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Teddy's Tidbit
holiday season and
human food
Happy Holidays! It’s that
time of year again for all you humans to decorate and,
most importantly, make all of that delicious food I am
always smelling… yum!!
 Teddy
here, wanting to make sure all my readers are aware of
the dangers to us 4-legged family members during the
holiday season.
As you know, our highly sensitive noses pick up scents
before you humans can. Therefore, don't be surprised
when we are underfoot in the kitchen while holiday
goodies are being prepared. Although my mom does not
allow me in the kitchen when she is cooking (don’t tell
her, but it’s a good thing; she’s pretty clumsy), watch
those hot containers filled with turkey and ham
drippings. You humans can easily trip over us or we can
tip them over causing severe scalding and burns to
ourselves.
I can’t believe I am writing this… do you realize the
hate mail I am going to receive?!? Please don’t feed us
the cooled drippings either; human seasonings aren't
good for us, plus the rich stock and drippings can
easily upset our digestive systems (that’s no fun for us
or you). Also, please do not overfeed us cooked turkey
and ham (they are forcing me to write this!!); again,
human food is too rich for us; overfeeding of human food
can cause us health problems. Also, we may not want to
eat our regular pet food and we could turn into beggars
every time we see you eating. PLEASE DO NOT FEED US ANY
BONES – THEY ARE VERY DANGEROUS.
 There
are also a lot of Holiday season plants are poisonous to
us if nibbled or eaten: ivy - all parts; holly -
moderate to very toxic, especially the berries and
leaves; mistletoe - very toxic, all parts, especially
the berries; Christmas greens such as balsam, juniper,
cedar, pine and fir - all parts have a low level of
toxicity; hibiscus - may cause vomiting or bloody
diarrhea if ingested; and poinsettias - leaves and stems
low in toxicity.
Then there are the decorations (and you thought I was
done!)… us Goldens do not realize we have tails and
those tails can clear a coffee table or lower part of a
Christmas tree in one fell swoop. Please keep candles,
hot items, candy, or fragile items out of our and our
tails’ reach. Put the plastic ornaments at the bottom
of the tree and securely attach the hooks so they don’t
fall and we try to snack on them. Goldens like pretty
things and we are very curious about everything so
naturally we want to check out all the goodies around,
of course to see what we can eat! Also, watch the
tinsel… I hear the cats like to play with it and may try
to eat it. Please don’t tie ribbon around our necks and
keep an eye on us when you decide to dress us up for the
holiday.
Please keep us indoors during fireworks. The loud
noise scares us and we try to run away.
We know you are busier than usual with shopping, parties
and other fun stuff. Please try to keep us on our
regular feeding and exercise schedule and be sure to
give us plenty of love. Please also watch doorway
traffic and make sure we did not slip outside to see if
there is anyone else to meet and greet. We are a part
of the family too! If you plan on traveling with us,
please make sure that we are welcome at our
destination. I would rather have my regular dog sitter/
boarding facility than to be boarded in an unknown
place... that is very scary for us! It reminds us of
when we came from you-know-where... (jail! eek!!)
Lastly, please do not give any animal/pet of any age as
gifts. Instead, give gifts of pet supplies, food, and
accessories. Then after the hustle and bustle of the
holidays, the loved one can make a selection of the
selected pet of their choice to bring home to peace and
quiet for the pet. This will also provide the happy new
pet owner time to spend with his/her new life-time
commitment.
Please remember to take those extra steps to ensure we
are safe this holiday season.
Teddy signing off wishing you a Safe and Happy Holiday
Season!!
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