It is an uncomfortable fact of life that sometimes emergencies happen. Out of nowhere something can happen that will knock you off course. We have to take steps as responsible pet owners to ensure that our pets will be safe should the unthinkable happen.

Scenario: your house is on fire. You are out, at work or running errands. The home alarm system or an alert neighbor notifies emergency services and fire trucks are dispatched to your residence to manage the blaze that is your home.

The What If: you have companion animals in the home but Firefighters and Police are unaware of this fact. What if your fur babies are hiding somewhere in the house. What if they are suffering from smoke inhalation or injuries or are just too terrified to come out of hiding. What if the fact that emergency staff focus solely on the facts as they know them while the effects of smoke and fire take their toll on your pet.  What if by the time the firefighters or police officers are made aware that there are pets in the home it’s too late. What if this breaks your heart beyond repair because you can always rebuild a house but nothing will bring your pets back.

The Precaution: in an alternate scenario, the same emergency situation plays out, police officers and firefighters arrive on the scene.  As they approach your home, someone sees the sign you have wisely placed on the back and front doors. The sign alerting emergency services that companion animals reside in the home. That a cat and a dog or bird and hamster or rabbit or frog and their names are in that house somewhere.

The Result: rescue efforts will be activated to save your home and your pets. Because the name of your dog was clearly posted, a fire-fighter will actively search for him, calling his name, intent on bringing him to safety. Give him oxygen if he needs it, medical attention before it’s too late.

The Scenario: you are in a car accident or suffer a heart attack. Unconscious, you are rushed to hospital for treatment. It could be hours before you are revived.

The What If: your emergency contact persons are unreachable. The hospital staff will continue attempts to alert your friends and family however your care is priority one. No one is aware that your pets are home alone waiting for you to get there. They need food, water and where dogs are involved, in need of a let out.

The Precaution: a business card in your wallet that identifies the fact that you have companion animals at home that require attention. This is especially important for people that live alone. The business card identifies the type of animal and their name. You have an emergency contact specifically for this kind of situation listed on the card. They have a key to your home and your entry code.

The Result: your pets will receive the care they need until such time as you recover sufficiently to return to your home.

In addition to the scenarios depicted above, pets will often find themselves suddenly homeless when their owners become too ill to care for them or pass away.
 
It is not uncommon for these animals to come into rescue in hopes of finding new homes. Sometimes these pets have had to fend for themselves in the sudden absence of their owners. Sometimes a friend or family member will step up to take in a displaced pet. Often times the pets will end up in shelters because there was no plan in place for them if they survived their owner.
 
In addition to posting emergency information in your home and carrying pet emergency cards in your purse or wallet, please consider a will of sorts to ensure the care and safety of your pets in the event the worst happens. Important items to consider are the dependability of the person you chose to care for your pets post mortem, as well as the provision of funds to the designated care giver. Please have conversations with the person or persons involved prior to committing their names to a legal document.

Dogs are loyal, patient, fearless, forgiving, and capable of pure love. Virtues that few people get through life without abandoning, at least once.” ― M.K. Clinton

The truth about dogs is that they are pure loyalty. With their great big hearts and bottomless love. Always happy, always beside you and, always ready for the next adventure with you. No matter what happens in your life, your dog will still show the same unwavering devotion. He doesn’t care if you hang out all day in your pajamas and skip the shower. He could watch you inhale an extra-large bag of chips without judging. He probably wants to share but he isn’t going to think any less of you!

“When an eighty-five pound mammal licks your tears away, then tries to sit on your lap, it’s hard to feel sad.” ―Kristan Higgins

On your sick days when no one else wants to see your runny nose and your record setting bed head, your pooch will be by your side. He’ll be right there, keeping your feet warm and beseeching you to get better with wide and limpid eyes. If you get dumped, your pooch will be your one and only guest to your big sad pity party, offering a furred shoulder to cry on and never once rolling his eyes and wondering when you’ll get a grip on yourself.

“The average dog is a nicer person than the average person.” --Andy Rooney

It might be a sad truth that yes, dogs are easier to be with than a lot of humans. With a dog you will never be subjected to sarcastic comments or belittlement. Whatever story you care to share with your dog goes right into the doggy vault. Any insecurities and shortcomings are accepted and then guarded for all time.  Your dog will always love you for exactly who you are, and that’s a huge comfort in a sometimes crazy and mixed up world.

 “If you eliminate smoking and gambling, you will be amazed to find that almost all an Englishman’s pleasures can be, and mostly are, shared by his dog.” --George Bernard Shaw

Whatever it is you are in the mood for, you can pretty much guarantee that your dog is super-duper ready to do it with you. Go for a walk – only always! Car ride? Oh yeah, I call shotgun! Cuddle up on the couch and watch a movie or three? OK!! Truly, as long as your dog is with you, they are happy and content. No matter what time of day it is, all you have to say is “hey, let's go!” and watch for tail wags, smiles and, maybe even a little bit of a happy dance!

Once you have had a wonderful dog, a life without one, is a life diminished.” --Dean Koontz