HSEC NEWSLETTER
Humane Society of Elmore County News – 26 May '25
Rea Cord
Executive Director
We do hope everyone will take some time today to pause and reflect on the true reason for Memorial Day. Please take time to think about and thank the thousands of brave men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we can live free.
Memorial Day traditionally signifies the start of summer and fun on our abundant lakes, rivers and even the Gulf. Many families take their dogs along for fun on the water, and we hope you have planned for your dog’s safety just like your own. If you didn’t head out this weekend and your dog hasn’t been on a boat, then it might help to let your dog explore the boat while it is still docked or on a trailer a few days before your outing.
Just like us humans, your dog needs its own personal flotation device (PFD) which it should wear while aboard. You can find PFD’s for pets in area pet, sport and outdoor stores and on many on-line stores as well – make sure to get the correct size for your dog to ensure your dog’s safety. We may also have some at our Tail’s End Thrift Store (open for shopping Thu, Fri & Sat 9-3). Over the years we have had dogs rescued from the middle of local lakes, brought to our shelter and never reclaimed. When in a body of water as large as, say, Lake Martin, if a dog falls overboard and is not noticed it might not be able to make it to shore before tiring out. Like getting used to the boat, let your dog get used to its PFD before heading out on the water.
Make sure to carefully supervise your dog and have a plan in mind for how you would retrieve your dog from the water (especially a larger dog) should you need to get him back into your boat. Hint – most dog PFD’s have a stout handle along the top. Give your dog a shady, secure spot to rest and pack a dog first aid kit in the event of hazards from fishing gear and walking around unfamiliar shores. One last caution might be to not feed your dog too much before going out in case it is susceptible to motion sickness – smaller snacks might work better than a big breakfast.
And our dogs can get motion sickness just like we can so perhaps talk to your Vet for advice on what you can give your dog in the event it is exhibiting signs of sea sickness. Please also keep in mind that, just like people, not all dogs will enjoy being out on a boat all day, so, if you have one like that, let it chill at home in the air conditioning.
Rea Cord, M.S.
Executive Director
Humane Society of Elmore County
255 Central Plank Rd
Wetumpka, AL 36092
Ph: 334/567-3377
Fax: 334/567-8774
Email: hselco@bellsouth.net
Website: https://www.elmorehumane.org
If you do need to contact our shelter you can call us at 334-567-3377, email us at hselco@bellsouth.net or message on our Shelter Facebook page.
"Each of us can only do the best we can for as many as we can and that will never be good enough for those of us who care!"
"Adoptions are about finding homes more able, more committed or simply better for the pet that came into our charge. Adoptions are not about numbers or rewards or statistics. We strive to place our pets like they are our own."
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