This is one of my many animal loves, Raleigh, an adorable Cavalier. 

Ok, so y'all are probably wondering how pets relate to real estate.   They do in soooo many ways.  After all, they have become members of the family in American households.  And how am I qualified to know about "pet matters?"   Well, I have 3 horses, 4 dogs, 2 cats, 13 chickens, 5 goats, and 2 box turtles to start with...  and I am a member of the Pet Realty Network, which specialized in meeting the real estate needs of pet owners.  Check out my page at : https://www.petrealtynetwork.com/agent_info.asp?id=312 or my website (esp. my Photo Album!) at http://BeeRealty.com .

Anyway, I have been thinking today a lot of my own pet needs.  We have 3 hurricanes - Hanna, Ike & Josephine, kinda aimed right at us here in the Carolinas, and so, in preparing for them, I also have to take care of my pets.  Thankfully I am inland a bit (3 hrs to the coast), but know that even here, you have to take your pets into consideration.  I also have a good bit of property to accomodate them all (nearly 18 acres) but I have taken the time this week to stock up on pet food, make sure I have easily accessible copies of their shot and health records (including the all important Coggins test for my horses if I suddenly have to go across state lines!),  and have their carriers and trailers in good working (and cleaned) shape.  I have cleared the fields where the horses are, of an potential flying debris and loose tack, checked on fence boards & reinforced loose ones, and made sure any loose tools are put away inside so they don't become dangerous spears! 

I also made sure I have all of their regular meds, and an adequate supply of buffered aspirin (for dogs for pain), Corona and Antibiotic Spray for horses & goats, along with Bute and other pain and tranquelizing meds for horses that may become necessary.  The chicken coop has been checked to make sure it is as durable as possible, and a sheet of plywood on standby for the window, if it becomes necessary.  I have plenty of gauze and other supplies, along with a very ample supply of feed for all of the critters.  Their water troughs are being kept filled because even though we have well water, if we lose power, we lose the well.  A generator takes gasoline, which is often in short supply after a hurricane due to power outages and supply lines being shut down. So generators would only be used if absolutely necessary.  Besides, full water troughs are a whole lot less likely to blow away in a storm.  :-)

I have the rare luxury of having a basement in my home here in the Carolinas, where I have moved my dog and cat crates too, and where I am absolutely sure my son will move his precious box turtle cage too, if the need should arise, as well.  All their supplies, as well as most of our hurricane disaster items, are there as well... flashlights, candles, battery operated radios, water, some food, and some blankets.  Tornadoes often do strike, well inland, as they spin off of the tropical systems.  I am ever mindful of that.

Anyway, I was just thinking everyone should take a moment to consider your pet emergency needs during this hurricane season.  Afterall, they are members of our family.... and we need to be responsible pet owners and take care of them too. 

Also feel free to check out this article: http://maestro-trk.bloodhorse.com/trk/click?ref=zqoqmnmb8_1-a89x3339ax135715&  from Blood Horse on more resources for your pet emergency needs during this time.

Be safe everyone, and please pass along this information to your customers.  They will thank you for it!

Blessings from Blessing Hill Farm and Bee Realty - Waxhaw, NC