10/09/2021
October Newsletter article:
Animals 4 God has some sad news thanks to the COVID numbers going up again. Our Reading Program is back on hold. We plan to begin again just as soon as the numbers will allow us to do so safely.
However, we do have some wonderful news! Zoey passed her first set of training classes! And after having been gone for nine (9) weeks, Scott is home from the hospital. One of my biggest worries was that Zoey, who loves to jump, would jump on Scott and knock him down, and we would be back in the ER. I am amazed and thrilled to say that Zoey was an absolute angel when Scott came home. This was a true test of her training, and thank God, it paid off!
This month, Animal 4 God is going to focus a little bit on foods that are not safe for your pets to eat. Some of these, I am sure you are aware of, but a couple were surprises to me.
The first is grapes and raisins. These “are toxic to both cats and dogs and can lead to acute kidney failure and even death (Kucera, Tabitha). It seems that the dried versions may cause more severe symptoms if eaten.
The second is Caffeine – Coffee, Tea, and Sodas. “Research suggests caffeine is lethal at 70 mg per 1 pound of body weight” (Kucera, Tabitha). This means that four (4) teaspoons of instant coffee, which contains 60 mg. of caffeine, can be fatal for a five (5) pound dog.
Number three (3) is Chocolate and Cocoa. “Chocolate is toxic because it contains a chemical called theobromine, as well as caffeine. Theobromine is is the predominant toxin in chocolate and is very similar to caffeine” (Kucera, Tabitha). And one (1) very important thing to remember is that the “darker the chocolate, the larger amount of theobromine…it contains” (Kucera, Tabitha).
A fourth thing that is toxic to our dogs is Xylitol. This is common sugar substitute, and can be fatal even in small amounts. It is often found in toothpaste, vitamin supplements, sugar-free chewing gum, “a small handful of peanut butter brands and other ‘low sugar’ or sugar-free products” (Kucera, Tabitha). It can cause liver damage to dogs, and people and cats do not experience this problem.
This next one surprised me, but it is onions and garlic. This also includes chives, leeks, and other plants of the Allium species. This includes fresh, powdered, or dried forms, and are toxic to both cats and dgos.
More toxic than onions if raw garlic, whether powder or fresh.
“Cats and Japanese breeds of dogs (Akita, Shiba Inu) are even more sensitive to the effects of these plants.
Foods that are SAFE for our pets are “apples, peas, green beans, carrots, sweet potatoes, zucchini, summer squash, Easy Chese, peanut butter (without xylitol), white rice, plain boiled chicken, and cucumbers” (Kucera, Tabitha). Our Zoey loves chicken and cheese, but turns her nose up at peanut butter, apples and carrots.
So, if you think your pet may have consumed any of the “toxic” foods, call the Pet Poison Helpline and your vet immediately. “These toxicities can be treated, but it’s important to seek medical attention as early as possible” (Kucera, Tabitha).
CAN YOU HELP?...
We are passionate about bringing the healing effect of dogs’ unconditional love into the lives of people in the community, especially those who are home-bound or in a medical facility. Becoming a therapy dog team involves a bit of work beforehand, but the effort is well worth it. If you or anyone you know is interested in becoming a Dog/Handler team for therapy work, please contact us at: [email protected].
Interested in becoming a part of our ministry? You don’t have to own a pet or even be a member of New Song to join. You just need to have a desire to serve God by planning and participating in activities which involve enriching the lives of others by sharing our pets. We also strive to do God’s will as He challenges us to care for all the animals of the Earth by hosting educational activities with guest speakers and organizing collection events to donate to area shelters. We meet at the church on the fourth Saturday of the month at 9:00 a.m.
Kucera RFT, CCBC, KPA-CT, Tabitha (2020, May 27) 5 Common Foods in Your Pantry that are not Safe for Your Pets, Retrieved July 16, 2021 from
One potato chip is not going to hurt your pet, but there are other foods that can. Learn which to avoid and some safe foods that can be used as treats.