Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Award-winning Child Advocate Touts Celebs for Helping Save At Risk Youth


New York media veteran and nationally recognized, award-winning child advocate, Steve Simpson was abused as a child. He was suicidal, had failing grades and even ran away. But for over two decades, he has been traveling the country, leading youth groups, helping save lives, and he suggests that celebs like Demi Lovato & Selena Gomez are helping offer a positive influence on teenagers and young adults and that they even possibly have saved lives, too. He will say that:  
  • It’s that feeling that you’re alone with your problems which is one of the causes of hopelessness that lends to the horrible choice of suicide
  • Demi Lovato & Selena Gomez let young people know they can not only survive their problems but can even be successful and happy despite their problems
  • When Steve was growing up unfortunately performers and celebrities did not open up like Demi and Selena, therefore he, like so many others, would simply look at them and how great everything seemed with them and wonder "What's wrong with my life?"
  • Most young people are resistant in getting help (therapy, 12 step programs and self-help groups and going to a school counselor) because of the stigma. When Demi & Selena openly talk about being in therapy or involved in self-help groups it takes away from the stigma and encourages young people to get help
  • There are many young people who want to be singers, actors, musicians, writers etc. who are in abusive and dysfunctional homes who are horribly discouraged by their own family. Steve’s abusive alcoholic father took every chance he had to bash his talents and rip apart my self-esteem. Demi & Selena give an example to those talented young people to continue to not give up their dreams and talents.
Being a writer/youth advocate who has been consistent in the media since the early 1990s and has run youth and young adult groups throughout the years Steve knows what is in the minds of young people and how they react to things they hear and Demi & Selena have been consistently some of the most effective celebrities who have really helped young people.


Steve Simpson is a child advocate, child abuse survivor and media commentator who just released The Teenage and Young Adult Survival Handbook -- a small guide that is modestly tucked inside in all four of his YA adventure novels which covers most of the topics plaguing young people today—suicide, bullying, sexual abuse, physical abuse, verbal abuse, self-worth, being the child of an addict, living in a dysfunctional home, surviving school and more. Simpson was even recognized by President Barack Obama, former New York governor David Paterson and the County Executive of Nassau County for his efforts on behalf of abused children.

Monday, October 28, 2019

8 Tips To Teach Your Kids How Money Works

All parents want nothing but the best for their kids, and that includes growing up to be successful in life. But when it comes to money, many parents struggle terribly to teach their kids about it. The good news: even parents who haven’t been financially successful themselves can teach their kids everything they need to know about money including how misunderstood it is by the masses.

Steve Siebold is author of the new book “How Money Works: Stop Being a Sucker,” and is a self-made millionaire who has interviewed more than 1,300 of the world’s wealthiest people over the last 35 years.  

His 8 tips to help parents teach their kids how money works:

  • Teach your kids to dream big: The self-made rich are the biggest dreamers in the world, and parents encourage their kids to dream beyond what they think is possible. The truth is that not all their ideas are winners, but that doesn’t discourage them from thinking about it. Encourage you kids to dream about whatever it is that motivates, excites and drives them. 

  • Teach your kids to build a healthy relationship with money: Unfortunately, most people see money through the eyes of fear and scarcity. The wealthy teach their kids to look at money as a positive force in their lives, and see it through the eyes of freedom, possibility, abundance and opportunity.

  • Teach your kids that wealth is nonlinear: School and most of what you learn is going to teach you to think in linear terms or in a straight line. 123. ABC. Unfortunately, the serious problems in society are rarely solved at this basic level of thought. Encourage your kids to look at things in as many different ways as possible, and in ways that other people never even consider. Teach them that linear thinking is the obvious. Nonlinear thinking is the nonobvious.  Linear thinking will make your kids a living. Nonlinear thinking will make them rich.

  • Teach your kids to maintain a sense of urgency: Teach your kids that with each passing year, time seems to accelerate, so they must operate with a sense of urgency. The masses procrastinate, stall and put-off fulfilling their commitments to the very last minute, which is often too late. Teach your kids it starts now by completing their class assignments, homework, chores, sports or music practice, and anything else they commit to in advance or at least on time.

  • Teach your kids to embrace conflict: Most people avoid conflict at all costs. They hate it. Teach your kids that constructive conflict can be a valuable learning mechanism. When smart people disagree on ideas, philosophies and strategies, new levels of understanding can be reached. Teach your kids to keep their emotions out of conflict and look at it through the eyes of logic and learning. If they do this, they’ll be able to use conflict to learn, grow, be more successful and make more money. Remember, conflict is inevitable, but combat is optional.

  • Teach your kids to fail forward: Teach your kids that success is usually built on a series of attempts and failures. Most of the world views failure as a death sentence. Instead of learning from the failure and moving forward, most people shrink back into their comfort zones and play it safe for the rest of their lives. Teach your kids that failure isn’t fun, but it is the required foundation of making it big. Making mistakes and the education they will give you is to be expected and embraced.

  • Teach your kids to take responsibility: Teach your kids they are responsible for their success, fulfillment and happiness. Most people like to blame everyone and everything but themselves for their struggles. It’s never their faults because they refuse to grow up and accept the fact that they are makers of their own destinies. Teach your kids not to wait for the hero on the white horse to come riding in to save them. They are the heroes and they are 100% responsible for saving themselves.

Teach your kids to cocoon themselves: Teach your kids to be selective over who gains access to their inner circle. The masses see this as an elitist action successful people take to isolate themselves from others because they think they’re better. That’s simply not true. Cocooning is about protecting your consciousness from the fear and scarcity mindsets that plagues the masses. Dr. Albert Einstein said, “Consciousness is contagious,” and he couldn’t be righter. Your kids will be the average of the five people they spend the most time with 

Sunday, October 27, 2019

My Life In Pics 8-17 to 8-21

I am soooo behind as usual. As I sit here trying to get down 8 oz of pure Aloe Vera juice on a rainy Sunday my thoughts go to all the things I didn't get to over the summer.  Life got in the way and Summer was a bummer but the last few weeks have been great so I wanted to play catch up since I have time. I should be reading one of my review books (they are backing up) but since I just dropped my daughter off at a friends to watch movies with some of her closest and the boys are busy with football I thought why not!?

Aug 17 - Goddess got her twice a year hair cut. She was not the happiest because it was time to take off a few inches. Usually she gets a trim but it was getting nasty at the ends.  Our stylist is the best. I have been going to her for 12 years and we trust her with long hair PLUS she is the blow out Queen. I don't know how she does it but our hair looks amazing when we walk out.


Aug 18 - This is my girl! She loves taking photos as much as I did/do! I always had a camera in my hands. She saw a Garden Orb Spider and ran in to get one of my cameras.


Aug 19 - The braces are finally on! My girl has two canines that have stuck out forever. Her lips use to get caught on them and it was taking so long for all the baby teeth to come out. They are finally on and and 2 months they are already aligned. Now we work on the overbite.  I had just told her she looks nice with braces and this was the face I got!


Aug 20 - My daughter go this awful lighting photo but I love it because this is how Luna and I usually spend our time together. Forehead or nose to forehead or head. There is something so relaxing about our heads being together. There are 10 Scientific Reasons You Should Have A Cat in case you needed to know. 


Aug 21 - This is George! Do you need another reason as to why we cat sit!? George is cute. His family are friends. We enjoy spending time with him and his furry sibs and miss them when we are done sitting.


Halloween's Here! Are Your Teeth Ready?

Dentists love Halloween as much as the next person, but the holiday can pose a sticky situation for your teeth. However, there are ways to enjoy tonight's treats without destroying your pearly whites. 

Here are some tips:

* This may sound counterintuitive. But let kids eat as much of their candy as they want tonight. It's easier on the teeth than eating treats in 20 to 30 minute intervals, day after day. 

* Share the wealth. Chances are your kids are going to bring home way more candy than they need. Consider taking some to co-workers, or finding a local dental office that is offering a candy buy-back program.

* Make sure to brush and floss. As always, after the candy binge, make sure your kids properly brush and floss to get rid of all of that sugar and residue.

* Take control after Trick-or-Treat night. Dispense treats after Halloween in one-time sittings so that your kids are binging on sugary treats all day and night


Dr. Jamie Reynolds (www.AskDrReynolds.com) is recognized on an annual basis as one of the top orthodontists in metro Detroit. His book, World Class Smiles Made in Detroit, puts an emphasis on the many benefits of having a great smile. Reynolds – who is a national and international lecturer on high-tech digital orthodontics and practice management – attended the University of Michigan.

Get them brushing early with these products

Zoonicorn Wish Me Unicorns



I believe in Zoonicorns, do you?
Zoonicorn plushies originated from a unique idea for a children's story that soon flourished into a limitless dreamland of mythical creatures who create an environment in which social and emotional learning are the main themes. Zoonicorns, Valeo, Aliel, Promithea and Ene are part unicorn, part zebras, with magical wishing horns. Kiss the nose of your Zoonicorn, watch their horn light up and make a wish!


Through collaborative problem-solving, Zoonicorns promote and empower children to be more confident which will better equip them with critical thinking and decision making skills. Children between the ages of two through six have an active imagination, which may result in the creation of childhood fears. Zoonicorns are perfect playmates for this age group! They are soft, cuddly plushies in bright colors; which make soothing sounds used four touch points to help relieve stress and anxiety.


Zoonicorns are immune to the let-downs of life, always greeting your child with a happy face; providing comfort when needed. They will never bend or dent and can be dependable, helpful companions for your child as he/she grows and matures.



Wish Me Zoonicorn plush toys will be available in retailers such as Target, Meijer, Walmart, Cracker Barrel and Amazon in the U.S. this fall.

The 411:

We think Zoonicorns are adorable. They are the right size for small hands and come in 4 different colors. The company also has a wonderful You Tube Channel with 13 short videos featuring the Zoonicorns and focuses on social skills and emotional learning and growth as well as problem solving and working with others. 



My preschool class were introduced to the Zoonicorns last week. I showed them 3 episodes which were perfect since they are all under 3 minutes and then brought out Aliel which is the one we received. They all wanted to kiss it and get the horn to light up but since it is mine and everyone is coughing and sneezing, I left a note in everyone's file so their parents can look up the website and You Tube Channel. Maybe some will receive one this Christmas. 

My daughter and I think it is cute and she says if she was younger she would have asked for one on her Christmas list. I think it is perfect for ages 3+ as indicated but would give to a 2 year old as well. 

For More Information visit their You Tube Channel and website.



zoonicorns_1999_60_v7_noffer from Mojo on Vimeo.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary product for my honest opinion. No monetary compensation was offered.

Don't Forget To Enter The Medieval Times Giveaway - LOW ENTRIES

Thursday, October 24, 2019

PBS' Odd-tober Schedule




This “Odd-tober” PBS KIDS invites families to celebrate Halloween with spooky episodes of their favorite shows. PBS KIDS will be the go-to destination for Halloween tricks, treats and spooky stories!

On October 31, PBS Kids will air a mini marathon of festive content in the morning and the afternoon:

7 a.m. / 4 p.m. ARTHUR AND THE HAUNTED TREE HOUSE
This Halloween is sure to be the spookiest ever for Arthur and his friends. While trick-or-treating,
Francine meets an old woman with a very mysterious past, while Binky finds himself at Mr. Ratburn’s amazing haunted house (that’s scarier than math class!). Muffy and Bailey decide to cut through a dark, rainy cemetery. And as for Arthur, Buster and Ladonna? Their tree house sleepover seems to be haunted…but by what?

8 a.m. / 3 p.m. WILD KRATTS: Creepy Creatures
The Wild Kratts aren't too sure what to do for Halloween. Should they go trick or treating or just have a Halloween Party? The Kratt bros decide that the best thing to do is to discover some new "creepy cool" creatures. Heading off to find these new animals friends, Martin and Chris don't realize that Zach and the other villains have come up with a plan to ruin Halloween. Can the Wild Kratts defeat the villains and still get to celebrate Halloween? Science Concept: Features that may seem creepy are critical for an animal's survival.

9 a.m. / 2 p.m. CURIOUS GEORGE: A Halloween Boo Fest
It’s George’s first Halloween in the country, and Bill tells him and Allie about the “Legend of No Noggin” – a spooky tale about a hat-kicking scarecrow who haunts the countryside on Halloween. But is the legend real? George and Allie are determined to find out by taking a picture of No Noggin in hat-kicking action. But first, George needs to figure out what he’s going to be for Halloween so he can win the costume contest at the town Boo Festival and give the prize to the Man with the Yellow Hat. Will George be able to put together the perfect costume and find out the truth about No Noggin? Only the curious will find out!

10 a.m. / 1 p.m. CAT IN THE HAT KNOWS A LOT ABOUT HALLOWEEN
The Cat in the Hat takes Nick and Sally on the craziest Halloween ride filled with howlers and shockers and scary fandangles, big laughs and music and fun from all angles! Their fright-filled adventure takes them deep into the Oooky-ma-kooky Closet where Nick and Sally discover the very best Halloween costumes ever!

On pbskids.org, kids can watch Halloween-themed clips and full episodes and can play festive games, including CURIOUS GEORGE’s “Pumpkin Boo.” Halloween videos will also be available on the PBS KIDS Video App and on PBS KIDS on Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire and Chromecast.

3 Amazing Health Benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

SOURCE

Oils and fats in general have been demonized by nutritionists for a very long time, but more recent studies show that good fats could actually be beneficial and even essential to good health. One of these good fats is extra virgin olive oil. What differentiates this type of olive oil from others is that it is largely unrefined, maintaining all the nutrients and some of the flavour profile of the olives it came from. It is best used as a condiment or as part of dressings but not for cooking. It is great for adding flavour to sauces and soups or used as a simple dipping sauce. But it’s also chock full of natural goodness and could help you stay healthy in a number of ways. Here are some of the amazing health benefits of extra virgin olive oil.

It’s Full of Healthy Fats and Antioxidants

A major difference between EVOO and the other types of olive oil is the extraction process. No heat or chemicals are used to extract extra virgin olive oil, which keeps all the antioxidants intact. It is said to contain over 30 different phenolic compounds, which are a special form of antioxidant that can protect the body from free radicals and cellular damage. This means that extra virgin olive oil can help slow down the aging process and ward off disease.

However, it’s also important that you know where your extra virgin olive oil comes from and how it was extracted if you want to get the benefits. The quality of the olives will also make a difference. Look for olive oil that has been cold pressed if you want the best quality.

It Could Help Prevent Diabetes

Diabetes is a major public health issue in Australia and all around the world. It is estimated that over 1 million Australians are suffering from the condition.

Diabetes is usually caused by a loss of the effectiveness of insulin, which is responsible for regulating blood glucose. However, it has been found that some of the phenolic compounds in olive oil could help restore insulin sensibility and make it more effective. One study found that adding olive oil to your daily diet could reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by as much as 12 percent.

Olive Oil Could Improve Bone Health

Olive oil could also be a contributor to better bone health as well because it has been found that olive oil could help reduce bone loss due to aging. Multiple human and animal studies found that it could help increase the breakdown of calcium, which could improve bone formation.

In one study, participants who were supplemented with extra virgin olive oil were examined for risk of bone fractures. Those who had the highest intake of extra virgin olive oil had 51 percent less risk of developing a fracture.

Olive oil is the definition of a super food and should be in everyone’s pantry. Make sure that you drizzle a little on your salads, stews and sandwiches and see what this wonderful oil has to offer.

My Second Instagram Giveaway Ends In 2 Days

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

All Treat, No Trick! Kids are FREE at Medieval Times this Halloween + A #GIVEAWAY




Does your little one want to be a Queen this Halloween?  Perhaps they want to be a knight?  Whatever they want to dress as this Halloween, Medieval Times (149 Polito Avenue, Lyndhurst NJ) has a special treat in store for celebrating the holiday.  Kids are FREE at the castle this Halloween, with the purchase of a full-priced adult ticket per each child's ticket.  



Just use the code TREATKF at www.medievaltimes.com.  This special offer is valid for the Halloween show on Thursday, October 31 at 7:00 pm. Once you're done trick or treating, head on over to the castle to make this a most memorable Halloween.  The Queen encourages you to attend in costume!

Well the kids can't go alone! So....thankfully Medieval Times is offering 2 tickets to 1 winner. 

If you have never been to Medieval Times you need to go. I have gone four times and loved it every time especially the last time where I brought my in-laws who live a town away and have never gone as well as my husband and my kids.  You can see the review along with too many photos here.  Just watching my father-in-laws face was worth the ride. He was like a little kid. 


The giveaway can be valid for tickets for the Halloween show or any show through November 30.  

To Enter 


Disclaimer: No monetary compensation was offered to host this giveaway.

Medieval Times - Kids Are Free This Halloween


Celebrate Disney's The Lion King With A Lion King Banana Smoothie Recipe & Simba Pumpkin Stencil

Disney's The Lion King Is Available Now. To Purchase or rent for $5.99 


I loved the Lion King but have yet to see this one. I CANNOT wait. Tomorrow I am picking up the makings for this Lion King Banana Smoothie. I love smoothies!


We didn't do pumpkins this year but maybe there is still time to grab one. This Simba stencil is so cute!


A Cinderella Story: Christmas Wish - Downloadable Christmas "Wish List," Exclusive Clip & Photo Reveal




Halloween is right around the corner and you are probably gearing up with candy for your trick-or-treaters and costumes for your little ones. But as soon Halloween is over – the Christmas season will kick into full swing! Friends will begin decorating their trees, stores will start advertising their must have items of the season, and kids will start dreaming of presents on their holiday wish list!

Just in time for the highly anticipated release of A Cinderella Story: Christmas Wish on Blu-ray and DVD on October 29, and on Digital now.


Whether your kids are naughty or nice (or somewhere in between and still trying) – sending a wish list to Santa has been a Christmas tradition for children and parents for many years. So print out this list, and break out your Santa cams – as we are bringing on the good behavior early this season!




I love the idea of this wish list and I will be doing it with both my kids!

Six Eating Disorder Symptoms to Watch For




Eating disorders are a complicated set of mental illnesses that have the highest mortality rate. Those with anorexia, for example, have a 20% mortality rate if untreated. Thankfully, treatments for eating disorders have proven to be very effective.

Treatment, however, is not just for those who are the worst off. It is for this reason why it is so important that you know what symptoms to look out for:

Three Different Types of Eating Disorder

There are a variety of eating disorders, but to put it plainly, they can often be subdivided into three main categories:

Restrictive

The most infamous type of restrictive disorder is anorexia, but it doesn’t end there. Those who are compulsive about what they eat, how much they eat and more will all fall under this category.

Purging

Bulimia is the most common type of purging disorder. It doesn’t matter if a large amount of food was consumed or a small meal.

Binging

Binge eating is a very common eating disorder that does not result in purging. That being said, this does not automatically mean that someone with a binging disorder is going to be overweight. It depends on the type of food, but regardless, the compulsion is an issue that must be addressed.


It is important to note that there are variations of these three categories. For example, you might have someone suffering from anorexia and not be stick thin. Someone might binge and yet not be overweight. It is the underlying behavior and damage caused to their health that is the issue, not the size of their form.

Top Six Symptoms to Watch Out For

 1.    Overemphasis on Weight

One key sign is a fixation on their weight at any stage. The sufferer could be thinner than anyone they know and still find flaws. 

2.    Worryingly Restrictive Diets

Being in a diet does not automatically mean that the person has an eating disorder, but if they are prolonged and worryingly restrictive (i.e., they don’t provide the health and nutrition their body needs), then it is time to be worried and seek out help.

3.    A Refusal to Eat Around Others

Another key sign that there is something wrong is that the person in question refuses to eat in front of others. This is usually because they feel ashamed of what they are doing to themselves. This could be not eating, binge eating, or purging after eating. 

4.    Extreme Mood Swings

Extreme mood swings are another key sign of an eating disorder when combined with others in this list. Low blood sugar, not eating enough, or feeling angry and frustrated and ashamed of their eating habits can cause victims to lash out. 

5.    Physical Symptoms

If your loved one (or yourself) has reached the point where physical symptoms are showing it is time to seek out professional in-patient treatment. Anorexia, in particular, is very deadly without treatment, and those suffering from anorexia and are severely underweight need to check in to Eden Treatment immediately. 

6.    Eating Disorders are Often Accompanied by Mood Disorders

It is important to remember is that many eating disorders, particularly binging or purging disorders, are also accompanied by mood disorders like depression. Keep an eye out for these more widespread illnesses on top of the aforementioned eating disorder signs.

Rocks, Gems & Geodes Klutz Maker Lab Review Our Blog Video Review Is Here TOO!


Klutz: Maker Lab: Rocks, Gems & Geodes 

Kids will dig the world of earth science and geology! Kick-start your very own rock collection with the 36 stones, then use the included crystal powder and mold to grow your own geode formation. Collect rocks and conduct experiments, such as a scratch test and float test, to discover their hidden properties. The fun doesn't stop there - You'll even learn how to make your very own rock tumbler. Use the fact-filled book to keep exploring the world around you as you find more samples to collect.




  • Promotes STEM/steam
  • The labeled tray keeps your rocks organized and ready to display
  • Everything you need to grow your own geode
  • Learn about the properties of different types of rocks
  • Clear instructions Take the intimidation factor out of being a maker


The 411: 

My daughter and I are crystal, gems and stone collectors. We share stones and head out two times a year to find new ones for our collection so we were really excited to review this kit from Klutz.

The kit comes with 36 stones, a magnifying glass, a colorful book, plaster mix and crystal mix so you can make your own Geode.

We really loved the stones but wish the set up was better. Once you do the Geode experiment you then have two empty areas in the packaging. If the package had a removable part that allowed you to keep the stones in their named compartments that would be helpful. You could cut the empty parts out but then you have the problem with the cover. It will be too large and if you cut it it will no longer hold the stones.

BUT with all that aside the whole set up is pretty cool for kids who love science, stones or experimenting.

We had some trouble with making a Geode and it didn't work out for us but we are interested in trying again.

To Purchase:



Disclaimer: I received a complimentary product for my honest opinion. No monetary compensation was offered.


Monday, October 21, 2019

This Halloween Costume Hurt My Cheeks! #LOL #halloweencostume #TVStoreOnline


I never laughed as hard over my kids in a Halloween costume as I did with the Life Me Walking Dinosaur from TVStoreOnline. My daughter had a blast wearing this costume for trick or treating in the village. I had got it to wear for my preschool classes' Halloween party but in our town the kids get to Trick Or Treat at the Merchants up and down main street after a parade and before the Terror Trail evening fun. She had a blast. It is so different from her normal Halloween costume that I didn't think she would even be interested but since it was so cold that night she said it was perfect.



TVStoreOnline has a huge collection of costumes. There are over 1000 officially licensed TV and movie costumes as well as T-Shirts, PJs, Toys and more. They also have costumes for men, woman, children, couple costumes, and group costumes.



It was so hard to pick just one costume out.  I chose Lift Me Walking Carrying Adult Costume because this year my class is into dinosaurs and I thought they would love this. Beside the dinosaur they had a monkey, unicorn, teddy bear and more. They didn't stop at Halloween though. They even had an elf, reindeer, and leprechaun.


What I loved most about it beside how hysterical it is was that it was warm. If it is hot, T-shirt and shorts inside the costume and if cold, coat and jeans and leg warmers.



The costume was so easy to put on and there are bands that fit around your feet to keep the legs down then slip your feet in your shoes.


There is even a drink holder for whatever you want to put in it. No one will know what you got going on.

Check Out Our Fun Video Here:


They have Star Wars, Harry Potter, The Office, Nintendo Characters,  Comic Book characters and more. From the popular Ghost Busters, Frozen and SNL Spartan Cheerleaders to the more obscure like Kelly Kopowski's Bayside Sweatshirt, and the Hangover's Alan complete with a baby doll in a Baby Bjorn.

While there I noticed they had so many cool Christmas gift ideas too. I am dying to get my son a shirt that says "Merry Christmas You Filthy Animal." Home Alone is his favorite Christmas movie. My daughter loves Adventure Time and they have really cool leggings. She is going to love them.

To Purchase:
Visit TVSTOREONLINE.COM

Follow them on Facebook, Twitter , You Tube and Instagram

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary product for my honest opinion. No monetary compensation was offered. All opinions are my own.

Friday, October 18, 2019

How to Keep Pets and Wildlife Safe This Halloween



pets and wildlife halloween.png

With Halloween around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about what to do to keep our pets and wildlife safe on such a fun night. While it’s enjoyable to dress up and trick or treat for humans, it can be quite scary for pets and wildlife. Dr. Gary Weitzman, veterinarian and president of San Diego Humane Society gives tips to keep both wildlife and pets safe this holiday. 


Six Tips to Keep Pets Safe and Happy This Halloween:

·         Halloween causes pets stress: Keep pets inside away from trick-or-treaters and other Halloween activities. To reduce stress levels, keep pets in an enclosed room with their favorite toys and with the television or radio on.
·         Doorbell stress: Excessive ringing of the doorbell can make some dogs bark and raise their stress levels. Consider leaving a note on your door that asks trick-or-treaters to lightly knock rather than ring the doorbell.
·         Candy is a trick, not a treat: Chocolate and other ingredients can be toxic to animals, so keep candy somewhere they won’t be able to get into. Also, be mindful of wrappers and foil – they can be a choking hazard to animals.
·         Be careful with costumes: Just because animals look adorable in costumes, doesn’t necessarily mean they like it! Don’t make your pet wear a costume unless you’re sure they enjoy it. A simple Halloween bandana can be a more comfortable alternative to a full costume.
·         Use caution with Halloween decor: Keep jack-o-lanterns with flames out of reach of your pets or use flameless candles to prevent curious pets from getting burned. Also, use caution with fake cobwebs and other decorations that could be a choking hazard for your pet.
·         ID your pet: Make sure that all of your pets are microchipped and wearing tags with a current ID. Opening the door repeatedly for trick-or-treaters creates plenty of escape opportunities for your pet. If your pet does go missing, a pet ID and microchip will help ensure a quick reunion.

Six Halloween Wildlife Tips:

·         Don’t use fake spider webs or other decorations made of entangling fibers on the outside of your home. Wild animals can easily get trapped and may not be able to break the material to free themselves.
·         Avoid decorations with loops or closed circles. A foraging animal can inadvertently put its head through a loop or circle and choke itself.
·         Avoid decorations with small, dangling, edible-looking parts.
·         Candy, and the plastic it’s wrapped in, can also be a hazard for animals. Don’t leave candy out where wildlife may find it, and dispose of all candy wrappers properly.
·         Carved pumpkins may be attractive to wildlife as food, so properly dispose of them if you don’t want post-holiday trick-or-treaters. (After Halloween, you can donate your pumpkins to Project Wildlife rather than throwing them away. Pumpkins are used for enrichment for raccoons, providing stimuli to enhance their well-being, but also allows them to practice their foraging behavior before they’re released back into the wild!)
·         Be alert for nocturnal wildlife while trick-or-treating. Avoid cutting across lawns and through brushy areas to avoid accidental encounters with your wild neighbors.
·         Drivers on Halloween night know to be on the alert for children, but we encourage you to also be aware of wildlife that may be scared out of hiding by all the unusual nighttime activity.

For more information on Dr. Weitzman and San Diego Humane Society www.sdhumane.org