Focus On: Dog Days of Summer - August 2025
Focus On: Dog Days of Summer –and Exciting Updates
(by WWLDO co-founder Cara Achterberg)Summer might be winding down, although the temperature may not reflect that, but we at Who Will Let the Dogs Out are winding up! We have a lot of exciting news to share.
To date, our InstaSnip program has given out over $50,000 in spay/neuter funding to our shelter partners, helping them establish an InstaSnip fund at their veterinarian’s office that their community can grow.
In September, we’ll make our first-ever tour to the north! We’ll be visiting shelters and rescues that pull dogs from the south to learn more about how our shelter partners can work with them and build connections.
Also in September, our website will be relaunching with a fresh look, lots of resources and a clear explanation of our mission and our work. We are incredibly grateful to Megan Stewart of Design the Conversation who is creating our new site.
In October, we’ll be off on our last shelter tour of the year, traveling to Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Kentucky and possibly Louisiana for the first time. If you know a shelter in those states that could benefit from connecting with us, email me Cara@wwldo.org.
While on that tour, we’ll be hosting Stronger Together West Tennessee on Saturday, October 25. This is a free event for everyone who wants to be a part of the solution, including shelter and rescue staff/volunteers/supporters, government officials, advocates and change makers.
We can only do this work because of your support. You make it all possible. If you’d like to be a part of our WWLDO team, consider donating (or volunteering).
From the Resource Guide – How to Keep Dogs Cool
Keeping dogs cool as the temperature and humidity soar causes an additional challenge for overcrowded Southern shelters. Although the bulk of summer is behind us, there will no doubt be more hot and humid days ahead. Here are some suggestions to keep dogs comfortable during the heat:
- Attach a hose with the spray head set to a mister to a six-foot fan, according to the Ridgeside K9 training facility, Va., The mister creates cold, wet air, helping keep the outdoor break yard cool. The yard is also covered in artificial turf, which helps cool the dogs’ feet. Additionally, the space has sunshade sails and a tent, keeping direct sunlight off the dogs.
- Ask for donations of used kiddie pools and plastic sandboxes. These make wonderful wading pools for dogs.
- Fill wooden sandboxes with wet sand and place them in a shady section of an outdoor run. These will especially be appreciated by dogs who enjoy digging.
- Add ice cubes to water bowls throughout the day to help keep the water cool. Reach out to the local community and ask for donations of bags of ice or plastic ice cube trays.
- Distribute puppy popsicles throughout the day as a healthy cool-off treat. For example, hot dog pupsicles were a big hit with the dogs during a heatwave at the Habersham County Animal Shelter, Ga. Petfinder shares a simple recipe from the Humane Society of Southern Arizona for frozen broth treats that shelter dogs will enjoy.
- Place cooling bandanas, vests, collars and mats to the shelter’s Amazon Wishlist. These can all help keep dogs comfortable when temperatures rise. Placing a cool, wet towel on a dog’s bed will also help him/her cool down.
- Keep spray bottles with cold water on hand and use them throughout the day to cool dogs by spraying cool water on their paws and chest. Shelters play an important role in educating the public about responsible pet care. Want to give your community more information? Here’s a link to tips on keeping pets cool during a heatwave from the ASPCA Pet Health Insurance group.
Winner, Winner!
WWLDO is proud to announce that Lily, a 2.5-year-old girl who’s being fostered through Lorraine’s Legacy, won our Hot Dogs of Summer photo contest. The rescue will receive a $50 Amazon gift certificate. Congratulations! Learn more about Lily here!
