AROUND CHAPIN AND IRMO

Pets and extreme heat are not a safe combination. One warm night this week, I had a “close encounter of the lost dog kind.” While climbing the stairs to the front porch, a small black dog met me on the stairs. He had been on the porch resting in the shade. He slid by me before I could catch him. Since then I have left food for him if in case he came back.  He had a plaid collar on and is someone’s beloved pet.  

Keeping our pets safe in this hot season became a reality for us when our old cat slipped into our car unbeknownst to us. We found him an hour later, panting and in heat distress.  We put a fan on him, gave him cold water and prayed he was not adversely affected. An hour later he was happily playing with the new kitten! Hot temperatures are dangerous because animals don’t sweat. They cool by panting. I have seen my chickens pant in hot temperatures.

Never leave pets in a car, keep them off hot surfaces, shave heavy fur to keep them cool and make sure they have plenty of water and food.

We humans love beautiful sunsets and moonlit nights. Take your significant other to Saluda Shoals for “The Moonlight on the Murray” July 26 at 6 p.m. Cost for the kayaks and paddles is $30 per person.  For info, call 803-772-1228 or email Bryan Senn, bsenn@icrc.net

Who would have imagined 18-inch American Girl dolls of different cultures and eras of history would be so popular with young girls? The Chapin Library will have an American Girl Hair Style Clinic July 14 at 10 a.m. Call 803-345-5479 for info.

 Science, technology, engineering, art, and math all collide July 14, at the Irmo Library to produce an explosion of cool experiments and summer learning for kids in K-5.

The STEAM program will stimulate kids minds and interests. For more information call 803-798-7880