Dogs that are on tie-outs could have their houses placed under decks or trees for added protection. Many dogs will pull blankets and beds out of their houses. As long as the house is well-made and prepared, the cozy comforter can be forsaken! If you decide to use straw, make sure that it is changed frequently. Damp, wet bedding is a breeding ground for skin infections.

Do not forget that it is against the law for a dog to be outside without sufficient shelter if it is housed outside. Crates are not sufficient and are not law-compliant. Boxes, lean-tos, etc. are no-no’s as well. If you’re tending to feral or semi-feral felines, try to supply an indoor haven. Barns, sheds, garages, outbuildings, etc. with doors cracked open can prevent cats that are on their own from succumbing to freezing temperatures and frostbite.

I have a “rule” that most dogs should be brought in at 20 degrees Fahrenheit. My Husky and Malamute (and Shepherd) friends typically chuckle at this, because most of these breeds are outside snoozing at 0 degrees or below!

Please call our Cruelty Unit if you think a small animal is in jeopardy. Though requirements for equines differ greatly from smaller or large companion animals, most outside horses should have run-in sheds. Many do well without, as long as they have sufficient feed.

I remember racing up to my barn to bring SoFar and Dudley inside during a sleet storm. If you think they wanted in — they didn’t. Those rotund, well-fed bodies were keeping them warm, and they were enjoying the change in the scenery. If you see horses that look in jeopardy, please call us. Many owners are innocent to proper cold-weather management. Others may need to be prosecuted.

Here is the CGHS/SPCA Wish List for Hanukkah and Christmas:

>> Canned dog and cat food;

>> Biscuits and treats for kitties and puppies;

>> Paper towels;

>> Clorox and dish liquid;

>> Blankets and towels (no quilts);

>> Self-adhesive stamps (44 cent or forever);

>> Toys, toys, toys — Kongs, flexible Nylabones, Jolly “Kettle” Balls, Buster Cubes (small and large);

>> Pet-friendly ice melt (Safe Paw or comparable);

>> Loving, caring homes with a small spot for a new companion (or two)!

On a final note, we are currently well-stocked in eager kittens and cats as well as faithful dogs, just waiting to lie next to you during the upcoming holiday season. Without further ado, let me introduce a handful to you — but I’m sure you’ll want to come down yourself to pick one or more!

Sophie and Fiona: After the passing of their owner, Sophie and Fiona found themselves at our shelter, away from the comfort of their home and in an unfamiliar environment. When in their cage, they can be found snuggling one another, completely inseparable as they look to each other for security and comfort. These sisters are strikingly beautiful; their beautiful electric blue eyes complement the silvery hue of their soft fur, and it would be impossible to not fall in love with their remarkably stunning features. Sophie and Fiona are both 2 years old, and would make wonderful companions to any family.

Jacob: Jacob, a Redbone Coonhound, is sure to howl his way into your heart! Jacob is only 11 months old, with a goofy temperament and a hilariously silly attitude. He will need a home that can offer him a lot of exercise and room to run, as he’s still young and has a lot of energy to burn. Being a typical Coonhound, Jacob is sure to follow any scent on his nose, so he will not be an appropriate option if you are looking for a free-range dog. Jacob previously lived with dogs, cats and children, and would be a great addition to any family!

Dash: Left behind by his owners after being bounced from home to home, Dash is a quiet and mellow guy that is sure to steal your heart with his charming disposition and soulful eyes. Most of the staff have found themselves wondering why no one has fallen in love with him yet since he’s a delight to be around, extremely easy-going and very affectionate. Despite being a 1-year-old hound mix, we have not once heard him howl or bark. He is very relaxed, and he greatly prefers the comfort of a couch and a warm lap to a run around the neighborhood. You’ll find him to be a wonderfully calm and loving dog that is sure to appreciate the forever home he so greatly deserves.

Shy: Shy, a 5-year-old Shiba Inu, was cast away by previous owners and left to roam as a stray before being picked up and brought to CGHS/SPCA. Appropriately named, Shy is very timid of new people and situations, and will need a very low-key, mellow home to settle down in. Shy would prefer a home with adults only, as children can be too much for him. He is very handsome and once you gain his trust, he will sneakily snuggle you for affection and politely ask you to play fetch with him. Shy is very sweet, and though it may take some time and patience for him to welcome you into his heart, you’ll be glad you made the effort!

***
Charlene Marchand is the Chairperson of the Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA Board of Directors. She may be contacted by e-mail at cghsaaron@gmail.com.

“First, I never assume that the possibility does not exist that either my dog will get injured or that we may get separated. No matter how ‘foolproof’ he may seem, there is always the risk that something beyond my control or imagination can happen, with adverse consequences. An old cowboy I once worked with was fond of quoting one of his favorite adages to me (oftentimes as I was lying in the dust on my fanny with a bucking bronco yards away): ‘Nothing will make a liar out of you sooner than a horse.’ I think he would extend the liberty of switching out ‘horse’ for ‘dog.’ Point taken.

After much deliberation, I came up with the following compilation of first-aid supplies that are now de rigueur on our outings. Although the list looks extensive, all of the items can be carried in mid-sized cosmetic case, which tucks into even a small-ish fanny pack.

>> Leash and non-slip collar: Keep this at the ready, not buried at the bottom of pack, in case you need to restrain your dog at a moment’s notice (even if you do normally have dog off-leash).

>> Whistle: to summon help; to let others in your party know where you are if you split up; to call your dog or help him locate you if you should get separated (especially if he is whistle-trained). I like for each person in party to have one for communication.

>> Gauze pads: for wounds

>> Gauze wrap: for wounds

>> Adhesive tape: to secure gauze or bandage

>> Vet wrap or self-stick bandage: for a more secure way of securing larger areas that need protection

>> Scissors: to cut tape, bandages; to cut away dog’s coat if it is long and blocks view of injury

>> Small needle-nosed pliers: to remove porcupine quills; to cut wire if dog gets tangled in it

>> Tweezers: to remove prickers, briars, thistles

>> Panty hose legs: to serve as muzzle; to help restrain dog

>> Antibiotic ointment: for small scrapes and wounds

>> Betadine or antiseptic wash: use as antiseptic wash

>> Small squeeze bottle of water (fresh, clean): to rinse out wound

>> Alcohol wipes: to clean pliers, scissors before using

>> Antiseptic hand cleaner: to clean your hands before working on a wound

>> Latex or rubber gloves: Who knows what icky things your dog might get into!

>> Benedryl: in case of allergic reaction or buffered aspirin: if dog is in pain due to injury. Talk with your vet about dosages and when/how/if to use appropriately.

>> SprayShield: if a threatening animal gets too close to you or your dog

>> Emergency blanket (those small, compact silver ones for keeping in car or for hikers): Not only will this keep your dog warm if it’s a cold day, after the sun goes down, or if he starts to go into shock, but it can also be used by you and another person as a “sling” to transport an injured dog. In extreme cases, the reflective surface could be used as a flash signal to summon help.

>> “Cheater” glasses: If you need glasses to read, you will need them to treat a wound or remove quills, splinters! Don’t be caught with all the proper emergency supplies — and not be able to use them because you can’t see!

>> Dog ID tag: Even though my dog has a microchip, I always keep his physical ID tags on when we are out so that if we get separated and someone picks up my dog, she can call me immediately, without going through the process of having a vet or shelter reading the chip. By using a two-sided tag, I can have my home contact info on one side and common “while visiting phone numbers” on the other. (Tip: forgo putting dog’s name on tag, and use the additional engraving line for a helpful number or address.)

>> Water: Although this isn’t an emergency supply, it is important to remember to provide water for your dog. Unless you are fully confident that there is a ready supply of fresh, clean water on the trail — and that your dog is comfortable drinking from streams or ponds — carry water for him. Bring either a collapsible water dish that will fit in your fanny pack and share your supply with him, or bring a “Gulpee,” a water bottle that has an attached drinking tray for the dog.

If traveling with dog, keep in car:

>> Copy of recent vet records: In case you have to make an emergency visit to a new, out-of-town vet, have list of recent shots, any allergies, and any health issues a vet should be aware of.

>> Copy of microchip info: In case you and your dog get separated, it is good to have this info for quick reference

>> Recent photo of dog: If you get separated, it might come in handy. Photo should be recent and show distinguishing marks/features (no, not a photo of Pooch dressed up as a pumpkin for Halloween!).

>> Seat belt/harness/crate for travelling: that’s probably another story!

I know the current trend in running, hiking and biking is to “Go Lite,” but sometimes it is worth carrying a little extra weight for the safety of our buddies. Carrying supplies shouldn’t be limited to only out-of-the-way or lengthy hikes — even when close to home, it is a good idea to carry a first-aid kit. A mile is an awfully long distance when trying to maneuver a wounded or sick dog to safety.

There are some lessons we don’t want to learn the hard way, and being out in the woods with an injured dog and no way to help him is near the top of that list. Believe me, an extra pound in your pack lightens the burden of responsibility for another creature that sits heavily on your shoulders.”
***
Charlene Marchand is the Chairperson of the Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA Board of Directors. She may be contacted by e-mail at cghsaaron@gmail.com.