October Newsletter

PMCOD
Oct 21
4 min read

Updated: Oct 23

This month’s letter is a little late, oops! In our defense, we’ve been a bit distracted by all the adorable submissions for our Pet Costume Contest.

Important Dates

Submissions for the contest are open through 10/25!
Happy birthday to Krista!
October 6th marks two years since we cajoled Dr. Johnson into officially joining the PMCOD family!

Monthly Topic

Holiday Safety

If you're a fan of horror films, you've probably seen Alien (1979). Urban legend claims the Xenomorph’s terrifying secondary mouth was inspired by the pharyngeal jaws of moray eels, but according to the original designer, H.R.Giger, the concept was entirely his own. The earliest scientific publications on pharyngeal jaws came out in the late '60s, so… who knows? Maybe the idea snuck in, just like the alien itself!

But you don’t have to board a spaceship to encounter unexpected dangers. As much as we love the holiday season, it brings its own set of hazards for our furry friends. Here are some quick tips to help keep your pets safe during the spooky season and beyond:

Toxic treats: Chocolate and artificial sweeteners such as xylitol are dangerous for both dogs and cats. Keep candy bowls out of reach, and remind guests not to offer any “treats” without checking first.

Costume caution: Not every pet is ready for the runway. If your pet shows signs of stress, it’s best to skip the costume contest and let them enjoy the night au naturel. Keep an eye out for the following nonverbal behaviors:

Pinned-back ears, dilated pupils, or visible eye whites
Crouching, tucked tails (or lashing tails in cats)
Restlessness, vocalizing, or avoiding interaction

Decor dangers: Candles should be kept on sturdy, pet-proof surfaces and away from anything flammable. Decorations like fake spiderwebs and string lights may look great, but they can tangle or tempt curious paws.

Create a safe space: With the doorbell constantly ringing and visitors coming and going, a quiet, secure space where your pet can relax is essential.

Prevent sneaky escapes: Consider gating off certain areas or keeping pets in a quiet room to prevent accidental door-dashing—or holiday snacking mishaps.

Plan for noise sensitivity: If your pet is especially anxious around loud noises or busy environments, talk to your vet about calming strategies or medications that can help.

Senior Care

Safety isn't just about taking preventative measures during special occasions. It also means supporting the day-to-day wellbeing of our pets throughout the year. Older animals often feel the shift in seasons more than younger ones, and cooler temperatures can affect their appetite, mobility, and overall comfort. It may be time to bring them in for a checkup and make sure their vital organs are all in good health. If something does pop up on preventative screening, simple interventions like dietary changes or supplements can make all the difference for helping your four-legged loved ones enjoy the holidays and their golden years in comfort.

TL;DR (Too Long, Didn't Read):

Keep your pets safe and comfortable during the holidays by planning ahead, especially if they’re seniors who may be more sensitive to colder weather and seasonal changes.

Employee Pet Spotlight

Name: Posie

Nickname(s): Posette, Theoposia, Tidbit, Her Royal Lowness

Employee parent: Elizabeth

Breed: Miniature Wirehair Dachshund / Yorkie mix

Age: 14

Likes: Kittens, sleeping on plastic bags, carrots, chicken

Dislikes: Nail trims, car rides, large dogs, squirrels

Background: In 2011, Elizabeth and her mother drove up to Noah’s Ark Animal Rescue in Gainesville to look at some beagle/chihuahua puppies. It was probably the sixth shelter they’d visited in their search for the right dog. By the time they arrived, only one squirmy, yapping puppy was left. As adorable as she was, Elizabeth quickly realized a beagle mix wasn’t the right fit. Luckily, a staff member mentioned two yorkie mix puppies that had just arrived and weren’t listed online yet.

One puppy stayed in the back of the kennel, but the other trotted right out, ignored the family’s adult dog that they’d brought along, and walked over to say hi. It was clear she had some dachshund in her—at just eight weeks old, her back was already the length of Elizabeth’s shoe. A dachshund mix hadn’t been on their radar, but Posie was the right size and temperament, so her mom paid the adoption fee. The whole drive home, Elizabeth quietly panicked that they’d been too impulsive, but all it took was Posie resting her head on her knee a few hours later, and she was in love.

True to her dachshund roots, Posie is smart and stubborn. She can be picky with dogs, but she adores kittens. Over the years, she’s helped “raise” several bottle babies Elizabeth has fostered: cleaning them, playing with them, and jealously guarding them from other pets.

Posie was diagnosed with kidney disease in 2023, but after switching to a prescription diet, it hasn’t progressed. Thanks to some separation anxiety (on both their parts), she accompanies Elizabeth to work and spends most of her time napping under the desk. A kind client even made her a doggy sling so she can tag along to the treatment area.

Hello

A warm welcome to Daphne, our new kennel assistant!

Goodbye

Dejanae is back at school... for now! We look forward to seeing her again over winter break.

Trivia Corner

Fun Fact

Crows believe in the power of community: up to 80% of American Crow nests are attended by birds other than the nesting pair! Even after they’re fully fledged, it’s common for young crows to live near their parents for several years and help raise the next generations. [x]