Many Iowans love their pets like they’re family members, but if Fido or Fluffy has a sudden, catastrophic health problem, would you know how to respond? Kara Kelly, at the American Red Cross office in Des Moines, says the agency is now offering a Pet First Aid application for smart phones. It contains training in everything from controlling bleeding to giving the animal C-P-R.

“This app is a great tool, it’s easy to use,” Kelly says. “You can learn about signs to monitor your dog or cat’s health. It gives some common first aid and emergency situation advice for dogs and cats.” The Red Cross has long been an authority on training people to provide first aid for humans, so she says this was just a natural progression. One section of the app could be useful when you’re on vacation with your animal — or if there’s been a house fire or a flash flood.

It actually will help you locate a shelter or a hotel that will let you bring your pets,” Kelly says. “We know a lot of times when we’re in emergency and disaster situations, people won’t evacuate because there aren’t a lot of places that will take your pets.” When people are involved in a life-threatening situation, it’s natural to call 9-1-1, but that’s not appropriate if your pet is having a serious problem. This app has the answer.

“One thing you can do is program your vet’s number in so you can just hit a button and call your vet,” Kelly says. “It also has an animal hospital locator, which is very cool.” A survey finds about half of all Iowans own either a cat, a dog or both. You can use the app to create a pet profile including tag identification numbers, photos, lists of medications and instructions. The app costs 99-cents and can be downloaded via the Red Cross website: www.redcross.org

(Radio Iowa)

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the theft of a vehicle stolen from Anita. Officials say at around 9:12-p.m. Tuesday, they received word a 1998 Ford Escort was stolen from the parking lot of the CAM High School, in Anita. The car, owned by April Annette McAfee, of Anita, was recovered this (Wednesday) morning in a ditch near 640th and Fayette Road in Cass County. Officials say there are no suspects in this incident at this time.

The Audubon Police Department has released a list of arrests having occurred since January 1st. Officials say on Friday, Jan. 24th, 36-year old Christopher John Grogan, of Audubon, was arrested for Driving While Barred. Grogan was later released on a promise to appear in court.

On the 23rd, 32 year old Scott Eugene Krueger, of Audubon, was arrested  for Domestic Abuse Assault. Krueger was held to be seen by a magistrate at the Audubon County Sheriffs Office.

And on Jan. 1st, officers with the Audubon Police Department arrested 35 year old Richard Dean Beymer, of Audubon, for Interference with a City Official. He was later released on promise to appear in court.

Two people suspected of being involved in numerous rural burglaries in Shelby County have been charged in connection with the crimes. The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office says 52-year old John Piper and 31-year old Sara Grulke, both of Harlan, face two felony counts of Burglary in the 3rd degree and a felony count of Possession of an Offensive Weapon. Piper was being held in the Shelby County Jail on $35,000 bond.  Grulke has appeared before the magistrate and was released on her own recognizance.

Authorities say an investigation into the crimes which occurred over the past several months identified the suspects, who were specifically charged with a residential burglary in the 1800 block of Oak Road, and a second residential burglary in the 1100 block of Ironwood Road.

An investigation into the other burglary incidents remains ongoing.