Winter is indeed here. Having moved here as a Yankee from the North - in MN where I once or twice drove in similar blizzard conditions they are now experiencing - I welcomed the snow outside my window this morning, though not so much the wind. I have been dressing for the cold by default for almost two months - which means I have sweated a lot! So, how are the dogs doing? Well, Hoss, the now neighborhood Coonhound - sigh - was nowhere to be seen yet when I stepped out to get more dog food, POP! he came out from behind the azalea bush. Said bush is in a corner next to the breezeway, offering a nice bed of leaves and shelter from the wind. Hoss was more than glad to go inside. Todd was another story. I had everyone inside and fed, then noticed an empty crate. As I ran them all through my head, Todd was missing. I found him doing his Great Pyrenees imitation out in the front and side yard/field. He "guards" the fence from any and all potential or imagined harm. He would not come in when I called and walked out to get him. I let him wait, finished feeding everyone else, then took out his bowl of food. Todd is a Beagle and Beagles love food - yep, he was ready to come in when he saw and heard his food bowl. Personally, I enjoyed being out on the snow and yes, the wind, even for a short time. Will take some for walks this afternoon. What a blessing the rain stopped before turning to snow! 'Course, I have not yet been driving on the road but it looks clear to me.
I have two small space heaters in the breezeway, tucked up behind the crates so no one gets at them. With the plastic outside insulation and those heaters, the breezeway is nice and toasty for the dogs - though they always prefer the house.....spoiled rotten :). BTW, each heater is one if knocked over, turns itself off....
Yesterday, we had a wonderful adoption event at Petco. My SEMO service hours student volunteer, Katie and her friend, Christine, helped out, holding dogs, talking with people and handing out Safe Harbor brochures and
Silverwalk cards. Thank you so much! Little Blondie, a Shih Tzu/Pug mix from Safe Harbor, garnered a lot of attention. Queenie, my very petite lap Beagle, decided she was a "Wal-Mart" greeter, trying to meet and get petted by anyone and all who came through the door. She really is tiny, loves to sleep on your lap and doesn't bark/bay much at all for a Beagle! All the dogs received complimentary photos with Santa - you can see Queenie's here.
No adoption applications were recieved but several people were interested enough to take a Safe Harbor brochure and get directions. One couple was looking for a yellow lab -we have at least two. I met a woman with whom I had had a phone conversation re: a Beagle she had found who needed everything including heart worm treatment and groceries. She cooed over Queenie and we had a great discussion about how that Beagle now lives not only in her home but in her heart. It breaks my heart to not be able to take in more dogs now - I get emails and phone calls almost on a daily basis....if I had some foster homes, I would have more room. Talk to me about fostering - it is not permanent (unless, like me, you fail and adopt your dog!) and all expenses are paid. We could save so many more dogs if Silverwalk all had a few foster homes :). I have training material so don't worry if you haven't fostered in the past.
Please remember, even though dogs have coats of fur, they still need very good shelter, lots of water (I put hot water in my outside pails several times a day) and a chance to get toasty on occasion. When it really gets cold, I increase their food rations to help keep them warmer, too. Keep nails trimmed as well as the fur between the toes so it doesn't ball up with ice. Use pet safe ice melt as the normal ice melt can be caustic to dog pads and tongues. Be a good neighbor and watch for dogs without adequate shelter - gently talk with owners, offering what you can and referring them to Silverwalk, Safe Harbor, Bollinger County Stray Project or the Humane Society for further non-judgmental information on how to best care for their dogs in the winter time. Let's not forget our human neighbors as well - in my neighborhood, we non-intrusively keep an eye out for each other, ready to help when the need arises or is perceived.
Keep warm, enjoy this time of Advent and Merry Christmas! Jedi is on his weekly Sunday walk...he so loves going out with his potential adopter.
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