JUST a few more days until you can crack open that advent calendar and start enjoying your daily chocolate. But remember, no matter how much vou enjoy inchiding your peis in the holiday festivi- ties, Chocolate and other sweets should not be given to anim As weil as being fattening, chocolate, for example, con- tains theobromine, a chemical that can be deadly to cats and dogs, though net harmful to humans. The best thing you can do for your pets over the holidays is to stick to their reg- ular diet. Look tor special ant- mal treats instead of giving your animais cookies or sweets meant for people. _ Here are some other dps to keep your pets healthy and . happy over the holidays: ” 8 No bones please: Avoid giv- ing bones to your dogs or cats, particularly turkey bones, which can easily splinter and can cause series injury. Bone fragments can cause intestinal blockages or lacerations. @ Poisonous plants: Many pop- ular holiday plants are poiso- nous to animals, including misdctoe, holly, ornamental pepper, Christmas rose and poinsettias. Remember to keep these plants out of reach of pets — especially birds. @ Avoid tinsel: If you have a Christmas tree and pets, you have a recipe for trouble. First, make sure the tree is well secured. Try to place decora- tions above paw height and use string to hang the bulbs instead “HELP of hooks, which are easily dis- lodged. Hf possible, ise non- breakable omaments. Avoid using tinsel or angel hair, Cats and dogs will ingest beth, which can cause intestinal preblems. Cords for tights should be made inaccessible to pets — especially from chewing puppies and exploring kittens. During the winter season nature provides Outdoor ani- mals with natural isulation in the form of a denser hair coat and an added layer of fat just under the skin to help retain body beat. This adaptation dees not mean, however, that animals are immune to winter cold. [fF you can bring. them indoors, so much the better. Otherwise, remeraber that ani- mals need more calories to fend off the cold, so in addition to providing daily fresh water, be sure to give them extra food. Here are more tips for cold weather animal care: § Outdoor Dogs: if your dog sleeps outside check to make sure the dog house is dry and comfortable. A flap over the doorway will keep drafts out. Be sure to insulate the dog house — including, the floor. Check the bedding often to be sure it is dry. & Antifreeze: Ethylene glycol- based antifreeze tastes good to pets but can be fatal even in tiny doses. When adding andireeze to your vehicle, mop up spills, and check to make sure that your vehicle is not leaking fluid. Thankfully, a much less toxic alternative exists: propylene glycol-based antifreeze. Ask your retailer. YELP” _ We had 9 pups dropped off on us, _ 7. weeks old. Ail look sort of different - all very cute. Ready to go to _ approved homes now. ~ West Coast Spay & Neuter Maddie's Pups Wondertul crass breeds. Variety X Shepherd X Lab X Border Cottie. Loving. loyal and the best mix of breeds. To goad homes only. You can save a degs bite by tostering. wew animaladvocates.com. . ANIMAL ADVOCATES Saree Wears his heart of his sleeve, and he is alt heast, He is great with kids and other dogs. See his story in our web mag. You Can Save a dogs lite by fostering. wow animaiadvocates.com. ANIMAL ADVOCATES Your wr Pets Ni leeds: A FULL ay ANIMAL HOSPITAL eG ‘General - Y Excuizetion S20,20 Meter (mate) Ned Thien” Cats Dogs S29.00 Hever (male) to GOlbs AH vaccinations include a physical exara by veterinorian OPEN 7 DAYS! tasty drop off (with appointment) Bion-Frl 2:00am - 8:60pm Sat-Sun 9:08am - 4:00pm 1226 Marine Dr., NV. 988-7272 (24 hrs) B Pe-icing compounds: Chemicals and salts used to miele ice on roads and sidewalks can irntate pets’ paws. Wash or Wipe their paws with a damp cloth after ats outing. & Cats and cars — think and thump: Cats often: crawl up under cars seeking: warmth, risking serious injurv when the engine is started. Phamp the hood to frighten away any cats betore yeu start your vehicle. @ Dogs in pickup trucks: [t is Never appropriate Co Cransport a dog in an open pickup truck —- especially in winter. Wind chill plus slippery conditions, which cesult in higher accident rates, put your dog ar risk. Bang your best friend up-tront in the cab — or leave him at home where it is warm. W ice-free water: Hf you keep any animals outdoors during winter weather, be sure their water supply is checked twice a day to keep it ice-free. B Feeding wild birds: Providing food for wild birds offers life-sustaining support. Feeders need to be cleaned out and refilled conscientiously, as birds come to rely upon them. e e Caring Liberals??? Only $16-Million Dollars for Cancer Research! $200-Million dollars of the taxpayers money for this election. $500-million dollars of the taxpayers money for a gun registry. $500-million dollars spent that will have no effect upon violent crime. $500-million dollars spent that only affects decent law-abiding Canadians - your neighbours! What are the Liberal’s priorities? PS: Why is my dollar worth only sixty-five cents? ae in December. Sunday December 10th 10am to Spm Biskitz Bakery 15th & Bellevue, W.V. | Minimum donation $5 | Buy UNICEF cards this Christmas and help children around the world. Visit our new store at 3065 Granville Se or a UNICEF sales kiosk at: IKEA Oakridge Park Royal emicef United Nations Children’s Fun Pacific Centre Richmond Centre surf our north shore... wWW.nsnews.com 4, December 3, 2009 fom 18:00 anvto 3:00 pre - bob for turkey WieHEers . picture with Santa: : hospital tours RE + great. food, aad cheer! A = i ie “HOSPITAL: — ‘2A59A Bellevue Avenue, West Vancouver Tel: 926-8554 © Fax:. 926-6839 A traditian of excellence Since 1378)