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Letter to the editor

Make halloween safe and happy for furry friends

By Times Staff Writer
Published October 31, 2007

COUNTYWIDE

Pinellas County Animal Services is offering tips on how to keep your pet happy and safe this Halloween:

- A constant barrage of strangers and loud noises can spook any pet. Furnish your furry friend with a safe place inside your home, away from the holiday commotion.

- Play low music like soft jazz or classical music to mask Halloween noises.

- No treats. Sugar, caffeine and candy wrappers are dangerous to pets. Chocolate is especially dangerous.

- If you dress up your kitty or pup, remove the costume if it's causing distress. Some pet costume designs fail to address an animal's need to pant, drink and stretch.

- If you take your pets trick-or-treating, use a leash and a reflective collar with proper identification.

COUNTYWIDE

Guardians ad litem needed for children

Nearly a thousand children in Pinellas County need a caring person to stand up and be their voice in the courtroom and to advocate for them in the child welfare system.

A guardian ad litem advocates for abused, abandoned or neglected children and teens in the family courts and the child welfare system.

The average time needed is four to six hours a month.

Interested volunteers must complete 30 hours of training to become a certified guardian ad litem.

Seven classes have been scheduled for 2008. The next class will start Jan. 8.

To volunteer, call 464-6528. For a training schedule, go to www.guardianadlitem6.org.

[Last modified October 30, 2007, 22:41:46]