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Archive for June, 2011

Fourth of July and Companion Animals.

With the Fourth of July fast approaching, I want to remind people that their pets don’t enjoy fireworks and loud festivities as much as we humans do (actually, I don’t really like that sort of thing much, either).

When Joe and I have been up to Pastime Park for the fireworks and the parade, I’ve noticed a lot of people who bring their dogs along–some of them not even on leashes. All it takes is that first firework exploding in the air to spook even a very laid back dog. And when that happens, often the animal’s first instinct is to bolt.

Even dogs in their own homes can become frightened and leap fences, break through windows in a panic, or hurt themselves trying to escape the noises of public fireworks displays or even just back yard fire crackers.

So rather than bringing your dogs to Pastime Park this year, please leave them at home out of the heat in a safe, quiet spot (crate, bedroom, etc.) where they will not get scared and end up as one more missing pet.

Besides confining your dog to a “happy” place to reduce their fears, I have also been hearing about a new product that is supposed to help relieve stress in dogs that are afraid of thunderstorms and other loud noises (which would be perfect for fireworks). The Thundershirt for dogs wraps the dog tightly and applies a gentle pressure to the body.  The constant pressure of the shirt causes the brain to release chemicals that have a calming effect. The Thundershirt can be used for anxiety from loud noises, owner separation, travel, or other stressful events. It can currently be purchased at PetPeople (all locations), Moochies (all locations), and Mutts & Co. at 7549 Sawmill Road. Buy one now in preparation for the Fourth holiday.

Humane societies always have an increase in the number of lost pets coming into the shelter and being reported missing directly after Fourth of July celebrations. In fact, sadly, it is one of the busiest times for missing pets.

If you do decide to take your dog with you to the park, please make sure they are either microchipped or have a collar that fits well with identification tags attached. If your dog does get away, it will be much easier to relocate them if they have some way to be identified. If you cannot find them and the shelter doesn’t know who the dog belongs to, you may never see your beloved canine again.

Cats are also affected by the noises. Happily, most people don’t bring their cats to see the fireworks, but, even at home, the noises can cause them fear. My sister lives on Main Street here in Plain City and the fireworks are so loud and so close that the vibrations shake her house and panic her cats. She closes up her windows, pulls the blinds, and plays soft music and runs a fan to help relieve the anxiety caused by the rattling fireworks.

For more information on making Independence Day a happy affair for you and your furry babies, check out the links below.

Read the ASPCA’s tips HERE.

Read tips from the American Kennel Club HERE.

And from the Humane Society of the United States HERE.

Get Ready for the Fourth!

The Fourth of July is always a special day in Plain City. This year, the celebrations will take place on Monday, July 4, and will begin with the parade at 3:30 pm. The parade will line up to start at the north entrance of Pastime Park. 

Following the parade, Pastime Park will be the hub of the festivities. The stage will be lit up with entertainment starting at 5:30 pm.  First will be Brian Whetnall, who will be followed by country rockers Billy Starrett and the Hired Guns (6:35-8 pm). The Starlight Twirlers (8:05-8:30 pm) will dazzle the crowd with a twirling performance. At 8:35, Billy Starrett and the Hired Guns will take the stage for a repeat performance. Special guest Jordan Headings will sing the National Anthem prior to the fireworks at dusk (approximately 9:45 pm).

There will also be tons of food, homemade ice cream, face painting, and inflatables for ALL ages. 

To see the full schedule of events and print out a flyer, go HERE.

Congratulations to Larry Carrocce for His Incredible Weight Loss.

Larry Carrocce recently stopped in the pharmacy to show off the weight he has lost through Weight Watchers. Joe has always been fascinated with Larry’s business, “Kool Cars,” since Joe used to want to own his own junk yard.

I told Joe I thought we had some old photos of him and Larry at the store downtown. When I went looking through our photo albums, I found two photos of Joe and Larry from our anniversary party in 2003. Joe was dressed up in his gangster costume for the party and pretending to hold a “finger gun” to Larry’s stomach. Larry joked that he had a real gun pointed at Joe’s head, although you couldn’t see it in the picture.

Joe, too, has lost about 50 pounds and you can definitely see the differences these two have made in their lives since 2003.

Congratulations, Larry. Keep up the good work. You look great!

25th Anniversary and Renovation Celebration at Der Dutchman, June 17 and 18.

Many of you have probably noticed all the changes that have been going on at Der Dutchman Restaurant over the past few months. The restaurant, that has put Plain City on the map, underwent major renovations. On Friday, June 17 and Saturday, June 18, Der Dutchman will be celebrating, not only their newly completed renovations, but also their 25th Anniversary. An official ribbon cutting for the grand opening of the renovated restaurant will take place at 10:30 am on Friday.

With these celebrations, Der Dutchman and Carlisle Gifts (housed behind the restaurant) will be offering many specials. On Friday, there will be 25% off the hot buffet, 25% off in the bakery, and 25% off at Carlisle Gifts. Carlisle Gifts will also offer prize drawings for a Vera Bradley Tote, a Hickory Rocker, a Chamilia necklace, and more on both Friday and Saturday. 

On Saturday, the fun continues with free carriage rides and free cupcakes for everyone. Carlisle Gifts will be giving away a free cupcake candle with every purchase and free Silly Bandz for the kids. Additionally, 104.9, The River, will be broadcasting live from Der Dutchman. 

Der Dutchman Restaurant is located at 445 Jefferson Avenue (which is US Route 42) in Plain City. For more information on events at Der Dutchman and Carlisle Gifts, please visit their web site HERE.

Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure (GOBA) Passing through Plain City on Wednesday, June 22.

The 23rd Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure (GOBA) will take place from Saturday, June 18 through Saturday, June 25 and will pass through Plain City for lunch on Wednesday, June 22. The 50-mile-long event will start in Kenton on the 18th and wind through Marion, Delaware, London, and Bellefontaine before ending back in Kenton on the 25th. 

This week-long trip gives cyclists the opportunity to see many lovely Ohio communities. The route changes every year and this year just happens to run through Plain City. 

The Humane Society of Madison County (HSMC) will be helping supply food to the bicyclists from Wednesday through Friday morning when the group leaves London headed toward Bellefontaine. To feed a large number of hungry riders, the shelter will need lots of volunteers to help serve. They could also use monetary contributions to offset the costs of the food they purchased. This event has the potential to raise several thousand dollars to help area homeless animals. If you would like to volunteer or donate, please call Donna Smith at 614-203-6493 or email her at dluc59@hotmail.com. You can mail donations to: HSMC, P. O. Box 777, London, Ohio 43140.

To see a full list of the activities planned for bikers, go HERE

To see a map route of the places GOBA will be passing through, go HERE.