Special to The Star-Herald
Well, as they say, “Life goes on,” and I was so surprised by all of the phone calls, e-mails and comments on my loss of Baxter. I am sure any pet owner could relate. Losing a pet can be devastating, but if we lean on each other, and keep the memories close to our hearts, we will survive. The weather is getting colder and all animals need a warm shelter. It is especially important to be prepared if you have outside dogs. Now is the time to be prepared, not when we are in the negative numbers. Be sure to provide your dog with an insulated doghouse that is up off the ground. Straw is the best insulator for your doghouse, so stuff it right full; your dog will crawl in and make a “nest” to stay warm. Be sure the opening to your dog’s house is facing away from prevailing winds and that the opening is set in such a way that your dog can get out of the wind. One bale of straw will last most of the winter, so be prepared. The reason blankets do not work as well is that blankets hold moisture and then the moisture freezes. Straw, unlike hay, is hollow and a good insulator.
It is also important to provide a warm shelter for cats in the winter. I put an igloo doghouse on my deck with straw in it so the cats can find a warm spot if they do not come in the house (which I prefer) before I go to bed. I have a huge barn, but it makes me feel better to have another option for them, as well.
Hunting season is now upon us. If you are walking in the woods with your dog, please be sure to put a bell on your dog, as well as something that is hunter orange. It is a good idea for you to wear some hunter orange, too! One can never be too careful. I usually go out and put orange ribbons on my horses’ halters during hunting season, too. I have one who looks a lot like a moose! You can never be too careful.
Our pets share our lives and depend on us to keep them safe. It is our job to protect our pets from people and people from our pets. Nobody wants to meet a dog that jumps on them; neither do we want anyone to walk up and step on our dog’s tail. Be aware of your responsibility as a pet owner, it is a big one. You are caring for another life; take that responsibility seriously.
If you are looking for a friend for life, please stop by the Central Aroostook Humane Society. We are open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday or give us a call at 764-3441.
If you are interested in helping the shelter, use searchandgive.com as your search engine. You can pick the charity you want to give to and each time you search, a penny goes to your favorite charity. Also, ZooToo.com is having another event to help us win money for our little shelter. Log on and start earning points for the Central Aroostook Humane Society.
Please have your pets spayed or neutered!
