A severe cold front has moved into our area. Please be advised that below-freezing temperatures and potentially, freezing rain, will likely hover over the region for the next several days. I have cancelled all Companion field trips and The Family Bed Education, Rehabilitation and Training Center will be closed until spring. The Companions and I would like to remind everyone to please bring your pets indoors while it is so cold. Prepare them hot, protein-heavy meals to boost their internal heating capabilities. Some foods that are known to promote interior pet warmth are meat, broth, warm milk, melted cheese, eggs, coconut oil, bacon, gravy, and hazelnut coffee with heavy cream. Other measures can be taken to keep your pet warm, as well. For instance … you know that hot blanket you put on your own bed to keep warm while you sleep? Well, did it ever occur to you that your dachshund might like to get on in there and warm her haunches, too? Probably not because you’re too selfish and uncaring to ever consider that your poor little Diggy Dog is freezing. She’s not shivering because she’s excited to see you, dummy – she’s shaking to try and generate some warmth so she won’t die! Also, instead of putting your pet outside to do her business, perhaps you should consider getting her some of those really cool puppy pads so she can go inside. After all, you don’t go outside when you have to pee or poop. Well, sometimes you do if there’s already someone in the bathroom and you have to go really bad, but it’s a choice for you, isn’t it? That’s right. Your pet should have a choice, too. Put those pads in the bathroom and let her go when you go … in comfort. I mean, she’s already there in her capacity as Bathroom Supervisor, might as well make it a more efficient use of everyone’s time. Take a minute or two to talk with your pet about how this idea could work for you. Additionally, stop telling your pet how cold it is outside. Trust me, she knows. She knows because you keep shoving her haunchy ass out there and leaving her, even though there’s no way you could not hear her desperate cries from your comfy chair … right by the window. And another thing – maybe you could scoot your butt over and let your poor, cold, weak, helpless dachshund sit beside you in that comfy chair. Under a snuggly blanket. And give her some of that good-smelling hot tea you’re always drinking. Accommodate me! I mean – accommodate your pet! Sharing is important. So. Bring in your pets and keep them warm. And thank you for your support.