- BOB / MOM / MIMI / RICK / DAN

WHEN: SEPTEMBER 22, 2012 @ 11:00 A.M.

STARTS: The West River Café (440) 235-2525

24517 Sprague Rd. Columbia Station, 44028

STOPS: Chestnut Grove Cemetery

7789 Lewis Rd. Olmsted Falls, 44138

Falls Lounge

27099 Bagley Rd. Olmsted Twp., 44138

Hammer’s Bar & Grill (330) 273-0700

965 Marks Rd. Valley City, 44280

Friendly Inn (330) 725-9815

6936 Norwalk Rd. (RT. 18) Medina, 44256

ENDS: RT. 82 Saloon (440) 748-2131

34501 E. Royalton Rd., (Rt. 82) Columbia Station, 44028

CONTACT: Val @ (440)-822-0114 or Linda @ (440) 748-2131

**Food and Entertainment will be provided**

*Side dishes greatly appreciated*

1. Indoors or Outdoors?
If you keep your cat indoors all the time in an air conditioned home, there probably won’t be much of a problem with heat stroke. Fleas and ticks may not be as problematic on indoor cats, but not necessarily. Many cats, though, are miserable if they are kept indoors all the time. If you choose to let your cat outside, make sure he has access to a shady area and a bowl of cool water. (More on summer water availability below.) If possible, allow your cat to have access to the indoors (even if it’s just the garage) as well as the outdoors so she can come in out of the heat.

2. Water
Water is important all year round, but in the summer, it needs special attention. It’s hard to keep water cool in the blazing sun, and it evaporates quickly. One idea is to put a block of ice in your cat’s outdoor water bowl. Simply freeze a plastic container (such as a margarine tub) full of water, then turn that block of ice out into the water bowl. Pour water over and around the ice block. The block will slowly melt during the day, providing a steady source of cool water.

Another idea is to freeze a plastic 2-litre bottle full of water. Then use wire to hang the bottle (cap off) over a bowl. The ice will melt and drip cold water all day.

3. Hairballs
Summer is shedding season, and shedding means extra hair-swallowing as cats groom. Help prevent hairballs by grooming your cat daily with a brush specifically made for collecting hair, such as a slicker brush. You can also give your cat an oil-based hairball preventative in the summer. These preventatives come in a tube and are smeared on the cat’s paw; the cat then licks it off. Hairball prevention formula cat food and treats may also help.

4. Fleas and Ticks
Even indoor cats need flea and tick prevention, and sometimes treatment. Flea eggs and adult ticks can easily be carried indoors on shoes and clothing. Outdoor cats will need to have preventative treatment too, and for your outdoor cat, look for flea and tick medication that repels mosquitoes as well. Whether you go natural or chemical, start your flea prevention measures early in May, experts recommend. It’s easier to stave off an infestation than effectively treat one.

Here are some things to consider for safe travel with your pet in hot weather.

1. Medication
Depending on where you’re headed on your vacation, making sure your pet is up to date on vaccinations and parasite/pest prevention is important. If you’re going camping, you will need to be particularly aware of ticks. Unfamiliar parasites may pose a threat if you’re traveling out of the country.

A first aid kit is a good idea for man and beast, especially if you are going to be on the road a lot or in the wilderness. Antiseptic, tweezers and bandages are the minimum that should be in such a kit. So make sure you take the necessary precautions before heading out to a new place.

Is your pet prone to motion sickness? If so, your vet should be able to recommend a medication of some sort to help with that.

2. Preparation
Before heading out, clean and exercise your pet. Car rides can get very long in “pet years”! And you want your animal to be clean when you arrive. Sources recommend not feeding your pet for a few hours before the trip, or leaving a few hours after your pet has eaten.

3. What to Bring
Regardless of the kind of pet you have, you’ll need to bring along certain things. Here is a minimal checklist.

-Toys (a few favorites)
-Catnip to calm your cat in transit and after arrival
-Chew toys to keep your dog occupied
-Food
-Food and water bowls
-Leash, collar, ID tag
-A few old towels to cover car seats, hotel beds, etc.
-Plastic pick-up baggies to clean up after your pet
-Litter and litter box for cats
-Brush and flea/tick comb
-Treats
-Crate or carrier

4. In the Vehicle
Buckle up your pet with a special pet harness, which acts as a seatbelt for pets. If your pet is in a crate or carrier, then this can be strapped in/strapped down as well. Crates and carriers are essential not only for the car but for wherever you’re staying. It can be a safe haven for your pet and can act as a bed at your destination. In the event of an accident, pets tend to survive better if they ride in a carrier or crate, sources say.

Every few hours, let your pet out (on a leash) to walk. Always use a leash; animals can act different in new surroundings, and someone may also steal your un-leashed pet. If you have a cat, teach him or her to use a harness and leash before you head out on your trip.