Desert Messenger

February 3, 2016 www.DesertMessenger.com 19 ����� | N������ N�N��� ��� F����� C������� C������ It's our last year in Quartzsite! Includes inventory, tents, sew- ing trailer, machines, complete website, pa�erns, etc. WILL TRAIN! BUSINESS FOR SALE! Pet Patio - Tyson Wells Centre #29 Tyson Wells Centre Space 29 661-428-3499 $22,500 Stop by for details Lone S teer Cafe FRY BREAD FUNNEL CAKES BBQ Chicken Breakfast Burrito Burritos • Tacos Sausage Hot Dogs Ice Cream Tyson Well's Centre Across from K B Tools GREAT FOOD! Stop in and say hi to Lyle and Maria DAILY SPECIALS! OPEN DAILY! Our Own SMOKED Chicken, Turkey & Pork! By Joanne Winer To most people who have dogs, their pets are part of their family, and they treat them just like one of the kids. They spend all kinds of money buying food, treats, doggie clothing, etc. and think nothing of pampering their pooches. And it should be that way, especially if you are alone and have no family near--you love to spoil them. One of the hazards of living in or visiting the desert areas is the venomous critters that can do a lot of damage to both people and animals. One of the most fierce of these and the most prevalent in the desert here in the southwest are rattlesnakes. Most of the time, these venom- ous snakes are only out during the hot summer days where you can find them sunning themselves on rocks or under trees or bushes. Once it starts warming up, though, there are some that will come to the surface, and it is times like this when you have to be really care- ful, especially around your house, trailer or campsite. They usually don't bother people, but they will coil and strike if you startle them or if they feel threatened. Mostly they just want to be left alone, but they look for sources of water and food, so they can be a danger to anyone who doesn't look around. Dogs and rattlesnakes don't mix. Every year, thousands of dogs are bitten--they often get it one the nose when they are checking out the holes in the ground and the snakes are still close to the surface. You can get your dog a shot at the vet that will keep them alive if they get bit until you can get them in for treatment. Most dogs recover from snakebites, but there is a great deal of pain, suffering and expense. One of the best things you can do for your dog is to have them trained not to go near a rattlesnake. The dogs are intro- duced to caged, lives snakes and when the dog's attention is on the snakes, the dogs are given a shock from an electronic collar. The dos does not get hurt, but it sure makes them think twice about going anywhere near snakes. Last year, Jim Walkington, from Phoenix, came to the Gold Show in February to teach a class on rattle- snake avoidance at the Quartzsite Improvement Assoc. (QIA) during the show. His classes were very popular and very informative. He is coming back to Quartzsite on February 13 during the Gold Show again at the Q.I.A. and will be having his classes by appointment on the NW corner of the lot. The cost is only $80 per dog, and is well worth the money. To schedule an appointment please call Jim at 480-215-1776. You can check his service online at www.viperavoidance.com. Make sure your best friend learns how to avoid these vipers, and keep them from all the pain they would endure if they get bitten. Rattlesnake avoidance classes at Gold Show

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