Winter Storm Watch

Folks, I am not going to bother typing out a long detailed report of the forecast that should be impacting all of Western Kansas for the next few days. I've done that before this week and I am sure that you got that message. If you did not, I am sure that you can get weather updates on the Weather Channel and local TV and radio stations. The important thing that you need to know is that a winter storm watch has now been issued for our area. Watches do not mean that without a doubt, a storm will be hitting a particular region but there is a good chance that it will. A warning means that a particular storm is definitely hitting that region.

I heard yesterday that the cold that we are about to receive is the coldest system that we have had in 15 years. Because of the extreme cold, many are concerned about the animals that must live outdoors. If you are a stockman, you still have all day today, tonight and part of tomorrow to make necessary arrangements.

Owners of dogs and cats are being asked to keep them indoors during the storm. I realize that not all dogs are housebroken such as our herd. If that is your case, put them in a small place with a moppable floor so that it will be easy to clean up any messes. OR... Place your dog in a portable kennel that is large enough for the dog. Every couple of hours or so, put a leash on the dog and take it outside to use the bathroom and bring it back into the house and place it back into the kennel. This is known as kennel training and works extremely well for housebreaking. Remember since the windchills are going to be so devastating, that YOU must dress appropriately to walk your dog. With blowing snow, I don't recommend that you go very far from your house...

Cats are EASY to housebreak in most cases. Just buy a litter box or a shallow cardboard or plastic box, fill it halfway with fresh kitty litter. If the cat doesn't "take the hint" right away, sweep up a cat feces, place it into the litter, and put the cat into the box. You'll be shocked at how quickly your cat will break itself!

These are just suggestions. Take them or leave them. I trust your intelligence!

VLE-B