Cruelty or Lack of Education?

It's been awhile since I've posted. Sometimes I have to wait for something to inspire me.

This week, I had the opportunity to be on the Mediacom Newsleaders segment with Jeff Thee in Spirit Lake. We discussed winter pet care tips. I think we could safely say that most pet owners know the importance of keeping your pet indoors and out of the bitter cold that we have been experiencing, but I also know that others don't or choose to have an outdoor only pet. For those folks we talked about using insulated dog houses, sheds, or possible access into a garage or barn. Straw is an excellent bedding to use as well as a dog bed or thermal blanket or pad. Old blankets can tend to absorb moisture, mat down, and become frozen, supplying no warmth to an animal. They can also become chew toys that can be swallowed and lodged in the digestive tract. Take it from me, that surgery is not cheap!

I would imagine some pet owners think that their dog has enough fur to keep them warm, after all, dogs were once wolves right? Uh, no! We've come a long way baby. Our dogs are so domesticated now, many wouldn't have the slightest clue how to fend for themselves.

Proper food and available water can be a challenge as well. Because your dog is burning calories trying to stay warm, he/she may need to be fed more in the winter. And if you don't invest in a heated dish for water, you may need to supply water for your dog frequently throughout the day. Nobody, including your pet wants to suck on ice cubes when it's below freezing.

If you have a friend, neighbor, or family member that may not be familiar with any of this information, please feel free to direct them to this blog, or of course, get on the old internet and search for winter pet care tips. You could even print it off and discretely mail it to them if it is not a conversation you are willing to have.

One more thing. Today I'm reading the paper where I always check the pet section and came across this ad: Christmas puppies for sale: Australian Shepard/Labrador mix, 6 weeks old. Had shots and wormed. Eating puppy food. Been outside since birth. Can go anytime. Good farm/kid's dogs.

How many things are wrong with that? Looks like Boomer's Voice still needs to be heard. Please help share the knowledge.