The Patriotic Pet: Help Pets Enjoy the Fourth of July Too!

As pet-loving people, we are thrilled to involve our little furry family members in just about everything we do... and that includes holidays! But sometimes things like the boom of fireworks, a Fourth of July cookout and other festivities can put our pets at risk. I recently came across some great suggestions from the ASPCA to make sure that both you and your furry companions can have a safe, healthy and happy Fourth of July this year.

Here are a few that stuck out (Go here for a full list):

• Keep your pet sane and sober. Alcohol can be poisonous to pets so be sure to place all alcoholic items far out of paw's reach.
• Beggars shouldn't choose. Avoid giving in to those sad eyes and allowing treats from the table or grill. Some foods can be truly toxic (onions, chocolate, avocado, grapes, raisins, etc) while even a small change from Fido's normal diet can spell not-so-fun stomach issues.
• Distract, distract, distract. While you know full-well that the neighborhood fireworks are just colorful fun, nervous little Sparky doesn't. Save some frayed nerves and give your pooch a kong filled with peanut butter to help him relax.
• Avoid puppy firedrills. Keep pets away from fireworks, candles, matches and firework supplies at all times. If eaten, these can cause issues in the lungs, stomach and central nervous system.

Here's wishing everyone a very happy and healthy Fourth of July!

Photo: Boston.com is calling for patriotic pet pics. Visit them here to share yours!

Adoption Tails: Queen Molly

No one can forget the day Molly looked up from her kennel to see Gene and Leslie for the first time. Smitten with her "beautiful and trusting eyes," the couple had already fallen in love with this special girl. And, after discussing their needs in a pet, daily routines and home environment with members of the Boston Adoption Center staff, Gene and Leslie realized that Molly was the perfect pooch for them. Molly's new companions adopted her knowing that she had all the great Pit Bull qualities that typify these special dogs: friendliness, a strong determination and a BIG heart.

Today, Gene and Leslie's running joke is that Molly runs the house, but they know all she really wants is non-stop belly rubs. Molly is a neighborhood favorite who loves to go on her after-dinner walk so she can meet new friends! She's even shaping Gene and Leslie's lives in new and unexpected ways like being the house's new doggy alarm-clock. Molly likes to choose when it's time to wake up by pulling the covers off the bed, wagging her tail the whole time. Still, as much as this active gal can't wait to go out on her walks, she's equally happy to curl up in the easy chair with Gene and take a nap.

Flashing her heart-melting smile and those big eyes that radiate unconditional love, Molly has her parents wrapped around her little paw... and the whole neighborhood knows it. A sign outside announces, "Welcome to Molly, Gene and Leslie's Home." Once one of the many Pit Bull mixes who desperately needed a loving forever-home, Molly is now the queen of Leslie and Gene's hearts.