A huge THANK YOU for being an amazing Junior Pet Partner! You help save the lives of thousands of animals each year. In this frosty edition, you'll discover heartwarming stories, cool tips and tricks, and a flurry of fun surprises!
HSTB Program Spotlight: Working Cats
Sometimes HSTB helps wild (feral) cats that can’t stay where they are and aren’t used to being around people, so they can’t live as pets. Instead of giving up on them, we created the Working Cats Program! This program finds them homes in barns, sheds, or garages, where they can be safe, get food and water, and help by chasing away mice and other pests. Some even make friends with cows and chickens on the farms where they live. It’s a win-win for everyone!
A LETTER FROM AN ADOPTER
When I first met Poof, he was very shy and timid—just shaking in the corner. I was told he was returned a couple of times and that he needed help gaining confidence again. For the first couple of weeks, he didn’t let anyone else in the family touch him or take him out, and he would not do anything if I wasn’t right by his side. But his new cat brothers helped him get out of his comfort zone and show him there wasn’t anything to be afraid of. Now a little over a year later he is a completely different dog!
He used to be scared of all other dogs and people when we went on walks and would cross the street or turn around to avoid them. Now he just wants to be buddies with everyone. We even found out that he has a little Aussie smile when he’s happy. He loves his cats and sunbathing on the porch with them when they’re not chasing each other around. He also loves car rides to get pup cups, fetch, and running zoomies around the yard, and lots of attention of course. I’m forever grateful for HSTB for taking care of him before I was able to— and he just goes to show how much love and patience can transform a rescue dog
CanYouUnscramble TheseWords?
Ready to test your skills? Unscramble these winter words and uncover their chilly identities!
NOMASWN
LECICI
DIGLENDS
OHT OACOC
EAKLFSNWO
NETIMTS
TSOFRY
RINEEDRE NGUIPNE
RBDLIZAZ
Male reindeer lose their antlers in the fall whereas female reindeer lose them after delivering their calves in the spring. What this means is that Santa’s reindeer are girls!
Be Cautious of Decorations!
As the holiday season approaches, keeping our furry friends safe from tempting Christmas decorations is crucial! Curious cats and dogs may be attracted to shiny ornaments, tinsel, and garlands, which can pose serious hazards if chewed or swallowed. To protect your pets, place decorations out of reach, choose petsafe alternatives, and supervise them during festive activities.
Paws and Plants
Did you know that some holiday plants can be bad for our pets? Mistletoe and holly can make them feel sick and cause heart problems if they eat them. Certain lilies, which are often in holiday bouquets, are really dangerous for cats and can hurt their kidneys. Poinsettias might give pets a tummy ache, too! To keep our furry friends safe, let’s keep these plants up high where they can’t reach them or use some fun fake plants instead!
What do you get when you cross a snowman and a vampire? Frostbite!
Ways You Can Help This Winter!
Come Visit HSTB!
Another fun way to help is by visiting the animals during the holidays! You can join a program called Paws for Literacy, where you can read to the dogs and cats. It’s a great way to spend time with them and practice your reading skills at the same time! Learn more on the HSTB website.
Donate to the Animals!
Spread some holiday cheer by donating essentials like food, blankets, toys, grooming supplies, and cleaning products to HSTB. Or if you're unsure about what to give someone this season, consider making a donation to the shelter in their name!
Volunteer at the Shelter!
Finally, lending a hand through volunteering during the busy holiday months is a fantastic way to make a difference for animals in need! There are plenty of exciting opportunities to help out, so be sure to bring your parent along when you come! Visit our website to learn more about how you can get involved.
Can you spot all five differences?
Dive into the winter-themed crossword and spark some holiday magic!
