Pet Cpr Is The Cat’s Meow
It doesn’t matter what heroic measures Nelle Coler takes - the rust-brown spaniel on the table in front of her won’t breathe.
But, like the trained first-aider she is, Nelle doesn’t panic. She picks up the dog and, with one hand under his rib cage and the other hand over it, squeezes him like an accordion.
Television news cameras are rolling. Reporters are scribbling, and a roomful of people lean toward the scene expectantly, even though Nelle’s dog is only a cuddly stuffed toy.
Nelle finally drops the spaniel into its basket next to a gray bedroom slipper shaped like a cat and smiles brightly. The pet CPR demonstration is over.
Nelle is teaching the American Red Cross’ first pet first-aid class in North Idaho based on a book written by her organization and the Humane Society of the United States. Hayden veterinarian Kendall Bodkin trained local CPR/first-aid instructors to teach the class.
It covers aid for trauma, seizures, allergies, cuts and gashes, heat stroke, poisoning, burns, even depression. Fourteen pet owners, from two Athol fourth-graders to several white-haired women, absorb everything Nelle says.
“I have an animal companion and I want to keep him,” says Nella Troy, who keeps a picture of her Schnauzer Ebony next to those of her grandkids. “Pets are becoming increasingly important to older people.”
Nelle demonstrates how to approach wounded dogs, put them in headlocks and muzzle them with whatever’s available - scarves, panty hose - for the trip to the animal hospital.
She holds her stuffed dog by its hips with its head down as a treatment for choking and drowning and does a doggie rendition of the Heimlich maneuver. She warns that moldy cheese, chocolate, ibuprofen and acetaminophen can poison pets.
Nelle even demonstrates how to breathe life back into a pet - the ultimate in first aid for anyone.
Barrels o’fun
Get your orders in now for Toys for Tots collection barrels. The Marine Corps League and the Marine Corps Reserves are the Santas of North Idaho and hope for a windfall of support this year.
“Last year we ran out of toys for a few days and it was kind of embarrassing,” says Jerry Schenck, who’s organizing this year’s collection. “And I have a feeling we’ll be real busy this year.”
He figures 2,000 to 3,000 new toys will cover Christmas for the 700 or so Kootenai County families that can’t afford gifts for the kids. He has 40 empty barrels just aching to be filled.
If your business has enough traffic to fill a barrel each week between now and Christmas, call Jerry at 667-8205. Challenge another business or friends to a contest.
Kids can’t help their parents’ financial problems, but a new toy might give them some comfort.
The toy distribution will start Thanksgiving week at the National Guard Armory, 5555 Seltice Way. Families should stop first at the Department of Health and Welfare, 1120 Ironwood Dr. in Coeur d’Alene, to fill out a short application.
Mexican adventure
The trip Coeur d’Alene’s First Presbyterian Church plans to Mexico next spring will involve more work than fun. Thirty people will head to Mexico City to build houses for Habitat for Humanity.
The group needs about $22,000 for travel and materials and will auction vacations, artwork, gold nuggets and more this Sunday to germinate its fund. Go eat free dessert and buy something. The fun starts at 6 p.m. at the church at 521 Lakeside Ave.
What’s your church done for the community that would knock people’s socks off if they knew? Brag to Cynthia Taggart, “Close to Home,” 608 Northwest Blvd., Suite 200, Coeur d’Alene 83814; fax to 765-7149; call 765-7128; or e-mail to cynthiat@spokesman.com. This sidebar appeared with the story: CLASSES FOR PET FIRST-AID
The class lasts two hours and meets at 212 S. 11th St. in Coeur d’Alene. The $15 fee includes a book. Pet first-aid kits cost $12.50. The next class starts at 9 a.m., Nov. 15. Call 664-5414 to register.
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