Weekly Pet Adoptions and Nassau County's SPCA's Blizzard Pet Tips!!

Looks like the weather outside is about to turn frightful, so why not adopt a furry friend to keep you warm and cozy?  Please read about some adorable animals available for adoption this week, and continue on to read some very important cold weather tips provided by the NCSCPA on keeping your pets safe during the upcoming frigid temperatures.  There are some very unsafe temperature drops ahead of us, which are just as unsafe for animals as they are for humans.  Please remember to help ALL animals in need of our help, not just our own.

Now, if you ask me, there's nothing better than snuggling up with a pet when its cold outside, and I know a bunch of shelter animals who wouldnt mind snuggling with you in their new forever home.  This adorable kitty named Belle (pictured) is described as a very sweet girl that loves being petted and hanging out with humans.  She was born in June 2013 and rescued with her litter mates from the back of a restaurant parking lot.  Belle has been luckily living with a great foster mom who took the best care to see she was socialized and had her medicals completed, so basically she's ready to go home to a loving home today!  For more information on Belle, check out Last Hope's website at  http://lasthopeanimalrescue.org/2013/12/belle-3/ 

If your more of the cuddle-up-with-a-pooch type, look no further as Buster (pictured) would love nothing more than a warm cozy bed of his own and a new BFF.  Buster is an 8 year old Min Pin who came from a Kentucky hoarder home of over 30 dogs.  Sadly, Buster has led an isolated and neglected life. But Buster is now on the right track;  in only one week at Last Hope, Buster has made tremendous progress getting over his shyness and fear of new people and new situations..He LOVES attention now. This tiny fellow, only 10 pounds, enjoys sitting on his "people's" lap and giving kisses.   Speaking from experience, there probably nothing better in the entire world than having a pooch get cozy on your lap, and I have a 60 lb lab mix :)   For more information on Buster, you can contact Last Hope directly or check their website at http://lasthopeanimalrescue.org/

Next up meet Ozzy.  Ozzy (pictured) is a 1 year old male mixed breed available for adoption at the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter.  Ozzy is known as a sweet gentleman who tolerates all types of handling and likes to hang out with other dogs.   While a little shy at first, Ozzy warms up quick, and would love to go home with a family of tweens and above.  Plus you gotta love that name!  Why not bring Ozzy home tonight and have a snowball fight tomorrow??

And Levi (pictured) is the name of this handsome, 1 1/2 year old male mix. Levi is a friendly and social kinda guy who enjoys meeting new folks, playing fetch, and what a good boy- he will even trade a tennis ball for some treats! (If I could only get my dog to leave my daughter's toys for some cheese I'd be in heaven.)  Levi would love to meet you and is available at the TOH Animal Shelter today- so why not bring him home before the blizzard hits?!

If you think this cat's name is awesome, wait until you meet the feline behind the name... here's Big Papa (pictured).  Big Papa was brought to the TOH Animal Shelter by an animal control officer who found him wandering the streets of Freeport a week before Christmas.  This big guy is a bit shy upon first meeting people, but will warm up to anyone who offers him a good petting.  Big Papa is two years old,  very easy going, laid back and would prefer to live in an adult only household.   Now throw your hands in the air, and go adopt Big Papa today!

And just try and pass up this hunk named Mr. Bigg (pictured).  Mr. Bigg is a 6 year old male who was found as a stray in Levittown and brought to the TOH Animal Shelter.  Mr. Handsome, I mean Mr. Bigg, has been neutered, tested negative for aid/leukemia and has all age appropriate shots.  Mr. Bigg needs a daily brushing to avoid matts, but guess what, just so happens this little fella will lay on your lap while you brush him.  He's also been known to talk to you and give you a hug and a kiss now and again.   For more information on Ozzy, Levi, Big Papa, Mr. Bigg, and all the other wonderful animals available for adoption at the TOH Animal Shelter, you can check them out online at http://toh.li/animal-shelter

And now for some very important cold weather tips from the NCSPCA:

In anticipation of the approaching winter storm the Nassau County SPCA urges pet owners to make preparations ahead of the blizzard to keep their families and pets safe.

The most important thing pet owners should do is to bring their pets indoors, if conditions are unsafe for humans, they are also unsafe for pets.

Always bring pets, indoors, including outdoor cats, at the first sign or warning of a storm. A snow storm is no place a pet.

Don't let your dog off the leash after heavy snowfall. Dogs can lose their scent during winter storms and easily become lost. Make sure all pets wear collars and tags with up-to-date identification. Deep snow cover can confuse a pet and cover their familiar scent landmarks.  It is easier, and more dangerous, for your pet to be lost in snowy weather so keep an eye on them at all times when outdoors.

Stock up ahead of time on all pet food and medicine your animals may need-travel may be much more difficult or impossible in the event of a blizzard.

Prepare for a power outage, especially if your family includes fish, reptiles or pocket pets.

Keep a pet emergency kit and supplies handy with items such as medical records, water, pet food and medications, and pet first aid supplies.

Clean off your dog's paws with a moist washcloth after going outside. Snow-melting salt can be very painful to dogs' feet and can make them ill when ingested.

Have a coat and booties ready for any dog that needs them. Be ready to protect your pets from very strong wind and cold.

The Nassau County SPCA urges pet owners to develop an emergency plan that accounts for the safety of their animals and to stay up to date on storm warnings in their area. Arrange a safe haven for your pets in the event of evacuation. Do not leave your pets behind.