The Humane Society of Delaware County is one again giving animals a voice to talk about proper winter weather pet care.

As they did last year, volunteers this weekend will live outside without shelter for up to 10 hours - 8 p.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Saturday - in bone-chilling darkness.

All they'll have is the clothes on their backs, mounds of insulating hay and some snacks for their arctic task.

"Each winter, thousands of animals in the central Ohio region are kept outside without the proper shelter. Many of these dogs, cats and horses will perish from the cold; others will suffer from severe skin damage," the branch's director, Wade Beane, reminds us. "Freeze Out 2010 will illustrate the hazardous effects and dangers that severe weather has on animals. In addition to raising awareness, HSDC has set a fund-raising goal of $10,000 to directly benefit animals needing proper care or shelter."

Passerbys will be able to stop by and see examples of easy-to-assemble winter shelters, as well as meet volunteers taking drive-up donations and sharing information on how to properly care for outdoor animals during frigid winter months.

Of course the event culminates at 11 p.m., when demonstrators strip down to the bare necessities for the "30 Minutes Extreme." (The picture makes me cold just looking at it...more power to 'em!)

As do our local humane societies, the one in Delaware County survives entirely on donations. Funds toward the cause - dog houses and supplies and services for urgent cases of neglect - can be mailed to Humane Society of Delaware County, 4920 State Route 37 East, Delaware, Ohio, 43015.

The event promotes awareness as much as it hopes to fund-raise, though. To help animals here at home, find cold weather care tips here by scrolling down.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

Anyone wishing to offer their support in person for the ban on dog auctions in Ohio is invited to attend a meeting with Senator Tim Grendell at Geauga Humane Society's Rescue Village, 15463 Chillicothe Road in Russell Township.

The meeting will be held at 10 a.m. Jan. 25, during which roughly 30 of Senate District 18's constituents will address Sen. Grendell about the Ohio Dog Auctions Act initiative petition.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

What's a pet-lover to do on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 7?

Consider attending the Best Dawggone Super Bowl Party, of course!

For a $50 ticket, you can watch the game at The Boneyard, 5900 Mayfield Road in Mayfield Heights, featuring:

• More TVs than you’ve ever seen in one place

• Cool contests and prizes

• Free Super Bowl food

• Full cash bar

All proceeds will benefit PetFix, Northeast Ohio's low-cost mobile spay/neuter clinic. "The game isn't fixed but the animals will be!" flyers promise.

Partytime is 5:30 p.m. Call 440-247-8931 or e-mail petfixneo@sbcglobal.net to order tickets or learn more.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-herald.com

Please keep your eye out for this lost dog in and around the Chardon area.

Here is a flyer posted at the local YMCA.

According to a note in the Good News:

Rescue dog being fostered. Running since November 6. Sightings on Music Street. Also, Rt. 87 & 44, Bass Lake Road area. Red collar. Very frightened. Do not chase. If seen, phone 440-564-5156 or 330-524-7754. Thanks for everyone for your continued help and support. She needs to come home where it's warm and safe.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

Who is Nikki Coben you ask?

"Just an animal lover trying to help our fine furry friends in need," she replies.

Check out this awesome new newsletter I've just discovered. It comes out every two or three months, she said.

This issue includes:

• Updated/pending Ohio animal legislation
• Dogs/cats in desperate need (some urgent/immediate) of forever/foster loving homes
• Rescues in need of your help (dog/cat food, litter, coupons, etc.)
• Happy endings (dogs/cats you helped find homes for, simply by cross-posting)
• Upcoming dog/cat-friendly events
• Featured local dog/cat-friendly businesses who continuously support dog/cat charities

Please note Daisy Mae, a beautiful small dog mix, urgently needing adoption, on Page 3. I think I'm in love...

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

Good girl. Sit. Stay.

Good news: Apple is back home in Chardon.


-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

"Feeling Lucky"?
- Lucky's Petfinder page

"When I first saw her," says her foster mom, "I had never seen a dog so emaciated and sad. It was as if she stepped right out of the TV screen from an Animal Planet humane society rescue show.

The vet also found to be blind from cataracts secondary to diabetes.

Yet more than 11 weeks later, gentle Lucky has gained close to 10 pounds and looks much better. Her diabetes is almost under control, too.

"She has recently been groomed and her sparkling personality is shining through," adds her foster mom, the same woman who now fosters Peanut. "Her sweet face will melt your heart. She acts as the peacemaker or mommy dog when the foster siblings are misbehaving or acting goofy.

"She amazes me when she 'chases' after her foster brother when he's fetching a ball in the yard. She even plays tug-of-war with American bulldog Ivory, who pulls Lucky around the floor while holding onto the tug toy! She is not afraid of anything, not even the scary big dog next door (who is actually a wimp). She has a great appetite and gets only the best food and treats.

"Many others would have taken one look at her and (with reason) euthanized her, but Lucky deserves and is being given the best chance possible at a healthy happy life for whatever time she has left. A girl like Lucky proves just how amazing dogs are...they are survivors of the cruelest of fates and can teach us humans a lot about putting on a happy face!"

This 8-year-old Golden Retriever is up-to-date with routine shots, house-trained, heartworm-negative and spayed.

She requires one insulin injection a day and, after learning the layout, has no trouble navigating around the house and up and down stairs. She would do best in a home with no cats.

To help find Lucky a home, visit PAWSOhio.org and fill out an application.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com