Dogs and Cats for Adoption, and Great Cold Weather Pet Tips Right Here!

Even though you couldn't tell by going outside, its December already and temperatures will soon be dropping fast!  What a great time of year to bring a new warm and cuddly animal into your home.  There are several cats/dogs available for adoption this week at our local shelters, and I'd like to introduce you to 7 of them.  After reading about these special little ones, check out Nassau County's SPCA's cold weather pet tips and how to keep your pet safe this winter.  

Currently available at the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter is an adorable 2 year old charcoal colored male cat named Banner (pictured).  Banner was brought to TOH because his owner's partner has asthma. But Banner's spirits have not been brought down... he is known as a very friendly and outgoing kitty who is addicted to playing with any toy on a stick!   He is very active and would do best with young adults/adults.  

And not far from Banner is another handsome boy named Mysty (pictured). Mysty is a one year old, neutered tabby who lived comfortably with four other cats but was brought to the TOH when his owner lost her job.  Mysty is known as a very mellow fella who is quiet and prefers to lounge around rather than run around.  If you looking for a great lap cat, Mysty is the one for you!

Sunshine (pictured) is a 5 year old female mixed breed who can certainly brighten even your darkest day!  Since she was brought to the shelter in April 2013 as a stray, she's been spayed, vaccinated, vet checked and even has a microchip. Did you know that dogs can smile? Sunshine sure can...her adorable grin shows off her pearly whites to let you know how happy she is to see you (come on, that's down right adorable!)  Sunshine is a great pooch who walks nicely on leash and has a playful personality.  She can seem nervous with some strangers, but loves other dogs and long walks. Sunshine might be most comfortable in an adult home.  So why not give Sunshine a chance to be the ray of sunshine in your life.

Now check out this super cutie...Domino (pictured) is one year old mixed breed who is eager to please and has lots of energy.  His owners brought him to TOH because they developed allergies to him.  Domino is an awesome pooch who would thrive with a family who is patient and willing to teach him about trust and how to be an all around gentleman.   I always say, don't turn down a dog that hasn't been trained yet... our pooch knew nothing of manners when we adopted her, now she's learned the rules of our house and (for the most part) abides by them.  For more information on Banner, Mysty, Sunshine, Domino, and other great pets available for adoption at the TOH Animal Shelter, check out their website at http://toh.li/animal-shelter.

And if your in the market for adopting a cute and cuddly kitty, available now at Last Hope Animal Rescue are 3 puuurfect felines named Potter, Dobby and Joplynn who all share a very similar story...

Potter, Dobby and Joplynn all come from the same home where they were cared for and adored by their owner, but their worlds turned upside down when their dear owner died in a tragic car accident.  Fortunately, Last Hope took them in and now they are all anxiously awaiting a new forever home. Potter (pictured, born February 2007) and Dobby (pictured, born 2008) are known as the friendly mushy guys of the group while Joplynn (pictured, born April 2009) is the belle of the group.  While they are all adjusting to their new surroundings, they would love nothing more than a happy ending to his story.  For more information about Potter, Dobby, Joplynn and other great animals available for adoption at Last Hope, please check out their website at http://lasthopeanimalrescue.org/

And compliments of the Nassau County SPCA, please read these tips on keeping your pets safe this winter....

1) There's no place like home
The best strategy, of course, is to keep your pets indoors during cold weather. Outdoor cats are especially susceptible to hazards like frostbite, getting lost, or being exposed to diseases. If you don't want to be outside, your pet probably doesn't want to be, either.

2) Keep close

When you do venture outdoors with your dog, keep them on-leash. Snow and rain can wipe away familiar scents, causing your dog to become lost or disoriented. If you live in a very cold area, unsupervised dogs also run the risk of falling through thin ice near ponds or other frozen bodies of water.

3) Bundle up!

A fur coat isn't all the protection your pet needs from the cold, especially if she is short-coated, a puppy, or a senior. She might be much more comfortable in some warm winter-wear, such as a sweater, jacket, or booties. Look for coats or sweaters that cover from neck to tail and aren't restrictive or uncomfortable. When indoors, be sure she has a warm, draft-free spot to rest in with lots of bedding. And to keep her skin and coat in tip-top shape from the dry winter air, brush her more frequently than usual, and never shave a long-coated dog during the winter.

4) Warm as toast

Wrapping your pet up in an electric blanket all day might sound like a good idea, but leaving an animal unattended with an electric item is a recipe for disaster. SnuggleSafe Pet Heating Pads can be warmed in the microwave and retain heat for 12 hours. They are excellent for tucking in your pet's bedding at night, giving her an extra bit of snuggly warmth as she nods off to dreamland.

5) Potty problems

When it's cold or rainy out, pets might resist going to the bathroom outside. (And really - wouldn't you?) Work with them to try to keep them comfortable while they do their business - a jacket or rain slicker might help, as would holding an umbrella over them to keep them dry.

6) Check for cat cargo

When the temperature drops, chilly kitties will look for any warm place to curl up. This includes under the hoods of cars where they can be seriously injured or killed when the car starts. A trick to evict stowaways is to bang on the hood of your car loudly a few times before you enter. Any slumbering felines will be frightened by the noise and escape before you start your car.

7) (Don't) chill out

You should never leave your pet unattended in a car on a cold day. The winter weather turns your car into a rolling refrigerator - great for keeping your groceries chilled, but terrible for keeping your pet safe. If it's cold outside, leave your animals warm and safe at home.

8) Dry them off

When coming in from a winter walk or play session, dry your pet off thoroughly and take extra care to wipe her legs, paws, and stomach. Pets in snowy climates can pick up salt, antifreeze, or other dangerous chemicals on their pads and lick them off, making them sick. Ice and salt can also cause their pads to crack and bleed, so look them over thoroughly after all outside adventures.

9) Gimme shelter

Pets should not be kept outside during the cold months. However, if you absolutely must leave them outdoors for a limited amount of time, create a shelter for them to retreat to. It should be dry, clean, and well-insulated (straw works well to trap heat), and protect them from the wind and elements. And be sure to frequently check their water bowl to be sure they have plenty of fresh (not frozen) H2O.

10) Stay healthy

Animals with fragile immune systems - including kittens, puppies, and senior pets - might be more susceptible to illness during the change of seasons. If you suspect your animal has a cold weather-related illness, take them to see the vet right away.

For more information on the NCSPCA, visit their website at www.nassaucountyspca.org.  To report animal cruelty, call 516-THE-SPCA, email crueltystoppers@ncspca.us or use their online form available on their website.