Join Gretzky for Coffee and Donuts in the Education Room at Asheville Humane Society on Saturday, December 15, at 10 AM!

Gretzky has been waiting since February for a home of his own... he's been overlooked far too long! We hope this event will showcase what a wonderful dog Gretzky is, and give him the opportunity to meet one-on-one with potential adopters. You'll get to meet with Gretzky while enjoying refreshments. Treats for him, and coffee and donuts for you! Plus, you can visit the other dogs available for adoption at the Adoption Center. 

Gretzky looks forward to meeting you!!

Although the love of a pet is priceless, all of the following are still included when you adopt! Each adoption fee includes spay/neuter, all up-to-date vaccines, behavioral training when appropriate, microchip and free 1-year registration, a free starter bag of food, and a free wellness visit with a participating veterinarian. 

To see available animals, visit www.ashevillehumane.org. The Adoption Center is located at 14 Forever Friend Lane, Asheville (off Brevard and Pond Roads, near the WNC Farmers Market). It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM (Tuesdays until 7 PM). The dog and cat rooms are closed daily for naptime from 1 to 2 PM, giving animals a much-needed break. The lobby remains open where you can speak with staff, enjoy refreshments, read or watch videos!

Guest Post by Rachel Burns

Do dogs really need clothes in winter? We did some digging on this, taking note of all the myths and as well as the facts. Read on to find out why you should get some coats for small dogs such as Chihuahuas during cold seasons, and much more!

It's that time of the year again when the weather is cold and even dogs will need some warm clothes. It is not uncommon to visit a store during winter and see greyhounds in big dog sweatshirts and puppies in cute little coats trudging behind their owners. And that got us wondering, do dogs really need clothes in winter? We did some digging on this, taking note of all the myths and misconceptions as well as the facts.

Different Dogs, Different Needs

When we asked a couple of our vet friends and several pet parents whether they recommend dressing up our furry friends during winter, the answers we got were mixed. One vet suggested that dogs have innate protection from the cold in the form of their fur coats. As a matter of fact, we found out that dogs are actually better suited to cold weather than the summer heat.

But then again, just like humans, different dogs process cold in different ways. Generally, dogs with thicker fur coats, such as Terriers, Maltese, Afghan Hound, and Huskies, don't need clothes in winter. However, it makes sense to provide coats for small dogs, such as Chihuahuas and Poodles, during the winter months or else they will fall ill. Also, some bigger dog breeds, including some Pit Bulls and Greyhounds, have relatively thin coats and hence would appreciate the extra protection from clothes. Other types of dogs, such as Labradors and German Shepherds, don't necessarily need to be covered up, but it won't hurt if you do.

Not Every Dog is Comfortable with Clothes

There is a misconception, especially among first-time pet parents, that all they have to do is throw on some warm coat with fur hood and their pet will be alright. Well, that's not exactly a myth, but it is somewhat untrue. Dogs are highly curious animals (puppies especially) and are just as naturally reluctant to accept change as human beings. The first time you put a piece of clothing on your dog's back, chances are he won't be responsive, and he will most likely "freeze" in place. As such, it may makes sense to gradually introduce your dog to clothes by making him wear something for a minute or so every day.

Type Does Matter

Another misconception about winter dog wear is that all types of clothes will work fine in keeping your pet warm. But really, a knitted dog sweater with buttons can't protect your dog from the dew on the grass at the park. For the wet season, invest in waterproof attire, preferably with fur or fleece internal lining to not only keep your pet dry but also maintain a level of comfort.

Buying Coats for Small Dogs

When it comes to buying winter clothes for dogs, it is important to buy those that perfectly fit your dog's size. Buy clothes that are too loose, and they won't guarantee warmth and comfort, or worse still, they could get torn as he plays.

Best Winter Jacket Brands

Your pet is your best friend, and you should aspire to dress him up nicely, not just to keep warm, but to also look great. As far as warmth, comfort and class go, the best winter jacket brands for dogs are:    

• Ruffwear        
• Alpine 
• EzyDog, and
• Hurrta.

All of these brands are available in major pet shops as well as Amazon.

One of the guys in the office wore a brown dog costume for Halloween and ironically, his dog had on a plaid jacket, usually the type worn by humans. It was a funny scene, but in hindsight, a clear depiction of the historically great relationship between man and dog. Hopefully, you have better fashion plans for your dogs this winter!

Thanks for reading. We’d love to know what you think about winter clothes for dogs, so feel free to comment on this post.

Photo by Duffy Brook on Unsplash

That very sharp looking masthead on Carolina Mountain Dog... the one with the fabulous photo of the Carolina mountains at sunset and our very own late and great mascot, Chester the Carolina mountain dog... can be yours on exclusive merchandise from the Carolina Mountain Dog online store! Now that's something different for the holidays!

Check out all the great gift ideas at the Carolina Mountain Dog online store. Click on the "Merchandise" link above this blog's masthead, or visit: https://www.cafepress.com/carolinamountaindog

Asheville Humane Society is waiving all adoption fees for animals 6 months and older through Saturday, December 29. It's a ho-ho-ho-no fee extravaganza!

Although the love of a pet is priceless, all of the following are still included when you adopt! Each adoption fee includes spay/neuter, all up-to-date vaccines, behavioral training when appropriate, microchip and free 1-year registration, a free starter bag of food, and a free wellness visit with a participating veterinarian. 

To see available animals, visit www.ashevillehumane.org. The Adoption Center is located at 14 Forever Friend Lane, Asheville (off Brevard and Pond Roads, near the WNC Farmers Market). It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM (Tuesdays until 7 PM). The dog and cat rooms are closed daily for naptime from 1 to 2 PM, giving animals a much-needed break. The lobby remains open where you can speak with staff, enjoy refreshments, read or watch videos!

Calling All Pet Lovers! Miss Marlee, the Min-Pin wants to invite you and your two-legged friends to a fun Christmas Costume Pawty, Photoshoot Event with Santa Claus, and Fundraiser for The Asheville Humane Society.

It will take place at Catawba Brewing Company on the South Slope in Asheville, 32 Banks Avenue, #105, Asheville, 28801, on Saturday, December 8 from 12 to 4 PM.

The Pet Costume Pawty will be juried and winners in categories with receive treats and prizes. In addition, Catawba will be donating $1 for each pint of Zombie White Ale to the Asheville Humane Society.

Forever Friends Photography Services will be offering Photoshoot Sessions from 12 pm-4 pm on a first-come-first-serve basis. Each high-quality digital image will be processed and emailed to you for you to download and easily print. The cost of each image is $10.00 (minimum of 3) and credit cards are accepted. They also donate 10% of the proceeds to the Asheville Humane Society.

So bring your Furry Friends in costume, pack up the kids and be prepared for a Howling Good Time!
For more information, call Jim Neugass, at 828-707-8757 or foreverfriends2me@gmail.com