Over the past few weeks, I have read time and again of pets found frozen to death due to the cold.
On my twice weekly trips to Georgetown, via Zoar Road, alone, I see two dogs constantly left outside. They have the legal requirements of food, water and shelter. One is in an approximate six-foot by six-foot fenced kennel which is barely big enough for the dog to stretch out in. The other one is in an approximate 10-foot by 10-foot fenced kennel which is big enough for the dog to change positions. Again, both of them have the legal requirements.
One of the dogs is kept near a frequently flooded ditch. So added to the constant exposure to outside elements is the summertime misery of flies and mosquitos and the real danger of heartworm infestation.
But why have a dog if you are going to leave it outside? As a guard dog? How is the dog going to guard you when locked in a kennel? As a pet? Again, how when left outside all the time?
We had single-digit temps in the last cold spell with wind chills of minus degrees and there is another one in the works.
I know how miserable this can make a pet. I have a senior rescue dog who was left out all the time. He has permanent hair loss from flea allergies, scars from lying on hard concrete and cries when he has to go out in this cold, snowy weather for his potty breaks.
How can people not realize that if they are cold when outside, so are their pets. No, not pets. People who leave their dogs and cats outside with a total disregard of the elements obviously have them as possessions. I have a suggestion for these folks, why don’t you get a concrete pet. It would be so much easier for you: no food costs, no having to shovel up waste from the kennels, no visits from animal control to make sure you are providing the (basic/minimum) legal requirements, no muss, no fuss!!! I was going to add no vet costs, but I really doubt this is a priority for this type of dog owner.
Please bring your pets inside.
Lila Brown
Angola
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