The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning about hand sanitizer gel that may be dangerous because it contains large amounts of methanol, or wood alcohol, which can be toxic when absorbed through the skin or ingested.
The hand sanitizer is made in Mexico by several different manufacturers, and may be labeled to contain ethanol (also known as ethyl alcohol) but has tested positive for methanol contamination. A list of dangerous contaminated brands can be found at fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-updates-hand-sanitizers-methanol.
“Although people using these products on their hands are at risk for methanol poisoning,” said a release from the FDA, “young children who accidentally ingest these products and adolescents and adults who drink these products as an alcohol (ethanol) substitute are most at risk.”
According to the FDA, methanol is not an acceptable active ingredient for hand sanitizers and must not be used due to its toxic effects. The FDA’s investigation of methanol in certain hand sanitizers is ongoing.
Methanol exposure can result in nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, permanent blindness, seizures, coma, permanent damage to the nervous system or death. Consumers who have been exposed to hand sanitizer containing methanol and are experiencing symptoms should seek immediate medical treatment for potential reversal of toxic effects of methanol poisoning.
“Please check any hand sanitizer against the FDA list before you purchase it,” said Dr. Jennifer Corder, Deputy Health Officer for Garrett and Allegany Counties. “If you find one that is on the FDA list, don’t purchase it and call the Health Department at 301-334-7770 or 301-895-3111 to report where you saw the product. Also check any hand sanitizer you currently have to make sure it is not on the list.”
Anyone who has questions for the FDA regarding hand sanitizers should email COVID-19-Hand-Sanitizers@fda.hhs.gov.
By Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, Garrett County Health Department
Environmental Health Services of the Garrett County Health Department, in conjunction with Animal Control of the Garrett County Sheriff’s Office, reports the first case of laboratory-confirmed rabies for 2020 in Garrett County. A feral cat submitted from the Accident area to the Maryland Department of Health laboratory was confirmed positive for rabies on July 2, 2020.
Earlier that week, the property owner witnessed an attack, by a commonly seen feral cat, on their unvaccinated outdoor cat. Following the incident, the owner observed aggressive behavior from the feral cat followed by lethargic and neurological behaviors. Knowing the signs and symptoms of the rabies virus, the owner contacted Animal Control.
The Animal Control Officer, along with the property owners, successfully captured the feral cat. The feral cat was then euthanized and submitted for testing. Upon receiving the positive rabies result for the feral cat, it was determined that the unvaccinated outdoor cat would need to be euthanized due to the direct exposure. Both the feral cat and outdoor cat had kittens that were captured and removed from the property.
After further investigation, it was determined that the property owner had direct exposure, from a bite, by a kitten. The property owner promptly began rabies post-exposure treatment administered at the emergency room.
This is a reminder that all warm-blooded animals are susceptible to being affected by the deadly rabies virus. The rabies virus is only transferred through the saliva of the infected animal. Signs and symptoms may include neurological signs and changes in the behavior of the animal. In this case, the cat was aggressive, appeared ill and had difficulty standing.
It is important to remember that if your pet is exposed to a wild animal, do not handle your pet within two hours after contact. If it is necessary to handle your pet, you need to wear protective gloves and immediately wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. If you have been bitten by a wild animal that cannot be captured or exposed to an animal suspected of having rabies, seek medical treatment immediately.
Due to COVID-19, the low-cost rabies clinics are postponed until further notice. Although clinics are postponed, pet owners are urged to check the vaccination status of their dogs, cats, and ferrets. All dogs and cats are required, by law, to be vaccinated against rabies by four months of age and can be vaccinated as early as three months.
Anyone with questions regarding rabies should call Environmental Health Services at 301-334-7760 or 301-895-3111.
Date and Time: 7/6/2020 at approximately 9:00pm to 7/7/2020 at 6:00 am Location(s): 36000 Block of Garrett Highway, Accident, Garrett County, Maryland 21520 Suspect(s): Unknown
Narrative:
On 7/7/2020 at approximately 1:52pm, the Maryland State Police McHenry Barrack responded to the 36000 Block of Garrett Highway, Accident, Garrett County, Maryland 21520 in the area of Devils Half Acre Rd for five (5) signs with derogatory statements. The signs were located on the southbound and northbound side of the roads.
Through investigation it is believed the signs were placed at the above location between 7/6/2020 at approximately 9:00pm and 7/7/2020 at 6:00am.
Maryland State Police Criminal Enforcement Division investigator responded and continued the investigations. The signs were recovered as evidence and are being processed for evidence.
At this time, a suspect has not been identified. Anyone with information about the suspect responsible for the signs with derogatory statements, or who was in present during this incident is urged to contact the Maryland State Police is encouraging anyone with information regarding this investigation to contact the Maryland State Police McHenry Barrack or Sgt. Ross at 301-387-1101. Callers may remain anonymous.
The Garrett County Health Department received notification of one additional positive COVID-19 case which brings the county’s total positive cases for Garrett County residents to 19.
The new positive is a male in his teens who does not have symptoms and is isolating at home. He did have contact with a previously reported case.
The next community COVID-19 testing opportunity in Garrett County is scheduled for Friday, July 17, from 7:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot between the Health Department and the Mountain Laurel Medical Center at 1025 Memorial Drive in Oakland.
Testing will be free and without the need for an appointment or a doctor’s order. THIS IS NOT AN ANTIBODY TEST THAT MAY IDENTIFY A PREVIOUS INFECTION. This event is intended for persons who do not have symptoms. Persons with symptoms of COVID-19 or those who want antibody testing should contact their health care provider.
For more information, call 301 334-7770 or 301 895-3111.
“Every summer since 2015, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Park Service has contracted with the Garrett College Natural Resources and Wildlife Technology program to hire students to work as launch stewards at the boat launch at Deep Creek Lake State Park and, on weekends, at Rocky Gap State Park. These students inspect each incoming vessel and trailer for the presence of non-native aquatic plants and animals that may negatively affect the two lakes. More importantly, they inform boaters of the harmful impacts of introducing such species (under Maryland law, it is illegal to knowingly launch a vessel with invasive species present). Our launch stewards this summer are Dakota Knott, Riley Brick, Grant Helmstetter, and Maria Metz.
Last Friday (July 3rd) at the Deep Creek Lake State Park launch, an inspection of a boat, last launched in Cheat Lake, turned up hydrilla, an aggressively invasive non-native species of submerged aquatic vegetation. Later the same day, a boat that had last been in the Ohio River showed up at the launch covered with zebra mussels. The inadvertent introduction of zebra mussels has had devastating economic and ecological consequences for many water bodies. After our students informed the boat owners of the presence of these “aquatic hitchhikers” and the harmful impact they would have on the lake, the owners took their boats to be safely washed.
The weather today will be mostly sunny, with a high near 84 and a low around 64. Isolated showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. East wind 3 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Here is the Garrett County Superintendent of Schools updating us on the reopening plan:
We reported earlier in the week a news note from Meet the Press. This figure has been corrected by the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce:
On July 5, Meet the Press reported that Garrett County has experienced a 579% increase in travel spending since 2019 based on data from AirDNA. However, this number, as reported is not accurate and was misrepresented by the graphic used on Meet the Press.
The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce spoke with AirDNA for clarification on the 579% as it would not be feasible to see that type of increase without building hundreds of new vacation rentals. Please note that the increase included in the Meet the Press report is strictly an increase in Airbnb bookings for the July 4th, holiday week. Here is the specific data provided by AirDNA:
From Elyce Behrsin, PR Associate & James Kinnersly, International Sales Manager, AirDNA:
“Just to clarify, the 579% increase in Bookings for Garrett County, MD compares New Bookings made for the days July 4 – 7, 2019 with July 3 – 6, 2020 as of June 25 in the respective year. So the growth is a comparison of year-over-year bookings for the 4th of July National vacation.
The percentage increase compares the below data points:
• As of June 25 2019, there were 128 Airbnb reservations for Garrett County, MD, with a check-in date during July 4 – 7, 2019.
• As of June 25 2020, there were 869 Airbnb reservations for Garrett County, MD, with a check-in date during July 3 – 6, 2020.”
The report on Meet The Press referred to “short-term rentals” but did not specify the data was based only on Airbnb which makes the number misrepresentative of how vacation rentals are faring. The report also used a graphic that showed it was an increase in travel spending which is completely inaccurate. The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce has contacted Meet the Press with the corrections.
Neighboring West Virginia’s governor is requiring facemasks in any public area as of July 7; similar to Garrett County’s requirement for stores and restaurants. Here’s a graphic shared by the Preston County Health Department:
The Country is currently facing multiple challenges from the COVID19 pandemic to racial issues, the use of force by law enforcement and the protests that have followed. In Garrett County we are not immune to these concerns, I will leave COVID19 to the Health experts but want to weigh in on the other two issues.
Over the past several weeks many people have communicated with me regarding rights to protest, display flags or display items in their yards that others find offensive. Some folks even suggest that certain displays constitute “hate crimes”.
The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees individual right to the freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. As Sheriff I am sworn to uphold the Constitution as are all my deputies. While I may or may not agree with the messages expressed by protesters, I am sworn to protect their right to peaceful expression, and I will faithfully carry out that duty.
Some have mistakenly suggested that these displays may constitute “Hate Crimes”. From the FBI website a hate crime is defined as:
“A hate crime is a traditional offense like murder, arson, or vandalism with an added element of bias. For the purposes of collecting statistics, the FBI has defined a hate crime as a “criminal offense against a person or property motivated in whole or in part by an offender’s bias against a race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender, or gender identity.” Hate itself is not a crime—and the FBI is mindful of protecting freedom of speech and other civil liberties.”
Employees of the Garrett County Sheriff’s Office take great pride in providing professional law enforcement services to all citizens in Garrett County. The Sheriff’s Office has and will continue to take appropriate action in the event of a hate crime, however the mere display of something one finds offensive is not a hate crime.
The Garrett County Sheriff’s Office, as well as every other police departments in the state, complete a monthly Unified Crime Report, reported to the FBI, which captures hate crime statistics. While I know Garrett County is not immune to hate there has been only 1 reported case since 2013 that met the requirements of a reportable hate crime.
As Sheriff I expect our deputies to adhere to the highest professional standards of law enforcement. During my tenure as Sheriff there have been no validated complaints of police brutality.
The use of excessive force has no place in law enforcement. If you would like to report a case of Police Brutality for investigation there is a link to the process on our Garrett County Sheriff’s Office web page. https://www.garrettcounty.org/sheriffs-office This link has been available since 2015, all complaints will be investigated thoroughly.
I certainly understand the concerns regarding racial bias however I am very proud of the outstanding Garrett County Deputies, Correctional Officers, Animal Control Officers and 911 personnel for remaining professional and unbiased during these trying times.
Crimes against citizens because of their Race, Religion, Disability, Ethnicity/ National Origin, Sexual Orientation and Gender are unacceptable. It’s that simple, it’s the law and to tolerate or minimize them is contrary to the culture of the Garrett County Sheriff’s Office.
Thank you for supporting the Men and Women of the Garrett County Sheriff’s Department, Maryland State Police, Maryland Natural Resource Police and Oakland City Police Department
Today’s weather includes a chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2:00 pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 81 degrees and a low around 63. Chance of precipitation is 60%, mainly before 8:00 pm.
Here’s a nice photo of one of our Deep Creek Lake locals near Beckman’s Peninsula, as submitted by reader Lynn Murphy. This fellow is kinda bald, just like me, but we are BOTH good looking (at least my wife thinks so)!
DCL Bald Eagle
According to the Baltimore Sun, Maryland confirmed 492 new cases and 19 new fatalities from the coronavirus Tuesday, pushing the state’s caseload beyond 70,000 as daily counts of new infections trend downward.
WalletHub just updated a study of all 50 states and the District of Columbia ranking least to most coronavirus restrictions, based on over a dozen parameters. Click here to see the report and find out where Maryland (and other states) ranked. Hint: If you think more restrictions are good, we did well…
The Mountain Fresh Farmers Market is open today from 10:00 am – 1::00 pm in downtown Oakland. Here’s the link.
Just a reminder that many local restaurants are now open for indoor/outdoor seating . Here’s a release from Mountain State Brewing Company. It’s also Pasta Night at Ace’s Run. The Manor Steakhouse is also open for carry-out, inside dining and outside dining this evening through the weekend. Other restaurants open as well, call to confirm hours.
A little bragging for Deep Creek Times Online Marketplace here: We posted a boat for sale in our Online Marketplace the other day. It was a 1992 Cobalt 206. Well, we just heard from the seller and it already sold. I was going to highlight it in today’s Daily Notes but now it is a moot point. Here’s a link to Online Marketplace and other “stuff” for sale. Check ’em out…
Finally today, a special guest blog, courtesy of Sarah Sackett, eight years old, from Carroll County, along with a photo taken by her Mom, Amanda:
“Are you looking for an escape from the stresses of coronavirus and a reward for surviving homeschooling? If so, I highly recommend visiting Deep Creek Lake. The slower pace of sitting on the dock, dipping my feet in the water while watching all the wildlife was exactly what I needed. My six-year-old brother Stephen says, ‘spending time relaxing with friends and family is my favorite part.’ What is your favorite thing about Deep Creek Lake?”
The weather was nice yesterday, with the showers holding off until around dinner time. The weather for today will include scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1:00 pm, with Increasing clouds throughout the day and with a high near 84 degrees and a low of around 66. Chance of rain during the day is about 50%.
Well, if it seems busier this year on and around the lake, recent “numbers” back that up. Here’s a link to a report on NBC that shows an over 500% increase in visitors to Garrett County-DCL this year. Not sure of the methodology, but it makes sense, with COVID-19-related restrictions and concerns. I like to say we are ‘close-by, but a world away’ to big population centers such as DC, Baltimore and Pittsburgh.
First United Bank & Trust yesterday sent out a nice update on various facets of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), including insight into loan amount tranparency by the SBA, loan forgiveness developments and other related resource items. Click here to go to First United’s page for a lot more details.
True confession: I will be very glad when COVID-19 news is not front and center and the pandemic is a thing of the past, but for now, we try to provide county- and sometimes state- level updates to our readers.Yesterday, the Garrett County Health Department received notification of another positive COVID-19 case which brings the county’s total positive cases to 15. This positive case is a female Garrett County resident in her 60s who presented with symptoms at a local health care facility. She did not need to be hospitalized and is isolating at home. Feel better…
Here’s a great photo of the full moon and fireeworks taken from the lake the evening of July 4th, as submitted by Louann Eadie. Thanks for sharing Louann.
Fireworks and Moon on July 4th
Finally, we really appreciate getting all of the great photos our readers submit. Please make sure you include your name, location (just mention which part of the lake/area) and date, so we can best describe setting and give our photographers the credit they deserve. Thanks!
The weather over the weekend was wonderfull! Today we have a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2:00 pm and before 8:00 pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 84 degrees and a low around 64.
The Garrett County Health Department/Joint Information Center announced the county’s 14th confirmed case of COVID-19 on Saturday. The individual, a male in his 20s is self isolating at present.
Needless to say, the lake area was abuzz with individuals, couples and families enjoying the great weather and the lake and surroundings over the holiday weekend. Rather than use our community dock and “beach” my wife and I took a jaunt over to the DCL State Park Friday for a dip. People were enjoying themselves and it was nice, even if a large crowd for the holiday weekend. Here’s a photo I took of the beachgoers. Very nice!
State Park Beach 7-3-20
Note the “No Lifeguard on Duty” sign in the above photo. I bring that up because it is incumbent on all of us to treat safety as a prime concern as we enjoy outselves. I saw that a pontoon boat apparently capsized over the weekend. Accidents happen, and I do not pass judgement on anyone (or boat or marina) involved, as I do not know the details, and regardless, I am sure they did not wish to capsize. As a little reminder here, as I heard some not-so-kind comments posted online, please be kind to one another – locals, second homeowners and tourists alike – as we are all part of, and enjoying, the Deep Creek Lake area together.
I have learned that many of our readers enjoy and savor many different ecosystems both near and far, so here’s a link to some interesting insight and statistics from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) focusing on July as Celebrating Habitat Month: Reconnecting with Habitat. Some good stuff from NOAA as usual, even if a bit focused on salt water habitats. Check it out.
OK, speaking of safety and salt water habitats, here’s something we do NOT have to worry about at Deep Creek Lake: “The NOAA Fisheries Alaska Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline received a report that a recreational boat traveling on the west side of Coghlan Island collided with a humpback whale, just outside Auke Bay, north of Juneau, Alaska. The U.S. Coast Guard relayed information that the family in the vessel immediately returned to shore and some members were transported to Bartlett Regional Hospital with serious injuries.” I hope all are OK.
Closer to home, congratulations are in order: Master Deputy State Fire Marshal Jamie Rodeheaver of the Western Regional Office has been named the recipient of the 2019 “James C. Robertson, Deputy State Fire Marshal of the Year” award. “Master Deputy Rodeheaver exemplifies the overall desire and commitment our investigators embrace to ensure the safety of Maryland’s citizens,” stated State Fire Marshal Brian S. Geraci. Nice job and way to go Jamie!
Here’s a nice submission from June Harvey of what looks like dusk at the main part of the lake. Nice photo June and thank you for sharing. I like the orangish/yellowish layers toward the bottom of the sky and wonder if that can be attributed to the dust that came over the ocean from Africa a few days ago. It definitely “softens” the scene, regardless.
Summer at the Lake by June Harvey
And, here’s another photo taken on July 4th by Ed O’Connor. It certainly has the same color hues as the one above. Thanks for sharing Ed and nice job.
As of July 1st, Garrett Regional Medical Center’s main entrance has re-opened for patients and visitors. Everyone entering the building will be screened and are required to wear a mask at all times. Patients will be allowed one adult visitor during designated visiting hours between 12pm and 7pm daily. For a full description of the new visitation guidelines, visit grmc-wvumedicine.org.
The weather today will be sunny with a high near 82 and a low around 62. Northwest wind 3 to 8 mph. Tomorrow, for Independence Day, mostly sunny, with a high near 81 and a low around 61. Sunday will have a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm but otherwise mostly sunny with a high near 83 and a low of 63.
Governor Larry Hogan reminds us: “As we prepare for the holiday weekend, Marylanders should continue practicing physical distancing, wearing masks when in public places, and avoiding large gatherings. Our long-term recovery can only be effective if we all continue exercising personal responsibility. https://t.co/UGrNXwCEBr”
Have you seen our COVID-19 Information page? If you are coming into town for a visit, we’ll do our best to keep you updated with the current Maryland rules and requirements.
Holly Slusser Kern is a DCT fan and has been sharing awesome photos with us lately! She took this one and has earned the site’s cover photo spot for the month of July, too.
This is Bart Simpson flying his powered parachute over Deep Creek Lake.
The Deep Creek Lake Lions Boat Parade is tonight. Also, the Broadford Lake Fireworks display is at dusk — “A Fireworks Spectacular”. Admission is $3 per person, children 8 and under $1.
Tomorrow is the big Deep Creek Lake firewors display “Fire on the Mountain”: For any location you choose to view the fireworks from, please remember to practice social distancing. Prime viewing locations for the annual display include:
◦Scenic overlook along Rt. 219
◦Wisp Resort
◦Lawn at Garrett College
◦Boat on Deep Creek Lake, particularly McHenry Cove
◦Local Businesses in McHenry
There is an additional COVID-19 drive-thru test site planned for tomorrow at the Garrett County Fairgrounds.
Speaking of the Garrett County Agricultural Fair that was planned for August 1 – 8, 2020 …. it has been officially cancelled.
But, the Garrett County Farm Bureau with support from the members of the Garrett County Livestock Association and Garrett County Fair Board will be hosting a 2020 Livestock Expo and Sale. This will be held Tuesday, August 4th – Saturday, August 8th for Garrett County 4-H and FFA members only. Entries are now open and will be due by Wednesday, July 15th, 2020. Registration form is available here: https://forms.gle/SxEiDBzNq1MoSPWX8
OK! So, this is an EASY one because I want as many people as possible to have a chance at this month’s gift card! The “Where Am I?” contest is live!
Getting Through the Pandemic: A Nonprofit’s Perspective
Editor’s Note: This cover article was written and submitted at our request by the leadership of HART for Animals, a local and very deserving animal rescue enterprise. We wanted to publicize the plight of local nonprofit organizations through a story from one nonprofit’s perspective on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. If you love animals, want to help a local nonprofit or nonprofits, please consider a donation, as funds are really needed during these times. Please also consider participation in “The Wine & Weekend Raffle” which is set to “replace” the annual Deep Creek Lake Art & Wine Festival this year. Thanks in advance for any support you can provide. Mike
The challenges that everyone has been facing over the past four months is not news. Businesses are struggling, family members have lost their jobs, and parents are unexpectedly learning how to be teachers. It’s a new world and, for nonprofits, it can be an overwhelming hurdle to stay afloat. HART for Animals, an animal welfare organization located here in Garrett County, is just one of the local nonprofits that has seen a dramatic reduction in donations, grants, and fundraising opportunities due to the impact of COVID-19.
Since 2003, HART for Animals has been rescuing animals from the county shelter and transporting them to larger rescue groups. It became clear that the magnitude of the task required a creative solution, so the organization launched a capital campaign to build a unique facility in the mountains of Western Maryland. It would be a place dedicated to saving the lives of homeless animals with the ability to support itself through revenue centers, grants, private donations, and fundraisers. The HART Animal Center was completed in 2016, and contains the Adoption Wing for homeless animals, the full-service Bredel Veterinary Clinic, the Bed ‘n Bark Inn pet hotel, and MuttWorks Grooming. The revenue from these services supports the basic functions of the HART Center: rescue, sheltering, adoption, transport, low-cost and no-cost spay/neuter surgeries, and preventive care. HART spends 87% of all its income on programs to save the lives of animals.
HART, in common with many nonprofits, relies on major fundraising events and activities to support their mission. “As a result of COVID-19, we will not be able to hold most of our fundraising events, including our major event, the Art & Wine Festival,” says Mercedes Pellet, President of HART. “In addition, some of our major foundations have postponed all funding applications until the end of the year, which means that we will have to rely only on revenue from the revenue centers, which will not be enough to support the Adoption Wing,” she adds.
HART has an event almost every month and, with restrictions on gatherings, budget projections for this year show a significant decline. “Our fundraising projection is about $150,000 this year, “ says Paula Yudelevit, Executive Director of HART. “All events are canceled or postponed with no set dates, but we are looking at finding creative ways to raise much-needed money.” One event, the “Fast & Furriest” fun run/walk, held on June 27, was HART’s first try at virtual activities. The annual fun run and walk normally raises about $5,000 in revenues through sponsorships and race entries. “Although we didn’t raise what we normally do, we feel the virtual run/walk was successful for our first go at it.”, Yudelevit adds.
The Deep Creek Lake Art & Wine Festival, has been modified to meet the state’s restrictions on social distancing. Now in its 16th year, co-chairs Mary Callis and Paula Yudelevit, and their committee, have developed an opportunity to raise funds for their respective nonprofits, Garrett Lakes Arts Festival (GLAF) and HART. “The ‘Wine & Weekend Raffle’ will be a way to keep the festival in the minds of our patrons while providing much-needed funds for our worthy organizations,” says Mary Callis, Executive Director of GLAF. “GLAF performances for the most part have been canceled, and these funds will ensure a 2021 season and surpasses COVID.”
Combined, the festival provides a total of $60,000 each year toward GLAF’s and HART’s missions. “The cost to house one animal in our Adoption Wing averages $450 per month. The Art & Wine Festival allows us to assess, provide behavior modification, feed, shelter, and provide veterinary assistance to our once-homeless animals,” says Yudelevit.
While in the planning stages, the “Wine & Weekend Raffle” will include five-weekend adventures in Garrett County and include wine-pairing dinners, lodging, an outdoor adventure, and two tickets to the 2021 Deep Creek Lake Art & Wine Festival. The raffle tickets will be limited and include a $10 discount coupon for the 2021 festival.
As restrictions change throughout the remainder of the year and through 2021, HART will continue to find new opportunities to raise funds for homeless animals. The “HAVE A HART Guest Bartender Challenge,” held annually in May, will be moved to later in the year, if Maryland continues to ease some of the COVID-19 rules.
For additional information on HART, the HART Animal Center, or any of its programs, or to donate, please visit the HART web site at www.hartforanimals.org or become part of the HART for Animals community on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HARTforAnimals.
The 4th of July is the busiest time for shelters – and not in a good way. Many of us know how to keep our beloved 4-legged family members safe, but with neighborhood gatherings, family and friends visiting, and just the outdoor nature of the holiday, sometimes a door stays open long enough for a scared dog or cat to escape. Please ask your guests to be mindful of your pets or, better yet, keep them in a secure area for the evening. They may not like it, but they will love you later.
For pets with anxiety issues, please call the Bredel Veterinary Clinic and make an appointment with Dr. Jessy for options to help your pets. Thei number is 301.387.7729. Happy and safe 4th of July to all of you!
