23/02/2024
While this winter has been mild for us in Ohio, the conditions are still too extreme for pets to live outside. If you notice a neighbor's dog outside in the yard or on a chain during blistering cold temperatures or sleeping outside overnight, please call your local animal control and report it.
If you see a loose dog, consider trying to catch it if you're able to approach it safely. If you're in a position to provide a warm, safe place for it to hang out while you work to find it somewhere to go long-term, please do so. That dog you picked up could be someone's pet, they could have a family that's desperately looking for them. If you're unable to safely secure the dog, call your local animal control and let them know its whereabouts so they can work to find it.
And please consider donating to your local animal shelter or rescue. If you have the space in your home and heart to care for a dog or cat, please consider applying to foster or adopt. Fostering is completely financially supported by the rescue/shelter, so all food, supplies, and veterinary care are covered by the organization. The only thing you are asked to do is house and love the animal for as long as you're able to. It might just be the most rewarding thing you'll ever do.
At the very least, if know of an animal being neglected or abused, or if you see a loose dog or cat on the street, please call your local animal control or municipal shelter to report it. If we all turn a blind eye and assume that someone else will do it, then no one will. You could be the difference in saving that animals life.