Both of our featured pets from last week Nugget, the tall and oh so handsome gentle cattle dog mix and little lap loving chi Bam are still available. If you’ve been dreaming about what great additions they would be to your family and they are in our first building at the Eastside shelter.
Our first featured pet was to be our featured pet last weekend but she was adopted during the 50% off event. They really wanted her but sometimes the adoption is just not a good fit so they returned her after 4 days. The older couple said she pulled too much for them on leash and they did not like her enthusiastic greeting. Their mistake will be someone else’s happy fit.
Lady (ID# A 1625536) is a 5 year old, female black &white Labrador Retriever mix. She weighs 65 pounds. She is always a happy spunky lady. Lady is fairly energetic. She is a busy curious gal and social butterfly wanting to meet every person that comes along. She enjoys her daily walks. Yes, she can pull a bit on leash but even our brand new volunteers enjoy taking her out and love her dearly. Lady has a couple pounds to loose so perhaps she could use an evening walk with you too. She is dog friendly too and enjoys our dog play groups. During her temperament test and also during play group this gal is always ready to play. She is not an energizer bunny though. After a short amount of play she enjoys resting with her friends in the shade or cuddling with a human. As we said she has some energy and she pulls a little on leash. This can be easy to fix with a bit of time and training but people often expect perfection immediately. Lady is back among her many friends until she finds the right home. She will make a great companion and remember every adoption includes a free training class so IF you feel Lady pulls a bit on leash and is too enthusiastic to greet you when you come home this is what the class is for. Are you ready to give Lady her forever home? Please come meet her at our Eastside shelter.
Dilbert (ID# A 1726717) is a 2 year old, male tan & white Smooth Coated Chihuahua mix. This spunky little boy weighs only 7 pounds. Dilbert is always ready to play. He is an active little guy that needs an active family. He might enjoy play with a child around 8 years old. He also would enjoy going home to a doggie play mate too. He loves to play in our little dog play groups. The ladies say he really enjoys a good game of chase and socializing with his buddies. He is presently kenneled with two other little Chihuahuas. He also loves to chase balls but does not always want to give it up but listens when you say “no”. Dilbert went to the groomer last week and they report “he was great during his bath and grooming, such a sweet fun little boy”. If you have energy to match this higher energy play boy and/or perhaps another little companion that is playful then he is eager to meet you at our Eastside shelter.
The Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department urges you to take winter precautions so that you can keep your pets cozy no matter what the winter throws our way.
For residents of Bernalillo County and the City of Albuquerque, free straw bedding is being made available, while supplies last, through the partnership with Bernalillo County Animal Care Services and Albuquerque Animal Welfare.
- Bernalillo County Animal Care Services, (505) 314-0280
- Albuquerque Animal Welfare, 311 (768-2000)
It’s a common misconception that dogs and cats won’t get cold because of their fur. If you are cold, your companion animal is cold. Most domestic cats and dogs are not well equipped for cold weather and can easily be susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia.
Signs of Hypothermia
- Uncontrollable shivering
- Decreased heartbeat and weak pulse
- Stiff muscles
- Lack of coordination
- Pale or blue gums
If your companion animal shows any of these signs seek immediate veterinary attention.
Insulating with Straw
If your companion animal must remain outside, straw is an inexpensive insulator that makes excellent bedding. It retains the animal’s heat and evaporates moisture. Hay does not maintain these qualities. To use straw effectively, place a thick layer on the floor of your animal’s shelter. Check the straw periodically for moisture and cleanliness. Switch it out when needed.
The best place for any companion animal is right at home…inside your home. If at all possible, your animals should be moved inside, especially during cold weather.
More Winter Tips
- Check your companion animal’s water bowl frequently for freezing. Consider purchasing a heater. Glass and ceramic dishes will crack and break when the water freezes.
- Companion animals kept primarily outdoors, especially in cold weather, may require more food than other animals. Provide additional food to animals that spend a lot of time outside.
- Don’t leave an animal in a closed car in the winter. A car becomes a refrigerator and the temperature can be just as deadly as those in the summer.
- Keep anti-freeze away from any animal or child’s reach. Both are attracted by its sweet taste and ethylene glycol is highly poisonous.
- Be aware if your animal has walked on salted or de-iced surfaces. They will lick their paws and the substances are toxic. Rinse their paws in warm water.
- Check your animal’s paws for balls of ice or snow that have formed between their pads. Rinse with warm water to remove.
- Be aware that cats and wildlife left outside will seek the warmth and protection of a car’s engine. Bang on the hood or honk the horn before starting the engine.
For more helpful tips to keep your pets warm this winter visit our web site www.cabq.gov/pets/news or https://www.facebook.com/AlbuquerqueAnimalWelfare
