THE ISSUE:Fireworks and pets
OUR VIEW:Help your pet get past July 4 celebrations with as little fuss as possible.
If you own a home in Howard County, then you probably have a dog. (Based solely on observation, this part of north central Indiana likely ranks high in dog ownership.)
And if you do have a dog, then you’re aware we’re approaching a nightmarish time of year: the Fourth of July. (Americans love the holiday; dogs fear the fireworks.)
The sound of explosions can cause fear in pets. Trembling, whimpering and panting are common. In extreme cases, dogs have been known to jump through glass doors.
Here are a few tips from HomeoPet to keep your pet calm during the upcoming July 4 celebrations:
• After accepting an invitation to a party, leave your pet at home and indoors. Most are afraid of fireworks and might try to run away.
• Close all doors and windows and put on background music to muffle the sound of explosions.
• Close curtains and blinds to block flashing lights.
• Ensure your pet is wearing identification tags in case it runs away.
• Try to distract your pet from the fireworks with toys and games.
• If you have the time, try desensitizing your pet with sounds of thunder, fireworks, trains or sirens. Begin with low volumes. As it becomes more comfortable, gradually increase the sound.
According to HomeoPet, a single approach is rarely adequate. Combinations can help modify your pet’s behavior and reduce stress on you and it.
Fireworks are coming. Help your animal get through it with as little fuss as possible.
Opinion
1st the crack, then the cry
- Opinion
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White shouldn’t return to office
The issue: The conviction of Indiana’s secretary of state.
Our view: Charlie White’s ouster from office should be permanent.
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Editorial - Feb. 8, 2012: Grand success for Indianapolis
The issue: The Super Bowl.
Our view: Indianapolis left a great impression on thousands of visitors.
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Letters to the Editor: Feb. 8, 2012
As Hoosiers celebrate the conclusion of a truly remarkable Super Bowl experience, there is even more good news that should fill us with pride. More Indiana students are graduating from high school than ever before.
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Which religions will we include?
The Indiana Senate last week approved a bill that would allow public schools to teach creationism, as long as they include theories from multiple religions.
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If you say so
In an opinion piece we published Thursday, state Rep. Mike Karickhoff announced why he voted against “right-to-work” legislation. His reason: The community told him to.
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Cheers and jeers - Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012
Karickhoff acted ‘cowardly’
The Rev. Robin Wentworth Mayer and Horst G. Mayer of Kokomo send the Jeer for state Rep. Mike Karickhoff’s silence during the “right-to-work” debate:
“Mr. Karickhoff, for someone who’s new to office, you’ve certainly learned the art of talking out of both sides of your mouth.
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Let’s drug test our lawmakers
Perhaps it’s appropriate that a measure passed by the Indiana House this week would ask not only welfare recipients but Indiana lawmakers to consent to a drug test.
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Editorial - Feb. 2, 2012: Peru delivers a message
The issue: Peru’s collection of $20,000 last year from property owners who failed to keep their yards mowed.
Our view: Aggressive enforcement can help a city’s finances, but the benefits go beyond dollars and cents.
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Karickhoff: Reason behind my ‘right-to-work’ vote
There is no doubt the “right-to-work” debate has brought mixed emotions, not only to our state but District 30 as well. There were only a handful of House Republicans who did not vote in support of this legislation. Let me explain why I felt it was necessary for me to vote in opposition to right to work.
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Heinig: ‘Right-to-work’ law to arouse continued resistance
I wouldn’t call Gov. Mitch Daniels a charismatic leader, but he does possess some leadership skills. If he didn’t, he couldn’t have brought us this far along the happy trail to his economic Valhalla.
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White shouldn’t return to office








