Veterans Day serves as a consistent and faithful reminder of how our nation’s freedom, liberty and justice has been preserved by the dedication of the men and women in our armed forces. This special day also highlights and underscores our nation’s commitment to all its veterans and their families.

This Veterans Day, let us remember our commitment to care for those who so bravely fought for our freedom. Let us honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, and let us never forget the reason for this important day: Veterans Day is a celebration to commemorate our service members and their families for their patriotism, love of country, love of freedom and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. 

As we celebrate and give back to all those who so bravely fought to protect the freedom of this nation, let us also remember all of the men and women who are currently deployed and  in harm’s way. We need to keep them constantly in our thoughts and prayers.

As a rental cabin owner, it is important to offer as many amenities and enticements to renters as you can. If your cabin does not have internet access, it should be made a priority. Guests often need to stay connected even when they take a vacation in the Smokies? Many people work on their computers and others even if they  are on vacation they still need to have internet access to get their email, browse pages on the internet or to  post pictures of the great getaway they are having in Facebook or Twitter.

Internet access is becoming an important criteria in vacation rental selection. It can mean the difference between a guest booking your cabin or a cabin of your more switched-on competitor.Also, offering internet access can definitely increase the potential for off-season rentals so it is worthwhile to check it out.

Halloween is just around the corner and people are starting to get ready for the “haunting season” with frightfully festive decorations and foods.

Here are some safety issues revolving around your pets during the Halloween celebrations:

1. Stress: Continual doorbell ringing, loud voices, unfamiliar costumes, scary sounds and large numbers of strangers can cause your pet to become stressed and aggressive. This can lead to unexpected situations that could potentially lead to injuries or other unpleasnt occurences. As much as possible, keep your pets safely at home in a quiet place.

2. Poisoning: Many Halloween candies contain chocolate. Don’t let your dog eat any chocolate as it contains substances that are toxic and can be deadly to dogs.

3. Burns: Tails and whiskers can be easily singed or burned by Halloween candles and Jack-o-lanterns. Also, make sure you keep all electical cords out of your pets chewing range to prevent serious injury or death by electrocution.

4. Ingestion: During this time there are so many small items from pieces of costumes, to candy, to decorations to become lodged in a curious pet’s mouth, throat or stomach, causing possible irritation, obstruction or perforation.

Removing Halloween hazards from your pet’s environment will go a long way to keep your pet safe, avoid costly vet bills and enhance your enjoyment of this loved holiday.

Hurricane Season is here! Disaster can strike anywhere...anytime. It doesn't matter where you live. We can all be affected by disasters - whether it's a natural disaster, wildfire, terrorist attack, or hazardous spill. Such emergencies may require a brief or permanent evacuation from your home. If you must evacuate, always bring your pets with you. If it's not safe for you to be in your home, then it's not safe for your pets. The best thing you can do to ensure the safety and well being of your pets is to be prepared.

Disaster Preparedness Checklist:

1. Find a Safe Place to Stay. This could be the home of a friend or family member, a shelter, or  pet friendly lodging outside your immediate area.

A. Search for pet friendly lodging outside of your area ahead of time. Be sure to print out the list of accommodations in various nearby cities and keep it with your pet disaster preparedness kit.

B. Cotact local shelters to determine  policies regarding pets. Most shelters do not accept family pets, and those that do have limits on the number of pets permitted.

C. Compile a list of animal shelters, animal boarding facilities and veterinarians that may provide safe shelter for your pets in an emergency.

2. Identify Your Evacuation Zone and Route. Determine the evacuation zone you are in so you'll know when you have to evacuate and the recommended route. Evacuate to the safest location that's as close to your home as possible. Traveling with a pet can sometimes cause slowdowns, so be sure to leave early enough to give yourself extra travel time.

3. Pet Identification (ID) Tags. In addition to your pet's permanent ID tag, attach a temporary ID tag to your pet's collar and include the address and phone number of your temporary shelter. If your pets are traveling in a carrier, be sure to secure identification to the travel carrier.

4. Line-up a Pet Sitter/Caregiver in your Absence. In the event a disaster strikes while you're away from home, line-up a trusted person to look after your pets. Consider someone who lives or works close to your home. Be sure the caregiver is comfortable with your pets, knows the location of your pet disaster preparedness kit, and has access to your house.

5. Pet Rescue Alert Window Decal. Every home should be equipped with an emergency window decal at all times. It is a safety measure for everyday emergencies as well as disasters. If a disaster strikes when you're not home and your caregiver is unable to reach your pets, this decal will alert rescue workers that pets are inside your home. If you and your pets must evacuate (and time permits) write "Evacuated" across the decal. Be sure it is visible to rescue workers, and that it includes the types and number of pets in your household.

6. Pet Disaster Preparedness Kit. Your pet's disaster kit should contain everything your pets needs to survive and be as comfortable as possible until the danger passes. All of the items in the kit should be stored in a sturdy, waterproof carrier, that's easy to carry. Keep your kit readily available so that it can be accessed quickly.

A. Your kit should include:

* Listing of pet friendly lodging

* Listing of shelters, pet boarding facilities and vets that may provide safe shelter for your pets.

* Food for a minimum of three days for each pet - kept in an airtight container. If you have canned food, include a manual can opener. Check expiration dates on canned and dry  food and replenish as necessary.

* Bottled water for a minimum of seven days for each pet.

* Pet food and water travel bowls.

* Pet First Aid Kit

* A two week supply of medications that your pets require. Check dates on medications and replenish as necessary.

* Photocopies of medical records inside a waterproof container (zip lock baggie).

* Kitty litter box and litter.

* Disposable bags for pet waste.

* Extra collar, harness and leash as well as a pet transport carrier. Check that the carrier is secure so that your pets are safe and can not escape.

* Recent photos and description of your pets. If you become separated from your pets, this will help others identify them. Note if the pet(s) have a micro chip.

* Up-to-date pet information sheet. This document should include the name and address of your pet's owner, vet, information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, and behavioral issues. Ensure your pet's shots are current.

* Other items that might be helpful are: flashlight, blanket, newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags, grooming items, household bleach, outdoor yard stake and a long leash.

Remember, don't wait until the last minute to prepare. Many disasters come without warning.

Autumn in the Smokies is a very special time of the year. The leaves are changing color and the air is crisp and invigorating. There are also lots of events and activities going on this time of year.  Take a look at the events for September and join in for the  fun, excitement and comaraderie. 

September Events

1 - 5 Dollywood's Barbeque and Bluegrass Festival, August 19 - September 5
 
1 - 5 Labor Day Sidewalk Sale at Belz Outlets. For information call 865-453-7316.
 
3 - 5 Labor Day Tent Sale at The Incredible Christmas Place. For information call 1-800-445-3396.
 
9 - 10 Shades of the Past Rod Run at Dollywood’s Splash Country. For  information visit http://www.shadesofthepast.com
 
15 - 18 Truck & Tent Sale at Belz Outlets. For information call 865-453-7316.
 
15 - 19 Grand Fall Rod Run at the Grand Hotel and Convention Center in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
 
16 - 17 True Blue Trucks Magazine's Fall Ford Truck Fest. There will be family-friendly eventsand games and contests for the kids, organized sightseeing drives and much more.

24 8th Annual Old Mill Square Heritage Day at Old Mill Square in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee For information call 865-428-0771.
 
24 South Atlantic Shrine Association Shrine Parade on the Pigeon Forge Parkway at 9:00 a.m
 
24 The Diner's "Cruisn' for the Kids" Cruise-In. Trophies will be awared. Music by Gary’s Sound Machine.  (865) 908-1904
 
24 - 25 Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament. This 12th Annual Fall Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament is open to adults and children. For information call 865-661-3474 or visit  http://www.smokymountaintrouttournament.com