Showing posts with label snow. Show all posts

Here's a great poem that I thought I would pass on... Merry Christmas! –Kim

A Forgotten Dog's Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house,
  Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
  In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds
  With no thought of the dog filling their head.

And mamma in her 'kerchief and I in my cap
  Knew he was cold, but didn't care about that.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
  I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,
  Figuring the dog was free of his chain and into the trash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
  Gave the luster of mid-day to objects below.

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
  But Santa Claus – with eyes full of tears.

He un-chained the dog, once so lively and quick –
  Last year's Christmas present, now painfully thin and sick.

More rapid than eagles he called the dog's name
  And the dog ran to him, despite all his pain.

"Now, DASHER! Now, DANCER! Now, PRANCER and VIXEN!
  On, COMET! On CUPID! On, DONNER and BLITZEN!

To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall!
  Let's find this dog a home where he'll be loved by all."

I knew in an instant there would be no gifts this year,
  For Santa Claus had made one thing quite clear.

The gift of a dog is not just for the season;
  We had gotten the pup for all the wrong reasons.

In our haste to think of the kids a gift,
  There was one important thing that we missed.

A dog should be family, and cared for the same;
  You don't give a gift, then put it on a chain.

And I heard him exclaim as he rode out of sight,
  "You weren't given a gift! You were given a LIFE!"

– Author Unknown

• Christmas Gift Ideas???
• A Shelter Dog's Christmas Poem
• 10 Compelling Reasons to Add a Shelter Dog to Your Life

These are funny! –Kim

Angus & Phil
by Ann Taylor Lebel

Oh, what fun! –Kim

The True Meaning of Dog Sledding

Source: http://www.flixxy.com/snow-dogs.htm

Here's a great article that I thought I would pass on...hope you find it informative! –Kim

Cold Weather Hazards that Threaten Your PetDec. 10, 2010
As temperatures continue to plummet, pet owners must ensure the safety and well-being of their animals.
Shelter, food and water: Cats should be kept inside at all times, year-round, to protect from the many life-threatening dangers always present outside. Dogs should also live inside. However, if your dog spends a lot of time outside, you are required by law to provide proper shelter. Outdoor dogs also need bedding and additional fat in their diets during the winter to help build up natural insulation. Make sure your pet has plenty of fresh, clean water in a secure, non-tip dish at all times. Check the water bowl frequently to make sure that it hasn't frozen.
Keep them safe: Snow and ice increase an animal's chances of becoming disoriented and lost if roaming the streets. Bad weather conditions make it extra difficult for cars to stop, increasing the animal's chance of getting hit. Keeping pets indoors and walking your dog on a leash will prevent such tragedies.
Beware of ice, salt, and snow: Jagged ice and sidewalk salt can injure or irritate a dog's foot pads. After returning home from a walk, check the foot pads and wipe off any salt or ice with a damp towel. Also, dry your dog thoroughly whenever it comes in from the snow. Consider using doggy boots for little feet.
Danger of frostbite: Even though dogs and cats have a fur coat, most cannot endure severe cold for more than 10 to 15 minutes. A companion animal left outdoors can get frostbite and even freeze to death. Signs of frostbite include skin that is pale and cool to the touch, with decreased sensation in the affected area. If you suspect frostbite, gently warm the area with warm, not hot, water and then take the animal to a veterinarian. After thawing, there may be pain or redness on the frostbitten area. Once an area has been frozen it can become cold and frostbitten again more easily. Consider a doggy coat for your smaller canine friend.
Keep away from anti-freeze: Animals are attracted to this substance by its sweet taste. It can be fatal if ingested, so keep all anti-freeze bottles out of your pet's reach. Also be sure to clean up any spills in your garage or driveway immediately. If your cat or dog should swallow anti-freeze – or any poison – contact your veterinarian immediately.
Honk car's horn: In cold weather, cats allowed outdoors may crawl beneath cars and climb up inside the engine compartment seeking warmth and shelter. This can lead to injuries or death when the engines are started. To prevent such an occurrence, keep your cat indoors at all times. To protect stray cats, knock on your car's hood or sound your horn before starting the car in cold weather.
Keep them groomed: Animals tend to shed hair less during the cold months, but still require regular brushing. Cats generally do not need a bath – they clean themselves. Dogs should be bathed only if needed and not more than once a month. When bathing any animal, be sure to use a shampoo that is specifically safe for a cat or dog and follow label directions completely.
Holiday hazards: Mistletoe, holly and poinsettias are all poisonous to pets. Make sure your holiday tree is steady so it can't be knocked over. Protect your cat or dog from drinking stagnant Christmas tree water, eating candy, chocolate or potentially injurious ornaments, tinsel and trimming, or nibbling on the cords from decorations. Keep an eye on your pets to make sure they don't slip out the door as your visitors come and go. Do not give a cat or dog as a gift. Give a gift certificate for a pet adoption from a shelter and allow the recipient to select an animal that is appropriate for their lifestyle. Make sure your pet has a variety of toys or make your own.
 
Source: http://couriernews.suntimes.com/news/2767099-417/dog-animal-cat-cats-cold.html
© Copyright 2010 Sun-Times Media, LLC

Also, see:

• Top Ten Winter Pet Safety Tips
• Winter Tips for Pet Safety
• Winter Weather Pet Safety Tips
• Protection for Small Dogs at Golly Gear
• Warm & Pretty Dog Clothing and Fashions
• Heated Pet Beds/Supplies at GregRobert
• Heated Pet Beds/Supplies at Pet Street Mall