"Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read."
Groucho Marx

Some of the recent warmer days have many of us thinking about summer, and planning ahead. Both humans and their animal companions relish the sunshine and outdoor activities of summer. However, taking certain precautions will insure the health and safety of your pets year-round. Plenty of shade and water will help keep them cool. Fleas and ticks are at their worst during this season and can cause a pet much misery if not attended to. Many pets are terrified by the noise of fireworks and may run away and become lost if they are not securely confined. Also, as people often spend the summer months sprucing up lawns and working in gardens, care should be taken with fertilizers, plant food, and insecticides as these can be fatal if ingested. If the pet is to be left at home while the family vacations, a pet sitter or boarding kennel should be reserved well in advance, or nothing suitable may be available at the last minute.

The Humane Society of the United States has an excellent web site which contains much useful information about caring for pets. Their web address can be found below. After accessing the home page, click the word "Pets" near the top, type "summer" in the Search box, and then click "Search." The books given below are just a few that are available at RCPL to help you and your pet enjoy the season to the fullest.