By Susan Orr
Updated Monday, March 30, 2009
Hunter, a Jack Russell terrier, ate a very dangerous snack last month.
The 16-pound pooch ate 5.3 ounces of dark European chocolate — a food that can be fatal to dogs because they cannot metabolize the methylxanthines it contains.
"That little stinker got into a lunch pail," said Willie Ruckman, Hunter's owner.
Luckily, Ruckman knew what to do: He used hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting. He then rushed Hunter to the vet, who told Ruckman that his quick action helped save his pet's life.
Ruckman is a volunteer instructor for the American Red Cross of Southwestern Indiana, and pet first aid is among the classes he teaches.
As a registered nurse who works at the Evansville State Hospital, Ruckman already had a medical background, but the pet first-aid training taught him things he hadn't known.
"I was glad I had this training, because I knew what to do," Ruckman said.
Classes focus on either dogs or cats, depending on what students want.
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Enroll in Pet First Aid in New York City today!
Topics range from disaster planning (if you evacuate your home, don't leave pets behind); to taking a dog's temperature (normal canine temperature range is 100 degrees to 102.5 degrees); to handling an injured dog (always muzzle the animal first).
Students also practice CPR, rescue breathing and choking rescue on canine mannequins.
To date, most students have taken the class for job-related reasons. This is a must have certification for petsitters, dog trainers, animal shelter workers, search and rescue groups and public safety officers who work with canines.
The class is open to anyone in New York City and can be taught to the entire family —parents and children together.
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Learn more
What: American Red Cross Certified pet first-aid class
Where: Throughout the 5 Boroughs
Cost: $100 per student, includes instruction and Pet first-aid manual ($20 discount for each additional student and further group discounts available).
To register: call John at 212-882-1120 or email at matisj@gmail.com
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