Tuesday 2 December 2008



COMMITMENT…
By Michelle Chiunti, D.V.M.

“How much is that doggy in the window?
The one with the waggly tail.
How much is that doggy in the window?
I do hope that doggy’s for sale!” Patti Page


We’ve all heard the song, seen the doggy, kitten, bunny, etc. in the window or on the internet, and have been tempted by those big brown eyes and cute face. However, emotion should be the final factor when considering the commitment of having a pet.

In the holiday season, some people’s thoughts wander toward giving a pet as a gift. Unless you have lived under a rock for the past 50 years, you should know that this is a bad idea. The first and foremost factor in the decision to have a pet is your ability to make a long-term commitment of time, money, and emotion to the furry, four-legged bundle of joy. The recipient, and/or family, not a well-intentioned friend, should make this decision.

Having an animal in your life is generally a long-term commitment. Hamsters, rats, gerbils, and small rodents are the exception since they generally only live two-to-three years. Rabbits, guinea pigs, and chinchillas fare a bit better, living five to eight years. However, when you get into dogs and cats, they can live, on average, 15 to 18 years respectively.

If, by chance, you are considering a horse, donkey, or pony as a pet, they live between 30 and 40 years. The longest living pets are the parrots, with an age span of 70 years. This becomes a crucial factor when deciding to take on the responsibility of an animal companion.

The other important consideration to animal companionship must be cost. All of our living companions require daily food, water, shelter, exercise, and elimination care. The average cat will cost about $250 annually for food and kitty litter, and a 50-pound dog will cost about $400 annually to feed. These costs do not include flea and parasite control, treats, toys, and the repair of damaged furniture, carpets, doors, gardens, and trim. Many pets tend to find a multitude of trouble that requires veterinary services. On an annual basis, veterinary care represents 0.1% of household disposable income.

Procurement costs of your pet will be the least expensive part of caring for him or her.

After considering time and money, you can bring the big brown eyes into your decision to have an animal companion.

Think about your lifestyle, housing conditions, medical conditions, and personal preferences. Are you a gerbil or a Great Dane type of person? Can you manage a dog, or is a cat more suited to your lifestyle?

One thing is certain – along with responsibility, your new companion will bring much joy and comfort to your everyday life. I personally cannot get through a day without petting some furry, four-legged head – to the point of searching for alley cats while on vacation! If you can positively commit to the human animal bond for the benefit of everyone involved, only then can you say “Yes” to that doggy in the window.

For your information, the Shelter of Hope (Theatre Rd., Port Hope) will provide a gift certificate for Christmas giving that can be used towards the adoption of a pet, or the care of their many charges. The Northumberland Humane Society (Ward St., Port Hope) will also accept donations, and they diligently screen all applicants before any adoption.



Enjoy every day, and Merry Christmas to you and yours!


Monday 1 December 2008

24-Hour Emergency Numbers

The numbers listed below area available 24 hours a day:

Children's Aid Society - 905 372-1821

Family Violence Treatment Coalition - 905 372-6318

Kid Help Line - 1 800 668-6868

Kinark Family Services - 905 372-4361

Northumberland Distress Centre - 905 372-5919

Northumberland Emergency Response Program for Youth - 905 372-2070

O.P.P. Cobourg - 905 372-5421

O.P.P. Toll Free - 1 888 310-1122

Sexual Assault - 905 372-1515

Youth Phone Line - 905 372-7738

Hospice

Hospice Northumberland Lakeshore offers rest and comfort for families dealing with life-threatening illness.

Hospice volunteers provide practical services and companionship at home, in the hospital or other residence.

Sexual Assault

Northumberland Services for Women provides emergency assistance, housing and counselling services for women and children.

Phone 24 hours a day - 905-372-1515

Housing

Transition House Coalition offers housing for up to three months. Residents take programs to develop action plans and help with money management and other goals. Housing is available for singles and family groups.

Phone 905-377-0378

Northumberland Services for Women provides shelter for women and children who are victims of emotional, physical or sexual violence. Calls are taken 24 hours a day.

Legal, parenting, empowerpment, housing and medical counselling are available.

Maximum stay 6 weeks.

Phone - 24 hour crisis line 905-372-1515
Office phone - 905 372-7056
Email - nsw@eagle.ca


ROOF provides financial assistance ($100 per month) to tenants to help pay the rent. Applicants must be employed and making more than $5,000 a year. Other conditions apply.

Phone -1-888-544-5101

Transportation

Community Care Northumberland offers a van service from Cramahe Township to Cobourg on Mondays and Thursdays. One-way rides cost no more than $5.

Riders must pre-register for the program and book their rides at least 24 hours in advance. Van starts in the Castleton Morganston area and travels through Dundonald, Salem and Colborne. There is some flexibility in the pickc up locations

Not wheelchair accessible.

Call 1-866-768-7778

Seniors and Disabled

Colborne Community Care provides support services to seniors and adults with disabilities,allowing them to remain in their homes.

Some programs have fees to cover expenses.

Transportation - local or long distance for medical, social or shopping.

Meals on Wheels - Nutritious ready-to-eat full course meals delivered to your home.

Diners' Club - Get together with others for a meal and some entertainment - often theme based. Transportation can be arranged.

Caregiver support and respite

Friendly visiting for companionship

Home help and maintenance for routine household tasks, indoor and outdoor maintenance, repair work and meal preparation.

Telephone securuty checks to ensure you are all right or send assistance.

Wellness programs and equipment loans

Phone 905- 355-2989

Legal Help

The Northumberland Community Legal Centre can give free and confidential help tenants with Landlord and Tenant law.
It can help with the Ontario Disability Support Program, Ontario Works, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, Canada Pension Plan, Employment Insurance, Employment Standards, the Ontario Human Rights Code and Criminal Injuries Compensation.

The Legal Centre offers leagl representation for financially eligible residents of Northumberland County, public education, assistance forming community groups, law reform and referrals to community agencies or lnks to other legal clinics.

Phone - 905-373-4464.

Parenting and Pregnancy

The Northumberland Child Development Centre offers three programs:

Bright Starts offers help parenting children 0-6.

Bright Starts for Babies offers help with prgnancy or breast feeding.

Going Places (LEAP) allows parents 16-21 to continue their high school education and Ontario Works program.

Phone - 1-905-885-8137 (call collect)

Medical care in the home

Central East Community Care Access Centre offers in-home long-term care and school support services.

Phone 1-800-368-8053

Bereavement Support

Hospice Northumberland Lakeshore supports families and friends, including children and young people following the death of a loved one.

Trained volunteers will meet with you at the location of your choice.

Programs include one-on-one support, support groups, community sessions, memory boxes, and workshops to help during difficult times.

Telephone 905-373-8875 or 1-888-236-9869
email - info@hospicenorthumberland.ca
www.hospicenorthumberland.ca

Non Medical Crisis

The 4 County Crisis Intervention Service is a free service which assists individuals and families with non medical crisis support 24 hours a day.

It can link people with the services they need.

Phone 1-866-995-9933