By Shannon Butler

November 1 is National Author’s Day. It is a day to celebrate authors for sharing their stories, expanding the frontiers of our imagination – transporting us to faraway lands in days long ago or generations yet to come. Helping kids of all ages slumber soundly, or for entertaining us awake for “just one more chapter”. For giving of themselves to share their knowledge, pain, successes, struggles, expertise, or vision. Inspiring us to learn new lessons about a particular subject or about ourselves, to carry on, take action, help us to feel connected, or at least not alone.

For all of this… to the authors of the stories that entertained or taught us something in the moment, to the ones which shaped our childhoods and those which helped us navigate our present. Thank you.

Want some ideas on how to celebrate National Authors Day?

Read a book you have been meaning to start, visit your local library or bookstore, chat with a librarian or book seller to find out about new authors on a subject or in a field which interest you. Encourage your child to pick out a book and read it together. Share books with your local Little Library. Order a book online and lastly support and encourage an aspiring author you know.

Today Butler Vet Insurance, And Butler & Associates Insurance Agency are celebrating our favorite author – Bill Butler, Founder and President of Butler Vet Insurance and author of the Amazon Best Seller: ProtectingYour Veterinary Practice: Proven Insider Insurance Secrets Every Veterinarian Must Know. Thank you for sharing your knowledge to help ensurethe practices which veterinarians have worked so hard to build are protected.

#National Author’s Day #Billbutlerauthor #insurewithbutler #butlervetinsurance #billbutlerspeaker #ProtectingYourVeterinaryPractice #AppleVallyMN

September is National Preparedness Month

Creating a plan for you and your pets

By Shannon Butler

Did you know that 54% of households in Minnesota and 70% of families in the US (90.5 million families) have at least one pet? According to recent data from the ASPCA, of the 90.5 million families with a pet – 83% describe themselves as living in an area where natural disasters occur. Over 1 in 5 (18,100,000) evacuated their homes due to emergency or disaster. Of those over 18 million evacuees, half (9 million) reported having to leave at least one pet behind. Of those 9 million evacuees, almost 40% (3.6 million) didn’t return home for at least four days. These are startling figures. No one wants to think about disaster striking, or the idea of having to leave a pet behind.

One more striking statistic…90% of pet owners indicate they would not leave a pet behind, but only 46% of pet owners report having an emergency preparedness plan which includes their pet.

If you are thinking now, during National Disaster Preparedness Month, is the time to create a preparedness plan, or review your existing plan here are some tip to help you and you pet should disaster strike:

1. Create a plan. Include a trusted pet-buddy who can get your pet to safety in the event you are unable to.
2. Know where your local pet-friendly evacuation shelters are, and what requirements they may have
3. Microchip your pet, or at least make sure they have id tags and updated contact information.
4. Create a comfort-kit for your pet

Comfort kits are to provide for basic needs and help reduce the stress some pets experience when change occurs. Set a reminder to rotate or replace perishable items.

What to include in your pet’s comfort-kit:
1. Food & water, enough to last 3 days is recommended. (don’t forget a dish to put it in). Keep food in a airtight container and mind expiration dates.
2. Any medication your pet needs to take on a regular basis, & your veterinary clinic information. Place in an airtight container.
3. Pet transportation items – Crate/carrier/pet tote bag, leash, or harness
4. Sanitation items like litter & litter box, pet pads. Include a small pack of pet wipes should a clean-up be necessary.
5. Comfort items – preferred toys, small pet blanket, treats or grooming supplies to help your pet feel more comfortable.
6. In the event you and your pet get separated, a picture of you with the pet may facilitate reunion. Place in airtight container with the medication and veterinary information

Category: Tip

National Author Day November 1, 2022