RHODY PETS: Tips for keeping Rover safe on a snowy romp;

RhodyPets: Snow Days for Dogs Simple precautions keep your pup prancing through the snow

RHODY PET OF THE MONTH: CHARLIE Playful German Shepherd seeks experienced home

By Karen Kalunian

Attention German Shepherd lovers! Meet Charlie. This young boy is still very much a puppy. Just shy of a year old, this handsome dog is very playful and smart, too. He’s a little nervous with strangers at first meeting, but once he feels comfortable, he’s a sweet boy. Charlie is best suited to an experienced dog owner who can continue to show him the ropes. His dream home has a fencedin backyard where he can run and play; it’s so much fun to watch him go! If you have been searching for a boy like Charlie, you should meet him – he might just be your true forever friend! Learn more at HeartofRI.org or contact at 401-467-3670 or heartofriadoption@gmail.com.

If you have been looking to adopt or know of an animal in need, please contact Karen from Animal Talk directly at animaltalk1920@gmail.com

Dogs and snow seem like a picturesque combination – snowflake-dusted noses, and paws leaving a “follow me” trail of prints across shimmering blankets of white, but there are a few things to consider before you go walking in a winter wonderland.

THAT’S NO SNOW CONE

Many dogs enjoy an impromptu sidewalk slushie, chomping at the refreshing ice, but make sure they are not lapping up any swirls of blue or green, especially around cars and driveways – antifreeze is sweet-tasting but toxic to pets. Scattered rock salt can also upset your dog’s stomach; they can accidentally ingest this grit by licking their paws clean after a walk. Simply wipe o their feet with a soft towel before stepping back into the house. The action will also help warm their chilly paw pads.

SNOW BOOTS

Speaking of keeping those tootsies toasty, dog booties are a great option for warmth and protection. But pups often do an awkward prance on the first wear, finding it hard to find their footing without their natural sensory contact with the ground. One way around this is to pop on the leash and break into a little trot so their instinctive rhythm overrides their confusion or initial discomfort.

WAX ON, WAX OFF

You wouldn’t be without your lip balm or hand cream in the winter, so soothe (or better yet, prevent) nose and paw dryness and cracking with all-natural moisturizer, like Kin+Kind’s Nose and Paw Moisturizer for Dogs and Cats. Apply a light layer and gently massage until the shea butter and jojoba oil is absorbed.

MARK THE SPOT

Some dogs are wary about exploring a yard buried deep in snow, especially when the drifts are deeper than they are tall! Queer Eye’s Jonathan Van Ness recently modeled