In Reply to: Dangers of Christmas Trees? posted by Lawrence on November 28, 1999 at 12:56:52:

I have an artificial tree and got it up early (Nov 6th) and she loves it! She is new to me (5mnths) only had her for a month. She climb up it and hung from some of the ornaments. Most of mine are homemade and I have no balls so I don't know what to do about those. I take my delicate ornaments down when she plays and I leave the light on if they are one. I watch her really good and if she starts to chew on them I tell her now and give the string a little shake and she leaves them a long. She absolutly love the ornament and especially the ones she can chew! For the past few days she has not been too interested in the tree though. She has been opening my presents for me. My mother came to town and gave me my presnts. She used yarn for ribbon and Penelopi thinks they are her toys. She also fell asleep in the ball ornament box, it was so cute. Good luck and hope that helped. Sorry I carried on so much they seem to do that to us!!! Merry Christmas!

: This will be my first Christmas with a glider, and I was wondering if anyone out there had any suggestions regarding safe decorating of my tree. I'm sure my glider will just go nuts when she sees a tree to play in (especially with all the toys connected to it!), and I'd love to let her have at it, so how can I make sure she doesn't get hurt?

: First question: real or artificial tree? I have an artificial one and would rather use that. Would a real tree be better, or are real christmas trees poisonous?

: Second question: lights, how dangerous are they? I figure I'll go ahead and turn off the lights if she plays in the tree (both because they get too hot and to keep her from electrocuting herself if she gnaws on the wires). Are normal lights ok? Should I use outdoor lights (the heavier cords might be harder for her to gnaw through)?

: Third question: any decoration suggestions? Are normal balls safe? Should I change out my wire hangers for string? I don't use tinsel, so that's not a problem, but what else should I avoid?

: Thanks so much for the help!

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