Long Island Nonprofit Aims To Help Dogs Left In Cold Temperatures

SMITHTOWN, NY — Guardians of Rescue is on a mission to help dogs left out in freezing temperatures by providing insulated doghouses, the Smithtown organization announced in a news release.

"Every day we witness how animals are being failed by weak and ineffective laws," said Robert Misseri, president and founder of Guardians of Rescue, via news release. "We’ll continue to advocate for stronger protections, but the dogs can’t wait that long, they need our help right now."

If you would like to donate to help Guardians of Rescue buy insulated doghouses, you may do so here.

"Most caring people wouldn't dream of leaving a dog outside in cold temperatures, especially when it drops below freezing," the organization stated. "But sadly, there are dogs around the country that are left out in the freezing temperatures regularly. Each year, many die from extended exposure to the elements."

In many states, it is legal to keep dogs outside if they have been provided shelter, according to Guardians of Rescue. However, the shelter they have been provided is not always adequate when the temperature is freezing.

"This results in them suffering," the organization wrote.

Animal protection laws are slowly being bolstered nationwide, but that won't help dogs during this winter, according to Guardians of Rescue.

Guardians of Rescue is urging people to get involved and help with its mission of bringing them protection. The non-profit regularly sees dogs living in make-shift shelters, under tarps, and in other unsuitable conditions.

The rescue organization has its country-wide teams working around the clock to reach dogs living outside. When owners are unwilling to bring animals indoors or they decline the option to surrender their dogs, the group installs insulated dog houses, no freeze water bowls, coats for dogs who will benefit from them, attends to any medical needs, and ensures the dogs have food and clean water, according to the organization.

"We are using every resource possible to get shelter to these dogs, but the need is greater than ever before and we are deeply grateful to our supporters whose kind donations make it possible for us to take action," Misseri said. "When the law does not protect these dogs, we will do everything in our power to help as many as we can - they have no one else looking out for them."

The group recently helped one of its rescue partners in providing a dog with shelter. The dog was living tethered outdoors in the cold and was suffering. Other groups tried to provide help but were unsuccessful. Guardians of Rescue negotiated with the dog’s owner and came to an agreement that the group would provide the dog with shelter. He is now in a secure run, no longer tethered, and has a warm insulated dog house, as well as plenty of food and fresh water.

Dogs should not spend a lot of time outdoors once it is 45 degrees or below, and not more than 10 to 15 minutes when it’s at freezing or below. How long a pet can be left in such temperatures is even regulated when on airplanes, Guardians of Rescue stated. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, airlines must shelter pets from extreme temperatures. They specifically state that kenneled dogs must not be exposed to temperatures of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or below for more than four hours.

Guardians of Rescue helps animals out on the streets and investigates animal cruelty cases. While based in Smithtown, it helps animals in many places around the United States. It is also instrumental in helping military members with their pets.