Scary time of year

And I don't mean election season.

Put yourself in your pets' minds when it comes to Halloween.

If you didn't really understand what the occasion was all about, how would you feel about strange creatures coming to the door time and time again making eerie sounds?

Come to think of it, I'm not thrilled with the idea, but anyway ...

Here are some tips from the people at the American Humane Association to keep your companion animals safe this month.

• Keep pet treats handy, and dole them out if your pet sits calmly while the door.
• Put pets in a quiet room well away from Halloween commotion.
• Make sure pets are wearing collars with current ID and rabies tags.
• No chocolate or candy — for your pets, that is.
• Keep decorations pet-friendly, such as battery-powered illuminated pumpkins. Make sure decorations are out of pets' reach.
• Let your cats stay indoors for the holiday.

Personally, I'm waiting for the one house in my neighborhood that puts up a motion-based spooky sound machine. What fun that is on late-night walks.

Boo!