Speaking as someone whose bad, bad dog spent the last hour of Christmas 2010 stealing and devouring an entire dark chocolate orange, rushing to the emergency vet, and subsequently costing her owner $800 in vet bills, we recommend you take a look through these tips sent out by Columbia Veterinary Hospital today.

Lights, decorations, good food ... every year, as we celebrate the holidays, we fill our homes with seasonal cheer for ourselves and our families. However, what may seem beautiful and harmless to us may pose hidden dangers to our pets. Don't let an emergency spoil the festivities! Below are some common holiday hazards for dogs and cats and ways to prevent them.

Dangerous foods: The following can be toxic to pets: chocolate, raisins, grapes, macadamia nuts, garlic, onion, alcohol, caffeinated beverages, bread dough, and sugar-free candy and gum containing the artificial sweetener xylitol.

Give the gift of life this holiday season! Cat rescue group Purrfect Pals offers sanctuary to cats that are especially difficult, or impossible to find homes for. These are cats who have tested positive for FIV or feline leukemia, cats with behavioral issues, feral cats, geriatric cats, and cats with diabetes or other long-term health issues.  All live in colonies in a clean, comfortable, cat-oriented environment, receiving regular veterinary care.  

To help support these special needs cats, Purrfect Pals has created "Cat Sponsor Cards," featuring ten of the more challenging felines that the shelter cares for.

Like Tick Tock, pictured above. Also known as "Big Mama," Tick Tock is a sweet cat who loves attention from people but has a condition called Cerebellar Hypoplasia which affects her motor control. She is healthy and happy, but a bit on the clumsy side sometimes, so Puffect Pals has not been able to find a home for her yet. In the meantime, she is content living with her pals at the shelter.