All God's Creatures

I have received countless emails over the years, and been told several horror stories, regarding the dangers of paper shredders. Who knew such a little office machine could cause so much pain and tragedy. From cat tails, to dog ears and tongues (and children's fingers) ... all are at-risk around an electric paper shredder.

Following is an article from a South Carolina newspaper that was sent to me several years ago (unfortunately I do not have a link to it) ... warning - graphic photos follow the article:

"Cross, a 1-year-old boxer who lives in Socastee, lost part of his tongue when he licked his owner's (paper) shredder."

A Socastee resident is spreading a safety message after her dog lost part of his tongue in a paper shredder accident.

Sandy Clarke's boxer Cross lost "three or four chunks" of his tongue in late February when he stuck it into a shredder in her home office.

"The dog was screaming," said Clarke, who ran out and yelled for her husband after Cross became entangled. "I woke my daughter up screaming. It was very traumatic."

The incident lasted 10 to 15 minutes, with Cross finally being freed once the shredder was put in reverse.

Shredder accidents, usually involving small children, have caught the attention of national advocates working to improve safety standards.

That is good news for the boxer who is recovering.

"I'm trying to get the word out. People need to be aware," she said. "(Shredders) need to be unplugged or there needs to be new safety devices on them."

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission most often hears about accidents involving small children.

"We are aware of ... incidents involving dogs getting their tongues stuck in the shredder," said Patty Davis, spokeswoman with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

"Some of those had to be euthanized."

The paper-shredder market has grown, she said, with more people using them at home, for work or as a means to prevent identity theft.

Clarke has taken her concerns to the masses through national TV reports.

She hopes to see tougher measures than a "keep kids and pets away" blurb, and she may get her wish. The safety commission and a national laboratory are revising shredder standards to require stricter warning labels and to make the feeder area opening smaller and less flexible.

As for Clarke's shredder, it's still in her office " unplugged".

Clarke's daughter, Michael-Ann, 11, said the dog, which turns 1 on Saturday, trembles when he hears the shredder.

Cross was treated for tongue lacerations, said veterinarian Dr. Greg Conner, and should still have full use of his tongue for eating, drinking and licking.

~ Tips To Prevent This From Happening To Your Pet:


* Unplug shredders when not in use.

* Store shredders out of reach of animals (and, of course, children ... especially those under 5 ... who can also be victims of shredder accidents). Make sure that the shredder is located in a place that is "pounce proof" ... acrobatic kitties that jump atop shredders can also do terrible damage to themselves.

* To avoid attracting animals, never put food wrappers through shredders.

* Do not leave shredders on the "automatic" setting.

* When buying a shredder, look for one with a protective bar over the opening.

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