How the shelter gets ready for winter

It is still September, but we are already counting blankets and ordering straw. Winter is the hardest time of year for animals in kennels, and the better we prepare, the more calmly they get through it.

Warm kennels

Our outdoor kennels have insulated, double-walled dog houses with entrances sheltered from the wind. In autumn we fill them with fresh straw, which keeps animals warmer than blankets – it does not soak up damp or freeze. The heated building is reserved for puppies, seniors and animals recovering from surgery.

More food, more checks

Dogs who spend a lot of time outside burn more energy in winter, so we increase their portions and add extra fat. Every morning we check that the water in the bowls hasn’t frozen. When it is freezing, we change it up to three times a day.

Extra care for seniors and short-haired dogs

Older dogs and short-coated breeds get a coat for their walks. When they come back we wipe the salt and snow off their paws and check their pads for cracks. The cats spend the winter in the heated cat house, and the outdoor run is closed.

Winter walks

We don’t skip walks even when it is freezing; we just make them shorter and split them into more outings. Volunteers walk the dogs in daylight, because the paths around the pond get slippery at dusk. After every walk we towel the dogs dry so they don’t go back into their kennels wet.

How you can help

• Old blankets, towels and duvets (no feather ones).

• Good-quality dry food for dogs and cats, especially senior food.

• Coats for short-haired dogs in sizes S to L.

• Paw balm.

• A contribution towards straw and heating – even a small amount helps.

We accept donations in kind at reception during opening hours. If you would like to give money, you will find our account number in the How to help section. Thank you – thanks to you, every one of our animals will spend this winter warm.

And if you would like to help in another way, consider fostering. Older dogs get through the winter far better in your home than in a kennel.

Photo: Baden de, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons