It's so easy!

You can earn money for the Shelter by doing
what you already do -- shopping with your favorite merchants.

Now you can help feed the hungry and shelter the homeless with every purchase you make. Simply shop through OneCause to support Animal Shelter Inc., at no extra cost to you!

We have recently joined OneCause to turn your everyday purchases into much needed contributions. With every eligible purchase you make at hundreds of well-known merchants at OneCause, you will automatically contribute up to 25% to Animal Shelter Inc.!

Get Started in 1-2-3

Thank you for supporting our Shelter through OneCause!
 

Receive a discount coupon for veterinary care needs!

Support local Shelters with donations of supplies and goods.

THANK YOU!

Join the staff of VCA Abbott Animal Hospital in Operation Santa Paws! Help support our local animal shelters in caring for THOUSANDS of abandoned and stray animals each year. Some need intensive care, while others just need a warm bed, some food and a kind hand. Even a small donation has a big
impact by helping to SAVE LIVES.

Please bring one or more items listed below to the VCA Abbott Animal Hospital and receive a
discount coupon for your veterinary care needs) or consider becoming a volunteer or adopting a furry friend! In addition to the discount coupon, we will put the donors' name on an ornament on the 'Santa paws tree' in the lobby.

Thank you for all you do for the animals - together we can make a difference!

 

WORCESTER ANIMAL RESCUE LEAGUE 139 Holden Street Worcester, MA (508) 853-0030 • www.worcester-arl.org	STERLING ANIMAL SHELTER 17 Laurelwood Road Sterling, MA (508) 422-8574 • www.sterlingshelter.org
VCA ABBOTT ANIMAL HOSPITAL 21 East Mountain Street Worcester, MA (508) 853-3350 • www.abbottvets.com

Help your pets remain happy and healthy during the colder months.



 

In many areas, winter is a season
of bitter cold and numbing wetness.




 

Pets who spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy.



 

Please keep your pets warm and safe during the winter months.
 

Outdoor pets. Some pets are better suited than others for living outdoors. There is a common misconception that dogs will be "fine" if left outside. This is not true! All pets need adequate shelter from the elements and insulation against cold weather. Pets should not be left outside for long periods in freezing weather—like humans, they can suffer from hypothermia and frostbite.

The young and the senior pets are especially at risk. Certain breeds, such as Huskies and Samoyeds are better suited to very cold weather, but the majority of dogs need your help and intervention. Indoor accommodations are best during extreme temperature drops, but if that is not possible, set up a suitable house in an area protected from wind, rain, and snow. Insulation, such as straw or blankets will help keep in body heat. If your animal is prone to chewing, do not use blankets or material that can be ingested. Cedar shavings can be irritating to the skin, so use with caution depending on your pet‚s hair coat.

Caution—do not use a heat lamp, space heater, or other device not approved for use with animals. This is a burn hazard for your pet and a fire hazard. Pet supply vendors sell heated mats for pets to sleep on or to be placed under a dog house, but read and follow directions carefully before use.

Fresh water is a must at all times! Pets are not able to get enough water from licking ice or eating snow. A heated dish is a wonderful tool for cold climates. The water stays cold, but doesn‚t freeze. Caution needed for animals that may chew. Outdoor pets require additional food for energy and maintaining body heat in harsh climates.

Foot care. Dogs walking in snowy areas may get large ice balls between their pads, causing the dog to limp. Be sure to keep ice clear from this area. For dogs that have a lot of hair between the pads, keeping it clipped shorter will help with ice ball formation. Dog boots offer protection to those dogs that will tolerate wearing them. See what our viewers have to say about canine paw care and boots.

Salt and chemical de-icers. Pets who walk on sidewalks that have been "de-iced" are prone to dry, chapped, and potentially painful paws. This will encourage the pet to lick their paws, and ingestion may cause gastrointestinal irritation and upset. Wash off your pet‚s feet after an outing with a warm wet cloth or footbath.

Frozen lakes and ponds. Animals don't realize what "thin ice" is. Once they fall in, it is very difficult for them to climb out and hypothermia is a very real and life-threatening danger. "Ice skating" dogs are prone to injuries, such as cruciate tears if allowed to "skate" with their humans. This is also true of icy walks.

Antifreeze Dangers. Thirsty and curious pets will lap up antifreeze. Just a few licks can be fatal. Lock up antifreeze containers and clean up spills immediately. For more information, please read the article about antifreeze toxicity.

Heat-seekers beware!. will seek warmth where they can get it, and that may be the warm engine of a car just parked. Before staring your car, knock on the hood or honk the horn to scare off any cats—and prevent tragedy.

Arthritic animals. Arthritis is worse during cold and damp weather. Take special care to handle your pet gently, watch out for icy walks, provide soft (and possibly heated) bedding, and administer any necessary medications. See your veterinarian if your pet is arthritic or you suspect arthritis.

If your pet sleeps in the garage... As mentioned earlier, be on the alert for any antifreeze leakage or antifreeze containers left out where they could spill or be chewed on. Also, do NOT start the car in a closed garage—for your safety and your pet‚s safety—carbon monoxide poisoning is a silent killer.
 

Give to the Animal Shelter, Inc. of Sterling while Giving Gifts this Holiday Season
In Home Massage Gift Certificates Starting at $40!
All Natural, Handmade Hot/Cold Therapy Packs
Licensed Husband and Wife Team who Volunteer as Foster Parents at the Shelter
Order securely online http://randyandrebecca.iwantamassage.com

~$10 from every gift certificate and 10% of all packs sold now through Dec 31st will be donated to the shelter~

Want to help the Shelter? Have you considered our Recurring Giving system. This convenient system allows you to automatically make a donation to the Sterling Shelter every month via credit card or checking account. This is an extremely powerful fundraising method that can allow the Shelter to save thousands of additional animals every year with a donation as small as $2.00 per month from you. Thank you for your support!