Too Cold To Be Outside!

Tonight is supposed to one of the coldest in many years in our area. There are many, many dogs, and cats, that are out in this weather with minimal shelter. If you have a dog that has to live outside, for whatever reason, please make sure they have a blanket or fresh straw to make a nest and keep warm.

I have a neighbor that has a Sharpei that has only an igloo dog house and no blanket or straw, at all, to make his nest. But, as my husband pointed out today, our animal control, if called, would say, well, he has shelter, and a food and water bowl, so there is nothing we can do. This is so ridiculous! I haven't had to call on these people because others have. But, animal control did not do the follow up visit, so what good does it do? I have had many people post to this blog saying the same thing. They have a hefty budget to get more wardens, too. It is roughly 300,000.00 a year. And, for anyone that has a rebuff to that, I have called the Cabell County Commission and got the figure.

We, as a community, need to call for an investigation into our animal shelter to see just what that money is being used for, because from what I have heard from various people in the community that have contacted me via email, it is pitiful how it is run.

So, back to the weather. If you know of a dog that is out in the cold, try to help it (the dog) if you can, without getting yourself into trouble, or putting yourself in danger. Educating people is the best way. Tell them that having food in the bowl provides energy to produce body heat and water regulates body temperatures and prevents dehydration. Inform them that a blanket or straw can provide a dog a "nest." Have you ever seen your dog circle before laying down? They are making a "make-believe" nest. Remember, being polite is the way to go. You get more with honey than vinegar. No matter how mad you are at the situation the dog is in, be polite. If it is too bad, call animal control and then call the Sheriff's department. You can remain anonymous.