Humane Society offers help to dog owners during freezing weather

BRANCH COUNTY — You can still help the Humane Society of Branch County provide shelter and food for dogs this winter.

Saturday, Laura Martinson, Cheryl Hawver, and other volunteers spent nine hours in the parking lot of Kilgore International off U.S. 12 in Coldwater, raising funds to purchase more plastic igloos provided to owners without proper dog houses.

Tractor Supply sells them for $160, a discount off the $240 retail price.

Hawver said the intent is to loan the igloos, but often, the shelter becomes long-term. "It helps in the summer to provide shelter from the sun and rain," she said.

Volunteers look for dogs without shelter, especially in extreme cold. Both women spent eight days during the extreme January freeze checking for dogs at risk.

People can report concerns to the Humane Society and remain anonymous by calling (517) 639-4426.

The volunteers have no law enforcement authority. "We're not here to take your animal away. We very tactfully offered to help them take better care of their pet," Hawver said. "We just want to make their pets' lives better."

Martinson said most people contacted either do not think about the danger of the cold for their animals or do not have money to provide for them.

Volunteers also provide food when needed, and anyone can call for help.

Hawver said, "There's no cost. We understand hard times come along."

The Humane Society also provides straw to those with outdoor dog houses for warmth.

"My husband and I delivered straw to about 30 houses," Martinson said.

Unlike hay and other materials such as blankets, Martinson explained that straw does not hold moisture and helps animals in outside houses stay warm.

Two years ago, the group held a similar fundraiser. Hawver said, "We actually stayed the whole 24 hours. We slept in the (igloos). It was negative 20 degrees. Terrible. It was the coldest I've ever been in my whole life."

People stopped Saturday with cash donations, pet food, and other supplies.

After this weekend, the Human Society has 30 igloos but could use more.

To help or to find a dog or cat to adopt, contact the Humane Society of Branch County at (517) 639-4426, at 969 Wildwood Road, or on Facebook.

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-- Contact Don Reid: dReid@Gannett.com. 

This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: Humane Society raises funds to help dog owners during winter freezes