Frosty paws aren’t a treat for anyone this time of year. Recent winter advisories remind us of how we need to be careful when keeping ourselves warm. But as we’re adding layers we often overlook our four-legged friends and how to keep them safe during the winter months.  

“If it is too cold to send your children outside to play, it’s too cold for your pets,” says Cindy Johnson, Animal Humane Society director of customer service. “Remember, our winters can be dangerous for animals as well as humans.” The following are notes on how to keep your pets safe during the blistering cold winter months. 

Indoor pet tips:

• During severe weather, dogs should be let out only to relieve themselves.
• Remove ice, salt and caked mud from your pet’s paws and coat immediately.
• Before walks, put Vaseline or doggie shoes on your dogs’ paws to protect him/her from sidewalk salt and chemicals; wipe the Vaseline off when your dog comes back inside.
• Make sure your pet’s bed is not on the floor in a cold or drafty area of your home.
• Indoor dogs typically receive less exercise during cold weather and therefore may require fewer calories; feed smaller portions in order to avoid weight gain.
• Indoor exercise playgroups such as Yappy Hour at AHS are a great option. 
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  Outdoor pet tips:
• In severe weather, allow your pet to be in your house or garage.
• Outdoor pets typically need more food in cold weather because they must burn more calories to keep warm.
• They MUST have a shelter that protects them from wind and water, is elevated so that moisture can’t collect inside, and large enough for your pet to stand up and turn around, yet small enough to retain body heat.
• Check for frostbite, especially on paws and ears.
• Keep an eye out for and clean up all antifreeze spills—one lick of the sweet-tasting fluid can be fatal to an animal.
• Cats have been known to climb onto vehicle engines for warmth; knock on the hood of your car before starting the engine if you suspect a one could be inside.
• Make sure your pet’s water is never frozen.
• Watch for signs of hypothermia—weak pulse, dilated pupils, decreased heart rate, extreme shivering, pale or blue mucous membranes, body temperature below 95 degrees, stupor and unconsciousness. Consequences of extreme hypothermia may include neurological problems including coma, heart problems and kidney failure.  

If you have additional questions or concerns about how to care for your pet in subzero temperatures, please check with your veterinarian on what you can do.

Here’s Emma!

 Emma didn’t get what she wanted for Christmas—a new home. But that just means you still have the opportunity to bring this sweet Lab home and into your family for the New Year. She is a lover of people, other dogs and the snow. She buries her nose in it and loves to show off her new discovery. And don’t forget about the toys, ear rubs and abundance of affection she gives everyone she meets.

This beautiful girl was brought to Animal Humane Society as stray in early November. She is currently on a weight management plan and gets lots of exercise with volunteers at AHS (and will make a great diet buddy to tackle that annual New Year’s resolution!). But nothing can replace the comfort of being in a home as part of a family.

Emma is available for adoption at Animal Humane Society’s Woodbury facility. If the turningFor more information on Emma, please visit www.animalhumanesociety.org or call (763) 522-4325.

Posted: January 5th, 2010 under Home, Pam's Pals - Animal Humane Society.
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Nuve and Scrappy are a very special pair of dogs. They are a mother-son duo looking for a home together. They were surrendered in early September, endured knee surgery in mid-October, went into foster care for six weeks where they received physical therapy and returned to our Golden Valley adoption floor on November 20. Now, they are experiencing an extended stay because of their ongoing knee problems (a common defect in small dogs) and the fact that they are bonded and must go home together.

If you can give these two lovable, playful dogs a home for the holidays stop by AHS Golden Valley. Because they’re so little, you’ll find them in the cat room.

While you’re there, stop by the holiday tree and pick up a few Snow Angels Stocking Stuffers for your family and friends. When purchasing one of the stocking stuffers in a loved one’s name, you help shelter, feed and provide medical care for animals currently in our care. Learn more at www.animalhumanesociety.org/holidays. 

For more information on the two pups and more, please visit www.animalhumanesociety.org or call (763) 522-4325.

Posted: December 21st, 2009 under Home, Pam's Pals - Animal Humane Society.
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Today’s Pam’s Pal is Diesel, a beautiful, two-year-old black Lab mix available for adoption at Animal Humane Society’s Golden Valley facility.                 

Diesel is smart, affectionate and energetic—and let’s not forget—beautiful. At two years of age, he still has some growing up to do, but with the help of a loving family, he’ll be the best dog he can be in no time. Diesel loves positive attention and praise and to get in as much play time with people and other dogs as possible. And he’s anxious to get started right away—he’s been with AHS since the beginning of August and prior to that he was in another shelter.   

Fortunately, Diesel is just one of nearly 40 dogs currently available for adoption at AHS. That is an incredible difference from the 230 cats available for adoption at its five facilities. “Kitten season” is in full swing and there are many cats—from 10 weeks to 10 years old—waiting for their second chance. AHS has put together an incredible program to make it easy for you to bring a feline friend into your home. Double the Love allows you to adopt two cats with the adoption fee waived for the second cat. But time is running out! The program ends on September 30. 

If you can provide Diesel or any of the hundreds of cats at AHS a lasting friendship in your home, please call (763) 522-4325 or visit www.animalhumanesociety.org for more information

Posted: September 15th, 2009 under Pam's Pals - Animal Humane Society.
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Today’s Pam’s Pal is Jackson, a happy, black Labrador retriever available at Animal Humane Society’s Golden Valley facility. He is one of 24 adult, black Labrador retrievers on AHS adoption floors. He’s been at the Golden Valley location since October 2008.

Jackson is an exceptional, fun-loving seven-year-old boy who is in need of an owner who is just as exceptional. Upon his arrival at AHS, it was discovered that he has skin allergies that will remain with him for the rest of his life. Adjustments in his diet and medication may help alleviate the effects of his condition.

Despite his allergies, Jackson is excited about finding a new home. He’s never one to turn away from a pat or scratch—or a snuggle session that leaves you covered in dog kisses. He knows basic commands and jumps at the opportunity to be around people. Although he’s considered a senior dog, he still has enough energy to play and be a great companion.

At his age, Jackson is set in his ways and content being the only pet in the house; therefore, he needs to go to a home without other pets.

If you’re not able to Jackson into your home, there are many other ways you can support the work of AHS. Seventy percent of their operating costs come from people like you. Whether you make a general donation, donate a vehicle, make a gift in honor of someone special, join their PAW program, or include AHS in your estate plan, your tax-deductible gift makes a difference in the lives of the nearly 40,000 animals they care for each year at their five shelters. Or you can donate your time.

Volunteers are the backbone of AHS. If you can spare a minimum of six hours per month, opportunities to assist staff in their exam, adoption, development and education areas are available. Foster volunteers are also needed to provide temporary homes to dogs and cats still nursing their babies or litters of kittens and puppies too young for adoption.

Learn more about all the ways you can help, Jackson and the hundreds of other animals available for adoption by visiting www.animalhumanesociety.org.

Posted: January 13th, 2009 under Pam's Pals - Animal Humane Society.
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Max and Rusty have been together for as long as they can remember. Five years ago, they were adopted together as puppies out of the same Houston shelter. Unfortunately, after Hurricane Ike hit, their family had to make the difficult decision to surrender them back to the shelter.

Now, the two have made their way to Animal Humane Society (AHS) to find a new home in the Twin Cities—but they must go home together. It’s obvious they were well taken care of and loved by their previous family. Max is a boxer mastiff who fancies himself a lap dog. His number one priority is to give kisses and get close to those around him. His best friend, Rusty, is a dachshund who carries the same qualities, but with a lot more energy. The two are great together and pass the time by playing and napping.

October is the perfect time to adopt these two or any other dogs from AHS because it’s Adopt a Shelter Dog month. The benefits of adopting a shelter dog are endless. Below are just a few examples:

•    You add adventure to your life by bringing a fun, new family member into it
•    Studies have shown that dogs can enhance your mood and alleviate stress
•    They encourage you to get out and exercise and meet other people
•    Dogs provide a never-ending source of unconditional love
•    You help other animals through your adoption fee—all proceeds go back to the animals cared for by AHS

AHS is committed year-round to placing safe and healthy dogs into the community. In the first half of 2008, they adopted more than 2,100 dogs to individual families. Each stayed with AHS an average of 6.7 days and during that time received examinations, vaccinations and necessary medical treatments, microchipping and spay/neuter surgery before placement in the adoption center.

Learn more about the dogs currently available for adoption by visiting www.animalhumanesociety.org or calling (763) 522-4325.

Posted: October 21st, 2008 under Home, Pam's Pals - Animal Humane Society.
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Cleo is an eight-year-old girl who’s been through a lot. Rescued from the floods in Iowa this past summer, she’s received treatment for various ailments she had, including having her left eye removed due to a tumor. She is looking for an exceptional owner who can continue her care and help her lose a few pounds. Cleo proves every day that she’s a remarkable dog — despite the obstacles she’s faced, she’s a fun-loving girl with a great personality!

Learn more about her and the many other animals available for adoption by visiting www.animalhumanesociety.org or stopping by any of their five locations in Buffalo, Coon Rapids, Golden Valley, St. Paul and Woodbury. Cleo is available at AHS’s Golden Valley facility.

Posted: October 6th, 2008 under Pam's Pals - Animal Humane Society.
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Today’s Pam’s Pal is Fee Bee, a three-year-old Australian shepherd/German shepherd from Animal Humane Society’s (AHS) Golden Valley facility.

Fee Bee is a gentle girl who’s looking for life-long companionship. She came to AHS after her previous owner fell ill and could no longer care for her. As a shy canine, she wouldn’t make a good outside or guard dog, but she has a fun-loving personality and loves to ride in cars. It’s believed she likes to feel the wind in her long, beautiful hair.

AHS is able to care for animals like Fee Bee because of the generous support of their supporters and funds raised at their annual events. Their next event is a party for people and pups. That’s right—a party where you get to dress to the “ca-nines” and enjoy an evening out with your best canine friend. Whisker Whirl Goes Hollywood is taking place on Saturday, September 20 and includes live and silent auctions, dinner catered by the Saint Paul Hotel, and dancing to the Joe Juliano Band. Get your tickets today! All proceeds benefit the animals of AHS.

To learn more about Whisker Whirl and how you can give Fee Bee a life-long home, please call 763-522-4325 or visit www.animalhumanesociety.org.

Posted: September 8th, 2008 under Pam's Pals - Animal Humane Society.
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Today’s Pam’s Pal is Dazey, a four-year-old miniature pinscher from Animal Humane Society’s (AHS) St. Paul facility.

Dazey is a great example of the miniature pinscher breed – he has great energy, a confident personality, and a strong devotion to those he calls family. He’s great with other dogs and gets very excited to meet new people. Min pins, as they’re called, need plenty of exercise and stimulation. But they’re abundantly curious which leaves them with a great desire to learn and the ability to pick up commands quickly.  

Stop by and see Dazey. Remember, he loves to meet new people! Or learn more about the hundreds of other wonderful animals waiting for a home at Animal Humane Society’s five facilities by calling 763-522-4325 or visiting www.animalhumanesociety.org.

Posted: August 26th, 2008 under Pam's Pals - Animal Humane Society.
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Ms. Wylie is a three-year-old collie/Labrador retriever mix from Animal Humane Society’s (AHS) Golden Valley facility. She was brought to AHS as a stray. She has great manners and walks nice on a leash. She doesn’t mind being groomed, but of course, getting a lot of treats always helps. She’s lived with other dogs and is a very gentle girl. Like all other dogs, cats and rabbits at AHS, Ms. Wylie is spayed, vaccinated and microchipped.

To learn more about how you can give her a good home, please call 763-522-4325 or visit www.animalhumanesociety.org.

Posted: August 14th, 2008 under Pam's Pals - Animal Humane Society.
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Today’s Pam’s Pal is Blacky, a two-year-old Labrador retriever from Animal Humane Society’s (AHS) Golden Valley facility.
 
Blacky is a beautiful boy who came to AHS after his family determined caring for a pet was too much responsibility. But that doesn’t change the fact that Blacky loves family — he’s lived with kids and other animals. He’s full of energy and has affection for everyone. Blacky is looking for his next great family who can provide the time and attention he needs to live a happy life.   
 
Blacky will soon be joined on the adoption floor by animals displaced by the floods in Iowa. A team from AHS recently spent a week in Cedar Rapids assisting Cedar Valley Humane Society in caring for animals displaced by the recent flood disasters. They returned to Cedar Rapids yesterday, July 14, to pick up 27 dogs and 22 cats remaining after the deadline passed for people to reclaim their pets.

Kathie Johnson, veterinary services director for AHS, led the team in Iowa. “The work was challenging at times, but I think every one of us agrees that when you think about what these people and these pets have been through, it’s all worth it and we are all very proud to be a part of this.”

Throughout the week the team was busy caring for and reuniting the animals with their families. In one particular case, the owner, devastated by the flood, was only able to claim one of her cats. The cat left behind, Kandy, arrived with the team in Golden Valley on July 14. “She is a sweet cat and is a true victim of this disaster,” states Johnson.

The Iowa animals will join the hundreds of other animals already at AHS’s five facilities waiting for a new home. It will be at least two weeks before they are available for adoption. Learn more about them and Blacky by calling 763-522-4325 or visiting www.animalhumanesociety.org.
 

Posted: July 15th, 2008 under Pam's Pals - Animal Humane Society.
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