6A COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL FEBRUARY 7, 2018
Pet Cremation
Dignifi ed Options for Our Faithful Friends
At Smith Lund Mills we believe that pets
are an important member of any family.
When a pet dies it can be very diffi cult
time for everybody involved. We
understand the feelings of losing a pet and
our professional, caring staff will be ready
to assist you during this time of loss.
W
e should emulate our dogs’ loving,
kind and compassionate traits!
They do not care what color, size or breed
another dog is. It is common-sense-confus-
ing why all humans don't act this way. All
puppies and human babies want to be loved,
fed, treated with kindness, supported and
cared for as they grow.
When you love a puppy it doesn't matter
that the little mutt-mix is long/short furred,
or its soft coat is polka dotted, striped, sol-
id or tri-colored. Similarly, why would one
care if a child is black, white, striped or has
pink polka dots? World over, the little ones
want to be loved and give love. Neither chil-
dren or dogs care what color their parents
are or what religion they, their neighbors, or
others in far off countries hold.
Place a passel of multi-sized puppies in a
pen. Watch them innocently bounce around
looking for others to play with. Similarly,
when our children arrive at playgrounds
they, too, have one purpose in mind; to fi nd
other children who want to have fun! They
are blind to color, social status, gender, re-
ligion, who is able bodied, or not, unlike
some of their parents. If a child joins them
in play or chase, then that child is instantly
their "best friend". Everyone should follow
their lead and "play nice".
Take time and watch puppies and kid-
dies play. The little ones' enthusiasm and
joy makes hearts smile and open up to new
paws-ibilities. Have you asked, "Why
does someone judge others? Did a parent
instill cruel beliefs in them?" Be like the
black short haired Doberman and fl uffy
white German Shepherd joyfully chasing
each other, or like the Great Dane snug-
gling down for a nap with his best Shih
Tzu friend. They are feeling carefree, hap-
py, loved and accepted for who they are.
Something that every human enjoys.
Years ago, my high school teachers in-
troduced a brilliant plan to help end preju-
dice against our "cold war" enemies. The
staff knew that exposing us to "the enemy"
would teach us, the next generation, to
view politics and the media with a broad-
er canvas. Shortly after, teenage Russian
exchange students arrived into our school
because as a wise teacher said, "You can't
hate close up."
At fi rst those teens, and us, were nervous.
Then the magic began. We could not speak
the same language, but just like a pack of
puppies playing together, we broke the cold
barrier. We experienced, fi rst hand, that they
are like us. What was to hate about happy
basketball players your age with a sense of
humor who were kind to others?
When the Russian students returned to
their families and classmates they shared
how the "enemy" (us) had treated them.
This experience educated both of our cul-
tures how wonderful families in other coun-
tries are and how much we truly have in
common. Everyone was left with wonderful
memories of respecting, playing and learn-
ing together.
Then several of our students went into
"enemy territory" (Russia) and had the same
enlightening experience. Both sides learned
that the angry barking dog that the media
paw-trayed of the "other" country was re-
ally a pussy cat who wanted nothing better
than to play and have their chins scratched
like them. This experience broke the stereo-
type of the enemy to both country's teachers
and students, changing the entire the high
schools' pup-ulation purr-adime of blindly
hating. Our teachers were amazing!
The day my daughter's rescue dog, Bud-
dy, was lead by leash into his new home I
watched as he spotted the fi rst of her four
cats. He lunged for the helpless friendly
feline like a crocodile with an open mouth,
snapping it loudly shut like the Nestle's
chocolate milk commercial's dog trying to
bite ithe cat's head off. Apparently, time is a
wonderful healer because less than a month
later, an email photo arrived with Buddy
peacefully sleeping with two cats in his
bed! Fear, anger, aggression was lifted with
co-habitation just like our teachers visual-
ized.
Watch your pet, learn some of their best
qualities and be like the man that declared,
"I try to be the person that my dog sees in
me." Life is short, run through it with a lov-
ing heart, not one fi lled with hate and fear
like a dog tied to a short leash restricting its
moves, barking at anything that walks by it.
Now go out and chase that ball!
"The world is my country,
all mankind are my brethren,
and to do good is my religion."
- Thomas Paine (U.S. Founding Father)
TIPS
Take your dog to the dog park and fi nd a
new best friend for them and you!
Take a DNA test, and be amazed what
kind of mutt mix you are! The knowledge
will dissolve any prejudice. (Today, there
are DNA tests available for dogs!)
My grandchildren love their rescued Dal-
matian Mexican mutt mix dog, Buddy, and
Buddy loves his American mutt mix chil-
dren who are American, Cambodian, Cana-
dian, East Indian, English, French, German,
Irish, Italian, Samoan and Scandinavian
heritage. Yes, all in all, they are a perfect
mix!
Tell us your fun/amazing/crazing pet tips
and tales.
angelscribe@msn.com
“Follow” Pet Tips ‘n’ Tales on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/PetTipsand-
Tales
Adopt Loving Pets
www.PetFinder.com
(541) 942-0185
123 S. 7th St., Cottage Grove
Visit smithlundmills.com for more information.
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541-686-1732
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Caring for Children’s Teeth
Bad Habits
Educating your children about good oral care will
promote a healthy mouth as they age. Get your child
to learn good habits and teach them how to properly
brush and fl oss. This could help them avoid costly
dentist bills in the future.
You can help your baby avoid learning bad habits by
discouraging thumb sucking, sleeping with a bottle or
excessive use of a pacifi er. All of these habits can lead
to serious dental trouble if performed after permanent
teeth have set in.
The American Dental Association recommends a fi rst
visit to the dentist as soon as the fi rst tooth comes in
and no later than 1 year old. This early exam can give
your dentist an opportunity to identify tooth decay and
discuss bad habits that may promote decay.
Constant sucking can cause problems with the growth
of your child’s mouth and the alignment of his
teeth. It’s best to break these habits long before his
permanent teeth grow in and avoid these unnecessary
risks.
Baby Teeth
Toothpaste and Floss
Your child’s fi rst set of teeth are nearly completely
formed at birth. According to the ADA, your child’s
teeth will typically begin showing around the six-
month mark. Taking great care of these baby teeth
is very important in the health of permanent teeth.
Properly maintained baby teeth can help permanent
teeth grow in straight.
Once your child is over 3 years old, the ADA
recommends the regular use of children’s fl uoride
toothpaste. Fluoride is an active cavity fi ghter and can
strengthen developing tooth enamel.
Baby teeth should be cleaned every day. They should
be wiped down with a wet washcloth as they begin to
show. Once the teeth become bigger and stronger, you
will be able to use a child’s toothbrush.
You should apply no more than a pea-sized drop of
toothpaste to your child’s toothbrush. Your child
should brush their teeth no less than twice a day for
two minutes each time.
The ADA also recommends fl ossing as soon as your
child’s teeth are touching. When looking for tooth-
care products for your child, look for the ADA Seal of
Acceptance stamped on the package
Dentistry with Family in Mind
C ALL U S T ODAY !
541.942.7934
350 E. W ASHINGTON A VENUE • C OTTAGE G ROVE
WWW.CGSMILES.COM
Douglas G. Maddess, DMD
Brightening Lives
One Smile at a Time
914 South 4th St. • CG • 541-942-1559
douglasgmaddessdmd.com