Pet Party Line is a column written by Beth Byrd and is featured weekly in The Citizen News, one of our local newspapers.

Pet Potpourri

1) When nursing a newborn pup or kitty, it should only be given safe formula milk, not cow’s milk. Cow’s milk is prone to give them diarrhea, causing dehydration. For puppies you can buy Espalac and for kittens, there is a similar product.

2) With the ”small dog craze” happening now, just remember when walking your pet in hot weather, he must exert a greater effort to match your stride. Your pup also gets hotter by being so close to the ground. Be extra careful about their footpads on hot pavement. It’s also better to dog walk with a full harness which distributes the pull and doesn’t concentrate solely on the neck area.

3) Let us take this opportunity to thank two special supporters of All God’s Creatures - Ben Ruston of Johnston and Pamela Urban Moore of Edgefield. Ben donates all of his earnings from his fabulous neck massages at four local festivals each year. Pamela donates the money she receives from the wonderful pet sketches she does for us year round. We are so lucky that they have pets and love animals! There are many other “regular” volunteers (and you know who you are) who continually show up at these events to help us in so many ways. Please know that your help and friendship are so appreciated.

4) A wonderful gift for all animal lovers is “Chicken Soup for the Dog/Cat Lover’s Soul. These are larger ”easy to read” paperback books written by Jack Canfield, et. al.

5) If you don’t want to leave your pet at the vet, “pet resort” or home with a pet sitter, check the Internet for pet friendly lodgings. Today 79% of the population travels with their pets. In Glendale Springs, NC, you can vacation at Mountain View Lodge & Cabins where pets are also welcome (1-800-903-6811).

6) Over the summer, the All Gods Creatures’ food bin at Bi-Lo isn’t as full because of many of our regular contributors are on vacation. Please remember when shopping to help support the 28 pups and 8 kittens we are presently feeding. And...even more importantly, please, please help us find good loving homes for these adorable and lovable orphans!