|
Media Release: Animal Friends Provides Warmth to Outside Pets this Winter
Thursday, October 9, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date:
October 9, 2008
Contact:
Jolene Miklas
Director of Communications
412.847.7043
jmiklas@ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org
- or -
Kathy Hecker
Humane Officer for Animal Friends
412.758.6086
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“Animal Friends Provides Warmth to Outside Pets this Winter”
Animal Friends is helping to keep companion animals warm and dry this winter with an annual Winter Straw Drop. Beginning October 8 and continuing through the winter months, Animal Friends is offering free bags of straw to anyone who owns or cares for outdoor pets.
Straw delivery is also available for those without transportation or are unable to pick up the straw from Animal Friends' Camp Horne Road location. Interested individuals can call 412.847.7066 to request straw. Because blankets, towels and pillows will only get wet and freeze, straw is the best insulation against the cold and wet winter.
Animal Friends encourages pet owners to make their pets part of the family and keep them inside the home. Dogs, cats and rabbits are social animals, and just like humans, they get bored, lonely and depressed without interaction and companionship. Animal Friends offers many programs, including low cost spay/neuter and behavior training, that may help overcome issues that sometimes prompt a pet owner’s decision to house a pet outside. (Call 412.847.7000 to learn more about these options.)
However, recognizing the reality that many pets do live outside, Animal Friends urges those pet owners to obey the law by ensuring that outdoor pets have access to proper food and warm, dry shelters. A car mat or rug should be used as a flap over a doghouse door to keep the inside free of wind, snow and rain. Extra care must also be taken to provide drinkable water and extra food at all times during freezing temperatures.
Frequently check your pet's paws, ears and tail for signs of frostbite, a very common occurrence. If you suspect frostbite, your pet will need to see a veterinarian immediately. Check your dog's chain often to make sure it is not frozen to the ground or tangled. A tangled, too-short chain can cost your pet his or her life in bad weather.
Animal Friends is located at 562 Camp Horne Road in the North Hills, just 0.5 miles west of Exit 15 off I-279. For more information, call Animal Friends at 412.847.7000 or visit http://www.thinkingoutsidethecage.org/.
###
About Animal Friends
Animal Friends, southwestern Pennsylvania’s singular companion animal resource center, is proud to serve pets and people through our humane programming. From creative kenneling for homeless animals to humane rescue to innovative outreach programs, Animal Friends is changing the way an animal shelter can enhance our region. We’re proud to place over 2,200 dogs, cats, and rabbits into loving homes each year, as well as serve tens of thousands of people through our pet-focused therapeutic and educational programs. Animal Friends is a non-profit organization that relies on community support. To learn more about Animal Friends and view adoptable pets, visit http://www.thinkingoutsidethecage.org/.
###
|
