I'm mortified beyond words. I've been under the impression that Shelties did well in cold climates because they were bred to endure harsh winters in the Scottish Isles and their double coats insulated them against the cold and rain.
About 6 days ago, I left my Sheltie, Sheldon outside on a cold, sunny day. It was about 32 degrees out. I ran some errands that took 4 hour's. I got back home and was met by a man from animal control. My neighbors had called. I was told I need to have a doghouse outside if he is to be outside. I've only let him out long enough to do his business since then, no more than 3 or 4 minutes. I had a talk with my 17 year old son, too, explaining that we have to keep our dog's trips outside short during the cold weather and told him about the warning from animal control.
Well, this morning I let Sheldon outside right before I left for work and woke my son up for school and told him to bring him in in TWO minutes. I had him get up and go in the kitchen and wait on him so he wouldn't forget. My son leaves for school an hour after I do. When I come back home, animal control is there again. My son forgot to bring Sheldon inside-even though he was in the kitchen waiting to bring him in! He told me he forgot-he has been anxious lately and his mind is constantly going.
I explained what had happened to the officer but was told I'd have to go to court.
On both occasions, my dog seemed fine when I brought him in. He wasn't shaking or shivering and he was as energetic and bouncy as always.
This kind of thing has never happened before and I'm so upset that I have misunderstood the physical nature of the breed and that my neighbors obviously think badly of me and think I'm negligent. I called the breeder of my dog, who lives in Cleveland and asked her about Shelties' tolerance to cold weather. She said she lets hher dogs play in the snow for two or three hours.
I could use some imputation from you guys. Not only could I be facing a large fine, but jail time. I'm mostly embarrassed, though.
About 6 days ago, I left my Sheltie, Sheldon outside on a cold, sunny day. It was about 32 degrees out. I ran some errands that took 4 hour's. I got back home and was met by a man from animal control. My neighbors had called. I was told I need to have a doghouse outside if he is to be outside. I've only let him out long enough to do his business since then, no more than 3 or 4 minutes. I had a talk with my 17 year old son, too, explaining that we have to keep our dog's trips outside short during the cold weather and told him about the warning from animal control.
Well, this morning I let Sheldon outside right before I left for work and woke my son up for school and told him to bring him in in TWO minutes. I had him get up and go in the kitchen and wait on him so he wouldn't forget. My son leaves for school an hour after I do. When I come back home, animal control is there again. My son forgot to bring Sheldon inside-even though he was in the kitchen waiting to bring him in! He told me he forgot-he has been anxious lately and his mind is constantly going.
I explained what had happened to the officer but was told I'd have to go to court.
On both occasions, my dog seemed fine when I brought him in. He wasn't shaking or shivering and he was as energetic and bouncy as always.
This kind of thing has never happened before and I'm so upset that I have misunderstood the physical nature of the breed and that my neighbors obviously think badly of me and think I'm negligent. I called the breeder of my dog, who lives in Cleveland and asked her about Shelties' tolerance to cold weather. She said she lets hher dogs play in the snow for two or three hours.
I could use some imputation from you guys. Not only could I be facing a large fine, but jail time. I'm mostly embarrassed, though.
Put in a dog door or get a small dog house before you go. Hopefully showing no harm was done and you have taken steps will get you off with a warning, although in the revenue enhancement mentality these days you probably won't get off scot free.
