The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

Page 2; Tuesday, Oct. 20, 1992 Make sure shelter for With the onset of the bone- chilling fall season, many ani- mals become subjected to con- ditions that are not only unsuit- able, but also illegal. The Criminal Code of Canada states that all animals are to be provided with suitable and ade- quate shelter. The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals would pre- fer that a pet live indoors as a member of the family, howev- er, we realize that this is not always possible. Dogs There are several types of dogs that should not be expect- ed to live outdoors because they cannot adequately adjust to the cold weather. Such dogs are toy breeds, short-haired breeds, sick or old dogs and young puppies. If you choose to raise an outdoor dog, begin to condition the dog in the milder weather after the animal is more than four months old. Once your canine is accus- tomed to living outside, do not bring him indoors on some nights except, of course, during A very inclement weather. The ideal outdoor shelter for a dog is a well-constructed dog house. Take time to carefully plan the design of your best friend's house. There are many important specifications to consider. Think small--the dimensions have to coincide with the size of the dog. Your pet should be able to sit down comfortably, stretch out to the fullest extent of his limbs and turn around inside the dog- house. Keep in mind that the structure should be small enough to be heated by the dog's body. The doghouse should be elevated a few inch- es off the ground, waterproof and facing away from the pre- vailing winds. The ideal doghouse has a small entrance- way and a separate sleeping area and should have insulated walls and floor. The doorway should be kept as small as pos- sible and covered with a flap. The roof should be flat and hinged to allow for easy access when cleaning. Straw and softwood shav- et has ings (ensure shavings are not from wood that has been treat- ed with chemical preserva- tives) are the preferred bedding "Construct the doghouse so that it can be relocated to best meet the needs of the dog" and should be changed when- ever it becomes soiled or damp. If your dog is a "chew- er", cover comers and edges with sheet metal. Make sure there are no sharp edges since this could cause severe injury. Monitor the condition of the metal. Construct the doghouse so that it can be relocated to best meet the needs of the dog. For example, under a shady tree during the summer months and in the sun during winter. When painting the finished product, use lead-free paint to avoid lead poisoning. A dog's nutritional require- ments change in colder weath- er, so check with your vet aS proper he upcoming winter about adjusting your pet's feed- ing schedule. During this time of year, an animal requires a higher intake of calories to maintain a comfortable body temperature. In order to meet these requirements, the ani- mal's diet may need to be sup- plemented. Many people allow their cats to live outside during the winter months, forcing these animals to find shelter from the elements. Each year humane societies and veterinary clinics are made aware of situations in that cats are severely injured or killed by fan belts under the hoods of cars. The victims are usually simply seeking shelter and heat. Please take the time to bang the hood of your car or honk the horn before starting your car. Remember to allow for enough time for the unsus- pecting cat to escape. Cats not allowed indoors in the winter time must be given adequate shelter as well. A "cathouse", constructed similarly to a doghouse, should suffice. Conservation Officers to work holidays The Ministry of Natural Resources has assigned Con- servation Officers to work all statutory holidays for the bal- ance of the 1992 fiscal year. The decision, made by MNR Minister Bud Wildman, was announced after review- ing concerns that the ministry needed to provide a stronger enforcement presence on Statutory holidays and in potential emergency situations. The decision to cover statu- tory holidays goes into effect immediately, and up to half of the province's 265 Conserva- tion Officers will work all Statutory holidays, with staffing adjusted to cover areas where the need is highest, and for Christmas and Boxing Day. The ministry has had to review its expenditures and reduce costs as a result of the recession. "We have obligations to meet when it comes to the province's fish and wildlife continued on page 15 FRAME AND GRILL = SPECIAL SPORT STRIPING PACKAGE SPORTS APPEARANCE PACKAGE = FORGED ALUMINUM WHEELS = HIGH GLOSS METALLIC BUMPERS = COLOUR-KEYED HEADLAMP = FRONT BUMPER VALANCE AND AERO-TECH SIDE PANELS FORD eee =, YOUR ONTARIO FORD & MERCURY DEALERS YOUR FORD b MERCURY DEALERS INTRODUCE THE FAMILY SPORTS CAR FEATURES INCLUDE: = AIR CONDITIONING = AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION = 3.0 LITRE V6 ENGINE = DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG = CLOTH CAPTAIN'S CHAIRS m= REAR WHEEL ANTI-LOCK BRAKES = AM/FM STEREO = REAR WINDOW WIPER/WASHER/DEFROSTER *MSRP with cashback applied for 1993 Aerostar XL 5-passenger with Preferred Equipment Package 631A and Sports Appearance Package 552. Cashback and financing offers may not be combined. Excludes freight, license and applicable taxes. Limited time offers available on 1993 model retail purchases from dealer inventory only. Dealer may sell for less. See dealer for details. _ Ontario FMDA, P.O. Box 2000, Oakville, Ontario L6J 5E4