The New York Police Department often rescue dogs from dangerous situations. Recently, the NYPD rescued Hennessy, a 6-month-old pit bull puppy. She was in bad shape, but they showed up in time to save her life, according to Buzzfeed News. The police responded to a 911 call that a crazed man was punching and beating a dog with a shovel.When the officers arrived, they only saw Hennessy's head poking up through the snow, as the rest of her body was buried. As the officers dug her out of the snow pile, they could tell she'd been hit and mistreated. Hennessy was taken to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals facility in Manhattan for treatment. The ASPCA said that she'd been physically abused as well as starved.In addition to saving Hennessy, the police also worked to help her get justice. At about 4 a.m., an hour after the 911 call, the police arrested nearby resident Raul Cruz for "aggravated cruelty to animals" and "torture/ injure/ not feed animal." Witnesses identified him as the culprit.Hopefully, the worst for Hennessy is in the past and she can recover and be placed with a loving family.
Rescue Dogs from the Dangers of Winter
While starvation and physical abuse are major dangers to dogs, winter weather can be a real threat as well. And while loving pet parents won't starve or hit their canine companion, they may not fully realize the risks of snow and cold weather. Here are a few dangers to look out for.
- Puppies are more sensitive - While older dogs may be able to tolerate the below-freezing temperatures that bring snow and ice, young puppies may be more sensitive, the ASPCA warned. Don't take them on long walks or give them excessive exposure if they aren't ready. You're risking serious discomfort for your young fluffball.
- Pay attention to overexposure - Better Homes and Gardens magazine explained that any good pet parent will keep an eye out for whining, shivering, and other changes in behavior that may signal that your pooch has had enough. Just like people, our dogs can get frostbite or hypothermia if they're not prepared for the elements. Also, you should avoid shaving your dog in the winter, as it takes away a lot of their winter coat.
- Feed them more - If you're spending a lot of time outdoors with your dog in cold temperatures, feed them accordingly. Being in the cold and running around causes your dog to burn more calories than normal. You don't want your dog to become exhausted halfway through a hike because they don't have enough fuel to keep going. They'll need more water, too. Hydration isn't just important in the summer.
- Keep the leash on - Even if your dog is well-trained and you're in a place safe for off-leash exploring, the snow and ice can lead to your dog getting lost. There's often a spike in lost dog cases over the winter months. Additionally, when they're off the leash, they may get into a precarious situation running across a frozen lake or pond, because they don't realize it's water.