By Paige Kruse, ImPRessions ACHS account member

The Athens Humane Society ImPRessions account hosted a successful Puppy Mill Awareness event with the help of Redbrick Sports Pub.. On Wed., Jan.19, ACHS members served dinner and drinks with the tips benefiting the Humane Society and its fight for local pets. The Athens community and fellow students were able to stand up against puppy mills while enjoying a lively atmosphere and 45 cent wing night. Although most volunteers didn’t have a lot of serving experience, costumers were patient and ready to contribute for a good cause. Puppy Mill Awareness Week strives to shed light on the miserable conditions of puppy mill breeding.
With thousands of mills across the United States, most puppies are left in small, wired cages and never feel the grass on their paws. Large pet stores will buy dogs from puppy mills at low costs and sell them for a large profit. Puppy mill owners have been known to shoot the dogs rather than provide vet care.
Adoption is a great step toward bettering conditions for dogs. Interested in the fight against Puppy mills? Visit http://www.humanesociety.org/ or http://www.stoppuppymills.org/.

Winter Weather Safety

By Camille Davis, ACHS ImPRessions account member

When the weather gets cold, and the snow begins to fall, it is easy for us to add another layer of clothes. But what about our pets? Winter pet safety is an important subject for all pet owners.

One of the most basic ways we can take care of our pets in this harsh winter weather is by bringing our outdoor pets inside. Winter weather brings many perils, from the biting cold to the mountains of snow. It is not uncommon for pets to get lost in this weather, so when they do go outside make sure they are wearing their tags and keep dogs on leashes. It is easy for them to get turned about and have a hard time picking up the scent of home in the snow.

Pet owners should also take caution of outdoor cats. Parked cars provide cats a safe haven from the snow, so be sure to bang on the hood of your car to warn any sleeping animals that you are about to start the car.

Dogs may seem warm with their furry coats, but even they are subject to the cold of winter. When bringing your dog in from a walk be sure to fully dry off their legs and belly. No one wants to walk around in wet clothes, especially clothes covered in road salt. Also check the area in between the pads of their paws. Ice and salt can gather quickly in that space.

The fashionable dog owner can dress short haired dogs up in adorable, warm sweaters. If you aren’t the fashionista then be sure to not cut your dog’s hair short. For the dogs who love playing in the snow, you may want to give them a little extra food to keep their energy up!

While winter can be a dangerous time for people and animals, it can also be a lot of fun. The snow provides countless photo opportunities of dogs playing in the snow. Is there anything cuter than a furry snowball? What better time to curl up on the couch with your cat then when the snow is falling? With months of winter ahead of us, be sure to keep an eye on your pets and be sure to enjoy the winter!