The Humane Society of Yuma urges pet owners to take the following tips to heart so you and your pet can have a safe, fun holiday weekend.
 

DON'T LEAVE YOUR PET OUTSIDE.
 

In Yuma's blistering heat, dogs can die just by being left outside.  Since dogs depend on panting to keep cool, the increased humidity of late summer is especially deadly. 
 

Last August, animal control officers responded to two separate instances where dogs had died due to heat stroke. In both cases, the owners left their dogs outside all day without access to water, while they were away at work.
 

If you absolutely cannot bring your pet inside, it is critical that you provide your pet with plenty of shade and ample water in a spill-proof, non-metal container kept out of the sun. 

You must also check up on any animal left outside as routinely as possible. One of the best ways to help an outside pet stay cool is to provide a kiddie pool for him or her to play in.
 

If you see a dog who does not have access to shade or water, call the Humane Society of Yuma at (928) 782-1621 immediately. 

RESIST THE URGE TO TAKE YOUR PET TO FIREWORKS DISPLAYS.
 

Keep your pets indoors at home in a sheltered, quiet area. Some animals can become destructive when frightened, so besure that you've removed any items that your pet could destroy or that would be harmful to your pet if chewed. Leave a television or radio playing at normal volume to keep him company while you're attending Fourth of July picnics, parades,and other celebrations.
 

If you know that your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder, consult with your veterinarian before July 4th for ways to help alleviate the fear and anxiety he or she will experience during fireworks displays.
 

Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain. In their fear, pets who normally wouldn't leave the yard may escape and become lost, or become entangled in their chain, risking injury or death. 
 

Make sure your pets are wearing i.d. tags so that if they do become lost, they can be returned promptly.
 

NEVER LEAVE YOUR PET IN THE CAR.
 

Even when it's only 80 degrees outside, the interiors of parked cars can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes.  But In Yuma's summer heat, cars can turn into blast furnaces in just a couple minutes. This can mean real trouble for your companion animals left in the car.
 

Dogs and cats can't perspire and can only dispel heat by panting and through the pads of their feet. Pets who are left in hot cars even briefly can suffer from heat exhaustion, heat stroke, brain damage, and can even die. Don't think that just because you'll be gone "just a minute" that your pet will be safe while you're gone; even an air conditioned car with the motor off isn't healthy for your pet.
 

And if you do happen to see a pet in a car alone during the hot summer months, alert the management of the store where the car is parked. If the owner does not return promptly, call the Humane Society of Yuma at (928) 782-1621 immediately.

Being a Fur Ball V sponsor is a great way for you or your business to show your support for the construction of the animal shelter Yuma's homeless pets deserve. There are various sponsorship levels each with its own package of benefits.  Download the sponsorship form for more information.

Staff pick: Scarlet & Danny

Scarlet & Danny are quite a pair. This week's staff pick is Scarlet and she's with our Kennel Supervisor, Danny Gonzalez. Danny's a hard worker who loves all of our animals. He's been with our organization for three and a half years and we love having his smiling face around. One of Danny's favorites currently at the shelter is this poor, little female pit bull whom we have named Scarlet. Scarlet has had a rough life. She was picked up on the streets of San Luis, AZ and appears to have been bullied by other animals. While she has a few scars on her, Scarlet is just as sweet as can be. She needs a family to take her in, smother her with love and show her how good a dog's life can be. Thank you Danny for all that you do. Your love for our guests, dedication and hard work are greatly appreciated by all.

Barack is a good-looking, good-natured and a good fellow of a dog! He's a lab mix about three years old. Donna Kruse, one of our long-time friends of the animals and outstanding volunteers, says," Barrack is the sweetest guy, he is gentle, and he would make the perfect pet!!" He Loves fetch and the swimming pool, which are some of the best traits of a Lab. When Barrack came to the shelter he was already neutered. Since then, we have had him micro-chipped, and got him current with all his vaccines. So we hope we can change Barack' future for the better. Adopt him today.