Pets & Water Safety With temperatures topping 100 degrees it is officially time to cool off. Summer time is time to get to the pool or lake for relief and fun in the sun. While we all know that water safety is crucial for ourselves and especially for children, it’s also important to keep our pets safe around water as well. “The good news is that all pets instinctively know how to swim,” says Dr. Mark Stickney, Director of General Surgery Services at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. “However, it is still important that you monitor them and watch for any hazards they may encounter.” Although pools can be a great way for both pets and owners to cool off, they can be harmful if not used and monitored properly. “Dogs will usually self-regulate when they need to stop swimming, but if they are in the pool and they don’t know where the steps are or are unable to get up them then it can become a problem,” notes Stickney. “This may mean that you not only have to...

By AMANDA RICKER
Bozeman Daily Chronicle


BOZEMAN, Mont. (AP) — Bozeman-based West Paw Design’s mission is to appeal to the human desire to reduce their carbon footprint by helping them cut their furry friends’ carbon pawprint as well.

West Paw produces eco-friendly pet beds, toys and apparel. The "green" material employed by the company ranges from old cardboard Dole banana boxes used to store and transfer materials during manufacturing, to soy-based ink and corn-based plastic on the merchandise tags.

And the eco-strategy is working. Today, West Paw Design employs 40 people, double the number it did 10 years ago, said owner and president Spencer Williams. The company ships 10 percent of its products overseas; sales in Montana represent just 1 percent.

"It’s something, I think, a lot of us have in common, this belief that we need to take care of this place," Williams said.

While many manufacturers, from cars to textiles, are struggling in the current economic slowdown, Williams said West Paw plans a 15,000-square-feet...

Our mini-Australian Shepherd is hyper, to say the least. When we leave him outside, he digs at the edges of our lawn all day long. He's actually doing quite a bit of damage despite only weighing 8 lbs.! I don't want to put him in a kennel all day and scolding him when we get home doesn't seem to help. I really don't want to make him afraid of me. Any suggestions?

Help support Nampa's future Dog Park and bring your dog to the Pooch Pool Party at Nampa's Lakeview Water Park on 8/23. Join us for this unique opportunity that allows you to bring your dog swimming at Lakeview Water Park. The event is an off leash open water swim for all dogs.
Rules: dogs must enter and exit on a leash, the event prohibits dogs under 4 months old, aggressive dogs, and female dogs in heat. Vaccinations that include rabies and bordetella (kennel cough) are required. Please leave collar on dog while swimming. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Handler is limited to 2 dogs. People will not be allowed in the water (dogs only).
Event is 8/23 - 10am - 4pm.
Call the Nampa Parks and Rec Desk at 468-5858 for more information.