September 12, 2007

So because you are loyal 7News viewers, you know that September is National Preparedness Month, right? And you're ready for emergencies of all kinds, right? But did you ever think about emergency preparedness for your pets? Huh? DID YOU??

I thought not. Good thing the Mile High Chapter of the American Red Cross does think of these things. Marianne and I recently took a Pet First Aid class, and she's now OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED in Pet First Aid. Whew. It's a relief for all of us at her house, let me tell you.

I was a little scared when we walked into the classroom, because there were a bunch of lifeless dogs and cats lying on the floor. "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO MY FRIENDS?" I cried. Marianne patted me and whispered "They aren't real, they are pretend animals. You'll see why."

I sniffed around a bit and realized she was right, they weren't real, but I still didn't understand why they were there. To be honest, it was a little creepy.

But once class started I found out why they were there. Turns out you can do CPR on a pet, just like you can on a human! Only instead of mouth-to-mouth, it's mouth-to-snout. *SNORT* That made me laugh out loud.

Anyhow, the pretend animals are for the humans in class to practice on. This class was really lucky because they also had ME to practice on. Marianne made me lie on my right side, and she carefully positioned my head, and then she used a funny-smelling plastic barrier over my snout while she gently blew air in. It tickled, but I was a good boy and lay still, pretending to be hurt. I didn't even wag my tail. Much.

Besides CPR, we learned about other emergencies like what to do if the pet eats poison (YUCK), or gets bitten by a snake (EWWW), or needs a bandage (OUCH).

I napped through a lot of it, but Marianne woke me so she could practice the Heimlich Maneuver. I feel confident that if I accidentally swallow a ball, she'll help me cough it up. OOOF.

The class practiced bandaging the fake animals, and some of them practiced on me, too. One nice lady did such a good job of bandaging my paw, that I limped around the room so everyone could admire it. I'm a method actor, don'cha know!

AND, because I did such a good job in class, 7News is letting me be the reporter for the story. I am so excited to be the 7News Canine Correspondent! Watch my debut Wednesday at 10 p.m.

I hope you'll take the Pet First Aid class, too. The next ones offered are on Sept. 29 or Oct. 25. Sign up online at www.denver-redcross.org (click on "Classes") or call 303-722-7474. Your pets will thank you!

Chow for now!

Parker

Questions or comments for Parker? Send them to Call7ForHelp@TheDenverChannel.com.

Would you like more information about Canine Companions for Independence, or perhaps be a puppy raiser? Call 1-800-572-BARK or go to www.cci.org for details.