Animal Friends Offers Free Straw for Cold Outdoor Pets
Friday, October 9, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:                
Jolene Miklas                                                      
Director of Communications            
412.847.7043                                                      
jmiklas@ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org                       

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“Animal Friends Offers Free Straw for Cold Outdoor Pets”

In preparation for plummeting temperatures, Animal Friends is once again offering free bags of straw to anyone who owns or cares for outdoor pets.

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 suffer 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.  Because blankets, towels and pillows will only get wet and freeze, straw is the best insulation against the cold and wet winter. 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' annual straw drop is also an important opportunity for feral cat caregivers to insulate feral cat shelters.

Free bags of straw can be picked up at Animal Friends, located at 562 Camp Horne Road in the North Hills, just 0.5 miles west of Exit 8 off I-279.  Straw delivery is also available for those without transportation or are unable to pick up the straw from Animal Friends.  If you are in need of a dog house, please contact Animal Friends to inquire about availability. For more information, call Animal Friends at 412.847.7000 or visit http://www.thinkingoutsidethecage.org/.


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