Earlier this month, while safely assisting her owner onto the Skytrain in Burnaby, BC, Palm, a six-year-old guide-dog ended up on the other side of the closing doors. Dragged by the Skytrain for several feet until her leash snapped, Palm suffered three broken ribs, a punctured lung, and a massive cut along her right side and down her nose. 

Along with caring for her guide-dog, Iris Thompson had a vet bill of $15,000 to take care of. Upon hearing the story, Randy Valpy, President & CEO, Petsecure pet insurance, contacted the veterinary clinic in Burnaby and donated $5,000 towards the cost of Palm’s vet bill. 

‘As a company we see all sorts of claims for seriously injured pets and are always moved when we hear the stories behind them. Unfortunately far too often people are faced with very expensive veterinary bills and in the majority of cases they don't have pet insurance to assist with the costs.’ says Valpy. 

With many more donations pouring in from caring readers across the country, Palm and Iris are on their way to a healthy recovery. 

For more information, visit: http://www.metronews.ca/vancouver/local/article/652688--guide-dog-dragged-by-skytrain-recovering

As we spend the next few days preparing the kids, the costumes, the treats and the house for Halloween, we can't forget about our furry friends! Our pets are part of the family and they too take part in the night's festivities. Masks and costumes may not be scary for some, though for a family pet who doesn't understand the holiday, your scary trick-or-treaters can make for a dangerous situation.

To ensure your pet's safety this Halloween season, Petsecure has these five simple tips for you to follow.

Tip #1: Think twice about decorations

When decorating your house for Halloween beware of your pet's curiosity. With additional accessories around the house, curious and excited pets can get themselves into a lot of danger, from chewing on cords, to brushing up against an open flame or tearing down a hanging display.

Tie up any electrical chords and ensure no hanging decorations are within reach of your pets. These festive displays could be harmful to your pet if chewed or ingested. Try flameless battery powered candles and LED lights instead of candles to light your pumpkins. They last longer and are much safer.

Tip #2: Keep your pet in a comfortable environment

Halloween night can be a little chaotic for many of us. With all the decorations, the added traffic at the door and all the noise, a family pet can become scared, defensive and irritable. 

The best way to help your pet get through Halloween is to give them their own private room for the night. Keeping your pet in a safe area of the house away from the noise with food, water and toys will give them the space and quiet that they need. Keeping your family pets away from the activity will also help keep them safe from unexpected attention or treats, while keeping the visitors safe should your pet choose to act out.

Tip # 3: Pets in costume

Fido dressed up as Superman and Snowball dolled up as Little Red Riding Hood is what some pet parents would view as a fun and harmless way of getting the family pet involved in the festivities, especially if Fido is tagging along for the walk. However, if you choose to dress up your pet, be considerate of their safety.

Pets aren't used to the extra clothing. The added material can obstruct your pet's vision or hearing or even make your pet too hot throughout the night. Pets rely on their senses and obstructing any of these can frighten them. Your pets will undoubtedly receive a lot of attention if all dressed up, and they may not be comfortable with so many strangers approaching them. Putting a light weight costume on your pets, if they're comfortable with it, and ensuring they're fully comfortable with strangers will help make their night more enjoyable.

Tip #4: Store Halloween candy in a safe place

Halloween treats are meant for humans only. Though we know and understand this, our pets may not! Leaving treats out, readily available for when visitors arrive, can be dangerous to your pets' health if you're not keeping an eye on them.

Chocolate contains Theobromine, a toxic agent for pets which can cause death, and candy wrappers, if ingested, can cause major digestive problems. It is extremely important to keep your Halloween candy out of reach from your pet and even more important to keep an eye out the next day when walking your dog. Trick-or-treaters may have dropped a few snacks along the way, and if you're not aware, your dog could scoop them up before you can say 'Trick-or-Treat'! 

Tip #5: Be prepared 

Prepare for the evening in advance. Get your pet's 'safe' room set up the day before, know where you're storing the candy and put up decorations early. If you take your pet out trick-or-treating make sure to stand away from the house with your pet. Dogs don't understand people in costume and may act aggressively towards the individual approaching, thinking he or she is a threat to you. Keeping a safe and comfortable distance away is always important.

By following Petsecure's five helpful safety tips, you and your family are sure to have a safe Halloween with your pet! Have fun!

Today's video is more AMAZING than funny!

Check out this incredibly agile Bull Dog from the Ukraine! He gives the term 'spring in your step' a whole new meaning!

Have a wonderful Friday!

 
It’s true! Petsecure helps members prepare for the unexpected. Read how Petsecure pet insurance helped Rascal and his pet parent Lynn Smart from Edmonton, Alberta, ensuring they were…All taken care of.

Dear Petsecure:

Rascal was my mom's new and untrained Bernese puppy. I began caring for both of them when my mom was diagnosed with a lung disease.

Training Rascal required a lot of work. His somersaults on a leash made it difficult to take him out for walks, but after lots of love and encouragement he soon understood what a leash was for and loved going for walks!

Shortly after, life became more challenging for me, with a broken wrist, a shattered leg, being wheel-chair bound and being diagnosed with breast cancer. Rascal helped me get through it all. He never left my side, giving me lots of love throughout my healing. Even when my mom passed, Rascal was, once again, at my side while I grieved. I took comfort knowing that Rascal was the last gift my mother gave me.

Then, it was Rascal's turn. He tore his ACL which meant a costly surgery. Luckily, I had Petsecure pet health insurance to take care of Rascal. His health is an absolute priority for me.

When I went back to work, I had a hard time keeping up with my bills, including Rascal's insurance premiums. Petsecure listened to my story and kindly waived one of my monthly premiums.

Petsecure was there for me and for Rascal, helping us get back on our feet.

Thank you Petsecure!

To enter, click HERE!