Planning A Road Trip? Here Are Tips On How To Keep Your Pets Safe During Travel

For some pet parents, a trip's no fun if the four-legged members of the family can't come. But traveling can be highly stressful, both for you and your animal companions. With thoughtful preparation, you can ensure a safe and comfortable trip for everyone.

Planning a road trip? Traveling with a pet involves more than just loading the animal in the back seat and motoring off—especially if you will be driving long distances or plan to be away for a long time. The ASPCA offers the following tips to help you prepare for a safe and smooth car trip:

1. Keep your pets safe and secure in a well-ventilated crate or carrier. There are a variety of wire mesh, hard plastic and soft-sided carriers available. Whatever you choose, make sure it's large enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down and turn around in. And P.S., it's smart to get your pet used to the carrier in the comfort of your home before your trip. 
2. Get your pet geared up for a long trip by taking him on a series of short drives first, gradually lengthening time spent in the car. And please be sure to always secure the crate so it won't slide or shift in the event of a quick stop. 
3. Your pet's travel-feeding schedule should start with a light meal three to four hours prior to departure. Don't feed your furry friend in a moving vehicle—even if it is a long drive. 
4. Never leave your animal alone in a parked vehicle. On a hot day, even with the windows open, a parked automobile can become a furnace in no time, and heatstroke can develop. In cold weather, a car can act as a refrigerator, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death. 
5. What in your pet's traveling kit? In addition to travel papers, food, bowl, leash, a waste scoop, plastic bags, grooming supplies, medication and a pet first-aid kit, pack a favorite toy or pillow to give your pet a sense of familiarity. 
6. Make sure your pet has a microchip for identification and wears a collar with a tag imprinted with your home address, as well as a temporary travel tag with your cell phone, destination phone number and any other relevant contact information. Canines should wear flat (never choke!) collars, please. 
7. Don't allow your pet to ride with his head outside the window. He could be injured by flying objects. And please keep him in the back seat in his crate or with a harness attached to a seat buckle. 
8. Traveling across state lines? Bring along your pet's rabies vaccination record, as some states requires this proof at certain interstate crossings. While this generally isn't a problem, it's always smart to be on the safe side. 
9. When it comes to H2O, we say BYO. Opt for bottled water or tap water stored in plastic jugs. Drinking water from an area he's not used to could result in tummy upset for your pet. 
10. If you travel frequently with your pet, you may want to invest in rubberized floor liners and waterproof seat covers, available at auto product retailers.

SOURCE:  http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/car-travel-tips.aspx

Yark Automotive Group Walking Path

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St. Patrick's Day Safety Tips

We are fast approaching St. Patrick's Day, when everyone is Irish for a day, right? Many of us will be donning our green t-shirts, Leprechaun hats and shamrock socks for a day of celebration!!!  But whether you are going out to celebrate at a local pub or hosting a party at home, remember these St. Patrick's Day safety tips to ensure your day is full of lucky charms.......

•  Don't bring valuables to any celebration. Only bring with you what is necessary, such as your driver's license, money, a phone and shamrock necklaces. 

•  If you're attending an event with a large crowd, such as a local St. Patty's Day parade, be aware of your surroundings and locate where you can go for help if necessary. 

•  If you plan on drinking, don't drive! Protect yourself and others by having a designated driver and make sure everyone wears a seatbelt. 

•  If you are the designated driver, watch out for intoxicated walkers who pay no attention to lights or crosswalks. 

•  Use public transportation or take a cab both to and from your location so you can avoid leaving your car in an unfamiliar place overnight. Many places offer free rides. 

•  If going out with a group of friends, have everyone "buddy up" to make sure they get home safely. 

•  Stay hydrated and fed. Make sure you don't drink on an empty stomach and definitely consume water or non-alcoholic beverages in between the green beer. 

•  Do not leave drinks unattended. Many pubs have outdoor tents set up with port-a-potties outside. Finish your drinks before hitting the restroom. 

•  If you become separated from your group, don't wander off alone. Ask the party staff to contact a taxi company for you. 

•  If the party is at your house, have guests turn their keys in to you when they arrive. That way you can ensure that everyone has a safe ride home. But be prepared to let your guests stay the night as an alternative. 

•  Have phone numbers handy for a cab company, emergency contacts and poison control. 

•  Have plenty of food and snacks available so your guests aren't drinking on an empty stomach. 

•  If cups are unattended for a while, dump them out, especially if there are curious kids around. 

There are plenty of fun things to do on St. Patrick's Day with family and friends, but it's important to have a high level of awareness when it comes to safety. Good health and happiness is the real pot of gold!



SOURCE:  WWLP.com

The Walleye and ProMedica Team Together To Fight Breast Cancer

Yark Automotive Group is a proud sponsor and supporter of the Toledo Walleye!  In last weekend's game, the Walleye and ProMedica joined forces to support the fight against breast cancer.  This year, the Walleye played TWO "Pink in the Rink" games to raise money and breast cancer awareness. Additionally, information will be available on the screening, treatment, survivor, and prevention services offered through the ProMedica Cancer Institute and Komen for the Cure of Northwest Ohio. 

Medical Mutual Glass City Marathon Announces Charity Partners for 2013 Event

Medical Mutual Glass City Marathon is pleased to announce its official charity partners for this year's event taking place on April 28, 2013. The charity partners are as follows: Great Lakes Collaborative for Autism, Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity, Kids Unlimited, Family House, Catholic Charities, Girls on the Run and Research Down Syndrome. The Medical Mutual Glass City Marathon is brought to you by Medical Mutual, Owens Corning, Yark Subaru, The University of Toledo, The Toledo Blade, WNWO, Cumulus, The Andersons, Subway, Metroparks of Toledo, Dave's Running Shop, Michelob Ultra, Findley Davies and Great Black Swamp Brewery.

Yark Employee Night At The Toledo Walleye

Yark Automotive Group takes pride in supporting our community and giving our employees enjoyable experiences like Walleye and Mud Hens outings!  This was our first year for the Walleye Employee Appreciation Night and over 300 employees and family members joined us for the game!  Please see pictures of this event below.