from the Boston Emergency Medical Service read, “When folks w/pets call 911 for help put the animals in a room away from the patient if possible. It will speed our response.”

I retweeted the message to spread the word to more families with pets and then called Jennifer Mehigan, Director of Media Relations for the department. She told me what inspired that tweet. “Yesterday, after hearing an incident over the department radio where a crew was waiting on Animal Control to secure a dog before they could reach a patient,” she explained, “I felt it was necessary to remind people to put pets or animals in a secured room if at all possible.”

Plan for a 911 Call

If you or someone in your family has a medical emergency, call 911 first. Then, move your pets to a safe, secure location. “Of course if the owner is the patient and there’s no one else around that may not be possible,” Mehigan said.

It may be wise to rehearse for this situation, especially if you have a chronic condition that might cause 911 calls. It’s always easier if a dog or cat is used to a given situation. For a pet who is never confined and the first time it happens is in an emergency, it could be extremely frightening.

Let your animal experience staying in a dog crate or kitty carrier while you clean, have a worker in your home, a delivery, or are not feeling well. Then, should an emergency arise, it won’t be a strange happening for the pet. If you don’t have a crate, a bedroom, bathroom, or kitchen with a door or gate could work.

Ed and I are currently training our new puppy to, “Go to bed.” This is a command we’ve used with other dogs for everything from a broken glass on the kitchen floor to a delivery. It means she should go to her crate in our bedroom and wait for us.

When the first thought that you might need to call for help hits you, round up your pets and make them safe. If it’s a false alarm, they’ve had a dry run. If you follow through with the call, you’ve kept your animals safe and improved your own care.

Planning Could Save a Life

“It is a very intimate thing to enter a person’s home to help them, and our staff are trained to keep the patient comfortable and try to put them at ease,” Mehigan said. “Sometimes pets in a home become upset when our crews are there and it is difficult for the EMTs to focus on the patient. If our crews ever feel that an animal will cause issues at a scene, they are told to contact police and animal control to secure the animal.”

When that happens it delays patient care. If you are alone when you call 911, try to alert the dispatcher that you have a dog or cat who will be on the scene and whether that animal is secured. That will inform the ambulance crew of the need for possible assistance.

Whether big or small, young or old, friendly or fierce, your pet should be confined when emergency responders are asked to come into your home.

Finally, you will have prevented your pet from escaping when doors are held open to allow responders to enter and exit with equipment and stretchers. Planning is not only for your health, but also for the safety of your pets.

Note: This important message was first published in Penny's City Paws newspaper column.

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny Cherubino
Photography: (Top) iStockphoto.com; (Middle) © 2012 Laurie Thomas; (Bottom) © 2012 Penny Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

Related articles

Is Your Sunday Dog Traveling for the Holidays? Reserve Now! Plus 8 more Tips

The Now & Future Sunday Dog, King!

Dogs on Public Transit, Boston: 101

October 28, 2012
A Sunday Dog Alert on 911 Emergency Calls

A recent tweet from the Boston Emergency Medical Service read, “When folks w/pets call 911 for help put the animals in a room away from the patient if possible. It will speed our response.”

I retweeted the message to spread the word to more families with pets and then called Jennifer Mehigan, Director of Media Relations for the department. She told me what inspired that tweet. “Yesterday, after hearing an incident over the department radio where a crew was waiting on Animal Control to secure a dog before they could reach a patient,” she explained, “I felt it was necessary to remind people to put pets or animals in a secured room if at all possible.”

Plan for a 911 Call

If you or someone in your family has a medical emergency, call 911 first. Then, move your pets to a safe, secure location. “Of course if the owner is the patient and there’s no one else around that may not be possible,” Mehigan said.

It may be wise to rehearse for this situation, especially if you have a chronic condition that might cause 911 calls. It’s always easier if a dog or cat is used to a given situation. For a pet who is never confined and the first time it happens is in an emergency, it could be extremely frightening.

Let your animal experience staying in a dog crate or kitty carrier while you clean, have a worker in your home, a delivery, or are not feeling well. Then, should an emergency arise, it won’t be a strange happening for the pet. If you don’t have a crate, a bedroom, bathroom, or kitchen with a door or gate could work.

Ed and I are currently training our new puppy to, “Go to bed.” This is a command we’ve used with other dogs for everything from a broken glass on the kitchen floor to a delivery. It means she should go to her crate in our bedroom and wait for us.

When the first thought that you might need to call for help hits you, round up your pets and make them safe. If it’s a false alarm, they’ve had a dry run. If you follow through with the call, you’ve kept your animals safe and improved your own care.

Planning Could Save a Life

“It is a very intimate thing to enter a person’s home to help them, and our staff are trained to keep the patient comfortable and try to put them at ease,” Mehigan said. “Sometimes pets in a home become upset when our crews are there and it is difficult for the EMTs to focus on the patient. If our crews ever feel that an animal will cause issues at a scene, they are told to contact police and animal control to secure the animal.”

When that happens it delays patient care. If you are alone when you call 911, try to alert the dispatcher that you have a dog or cat who will be on the scene and whether that animal is secured. That will inform the ambulance crew of the need for possible assistance.

Whether big or small, young or old, friendly or fierce, your pet should be confined when emergency responders are asked to come into your home.

Finally, you will have prevented your pet from escaping when doors are held open to allow responders to enter and exit with equipment and stretchers. Planning is not only for your health, but also for the safety of your pets.

Note: This important message was first published in Penny's City Paws newspaper column.

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny Cherubino
Photography: (Top) iStockphoto.com; (Middle) © 2012 Laurie Thomas; (Bottom) © 2012 Penny Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

Related articles

Is Your Sunday Dog Traveling for the Holidays? Reserve Now! Plus 8 more Tips

The Now & Future Sunday Dog, King!

Dogs on Public Transit, Boston: 101

October 28, 2012