Fall Events, Adoptable Dogs and Winter Preparing - Oh, My!

Sprinkles, house trained adult/senior Dalmatian/Basset mix - female

Autumn is here!  The cool weather is welcome, the dogs are enjoying it a lot and I am making a list of home repair and preparation for winter.  First, I need to get the gate to the field from the back yard fixed; it is still in disarrray from the flooding.  Caulking my windows, putting new straw or shavings in the outdoor dog houses, laying new linoleum in the breezeway (the dogs have torn up the old with glee, unmatched by moi) among other improvements will set up my home and sanctuary for the coming chill.  

Molly T. Beagle demonstrates focusing on the ball - adoptable adult female Beagle

Prepare for good pet management now before it gets below zero (OK, I am from MN - I start anticipating below zero at the beginning of September!) such as heated water bowls - we have a donated one which is awesome - warm indoor or outdoor areas for your dogs or horses; be sure to keep drafts out yet allow fresh air through.  The dogs at Silverwalk live indoors and out; I have dog houses scattered over the property for their comfort, time-out from one another and warmish resting places out of the wind.  Take the time to do some "spring-cleaning" of dog beds, blankets, couches, floors, etc.  By doing this, you can rid yourselves of fleas (who hang out in the warmth of your home; vacuum, vacuum, vacuum; wash in hot water) as well as dirt brought in by canines.  In these last few days with the rain, I have smelled a more doggy smell in the house - which drives me to deep clean before winter and when the weather is cool.

Cisco, mini-Schnauzer puppy at Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary - he needs a home! 

Fall is a GREAT time to adopt!  By adopting your new friend now, you will have time to train and settle with one another (or more) before winter when all of you want to rest in front of the fire.  October has a gazillion opportunities for adoption: 

• October 2, Sunday, Petco/Antique Car Show will have many shelters and sanctuaries as well as some really cool cars (does anyone have a Triumph Spitfire?)
• October 6 at the Venue is a Wine Tasting Fundraiser for Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary - we will have pets there, too. 
• October 22 is THE Pet Fest at Busch Pet Products off Kingshighway by the bike trail.  Lot of venders and fun stuff will be happeing - face painting, maby Kiss a Bull, balloons, who knows all?  Time is 10 - 2 for sure; maybe a little later. 

I know I am missing some adoption opportunities - I will update as I find them.  Remember, if you cannot adopt but want to help, we always need volunteers to walk dogs, scoop poop, pet kitties, help with general maintainence of buildings/yards.  Time is money - and we truly appreciate your time as well as your donations.  We will help you with your pet fix even if you can't have a pet!  Have a great weekend!

Sheila Sheltie (not adoptable) celebrating fall and Halloween as the cutest bat ever!