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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2005-12-22, Page 17THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2005. PAGE 17. Think before giving a pet at Christmas Every year many animal companions, and often their human guardians, suffer during the holidays from situations that could have been easily prevented says The Humane Society of Canada (HSC). "While many people know not to give pets as presents, this still occurs on a regular basis often with unintended results,” warns Al Hickey, HSC western regional director. “Pets can live anywhere from 14 to 20 years and in all fairness this should be the family and not someone else’s decision. In some cases, families are so unprepared for the new arrival that they turn the animal over to a local pound where they join other animals waiting for a home.” A better idea is to make up a gift certificate that reads “Good for the adoption of a new family member” and in the New Year, visit your local humane society, shelter, SPCA or rescue group with the family and let them chose their new pet. According to Hickey, another reason not to give pets as gifts is because the holidays can be hectic, even stressful, times. “Welcoming a new dog or cat into the family requires considerable time and patience, both of which are in short supply during the holidays. It is better to wait until the family can give all of the attention, guidance and love that an adopted four-legged family member needs.” Pet-Proofing the Home Many families unknowingly decorate their homes with potentially harmful items. People with pets should inspect their home to ensure that animals, and young children, aren’t exposed to any hazards. “Two dangerous items that are often used more during the holidays are electrical cords and candles,” warns Michael O’Sullivan, HSC executive director. “Ensure that pets are kept safe from electrical cords and never leave animals unattended where there are candles. It is often safer to not use candles at all or to make them inaccessible to pets.” According to O’Sullivan the Christmas tree can also cause problems. “Dogs can knock over the Christmas tree while cats may try to Rag jacket workshop in February Continued from page 16 Huron District was a guest. She reminded all about the workshop in February on making a rag jacket. This will be at the OMAF office. The price is $7. Bring material and a sewing machine. Contact Erma Cartwright if interested at 526- 7256. The West Huron District is collecting items for the Caribbean small craft projects. Anyone having embroidery floss, thread, raffia, patterns for cross-stitch or yarn, needles, etc. that they would like to donate may give it to Institute members. Nancy Anderson played the violin and Laura Mae Chamney played the piano tor a sing-song of Christmas music. They also played the Tennessee Waltz. The roll call was bring a guest, sing, say oi pay. This added a lot tit tun. Jean was in charge of the gift exchange. The cookie auction went very well as Debbie Bauer volunteered to be auctioneer. The cralt meeting will be Jan. 19 and the roll call is a funny joke or story. climb the branches so it is a good idea to safely secure trees in homes with pets,” recommends O’Sullivan. “Don’t use tinsel, ribbon, liquid bubbling lights or decorations made of food or which can break into tiny pieces as they can cause a variety of problems. Animals should be kept away from the tree’s reservoir and tree preservatives should not be used in the water.” Many “human foods” are also hazardous, even lethal, to animals. Chocolate and onions are both toxic to animals and can result in death. Bones should be avoided especially brittle ones such as turkey and chicken bones which can splinter and lodge in an animal’s throat or intestines. The Humane Society of Canada also wants people with pets to be aware that many of their festive plants could be toxic to animals. “Some plants have a low toxicity while others are very toxic and can result in death,” warns Hickey. A partial list of toxic “Christmas plants” includes: mistletoe, Christmas rose, Christmas cactus, holly, ivy, lily, poinsettia, star of Bethlehem, yew, jequirity bean, Jerusalem cherry and hibiscus. Including Pets in the Fun “Pets get excited during the holidays too,” says O’Sullivan whose family includes a houseful of dogs and cats. “By including them in the fun and giving them safe gifts you are less likely to overlook your ‘best friends’ during this exciting, hectic time. And by purchasing gifts such as a first aid kit or catnip treats from the HSC Online Adventure Store you will be helping animals in need as well.” Country Fare By Patricia Ham, Auburn School House Hoping you will enjoy and use some of the recipes I will be giving each month. They have all been tested by me in my home, and will come from many sources. They are easy family food that teenagers and parents will enjoy. DELICATE TWO-EGG CAKE 2 cups all-purpose flour 3 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 cup butter 3/4 cup sugar 2 eggs 3/4 cup milk 1 tsp. vanilla Mix together well the flour, baking powder and salt; set aside. Cream butter, then gradually blend in sugar, add eggs, beating until very light and fluffy. Combine milk and vanilla. Add flour to creamed mixture about 1/4 at a time, alternating with milk mixture, beating lightly after each addition. Turn into 2 greased 8" layer pans. Bake at 35O°F for 25 minutes. When baked turn out on cooling rack. When cold make a nice filling and icing as you like. LEMON CAKE FILLING 2/3 cup sugar 6 tbsp, cornstarch 1 cup boiling water 1 egg yolk, slightly mixed 1 tbsp, butter 1 tbsp, grated lemon rind 1/4 cup lemon juice Combine sugar and cornstarch in top of double boiler. Slowly add boiling water. Cook over low heat stirring constantly until boiling. Cover and place over boiling water and cook 6 - 7 minutes. Slowly stir 2-3 tbsp, hot mixture into egg yolk and return to double boiler. Cook 2 minutes stirring constantly. Stir in butter, rind and lemon juice. Cool. WHITE LAYER CAKE Grease 2 - 8" layer pans and line bottoms with greased paper. Preheat oven to 35O°F. 2 1/2 cup sifted cake flour 4 tsp. baking powder pinch salt 1/2 cup shortening 1 1/4 cup fine sugar 3/4 cup milk 4 egg whites Mix thoroughly flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl; set aside. Cream shortening and one cup sugar until light and fluffy. Blend milk and vanilla. Gradually blend about 1/3 of the milk into the creamed mixture. Beat egg whites until stiff. Gradually beat in remaining sugar until whites will stand in peaks. Add flour mixture to creamed mixture about 1/4 at a time, alternating with three additions of the remaining milk, combining lightly after each addition. Add meringue and fold gently into batter. Turn into prepared pans. Bake and cook for 30 - 35 minutes. ROYAL CAKE FILLING Mix 1 pkg. pudding mix (any flavour) using only 1 1/2 cups milk. Use between layers of cold cake. SNOW FROSTING 2 tbsp, butter 2 1/2 cups sifted icing sugar 2 1/2 tbsp, milk (about) 3/4 tsp. vanilla Cream butter until soft, work in icing sugar alternately with a bit of milk to make a soft icing, work in vanilla, spread on cold cake. PEANUT BUTTER FROSTING 2 tbsp, butter 2 tbsp, peanut butter 1 1/4 cup icing sugar, sifted 2 tsp. lemon juice 1 tbsp, orange juice 4 drops vanilla Cream butter and peanut butter until soft. Work sugar into creamed mixture alternately with fruit juices; use just enough fruit juice to make an icing of spreading consistency. Work in vanilla. Spread on cold cake; dust with cinnamon. Brussels Foodian© We /uwe t/ie 887-9740 CfewUlw X Wae Village of Brussels V Wishing all our patrons very Merry Christmas Holjday_Hpurs Dec. 23rd 9 am - 8 pm & 24th 9 am - 5 pm Closed Dec. 25th to 29th. Open Dec. 30th & 31st Noon - 6 pm Open in January Tuesdays to Saturdays 422 Turnberry St. S., Brussels 887-8875 www.chocolatesandfudge.com Challenge: Finding the time to be active for sixty minutes per day Solution: Spread physical activity throughout your daily routine to work up to 60 minutes. As you progress to more intense exercise you can cut back to 30 minutes 4 times per week. Get started by: • Walking for 10 minutes several times a day - walk instead of taking the car to the store, or mailbox, slip out for a walk at lunchtime, or join a friend for a morning or evening walk. • Walking briskly, jogging, cycling, swimming, skipping or dancing for 20 minutes or more. • Substituting an activity break for a coffee break - bend, stretch, and flex to keep your muscles relaxed and joints mobile for 10 minutes at a time. You can do this at home, at work or out in the great outdoors. • Trying 10 minutes of muscle strengthening or weight resistance activities such as situps, push-ups or weights while you watch TV or before going to bed. • Taking a break and play actively with your kids for 10 minutes or more. • Finding more ways to keep active by checking out the "healthy body quiz" at www.dietitians.ca/eatwell Qittted jAhd. Gratitude, loo! Happy Holidays to all our patrons ano friends. We appreciate yoiir pulling for us this past year. INoel! We value the friendships we've built with customers like you. Hope you all have a happy holiday! B & H Mechanical Brussels 887-9922