I realise the majority of your are snow/ice bound just now, but here in Australia we are suffering from extraordinarily hot weather. I just wanted to pass on a couple of hot weather tips for keeping our pets more comfortable in extreme heat.

Put large earthenware/glazed bowls filled with water in shady spots, some shallower ones are good too hidden under shrubs for small, native creatures.

Freeze water in icecream containers and put in large bowls, this ensures the water is cool and most dogs love licking ice in hot weather.

Make sure all animals have plenty of shade, especially if you are out at work all day, if you don't have trees, etc. buy a shade sail.

If your dog is large or rambunctious tie a metal bucket to a post or tap and fill with water/ice, this will ensure a water supply that can't be eaten or tipped over.

If you keep budgies (parakeets) or canaries in cages inside, make sure the room they are in doesn't get too hot. Get a piece of towelling soak in water and wring out the excess, and put over the top of the cage....instant evaporative cooling....

Never leave pets (or children) in the car....it is akin to putting them in an oven....we have many fatalities each year because of this practice.

Maybe our northern hemisphere members could put in their tips for surviving the cold......