Help keep a dog warm this winter

CAN you help a dog keep warm this winter? An animal shelter in the Tarn has launched an appeal for dog coats, as the department shivers in the grip of an arctic cold snap.

The mercury has dipped well below zero overnight in the Midi-Pyrenees department, prompting the Société Protectrice des Animaux (SPA) in Garric, a few kilometres from the World Heritage city of Albi to issue the call for dog-lovers to donate special dog coats and blankets.

The 79 kennels at the SPA refuge, which houses nearly 130 dogs, are not heated, a local SPA spokesperson told AFP.

“We are looking for coats of all sizes, and sweaters,” she said, adding that volunteers can turn sweaters into dog coats.

“Every year, we appeal for blankets, but this year - for the first time - we’re appealing for coats, too.”

Donations can be sent to the Refuge Puech de Barret, Route de Valderiés, 81450, Le Garric.

For more information, log on to the SPA Garric website.

Photo: David Hill