Christmas is my favorite time of year. I get to go to parties, see Santa and get lots of presents. In fact, I’m having sort of a party next Saturday that you’re invited to. I hope you can come.

On Dec. 8 from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m., La Berry’s, in the Wesleyan Station Shopping Center where Kroger is on Forsyth Road, will give 20 percent of its proceeds from all the yummy yogurt they sell to my nonprofit group CARES. You know that yogurt is good for you, too!

And if that isn’t enough excitement, Santa, Mrs. Claus and I will be there from 1 until 2 p.m. So bring your kids, your cameras and your appetite for some delicious healthy yogurt next Saturday.

Speaking of being healthy, I want to remind you of some ways to keep your pets safe during this holiday season. We want to make sure your fur kids make it through this special time in good shape.

There are many hazards around the house during the holidays that can cause serious health problems for your pets. The good news is that they’re easily avoided with some planning.

The Christmas tree is a potential danger for dogs and cats. If you have a live tree, keep your pets away from the water in the reservoir. It can potentially contain fertilizer or be stagnant, neither of which is good for them to drink.

Also, climbing the Christmas tree is a tremendous temptation for kitties, so please anchor the tree so it won’t fall over. It’s hard enough decorating it once. I know you don’t want to have a repeat performance.

And while we’re talking about the tree and kitties, please consider not putting tinsel or anything with ribbons that would grab their attention. Kitties love to bat around anything stringy, but it’s very dangerous if they swallow it.

Try to keep ornaments and the hooks that attach them to the tree away from pets. Pets are fascinated with them and again, it’s dangerous if they’re ingested.

Please keep electrical wires out of reach of both dogs and cats. Gnawing on live wires never has a good outcome.

Be careful about holiday plants as well. Poinsettias, holly and many lilies pose a hazard for pets if they chew them. Even mistletoe can cause a problem. And you never need mistletoe to get sugar from your pet.

Please don’t share your party food or drink with your pets either. Make sure they only eat dog and cat food no matter how pitiful they look or how much they beg.

These are just a few tips to keep your fur babies safe. I’ll share more later to make sure everyone has a very happy holiday season!

Send questions for AC Pup to acpup247@yahoo.com. Visit www.acpup.com or see his Facebook page.