PROTECT OUR PETS AND OTHER PETS TOO! BRING THEM IN FROM THE COLD

I can't even imagine keeping a dog outside in a cold climate. I just came back from Puerto Rico where it seems like all animals are routinely kept outside, but, of course, it's a different story in a warm tropical climate.

If you have a dog and it is cold, you should bring them inside, but you could also heat the garage or shed and keep them there.  Be careful with space heaters, cords, etc.  It needs to be dog proof.

Dear Bobbie,

Unresponsible pet parents should not have them. I love pets, but some summers, I am barely home for weeks, which would be cruel for a pet, who does not understand that we have to strike, while the iron is hot.

Contacting the authorities in our parts is akin to putting a note in a bottle and dropping it in the lake. They simply don't care. Dozens of people over the years complained of a German Shepherd in our town who was tied out for years. It IS against County ordinances but - who cared? NOT law enforcement, that was for sure.

What I have to wonder is why anyone would take a pet or keep a pet if they're just going to tie them outside and forget about them.

After working in rescue for a few years I have some terrible stories about the things humans do to dogs and cats... I quite often wished I could turn the tables and tie those humans out in a yard with no shelter for a few years.

I can't imagine a pet owner leaving their pets out in nasty weather, could you? People who subject their pets to nasty weather or environment aren't pet owners because pet owners have compassion, love and understanding, don't they?

As the "mother" of an abused dog, I get it. And I've been know to call the animal control people when I've seen neighbors not properly caring for their pets. If we don't fight for them, who will?

In Southern California we are pretty lucky. Very few cold, cold days/nights. But even here, and with a warm dog house, the dog is in when it's remotely chilly. 

just had a conversation woith a woman that I met online...she casually mentioned that all pets should be outside all of the time...I rapidly hit the delete button and I do not have any pets at the moment!!

Hi Bobbie,

Thanks for writing this post and thanks for being an animal advocate!! I'll never understand how anyone can leave their pet out in the cold and not feel guilty, especially on the east coast! It's sad, but I guess some people have no sense of compassion or empathy for other living beings : (

All the best to you this year & have a great week ahead!

Gina