BOOTIES-NOT JUST FOR WUSSES

I saw an interview the other day with the head of emergency services at Angell Memorial Animal Hospital. The veterinarian was talking about the dangers of this extremely cold, damp weather in relation to our pets. Cats should simply not be allowed out--period. The perils are myriad-buried in snow, trapped in trees, injured by ice----lost forever. Dogs present different kinds of problems since they do have to be walked (if not let out in back yards). Most owners who let little dogs out briefly keep one eye on them, so presumably they do not disappear into snow drifts. However, from my experience, most dog owners attempt to walk their critters along badly shovelled sidewalks, or by the side of the road. All of this is hazardous for both man and beast, but there is a particular problem which should be addressed--that of injured FEET. The vet said that all four of them should be inspected after every venture out. Not only do icy particles and rock salt become imbedded in the pads and between the toes, but there may be cuts from these small sharp objects. I have not seen any dogs around here wearing booties, but I'd like to suggest that someone start a trend. The dogs that do wear them are mighty tough, hearty guys-for example those running the Iditerod in Alaska. (As a matter of fact, racers must stop at pre-determined spots along the route and have vets check the dogs' feet to be sure they are not injured). The other famous use of booties was at Ground Zero after the 9-11 attacks. Those brave rescue and cadaver dogs developed serious, debilitating foot problems due to the shards of glass and hot metal they were walking on. A wonderful story emerged of a woman in Minnesota who made booties for dogs in her bitterly cold climate. She got volunteers together to make thousands of these foot-savers for the brave animals helping at such a desperate time. Sooo---if you add these items to your pooch's wardrobe, you are not imitating Paris Hilton, that is, unless you add a diamond necklace or cashmere sweater!