Foranimals, LLC

12/21/2025

Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday and a new year that brings peace and harmony to all.

12/02/2025

PET SAFE HOLIDAY DECORATING
As you can see we just put up our little holiday tree. The girls approve. If you are planning to make your home festive for the holidays here are some tips that will make them safe for your dogs, cats and birds:
• Use LED lit candles instead of open flame candles. It's easy for a dog or cat to tip over a taper candle and set the place on fire.
• Decorations for a tree, mantel or banister should be non-toxic and shatterproof. If you are including plastic or glass ornaments be absolutely sure they are out of reach.
• Use natural garlands instead of tinsel and ribbons that can cause intestinal blockages.
• Avoid edible decorations like candy canes and popcorn.
• If you have a large tree make sure it is anchored securely so it can't be knocked over and that it is not near furniture that would create a launching pad for a dog or cat to jump into the tree. If you are adding water to the tree, be sure your dog/cat can't access the water and drink it.
• Try not to overly scent your home with fragrances that can be irritating to our dogs and cats sensitive noses.
• Choose pet friendly plants like Christmas Cactus instead of poinsettias and mistletoe which are toxic.
• If you hang a wreath outdoors be sure it is made of all natural ingredients. Plastic or styrofoam berries, fruits or nuts look real to our wild birds and if eaten will cause deadly blockages.

Have fun decorating!

11/29/2025

Coyotes belong here in Massachusetts as an important part of the ecosystem. With a few smart habits, we can coexist safely.

Have you seen a coyote lately? We'd love to hear what it was up to!

11/25/2025

Happy Thanksgiving! I am so grateful for all my wonderful clients and friends who care so much for your dogs and cats and all creatures of this world. Have a safe and happy holiday. Leea, Clarity and Nandi

11/10/2025

Nandi and I had a lovely weekend in Pine Grove PA at an NACSW Elite Premiere trial hosted by Paws'nSniff. It was a lovely camp site and many thanks to Sara, Lori, Andy, Mary Ellen, Dana and all the volunteers who worked so hard to make a great experience for all of us. Nandi and I were really in sync. She had 2 first place searches, one second place search and finished FIRST PLACE overall for the day. WooHoo!

10/27/2025

Nandi just earned her Therapy Dog title from the AKC for completing 50+ visits to the Phelps Cancer Center in Pittsfield.

10/25/2025

Some Halloween safety tips for our feathered friends:

Follow these tips to ensure your spooky celebrations don't create a scary situation for birds.

10/15/2025

Hunting Season is upon us once again so be sure you and your dogs are dressed to show up in the woods. Here is a link to massgov giving specific dates for fishing, hunting and trapping.
https://www.mass.gov/doc/2025-fishing-and-hunting-season-summary/download

Now, a question for you that I have been frequently asked when training dogs to walk on leash. Why are dogs traditionally taught to walk on the human's left side???

Well, the simple answer is, it's largely tradition and practical safety. Since 80% of humans are right handed, the right hand and side needed to be kept free to carry tools, guns or other weapons. Thus the dog would be in the way if on the right. So unless you carry these things and are right handed it really doesn't matter where your dog walks as long as they are well trained and don't pull. Enjoy your fall walks in the woods--safely.

10/01/2025

Enjoy your final newsletter but don't be sad, I will be posting newsletter type shorts here regularly! Leea

Email from Foranimals LLC Thank You All, Trustworthy Training Sites, Holiday reminders     Thank You!     I want to take this moment to thank all of you who have been faithful readers of my newsletter

08/30/2025

Hello All, Here is the last of my full Foranimals Newsletters. Enjoy! I'm not going anywhere but the newsletter has reached its lifespan.

Email from Stay Kind, Max, Have You Preparred for Your Pets' Future? and more   Sept-Oct 2025 Newsletter—The final full edition Private Training Appointments Available each week Thursday and Friday TH

08/24/2025

Today is Clarity's 12th Birthday!! Happy Birthday to our sweet girl.

07/22/2025

Pavement may look harmless to you in your comfy shoes, but for your dog’s paws, it can be a hidden hazard—especially on warm days. Pet parents are often surprised to learn just how quickly surfaces like asphalt, concrete, metal, sand, artificial turf, and even dry grass or wood can become dangerously hot for dogs.

Unlike us, our pups walk “barefoot,” making them highly vulnerable to burns and injuries from heated surfaces. Even when the air feels comfortable, sidewalk and road temperatures can soar:
- At just 77°F (25°C) outside, asphalt can reach 125°F (51°C)
-At 86°F (30°C), it can hit an astonishing 135°F (57°C)—hot enough to burn skin in under ONE minute!
-Burns can occur at pavement temperatures as low as 120°F (49°C)—and some surfaces, like metal or artificial grass, can get even hotter!

Prolonged exposure may leave your dog temporarily unable to walk, causing pain, frustration, and a lengthy healing process.

Dog paw pads may look tough but are just as sensitive as your own skin. Signs of paw pad burns include limping, refusing to walk, excessive licking, blisters, discoloration, or even missing skin. Protecting those precious paws is essential to their safety and happiness.

SAFETY TIPS!
Always test the walking surface: Place the back of your hand on the ground for 5–10 seconds. If it’s too hot for your skin, it’s too hot for your dog. When in doubt, opt for early morning or late evening walks, stick to shaded or grassy areas, and apply paw wax like Musher's for extra protection.

Your dog depends on you to protect them—let’s keep those tails wagging and paws happy! xoAmy