At the shelter

Since fat is the ingredient that produces the most heat, help your pets stay as toasty as possible this winter by feeding them food with a higher fat content.

For dogs with thinner coats or who are sensitive to the cold, walks should be brief as possible in temperatures 25 degrees or less. If your pet unexpectedly suffers from exposure to the cold, wrap him/her in a blanket and go to your veterinarian as soon as possible. Do not immerse your pet in warm water and avoid heating pads that may cause thermal burns.

Animals under the age of 4 months cannot regulate body temperature well and will need to be protected. Young animals need dry, warm quarters.

Keep paws dry to help prevent frostbite in the footpads.

Provide an adequate and fresh water supply frequently to avoid dehydration.

Salt and ice-melting chemicals stick to the fur between your dog's toes and pads. These compounds sting and often cause dogs to limp. Wipe off these substances with warm water when your dog returns inside.

Antifreeze poisoning is a frequent winter problem for pets. Preventive measures include spreading the word on the deadliness of antifreeze poisoning, be extremely careful when handling antifreeze and keep a close eye on your pet in outside activities. The most common symptoms are restlessness, depression and unsteadiness within 60 minutes of ingestion and may be followed by coma and death 12 to 36 hours later. If you suspect antifreeze poisoning, immediately take your pet to the nearest veterinary emergency clinic.

Indoor play can help your pet ease the cabin fever during the cold weather.

(Source: AnimalLeague.org)

#49712, 'Panzer' is a heartworm-negative dachshund/Chihuahua mix, who is a cuddly, sweet little girl and would make a wonderful companion/house dog. #49467, 'Wilbur' is a happy boy who loves life and everyone he meets. He would make an excellent family dog. Wilbur is a heartworm-negative, tan and white terrier mix with a docked tail. #49757, 'Lincoln' is a very gentle and loving yellow lab who is also heartworm negative. He would make a great companion dog. Few breeds so richly deserve their popularity as does the Labrador Retriever. When trained, it is obedient and amiable, and tolerates well the antics of children, other dogs, and other pets. It will be a calm house dog, playful yard dog, and intense field dog, all on the same day. It is eager to please, enjoys learning, and excels in obedience. Labs originated in Canada in the 1800s and have an AKC ranking of 1. It is the most popular breed in America. (Source: Coile's Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds) At this time, we have many wonderful small house dogs. Don't forget our medium and larger dogs. All are equally deserving and hopeful you will adopt them. Anyone who adopts a shelter pet will tell you it is so appreciative and will reward you with utter devotion. These pets' lives depend on being adopted. The modest adoption fee includes spay or neuter, if performed at either local vet clinic, first round of shots (excluding rabies), and worming.

#21383, 'Whitey' is a handsome white-colored cat who is a big lap kitty. He has a gentle nature and loves to have his ears scratched. We have many more enchanting felines and adorable kittens who are looking for forever homes with cat lovers. Stop by The Pet Stop any day of the week to see a selection of shelter kitties, also.

We are grateful to the two local rescue groups. The Pet Stop's "Almost Home" rescue has saved 360 shelter dogs since Sept. 12, 2008. Many of these dogs would have been euthanized due to lack of people to adopt them. Jill Joyner's "One Step Closer to Home" is a friend to the shelter, also. Jill rescues many of our pets who languish at the shelter because they are heartworm positive or other reasons. She also saves four-legged friends in the West Tennessee area and acts as a sister to all larger rescues.

Please help local homeless pets by making a tax-deductible donation to the shelter. It is a wonderful way to honor and remember your loved ones and beloved pets. Specify how your donation should be directed. The Beagley Fund (heartworm treatment) is depleted and in need of replenishing. Heartworm positive dogs face certain death without treatment. Other options are Save a Life Makeover (professional grooming), General Fund, and Memorials. Your donations help us keep our doors open. Please mail your donations to Dyersburg-Dyer County Humane Society, P.O. Box 223, Dyersburg, TN 38025-0223.

There are many ways you can help the shelter other than volunteering. 'Santa Paws' will be held on Saturday, Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Pet Stop. Bring your pets and children to have their pictures taken with Santa and help local homeless pets by supporting this fundraiser! If you are able to volunteer, we need you and the pets need you! Join us today and hand out treats and toys, walk dogs, bathe pets, socialize, or whatever way you would like to help, on your schedule. We always appreciate supplies such as dog blankets, canned food for special-needs cats and dogs, dry cat/dog food, bath towels, and regular litter.

The Dyersburg-Dyer County Humane Society is located at 1120 E. Court and phone number is 285-4889. Shelter hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday.