My stocking is brimming with questions about pets and the festive season. Some will make you laugh, some cry while others will send your blood pressure through the roof. Regardless, I sincerely hope my answers will help all you readers over the Christmas period.  

Question

I have a 10 year old Labrador who has been an excellent family companion but is now beginning to show signs of aging - her eyes seem a little cloudy and she also moves more slowly now although she still gobbles up her dinner.
My problem is we are all going away to Disneyland on a holiday of a life time and I don’t know what to do with Jessy. Is it OK to put her to sleep now?

Dear old Jessy is  70  in human years and has earned her retirement which should be a place in the sun, good food and a family which is grateful  to her for a life time  of faithful service. And although Jess is a pensioner she probably has a good few years ahead of her which should be spent  happily  with her beloved family.
I strongly urge you to make arrangements for Jess to be safely cared for while you are away having fun because it is your duty and responsibly as a decent human being.
However there is a fate worse than death and that is to be unloved and unwanted.  Just remember if you do decide to euthanase your old friend   in order to solve your problems, you will also be 70 years old one day!

Question

As Christmas eve  is coming up fast and we will be having roast turkey with all the trimmings, I wondered whether I can share this special dinner with my best buddies, Sally and Harry who are both Chihuahuas?

Well the good news is it’s not going to cost you a wing and a leg to include them on your guest list!  Controversially, I am going to say what the heck … why not, Christmas and the festive season comes once a year! Remember though, your pooches have very small tummies and you should avoid over filling  their bowls. Perhaps a postage stamp  of turkey breast  with a teaspoon of rice, a sprinkle of gravy and a maybe a pea or two … or whatever blows their fur back! But, no cooked bones please because they are lethal to all dogs … even  Great Danes.

Question

I am going away for the festive season without my dog for the first time.  I am very happy to pay for kenneling but I want to do what is best for her.  What would you suggest?

Firstly, congratulations on being such a responsible pet owner.
Now, as far as kennels are concerned:

• My first choice and the least disruptive for your pets is to have a  very reliable house-sitter move in to your home.
• If there is any doubt about trustworthiness,  please go the kennel route.
• Kennels must be checked out first during peak periods.
• If you are denied access to the boarding section, something is being hidden, no matter what the excuses which could be “Kennels in quarantine”- “Upsetting for the residents “- “The vet is visiting” - “Pets can’t be disturbed during feeding time .. ets.” are not valid reasons. Try elsewhere.
• Do remember some vets and the SPCA also offer these facilities which are clean and supervised. Being high profile, pets are not doubled up or crammed into small cages together with an inadequate food supply.
  

Question

My son is 13 and is desperate to get a  puppy for Christmas. He neglected his last dog and fortunately I was able to find it a good home.  I am not a dog lover but can’t take his nagging any longer. Do you think I should give in and if so what breed  is suitable for a teenager?

Been there, done that, got the studded collar!  Little Dennis is about to discover football, snorkelling, fishing, ice skating, horse riding, climbing Mount Killie, cycling, canoeing, bungy jumping, canopy swinging,  parachuting, base jumping, paragliding, jet skiing, quad biking, wind surfing, girls, girls and girls … and quite a few other things very soon!

I, personally, have an sworn affidavit  in my possession,  written by my 9 year old son, desperate for a pup  which he guaranteed  to feed, groom, exercise and train …. all of which I landed up doing myself.  And as for  Cassidy, may his dear soul rest in peace, he died 5 years ago of old age!
Be brave woman, do not give in!