Mountain Views News, Pasadena Edition [Sierra Madre] Saturday, September 9, 2017

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JUST FOR BEST FRIENDS

Mountain Views-News Saturday, September 9, 2017 


HEALTHY LIFESTYLES

Happy Tails

by Chris Leclerc

SAFE SUMMERTIME FUN 
WITH YOUR PETS

THE JOY OF YOGA


Summertime is coming to an end, but the heat is still on 
in Southern California. The high temperatures have been 
challenging this summer, not just because of the sun, but 
also because of the fun we’ve had taking part in the outdoor 
festivities the city has to offer. And because Sierra Madre is 
such a dog-friendly town, many of us enjoy our summer 
fun accompanied by our furry, four-legged friends.

 It is such a privilege to have your pup tag along with 
you during the exciting outdoor activities and summer 
celebrations, but please be sure you are well-prepared 
and take proper precautions to prevent your pet from 
succumbing to the heat. Sometimes the signs of canine 
hyperthermia are not obvious until the situation becomes 
serious, so it is important to pay close attention at all times 
and carry enough water - not just for you - but for your pet 
too.

 If it is expected to get extremely hot during an outing, 
you may want to reconsider taking your canine companion 
along at all. As much fun as they can add to the mix, it may 
not be worth the risk. If you leave your pet at home on an 
extremely hot day, be sure to set the AC appropriately for 
the time you’ll be away, just as you would for yourself.

 Whether or not you do decide to leash your little loved 
one and take him with you on an outdoor excursion, here 
are a few hints that will hopefully help prevent a canine 
crisis due to extreme heat exposure.

Tips for Keeping Your Pet Cool in Hot Weather (source: 
spcaLA.com)

 While you’re cool indoors, think about your pets. Are 
they cool too, or are their lives in danger?

 A dog’s normal temperature is at least 5 degrees higher 
than a human’s. If they are confined in a yard or dog run, 
with no way to escape from the heat, they may easily 
become victims of a fatal heat stroke.

 spcaLA offers the following hot weather pet care tips:

 Water to prevent dehydration: Plenty of clean, cool 
drinking water is a must at all times.

 Protection from the sun: If your pet must stay in the 
yard instead of the cool indoors, be sure he always has 
adequate shade and ventilation.

 Park your pet at home: Never leave your pet in a parked 
car on a hot day, not even for five minutes. It could cost him 
his life. The temperature in a parked car can soar to 160 
degrees within minutes, even with the windows left open.

 Emergency Care: If a pet is overcome by heat (clearly 
detected by excess panting, heavy salivation, and/or 
immobility) immerse him slowly in cool water to lower 
his body temperature, then contact a veterinarian. Never 
immerse a pet in ice cold water, as it may cause shock.

 Keep Pets Groomed: Frequent grooming is paramount 
for any pet. A long-hair dog should be brushed daily to 
remove the thick undercoat, leaving the 
light upper coat for thermal protection. 
Some prefer a “summer cut” to help their 
pet stay cool. Just remember that pets, 
like people, can get sunburned too. If you 
choose to clip, leave a couple of inches to 
cover their skin…never cut a coat TOO 
short.

 Health Check: Carefully go over your 
pet’s body at least once a week to check 
for fleas, ear mites, foxtails and tiny 
bumps or cuts. Take your pet to the vet 
for a summer check-up and use a good 
flea/tick repellent recommended by your 
vet.

 Flea Infestation: Fleas carry disease, so it is important 
to maintain a constant repellent regimen. Should you 
experience a flea infestation, you must act promptly and 
attack them on three fronts; on the pet itself, in the home, 
and in the yard.

 Exercise: Exercise pets in the morning or in the evening, 
when it is cooler. Avoid mid day ventures on a hot day.

 Prevent Burns: A dog’s pads (on the bottom of their 
feet) are very sensitive to thermal stimuli, so they can 
burn quite easily. Check the temp. of the pavement with 
your hand. If it feels warm to touch, it is too hot for your 
dog.

 Identification: During the summer months, families 
and their pets tend to be outside more often, not to mention 
the noises of some summertime celebrations, increasing 
the chances of a pet getting lost. Make sure your pets always 
wear proper identification.

Fun Heat Relief Ideas:

 Ice Cube Treats: Freeze edible mystery treats into ice 
cubes for your dog to lick and discover while you are away. 
Bi ts of vegetables and/or meat bits are excellent ideas for 
ice cube surprise inners!

 Kiddy Pools: Fill a baby pool with water and let your 
dogs splash about at his leisure while you‘re at work. When 
you are at home, you can toss a bowl of ice cube treats in the 
pool water for him to hunt.

 Summer Swimming Sessions: If you have a swimming 
pool, encourage your dog to take a dip with you. Some 
dogs love to swim to the deep end, fetch and return…
others not so much. NEVER leave a dog alone with a full 
sized swimming pool. Even the best canine swimmer will 
get tired and may not have what it takes to lift himself out 
to safety.

 Frozen Pops: Make your dog a delicious frozen treat to 
enjoy! You can use canned pumpkin or fresh fruit minced 
with a processor to come up with some awesome cold 
creations that your four-pawed friend will love you for. 
Frozen Kongs make another great summer treat…fill, 
freeze and share on your way out the door.

 Hose/Sprinkler-Play: Get out in the back yard with 
your best friend, and spray him down. Or set up a sprinkler 
in the middle of the yard where he can romp and roam 
while cooling off. Be sure to include yourself in the spray-
play too. He will love you all the more for it!

 It may seem silly to some readers, to think there are 
folks who don’t already “get” the basics of how to properly 
care for pets in the heat of summer, and I think most 
people with pets are indeed very aware. However, for 
those who are still figuring it out, I sincerely hope this 
information helps. I encourage everyone to appreciate the 
animals, enjoy what’s left of summer, and as always, love 
and let live! 

FIND RELIEF IN YOGA 

If you experience 
chronic anxiety 
or just from time 
to time, yoga is a 
WONDERFUL 
solution. It works 
immediately and 
functions as a long term tool for wellness. Anxiety is 
the reason why many people come to yoga in the first 
place. It’s like first aid for the mind! The relief is almost 
unexplainable. In fact, my own personal journey in yoga 
began when I attended class, on a friend’s suggestion, after 
I disclosed that I was suffering. 

 So what class is best when you’re experiencing anxiety? 
As a student, personally, I cannot just “relax” walking into 
a yoga class when I’m anxious. A (brief) seated posture to 
establish the breath is ok, but then I’ve got to get moving! 
It’s best to experience dynamic movement with the breath 
to begin. Believe it or not, the “monkey mind” needs many 
jobs to do in order slow down. Movement, conscious 
breath and drishti (gaze) are just a few components. Once 
I have tuned into my breath, and moved my body a little, 
poses with longer holds become accessible. It’s in the longer 
holds, with conscious, smooth breaths that I can find a 
deeper sense of calm and stability. It takes a little work to 
hang in there, but it’s well worth it. The rest of the class is 
do-able, enjoyable and satisfying. 

 Maybe the title of this article should have read, 
Reminder: Yoga does work for anxiety. Each time we quell 
anxiety through natural means, new positive habits are 
created. 

 Many yoga practices (and poses) stimulate the 
parasympathetic nervous system which produces the 
body’s natural calming response. The more we can get 
in touch with this feeling, the feeling of being calm and 
grounded, the better. It can become the new normal. 

Namaste friends! Visit the website at www.yogamadre.com 
to find updated classes and events. 

Keely Totten, E-RYT 500


THE MISSING PAGE

Real Life Tips from LIfe's Instruction Manual

PROTECT YOUR DREAMS

I am a dreamer, and I dream 
big. It used to be difficult for 
me to listen to people complain 
because my mind tends to go immediately into 
problem-solving mode. Now, I am a better listener, 
but I still dream of making things better. Not only 
do I dream, but I also act. It is my goal to leaves 
things better than I found them. The only problem 
with being a dreamer is that others do not always 
share my vision.

 I learned a lesson today, to be careful sharing my 
dream. Not everyone can see a possibility, and it is 
important not to reveal plans and ideas too soon.

Just as we would protect our newborn infant, 
we need to protect our dreams while they are in 
their infancy. I recently shared an idea I have to 
reduce criminal recidivism with a colleague, and 
she instantly shot it down. I am currently building 
support for this concept, and everyone has loved it. 
People have offered great tips and improvements, 
but people universally agree that it’s a great idea. 
Negative Nelly was a different story. After talking 
to her, I felt deflated; then I remembered that I 
broke a fundamental rule of dream building: Be 
careful with whom you share your dream. Don’t 
expect people to act contrary to their character. 
When people are consistent, don’t complain and 
rail against what is. 

 While it felt like she had dropped my baby or 
stomped on my garden sprouts, my dream is in 
tact. I am far more motivated by the goal and the 
good I think that can come from my program than 
a momentary feeling of discouragement.

So dream big. Take action. Remember your why 
and ignore the haters!

 

 Lori is a lawyer and coach. You can learn more 
about her at LoriAHarris.com and her app Gratitude 
Train you can get the app for free where you pick up 
apps.


REMEMBERING LOUISE L. HAY 

Louise L. Hay died August 30, 2017, and even though I 
never met her, she changed my life. She is the author of 
the book You Can Heal Your Life. My aunt gave the book 
to me over thirty years ago, and that set me on a path of 
self-discovery and personal responsibility.

 Ms. Hay was also famous for the care and support she 
provided in the 1980’s to people suffering from AIDS. In 
the early days of the disease, people shunned suffers; she 
created a support gathering. She told her audience, “Love 
is the most powerful stimulant to the immune system. 
What we’re doing here is practicing love, unconditional 
love...” 

 Hundreds of people would crowd into the community 
room, in various states of physical health to hear her 
weekly message of love.

 As a reader of her book, I was empowered with her 
declaration that “We are each 100% responsible for all of 
our experiences.” That revelation helped me to grow up, 
abandon victimhood, live my life.

 Her book was a great gift to the planet, and I am 
forever grateful for her contribution and her life. I 
will send the first ten readers that respond to this 
email at 

 Lori@LoriAHarris.com with “I want the book” in the 
subject line a copy of the book in honor of the life of Ms. 
Hay. It’s a new day, go make it a great one!

MOTHER & SON


Meet MILKY 
WHITE, age 
1, and her son, 
EARL GREY, 
age 3 months! 
Milky White, 
the mama, is an 
incredibly friendly 
and social girl. 
She is intelligent, 
has a laid - back 
attitude and enjoys cuddling up with people. Earl 
Grey is a good natured gentlemen that likes the quiet 
company of people, but enjoys a good round of play 
with his siblings. He has silky white coat accented by 
a grey tail and a charming grey digit on his front paw. 
Adopt both mother and son for a Twofur Discount of 
$100, and they will come already spayed & neutered, 
current on vaccines, and microchipped. Call to make 
an appointment for a Meet & Greet: 626-676-9505 
or visit www.lifelineforpets.org for adoption info 
and application. See more pictures, adoption info & 
application on our website, www.lifelineforpets.org. 
Can’t adopt? Visit our website for our easy Sponsor A 
Kitty campaign.


HOW ABOUT A NEW BEST FRIEND?

Diego is a sweet boy who was 
found San Gabriel. Diego is being 
called a Chihuahua mix, but his 
cute floppy ears might belong to a 
beagle or other hound breed. He 
is about 1 . years old and weighs 
a little over 9 pounds. Diego seems 
to love being with people and is 
quite social and friendly with other 
dogs. Diego will meet visitors with 
a smile and wagging tail as they 
walk by his kennel. Diego is easy to 
handle on a walk, is alert, curious 
and very interested in sniffing his 
pathway. With his nose to the 
ground, he really does seem to 
have hound characteristics. Diego 
deserves to find a loving home 
where he is treated as part of the 
family, getting the exercise and training he needs to 
live up to his potential. If you can 
offer Diego a secure and loving 
home, please come and meet 
this little guy. His adoption fee is 
$130 and includes neuter surgery, 
vaccinations, microchip and a free 
wellness exam at a participating 
veterinarian. Feel free to call 
us at (626) 286-1159 for more 
information. She currently resides 
at the San Gabriel Valley Humane 
Society located at 851 E. Grand 
Avenue in San Gabriel which 
is located off San Gabriel Blvd, 
north of Mission and south of Las 
Tunas Drive. To arrange a ‘Meet 
and Greet’, please stop by any time 
from 10:30am to 4:30pm Tuesday 
through Sunday.Website:www.
sgvhumane.org. ID#29130

 
Walter Cailleteau, DVM Free Exam!
927 N. Michillinda Ave. For New Clients 
Pasadena, CA 91107 Bring this coupon to save! 
(626) 351-8863
Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com