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If your holiday table is brimming with goodies, odds are that your pet is watching for an opportunity to enjoy the feast.

Pets might not be tempted by a counter preparation of peanut butter and jelly, but a freshly cooked turkey is another matter. When their little noses lead them to your holiday table, it also can lead them to serious and even fatal consequences.

Meat wrappers, paper towels and even cloth towels that have been in contact with meat or juices can tempt a pet to consume the entire item. This can obstruct their gastrointestinal tract. Sometimes, the symptoms can be confusing. Call your vet if you observe any of the following in your pet:

» Vomiting

» Loss of appetite or aversion to food

» Pain or distress

» Loose stool

Sometimes, pets get into the trash and eat bones. This also can lead to similar emergency situations as an obstruction. Talk to your vet immediately if you know your pet has ingested bones.

Counter-surfing pets can fall back into old habits with high- value items like a whole turkey tempting them. If you know this is an issue with which your pet struggles, supervise them carefully.

Stealing food can lead to awkward encounters with otherwise mild-mannered pets. Situations of being caught in the act might provoke aggression in dogs. Their reaction to getting caught with their paw in the cookie jar can be treated, but their behavior can still surprise owners if it isnt a regular occurrence. Dont get in a confrontation which could lead to a bite. Here are some tips on how to handle this situation:

» Assess danger in the situation. What have they stolen?

» Dont corner them. This can make them feel more emotional or aggressive.

» Use a high tone of voice reserved for play, not the harsher scolding tone.

» Trade up. Offer them another tasty treat to lure them away from the stolen item.

Friends and relatives often are tempted to include pets in the meal. It seems more festive when everyone is a part of the fun. But, beware:

» Table scraps are not good for pets in large quantities. When we give them leftovers from our plates, it is often the fattiest and the saltiest parts of our meal, like turkey skin and gravy, which can upset their systems. Anytime they get extras, it can lead to vomiting, loose stools and accidents in the house. A little bit from everyone leads to a lot in the end.

» Feeding pets at the table can lead to your pet starting a habit of begging that lingers after the holiday is done. If this is an issue you are working on, give relatives instructions to ignore the stares and whining, redirect the pet to another activity or eliminate opportunities if relatives cant follow through.

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving, and be sure to supervise your pets.

Tags: Your Pets by Admin
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LONDON, November 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ –

New data released by comparethemarket.com, one of the UKs leading price comparison sites, shows that pet owners are far more likely to insure their pet than their own life.

According to the websites statistics, three times as many people get a quote for pet insurance than they do for life insurance*.

Commenting on the findings, comparethemarket.coms Commercial Director Jeremy Moll said: Its good that so many people are aware of the need for pet insurance. In the event that your pets ever need vaccinations or treatment, the right pet insurance enables you to give them all the care they need without the extra worry of escalating vet bills.

However, pets arent the only members of the family who could benefit from insurance. If the worst were to happen, life insurance cover enables you to look after your family when you are gone. This could help make sure that your home is paid for and your familys welfare is taken care of.

comparethemarket.com can help customers find great deals on both pet and life insurance. By comparing and contrasting products from different providers, customers can be sure to find the right cover at the right price to suit their lifestyle and circumstances.

Additionally, people who buy pet or life insurance will also receive an exclusive meerkat toy based on characters from the highly successful ad campaign. As the toys are not for sale, comparethemarket.coms Simples Rewards scheme is the only way to receive one of these much sought after toys.

Specialising in more than just car insurance, comparethemarket.com provides customers with an easy way to find the right deal on a wide range of insurance and financial products including home insurance, van insurance, bike insurance, life insurance, pet insurance and credit cards. It also offers comparisons for a range of household utilities including electricity, gas, phone, broadband and digital TV.

*Figures based on quotes provided by comparethemarket.com between Julyto September 2011.

About comparethemarket.com

• comparethemarket.com was launched in 2006 as a motor insurance comparison site, offering customers a wide range of competitively priced insurance quotes instantly online.
• comparethemarket.comhas grown rapidly over the past three years andis now one of the UKs leading price comparison brands.
• As well as insurance,comparethemarket.com also offers comparisons on credit cards, loans, current accounts and savings accounts.
• comparethemarket.com actively selects its brand partners, working with the best andmost trusted organisationsto ensure quality service to consumers.

comparethemarket.com is a trading name of BISL Limited. BISL Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

About Meerkovo and Simples Rewards

Meerkovo, a small village based just outside of Moscow, is the home of best-selling author and founder of comparethemeerkat.com Aleksandr Orlov.

Meerkovo is going through troubled times because people in the UK keep confusing comparethemeerkat.com with comparethemarket.com when looking for cheap deals on insurance. This is clogging up the meerkat comparison site, so to try and solve this confusion Aleksandr asked Sergei, his trusty IT assistant, to build Meerkovo.com to provide fans with the opportunity to see Aleksandrs home village.

Now Aleksandr has launched Simples Rewards, a scheme to reward people who know the difference between meerkat and market. From 4th July, the meerkats of Meerkovo have been giving everyone who buys car, van, pet and home insurance through comparethemarket.com the chance to claim a free meerkat toy at meerkovo.com. From 6^th October, customers who buy motorbike and life insurance are also eligible to claim a toy.

The range of six toys comprises: Aleksandr; Sergei; Vassily, the pub rocker; Maiya the school mistress; Bogdan, the meerpup; and Yakov, the toymaker.

The Simples Rewards scheme is subject to terms and conditions.

About Aleksandr Orlov

Meerkat entrepreneur Alesksandr Orlov first hit our screens in January 2009. He became an internet phenomenon overnight and today has nearly 800,000 Facebook fans and almost 50,000 Twitter followers. Over 50,000 people enquired about buying the original Aleksandr soft toy when it went on sale in Harrods in 2009, while his iSimples was downloaded over 750,000 times. Aleksandrs A Simples Life sold over 500,000 copies, hitting the No.1 spot in the Christmas bestseller list and outselling autobiographies, Tony Blair, Katie Price, Michael McIntyre and Keith Richards.

Follow Aleksandr on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Comparethemeerkat

or Twitter @Aleksandr_Orlov

SOURCE comparethemarket.com

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Every now and then, we come across a story that includes an unexpected slice of information that opens a door to a larger subject.

One such story ran recently concerning Cumberland Manor.

Manor clerk Teresa Brown offered an insiders look at the Manor and reflected on what the future may hold now that the place is officially up for sale.

Brown spoke of some of the absurdity she sees on a daily basis.

For example, we didnt know that Manor patients requiring dental care have to be transported to Bergen County because no one locally takes Medicaid. Imagine the amazing waste of staff and fuel to shuttle patients back and forth. No wonder the Manor has fiscal problems.

There has to be a better way to provide efficient, quality care, and we are sure some creative soul out there could find a dentist closer to home.

She also spoke of seeing a rack freshly-pressed suits being delivered from Cooks Cleaners to the prosecutors office, which maintains an office on the ground floor at the Manor. They cant even get their own suits cleaned, she exclaimed.

We dont know the particulars of that episode. Is this a regular occurrence? Was this some one-time thing?

Browns anecdotes got us thinking about our countys current financial predicament and drew us to this conclusion: As much as people tell us they have squeezed every nickel and pinched every penny, we imagine there are those out there who could find even more ways the county can save money. Employees working on the front lines see more than most and can offer very helpful ideas.

With that in mind, we invite county workers or anyone who does business with the county to share their ideas for how we can find even more savings in the ongoing effort to close our $10 million budget gap.

In every workplace, be it a government office or a newspaper, the workers know at least a few ways in which money is squandered on a daily basis. These folks often know more than the managers, but dont necessarily feel inclined to share their ideas. Some workplaces simply arent receptive to employee input.

Well, we are very receptive to your suggestions, so drop us an email at mgray@sjnewsco.com or call 451-1000, ext. 459. You dont even have to leave your name if you fear for your job. Just give us enough detail so that we can investigate your suggestion. What would be even better is if you would include your ideas for how to resolve the wasteful practice you describe.

This isnt about making anyone look bad its about fixing our countys finances. Thats more important than egos, personal fiefdoms or political parties.

Lets get to work.

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Everything Rachel Zoe touches turns to gold. From the addictive Rachel Zoe Project (tell us you didnt cry during the season four finale?), to her super-successful fashion line, to her red carpet work with the worlds biggest celebrities, its Rachels midas touch that sets her apart. Needless to say we were kinda excited when we got to chat to the super-stylist last night. Yes, us and Rachel Zoe face-to-face. Ok, so there were video cameras live streaming us across the Pacific Ocean, but still. Face time with RZ! It was all in aid of Westfields Style Stream online runway event (did you see it?). Rachel was just as friendly and fabulous as wed hoped, and her infectious obsession with fashion had us all transfixed. Here are five fun things we learnt last night. . .

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Daryl took a major spill on The Walking Dead this week, while Glenn stumbled upon a rather major secret: Why the heck are there zombies in the barn?!?

Will we find out on next Sundays new episode, which is simply titled Secrets? Perhaps. AMC teases that Andrea will develop a new skill at one point during the episode, and be forced to rely on it during a life-or-death situation.

Rick, meanwhile, will also be involved with a secret, discovering a certain something about a certain someone close to him. View the official teaser now:

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Tevez and City discussing absence

Carlos Tevez failed to attend a meeting at Manchester City yesterday despite being ordered to return from Argentina. Tevezs representative, though, said that there were a series of meetings and conference calls
with the club at the weekend over his absence. MORE

Federer: Schedule to thank for success

Roger Federer believes that pacing himself was behind his recent wins
in Basle and Paris. In hindsight it was good scheduling, said the 30-year-old. I always plan in the long term. I hope also in some ways I
can educate some other players. I know how tough it is.  MORE

Lawsuit puts NBA season at risk

The entire 2011-12 NBA season is under threat after the National Basketball Players Association yesterday rejected the NBA team owners latest proposal and announced that it will file an anti-trust lawsuit against the league.

Celtic face Uefa action over chants

Celtic face disciplinary action from Uefa over illicit chanting during the 3-1 Europa League win over Rennes earlier this month. Celtic will be called before Uefas control and disciplinary panel on 8 December. The club were already looking into the claims. MORE

England flanker Worsley retires

Joe Worsley yesterday announced his retirement after eight months of trying to overcome a neck problem. I have been following medical and rehab advice but it hasnt worked, said the 34-year-old flanker who won
78 England caps. It was obvious I couldnt continue. MORE

Opinion: James Lawton

The England team has not for at least a decade been so free of the trappings of an old boys club. For the likes of Jack Rodwell and Adam Johnson the possibilities under Fabio Capello have never been so fluid. MORE

Dunne: Money cant buy Irelands thrill

Richard Dunne is not interested in any bonus payment ahead of the Republic of Irelands likely passage to Euro 2012 against Estonia tonight: Footballers want to play in tournaments. To go and represent Ireland is going to be something money cant buy. MORE

Morley vows to keep playing

Adrian Morley will become Britains most capped player in the Four Nations final on Saturday, with 50, but wants to keep going. It all depends on your club form, but as long as Im playing well enough and England want me, Ill always put my hand up, he said. MORE

Capello happy for Terry to captain young side tonight

Fabio
Capello is comfortable, absolutely with John Terry leading out an experimental England side against Sweden at Wembley tonight. The Chelsea centre-back, who is under investigation following accusations of
racism, did not play in the defeat of Spain on Saturday. I am comfortable, absolutely, said Capello yesterday. You know what I decided. Its finished. You know why? Because, guys, innocent until [proven guilty]. Terry will be one of the few experienced members
of a side featuring eight changes from Saturday. There will be a first start for Kyle Walker at right-back, while Jack Rodwell, Bobby Zamora and Danny Welbeck should all play. The likely XI will have just 208 caps between them, the second-lowest total under Capellos reign, with 174 of those coming from four players: Terry, Gareth Barry, Stewart
Downing and James Milner. MORE

U-21s defeated in stoppage time

England Under-21s lost their Euro 2013 qualifier to Belgium 2-1 in Mons last night. Liverpools Martin Kelly had put Stuart Pearces side ahead but Jens Naessens equalised for the hosts and Omar El Kaddouri struck the winning goal in stoppage time. MORE

Test Championship delayed until 2017

The World Test Championship will not begin until 2017, International Cricket Council chief executive Haroon Lorgat said yesterday. It is no longer going to happen in 2013, he said. I am disappointed but it is a
reality of the commitments we have already got. MORE

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New research in the UK on rhesus macaque monkeys has found for the first time that if they live in larger groups they develop more gray matter in parts of the brain involved in processing information on social interactions.

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Posted byBen Golliver.

On Monday, the National Basketball Players Association sent the NBA a disclaimer of interest, folding up the union and turning the keys over to lawyers. It was a move that NBPA executive director Billy Hunter admitted would lead to a high probability that the 2011-2012 season, and NBA commissioner David Stern replied to the action by saying that the league was headed for a nuclear winter.

But all hope is not lost.

Sports law expert and Tulane professor Gabe Feldman told the Orlando Sentinel that the legal process the NBPA is heading for could be wrapped up quickly enough to save at least some portion of the 2011-2012 regular season, which has already seen its first six weeks canceled.

OS: So is the ultimate upshot here that a season is now much less likely after todays events?

I dont know that its much less likely. I just think that the upshot here is that the players have taken a significant step to try to gain leverage at the bargaining table and the upshot is that the season will certainly not start as quickly as it would have without the disclaimer.

But it doesnt mean that the season wont happen. I think a much more shortened season is an inevitability at this point. But the litigation process could take place quickly enough to allow the players and the owners to determine how much leverage they have. It wouldnt mean an entire antitrust lawsuit is litigated because that could take years. But the preliminary fights could take place in a manner of weeks and could be resolved in time to save part of the regular season.

Folks have discussed this as the nuclear option, and David Stern himself has said were in for a nuclear winter. Its not irreparable harm here. They can put the pieces back together in time to save the season.

NBA commissioner David Stern labeled the disclaimer a negotiating tactic in his Monday morning address, so everyone seems to agree that its a move with legal as well as posturing implications.

But when will the legal stuff start playing out? That remains an open question.

David Boies, new counsel for the NBA players, said Monday that no official lawsuit had yet been filed and seemed to imply, in a question and answer session with ESPN.com, that there might not be one forthcoming.

If — and I say if because first of all, we havent filed a lawsuit — a lawsuit were filed, but if a lawsuit were filed and if there was an interest in settling that lawsuit, then as Jeffrey says, what would happen is the lawyers for the players would meet the lawyers for the owners and we would try to come up with some kind of settlement.

That settlement would be something that would open up the league to play. But you would not have a collective bargaining solution.

In other words, we all sit and wait until the players make this thing official. Our lockout purgatory is now in a purgatory of its own. Exponential legal purgatory is about as far from basketball as one can imagine and as deflating as it gets.

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Plutonium and clay reaction observed

Posted by Ben Evens

Scientists have made an interesting discovery about the interaction between clay and plutonium, which could have implications for the way the nuclear waste is stored.

A team of scientists at Argonne National Lab (ANL) explained that the steel barrels containing nuclear waste will eventually corrode, and as plutonium has a half-life of 24 thousand years and has high levels of radioactivity and toxicity, investigations must be done to ensure nuclear waste repositories will stay safe.

We want to be sure that nuclides (like plutonium) stay where we put them, explained Moritz Schmidt, an ANL post-doctoral researcher.

The team examined the interactions between plutonium ions dissolved in water and a mineral called muscovite, which is structurally similar to clay, and found that the plutonium becomes trapped on the surface of clay, something which could further prevent the spread of the toxic waste in the natural environment.

In this respect, its a rather positive effect, Dr Schmidt said, adding that its hard to make a very general statement about whether it could actually prevent plutonium leaks.

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I think Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. There is nothing more fun than dressing Aiden up in his costume (this year, he is a tiger), and going out to get candy, all while enjoying the Halloween experience. Being a parent, there are certain dangers that my family and I have to be careful of, including tampered candy and really scary houses that Aiden is afraid to go up to.

Being a pet owner comes with some concerns and dangers to be aware of as well. I’ve listed the top 6 dangers and the symptoms to keep an eye out for. I hope this is beneficial and that you all have an amazing time celebrating Halloween. I know I will.

Chocolate. It is more poisonous to pets than any other candy. Chocolate contains methylxanthines — chemicals similar to caffeine that can quickly sicken dogs. In general, the darker the chocolate, the more poisonous it is. Symptoms in pets that have ingested chocolate include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy or agitation, increased thirst, an elevated heart rate and, in severe cases, seizures.

Candy. It’s hard enough for a human to stop at just one piece of candy, so imagine how difficult it is for a pet. Large ingestions of sugary, high-fat candy can lead to pancreatitis, which may not show up for two to four days after the pet ingests the candy. Pets that have ingested candy may show signs such as decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal pain and even kidney failure or organ damage.

Candy wrappers. The candy itself isn’t the only threat. Ingestion of foil and cellophane wrappers can cause life-threatening bowel obstructions, which often require surgical intervention. Symptoms in pets that have ingested candy wrappers include vomiting, decreased appetite, not defecating, straining to defecate, or lethargy.

Raisins. While good-intentioned neighbors may hand out raisins as a healthy alternative to candy, very small amounts of raisins (or grapes) can cause kidney failure in dogs and cats. Some dogs develop idiosyncratic reactions at any dose — in other words, ingesting any amount can cause serious damage. Pets that have ingested raisins may show signs like vomiting, nausea, decreased appetite, abdominal pain and severe kidney failure.

Glow sticks and jewelry. Pets love to chew on things they’re not supposed to, and cats in particular seem to love these items. Over the past year, 70 percent of Pet Poison Hotline’s calls relating to glow sticks and jewelry involved cats. In addition to the choking hazard, the contents of glow sticks can cause pain and irritation in the mouth. Keep an eye out for mouth pain, as well as profuse drooling and foaming at the mouth.

Costumes. Though you may love the costume, does your pet? Some costumes can cause discomfort in pets, and any metallic beads, snaps or other small pieces (particularly those made of zinc or lead) can result in serious poisoning if ingested. Finally, don’t ever dye or apply coloring to a pet’s fur, even if the dye is labeled non-toxic to humans. If you dress your pets in costumes, make sure it doesn’t impair the pets’ vision, movement or air intake.

Adoptable pets

Don’t forget to come down during Adopt a Shelter Dog Month and adopt one of our amazing dogs. Adoptions fees are at an all time low, while adoptions are increasing daily. Come adopt your new friend today and take part in one of our favorite events of the year.

To view all of our adoptable animals, please visit us any day of the week from 10 am to 2 pm We are located at 812 S. McLane Road. Call (928) 474-5590, or visit us on the web at www.humanesocietycentralaz.org.

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