Anyone that has been by Homeland Realty Group's office has met Bella.  My Chocolate Lab.  My spoiled Chocolate Lab.  From her morning treat of Bojangles fries to her mid-day Oreo snack, the girl is rotten. Judge me.  I don't care.  :o)  I could not image her being out in this cold for any extended period of time.  Which prompted me to share this reminder about all our beloved fur-babies over the next few days:

The first rule of thumb, if it is to cold for you it is to cold for them, period.  Bring them in.  Ok, I know, sometimes they just can't stay inside.... your house, that is.  For the love, please make sure they have shelter.  Warm, dry, draft-free shelters, raised off the ground to prevent moisture runoff and dampness getting inside, that is large enough to allow them to move comfortably, but small enough to hold in body heat; the doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic and the floor covered with cedar shavings or straw.

Some people genuinely don’t know the risk that cold weather poses to their pets or livestock.  Enlighten them.  If they respond poorly or continue to neglect their animals, report them.  Did you know animal neglect is considered a misdemeanor crime in all 50 states and Washington, D.C?  

For more information on how to protect not only your cats and dogs but other animals, I encourage you to visit 

https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/5-ways-protect-pets-winter

Stay Warm My Friends!