Autumn Years Summer 2023

exercising can also be deadly to dogs. Many

Also, avoid direct eye contact with dogs

products with sweet or floral scents. Try to keep your distance from these pests, especially their nests or hives. If a bee is near you, be still rather than swat at it to reduce the risk of it seeing you as a threat. If you are stung, calmly move from the area immediately. Some hornets, wasps, and bees release a phero mone during the sting that sounds an alarm to others, which can bring a swarm. In the event you are swarmed, it is time to run as fast as you can. Pull your shirt over your face and head to protect yourself from stings. Do not swat at them, which will only anger them more and get to shelter as fast as possible. DOGS Dog bites have the third-highest death rates among animal-related injuries. Adults, and particularly children, should avoid approaching strange dogs that are unattended. Even when a dog is with its owner, ask permission before approaching it. When you do approach a dog, avoid scaring it. Otherwise, it could bite. Walk at a leisurely pace. If the dog shows signs of fear or discomfort, stop and allow the dog to come to you. Do not reach your hand out for the dog to sniff. Instead, keep your arm relaxed and let the dog approach and sniff your hand. If the dog seems comfortable, you can then pet the dog in a calm, gentle manner.

breeds, both large and small, have cooling systems that are quickly and easily taxed. SNAKES AND LIZARDS If you are traveling to an area that is home to venomous snakes, learn when and where they are likely to be encoun tered and take extra precautions. The only venomous or poisonous lizards in the United States are the Gila monster and Mexican beaded lizard found in the des ert southwest. However, there are also several venomous snakes. These include rattlesnakes, coral snakes, copperheads, cottonmouth snakes and yellow-bellied sea snakes. The best way to protect against a snake bite is to avoid snakes. If you see one, do not attempt to approach it or provoke it. Snakes are terrified of humans, so those that are venomous will not hesitate to protect themselves. So, as we enter the summer months, or if you travel to a warmer state any time of year, it is important to be aware of the presence of these insects and wildlife, how best to avoid them and the safest way to respond should you encounter them. By being prepared, you will greatly reduce your risk of illness or injury while enjoying everything the wonderful world of nature has to offer.

because dogs can perceive that as a threat. If the dog is small, face to the side and kneel

down. Just do not get your face too close. Never hug a dog you do not know well. Dogs will usually tolerate hugs from their own families, but they generally dislike hugs. If you have grandchildren or young guests, they should be particularly cau tious. Many dogs are not raised with chil dren and are fearful of their high-pitched voices and quick movements. However, most children who get bitten by dogs are those with whom they are familiar. Dogs can bite or attack a child for many reasons. Young children, in particular, do not understand boundaries, which poses a high-risk situation. So close monitoring is crucial. Also, teach grandchildren to never run from a dog, whether it is yours, their own or another. Some dogs see a running child as prey. They also should not disturb dogs that are sleeping, eating or in the presence of their puppies. However, there are other ways people are injured by dogs as well. For example, bicycling with a leashed dog is dangerous. There is a high risk of dogs either abruptly stopping or pulling, which has caused many a crash. Add to that, bicycling with a leashed dog can be cruel and dangerous to your beloved pet. Dogs can get run over by the bike and also incur injuries to the trachea and spine from the pulling on the dog’s neck. Over

Kimberly Blaker is a freelance writer. She also owns an online bookshop, Sage Rare & Collectible Books, specializing in out-of-print, scarce,

signed and first editions; fine bindings; ephemera and more at sagerarebooks.com

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SUMMER 2023 I AUTUMN YEARS