The Sign
My awesome sign.
I have an irritably large part of my brain dedicated to worry. I worry about everything, all the time. Every day. My husband likes to tell me that I don’t know how to relax, but I do. I read books and play video games. I cannot just sit and do nothing. That does not relax me, it makes me want to do something productive. But, back to the worrying. When it comes to my dogs, I worry about leaving them alone in the house. Not that they will destroy things anymore, but I’m scared something will happen and they will be stuck here all alone.
A long time ago, I was at a pet store and noticed that they had these emergency signs for in your window that alerted people that you have pets. I wanted one, but I did not have the money that day. When I went back to get one, they were sold out. Hmmm. So, eventually, on one of those days where my husband just wanted to sit and I wanted to do something productive, I did.
I made an emergency animal sign on the computer. It has our total number of each species (2 dogs, 1 cat), with cartoon pictures, emergency contact numbers for my husband and myself, and it’s all red and black and white and noticeable on the front door. So, now, I feel like if something bad happens to the house when we are gone, my pets won’t be left here without any help. Personally, I suggest every pet owner consider making one of these. If you aren’t good with computers, make one by hand. If you really worry—like me—make a card sized one to put in your wallet should anything happen to you. It will alert emergency staff that you do have animals that will need to be cared for in your absence. List a couple numbers for them to call, how many pets you have and what kind, and your address. I used clear wide tape to laminate everything, and it worked just fine.
We can’t take our pets everywhere that we go, it just isn’t possible. And, if anything happened to us, what would happen to them? They need to be let out, fed, watered, loved, played with, and perhaps even saved. If no one knows they’re there, how can anyone help them? Perhaps it is a bit over the top, but I would rather it be that than to have that extra worry on me every time I go out the door. Plus, I am pretty proud of myself for actually making the sign. I have even made one for my neighbour and another friend, who hadn’t thought of doing it before. So, if you have pets, and you worry like me, give it a try. Make it as pretty as you want. Paint it, write it, print it, whatever. Just think about it.
fostrickson 
Great idea. I tell all of my clients especially if I do not see one in their home and hope to be selling them in my catalogue division when it is up and running.
Great plan! I think a lot of people just haven’t thought of one yet, because whenever people see mine they always comment on it.
I’ve got one! It has the information for our vet’s office on it also.
Oh, good addition!
Great job!! Many years ago our fire department gave us stickers for each door. Our doors have been replaced though and the stickers could not be removed. Your post is a reminder that I should get more stickers or a sigh. Thank you! Hugs and nose kisses
No problem at all! I always kept forgetting too, but they are a good thing to have. They help with peace of mind, at least for me.
It is criminal to not have a sign that clearly stated there are animals on the property. We had a kitchen fire here…and there were 3 cats inside…the fire fighters helped us retrieve efurrybody ‘cuz of that sign
I am sorry to hear that that happened to you, but what a great story to enforce the post. Glad that everyone was saved!
What a terrific idea! Now I just need to convince my aesthetic purist husband to allow me to post it. 🙂 I especially worried about our dog back when we crated him when we were out, thinking that if he could at least get to a window, someone would see him. Now, he spends most of the day laying in the front window ledge — I could put an arrow on the sign pointing at him — ha ha. Great eye-catching choice of graphics, too!
Thanks! I’m sure you could make one that was more attractive—I’m just lazy and not good at crafts! Hahaha.
I should have clarified that it was not the quality of your signage! Not the case at all — ANY sign would be a stretch for my purist. 🙂
Oh, don’t worry! I took no offence. I just thought maybe a prettier one would make him more open to it. I didn’t give my man a choice, lol.
Thank you so much for this super-important idea! Living in California gives cause to prepare for natural disasters, like earthquakes, so I will make sure to make this sign ASAP!
Awesome! Glad it did some good! 🙂
I feel like you just described me! Thank you! I was beginning to think I was actually nuts. I loath having to leave my dog home alone. Everyone just kinda glances at me and chalks it up to strange worrying habits when I admit this though. This is an awesome idea! Thanks. 😉
I’m a little obsessive compulsive, so I am sure that plays into it a bit (not to say that you are!), but I often worry about things that my husband doesn’t at all. Poor guy! lol Glad you liked the idea, it makes me feel alright about leaving.
Ah, it’s good for him 😉 I too worry about some of the most off the wall things. I think its the worst on a person when they’re worrying over something they can’t control.
Super idea! We live in a flood zone and have all our animals registered with the firemen should a rescue be necessary. Must remember to keep it up to date.
That’s a great thing to do! In AB, Canada, we haven’t got too many natural disaster threats to worry about, but I worry about our house because it’s old and you never know what could happen.
The sign is really cool and a great idea indeed.
Thank you! 🙂
Me, too! I am a constant worrier, and particularly so with regard to my animals. I keep meaning to get one of those signs, but never thought of making one on my computer. Great idea! Thanks!
No problem! Glad that you got something from the post. When the idea finally came to me to make one I felt like a genius, hahaha.
That’s a brilliant idea!
Although I would love to take all the credit for the idea, I can’t since I stole it from a pet store. But I’m glad you liked the post!
But it was sold out!