On Sunday, when the wind chill brought temperatures in Indianapolis into the negative single digits, Lucy was snuggled on the couch next to me, watching “Downton Abbey” and eating popcorn. Lucy’s pampered doggy lifestyle isn’t unusual among my pet-loving circle of friends and family, but we represent a small (some say nutty) percentage of dog owners. Thousands of other dogs across the city were suffering that night, chained outside with little protection against the brutal cold.
Friends of Indianapolis Dogs Outside (FIDO) is an all-volunteer organization started in 2005 that helps dog owners care for their dogs outside, and advocates for the humane treatment of dogs. They were instrumental in getting important city legislation passed that makes it illegal to chain a puppy younger than 6 months, keep a dog in a kennel less than 10 x 10, or outside without adequate protection from the elements. In addition, it is illegal to keep a dog outside when it gets to be 20 degrees or above 90 degrees. Citizens who see a neglected dog outside can call the Mayor’s Action Center at 327-4622 (after hours, call non-emergency dispatch at 327-3811) to report the situation. Animal Care and Control will come out to investigate.
Dogs left outside are vulnerable to frostbite, just like humans. Water bowls freeze, leaving the dog at risk of dehydration. Short-coated dogs like pit bull-type breeds lack insulation, and may be even more vulnerable to hypothermia — but even the shaggiest of dogs feel the cold. Old dogs, just like older people, are also very vulnerable to winter’s chill. Puppies, like children, have difficulty staying warm.
FIDO also offers help to dog owners who may lack the financial means to take care of their pets properly. The FIDO Pet Food Pantry is open twice a month, on the first and third Saturdays of the month, providing dry cat and dog food free to those in need. Qualified patrons can visit the pantry once a month; they need to bring personal identification and proof of pets being spayed or neutered. They can also help low-income pet owners get spay and neuter services.
Indy residents can call FIDO at 221-1314 for more information from volunteers to help with outdoor pets. FIDO is located at 456 N. Holmes Ave. Visit www.fidoindy.org for more information about their programs, volunteer opportunities, and more. They could use many more volunteers, as well as donations, to help the cause.
As winter tightens its grip on the city, taking care of those who cannot care for themselves (two-legged and four-legged), is everyone’s responsibility.
