Fall is in the air, festivals abound, and the holiday season is kicking off-How can you be an Empowered Parent this Halloween? Keep everyone focused on fun by taking steps to protect your furry family members and by educating your children to respect animals.
Those of you with pets have probably noticed cuddling on the rise as nights get cooler. Our family has a slender black feline who loves burrowing under blankets this time of year, and a cantankerous-yet-lovable orange tabby, both rescues.
We all want Halloween to be silly and fun for our children, but unfortunately it can be a scary time for pet owners. Our black and orange love getting extra treats on their Mischief Night birthday, but they're not excited about the extra noise and people that may come by the house. We keep them close this time of year.
To protect your pets, keep kitties indoors around Halloween, especially black cats. Sadly, there is a surge in abuse of cats this time of year-so much that many shelters delay adoptions of black cats until November. It's additionally saddening to learn much of this violence is committed by minors. Keep communication open with your child to make sure he or she feels empowered to speak out in case they hear or see any animal abuse.
My toddler son loves our cats, but absolutely loves dogs too — he can scare them with his enthusiasm. He wants to run right up, hug them, play and grab tails. That can produce anxiety in even the most gentle canine, but especially so if the little one is costumed up and wearing a mask. Halloween is a time for excitement and games, and that can get Fido just as riled up as any candy-driven kiddo.
You may have to take special precautions to keep Fido calm if you have trick-or-treaters. It's important any time of the year, but extra vigilance is required when you know people may come by. Pennsylvania does not allow loose animals in general, but if your dog has a history of aggression such as a previous bite, you are required by law to take specific additional precautions. It is possible for a dog to be removed from a family in certain circumstances due to a dog bite injury, which could be devastating to you and your children as well as a dog-bite victim's family. No matter what Fido's disposition, being reasonable and attentive as a pet-owner and a parent can prevent most potential problems.
We as parents can educate our kids to be respectful of animals, to protect them and family pets. My son is learning to ask the owner if it's safe to approach, let the dog sniff his hand, then proceed with gentle pets if all signs are “Go.” It's especially important if you have very young children to be vigilant when animals are nearby and coach your child through an interaction with a strange animal. And remember, we're teaching them always, whether we realize it or not: actions speak louder than words. They will mimic your behavior toward animals.
Protection through planning works for pets just as it works for your family. Keep emergency vet numbers around in case they're needed-store it in your phone now and look up the address so you're familiar with the route. If something happens to you, have a backup plan: Be sure to include your pets in your estate plans to keep your family whole. You can plan to keep your children and their pets together and provided for.
Those who have pets know they are part of our family. They're with us daily, we care for them like children, they offer unconditional love and ask very little in return. It's important you plan to keep your furry loved ones safe, just as you keep your little ones safe.
May your Halloween be all treats.
About Valerie Borek
Valerie Borek, Esq. is a Delaware County native with a passion for empowering people. She believes a strong family is a building block to strong communities. She founded her law firm to serve families with a focus on parenting and family rights. As a mother herself, she knows that parents face tough choices and need support. Valerie is grateful to be in a profession where she can guide people through life’s circumstance so they can focus on the things in life that matter most. Valerie finds her greatest motivation in helping families strengthen their health and wealth. These two foundational areas of life resonate through the day-to-day and when we feel comfortable and secure in these spheres, we are free and enabled to create and nurture the lives we desire. Visit her at www.vboreklaw.com
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