Highland Humane Society Winter Weather Tips

 

Now that colder temperatures and weather has arrived, the Highland Humane Society has some tips and precautions for pet owners, to make sure their animal companions are properly cared for during the winter months.

“My name is Jeannie Lou Hull, and I am a founding member and vice-president of the Highland County Humane Society.”

“ Winter, as we’re all finding out, is fast upon us and our pets. If it’s too cold for us to be outside, then more than likely it’s too cold for our pets to be outside also. Winter is very hard on older pets, that are kept outdoors, because of stiffening of their joints, and this is very painful and uncomfortable for them. Bring outdoor pets indoor when the temperature drops below freezing, particularly overnight. Outdoor pets can freeze, or become hypothermic, or develop frostbite, especially on the tips of their ears and tails.”

“Water bowls freeze quickly, and snow is not a water source. Give outdoor pets extra food during the day to help give the extra calories they need to maintain their optimal body temperature.”

“Outdoor and indoor cats will ferret out warmth, even from vehicles’ engine blocks, so tap on your hood of your car – that will save you heartbreak later. Avoid leaving pets in cars, because they can become refrigerators.”

The organization has resources available for elderly owners, or those otherwise unable to provide proper care.

“Highland County Humane Society has some foster homes available to temporarily house your outside dog if that’s something that you would like to do. It would just be temporary, through the cold months, but if you want them in, then we’ll help you. We also can help with straw – we’ll provide straw for your houses or your buildings, and we have a few insulated doghouses that we can provide also.”

Assistance and resources for the organization are always welcomed.

“ We’re always looking for foster homes. We do a lot of transport for our animals, to their forever homes, to the spay/neuter clinic. Gas cards are very helpful. And blankets, comforters are good for us. Cat food, we desperately need cat food and kitty litter. We prefer unscented kitty litter. And, if there’s anybody out there that has insulated doghouses, they’d like to donate, to this cause, we’ll come pick them up. You can call either 468-2945 or 468-3096.”

Ms. Hull noted that there are a number of animals available for adoption for those interested in a companion.

“ We have some great animals for the holidays. At my house right now, there are five foster pets. All of our dogs are house trained, and very sweet and good, we’re finding, with cats and children, and we have some kittens, some older cats and some kittens.

To contact the Highland Humane Society about adopting an animal, you can visit their web page at http://www.highlandcountyhumanesociety.org/ or visit their Facebook page.

Ms Hull had one last note of advice.

“I would encourage folks who are concerned about dogs and cats in this kind of weather to be a voice for these animals. They can call Animal Control at 468-3377 and leave a message, or they can call the Highland County Sheriff’s Office at 468-2210, to also report an animal that they feel is in danger and needs help. It saves lives – it saves lives.”

Story By

Scott Smith

Scott Smith is the General Manager for Allegheny Mountain Radio and Station Coordinator and News Reporter for WVLS. Scott’s family has deep roots in Highland County. While he did not grow up here, he spent as much time as possible on the family farm, and eventually moved to Highland to continue the tradition, which he still pursues with his cousin. Unfortunately, farming doesn’t pay all the bills, so he has previously taken other jobs to support his farming hobby, including pressman/writer for The Recorder, and Ag Projects Coordinator for The Highland Center. He lives in Hightown with wife Michelle and son Ethan. In his spare time, he wishes he had more spare time, especially to ride his prized Harley-Davidson motorcycle. scott@amrmail.org

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