GWLAH WISHES YOU AND YOURS A HAPPY HANUKKAH !

WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY 2024 !

THERE IS STILL TIME TO GIVE TO PETS IN NEED !

Thank you to everyone who has donated to the Safe House Animal Rescue 12 Rescues of Christmas! If you've been meaning to donate but have not yet been able to, there's still time to give to this worthy cause!
Safe House Animal Rescue is asking for donations of the top 12 items needed by shelters to care for pets who are waiting for their forever homes. The donations are then distributed to 12 local shelters including Southern Paws, BASS, Halfway Home Animal Rescue, and A Pathway to Hope. Any and all donations are welcome and appreciated!
GWLAH has a 12 Rescues of Christmas donation bin inside our front door. Donations are continuing to be accepted through Dec. 10 and items such as cat/dog food, paper towels, wee wee pads, bleach, garbage bags, cat litter and cat/dog treats are encouraged.
Thank you for giving so generously to animals in need!

PLEASE NOTE OUR HOILIDAY HOURS

GWLAH will be closed on Monday, Dec. 25, in observance of the Christmas holiday. We will reopen at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 26.
The hospital will also be closed on Monday, Jan. 1, in observance of the New Year's Day holiday. We will reopen at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 2.
If you are in need of veterinary care while we are closed, please call one of the following BEFORE you go:

• AERA at (973) 226-3282
• Oradell Animal Hospital at (201) 262-0010
• BluePearl Paramus at (201) 527-6699
• Eclipse Emergency Pet Care at (862) 404-0991

Have a safe and happy holiday season!

HOLIDAY PET SAFETY TIPS

Or, how to keep pets safe when decking your halls and celebrating the season!
Candles/lanterns/menorahs: Never leave a pet unattended with a lit flame, as curious paws or wagging tails could knock them over, resulting in a fire or burns to the pet.
Christmas trees: Trees can tip over if pets climb on them or play with lights and ornaments. Use a stand with a sturdy, wide base and, if possible, display it in a corner and block it off with a fence. Alternatively, secure the tree to the ceiling or wall. Opt for non-breakable ornaments. Do not use artificial snow/flocking and sweep up fresh pine needles/branches that can injure pets if ingested.
Tree water: Cover the water container for fresh trees and do not add aspirin, sugar or chemical solutions to tree water if there are pets in the home, as additives are hazardous for them.
Ornaments: Broken shards can cause lacerations and esophageal or intestinal blockage if ingested. Skip food ornaments, such as strung popcorn, cranberries, candy canes, cookies, chocolates/candies, dried apple/orange slices, and do not use salt dough ornaments. Avoid using metal ornament hooks, tinsel, garland or curly ribbon that could cause an obstruction if ingested.
String lights: Bulbs can get hot causing serious burns if pets chew on the cords. Use cord protectors to cover electrical wires/string lights/extension cords and place string lights closer to the trunk where they are less likely to be chewed.
Holiday plants: Flowers, trees and wreaths are often given as gifts and used to decorate during this festive time of the year. Amaryllis, mistletoe, balsam, pine, cedar, lilies and holly are some of the plants that are dangerous for pets.

NATIONAL CAT LOVER'S MONTH

National Cat Lovers' Month, celebrated each year in December, is an opportunity to honor the elegance, intelligence and unmistakable attitude of our feline friends. Evidence suggests that cats were domesticated more than 9,500 years ago, and, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, just over 25% of U.S. households share their space with a cat.
Cats are one of the most popular pets for many reasons. Not only are they quiet, independent and often require less maintenance than other pets, but they are also great companions and are proven to reduce anxiety and stress levels. People form deep emotional bonds with these captivating creatures who provide a lifetime of love and affection.
This National Cat Lovers' Month, we encourage you to consider adopting a cat in need from the West Milford Animal Shelter. Cats may have an amazing ability to right themselves when falling, but it often takes a kindhearted human to help them land on their feet in their forever home.
If you already have a cat, use this month to give yourself the gift of time with your cat companion. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it can be hard to find time to spend with those you love, so, this December, take some extra precious moments with your special furry friend!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU & YOU & YOU & YOU !

GWLAH is celebrating several staff birthdays this month, including our Evening Staff Member Melissa Rose, Receptionist Devonne, Inventory Manager/Technician Erin and Evening Staff Member/Receptionist Samantha!
Happy birthday ladies! May they be filled with all your favorite things and we wish you many more!

GINGERBREAD DOG TREATS

Ingredients:

• 3 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1/2 cup water

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees and lightly grease a baking sheet.
• In a large bowl, combine the flour and ginger.
• Mix in the oil, molasses and water; let sit for 15 minutes. Dough will be drier than regular gingerbread cookie dough.
• On a lightly-floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thick.
• Using cookie cutters, cut out treats and transfer to baking sheet.
• Bake for 20 minutes until firm and let cool completely before sharing with your favorite furry friends!