Being of the feline purr-suasion, the Prowler sometimes gives in to temptation and devotes an entire column to animal-related events. This is one of them!
Although it's usually the Humane Society of Santa Clara Valley that offers special programs, the Santa Clara Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross has jumped on the bandwagon. These folks have developed a course titled Pet First Aid for Cats and Dogs designed to help pet owners keep their furry friends safe and to act with confidence during emergencies before a veterinarian intervenes.
Among the subjects are how to check a pet's pulse, give chest compressions, use pressure to control bleeding, immobilize broken bones, perform the Heimlich maneuver and recognize poisonings. Although pets are not brought to class, participants practice on animal mannequins. How to keep pets healthy and safe in the first place is also covered.
Registration is available now for classes in April, May and June. Cost is $30 and includes a pet first aid book. The Prowler thinks kudos are in order to Mark Johnson, the local chapter's health and safety services director who helped get the courses underway. Call 577-2178 for more info.
And now an event concerning cats only--an exhibit at Gallery Saratoga, 14531 Big Basin Way, titled "Cats, Etc." The show, which runs March 2-31, is a showcase of oil paintings by Los Gatan Maralyn Miller. The Prowler hears Miller embarked on this series not so much because she loves cats, but because of her fascination with our appearance, especially the contrast of our soft fur and glass-like eyes--which miss nothing, the Prowler might add! The public is invited to a reception at 1 p.m. on March 7.
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