A Metro East non-profit has been passing out dog houses and straw to keep dogs warm in the bitter cold that cold that could be deadly for animals left outside.
Since Wednesday, Gateway Pet Guardians has visited 60 families, giving out 25 dog houses and nine dog crates for families to keep their dogs warm. The organization said Cahokia and East. St. Louis are areas that need the supplies the most.
"[We have] had [Bella] since she was a little bitty puppy,” said East St. Louis resident Lushonda Cullom. "She was a stray and she followed me home and we done had (sic) her ever since then."
Cullom was one of many dog owners who received winter supplies for their dog through the local non-profit. Gateway Pet Guardians gave Cullom straw for Bella's doghouse and a blanket. Cullom knows the temperatures can be deadly for animals left outside, which is why Bella stays inside. But like many in the Metro East, Cullom still needed help this winter.
“Very low-income area. There is not a single veterinarian in seven zip codes,” said Janet Roberts with Gateway Pet Guardians. “They have to drive 10 to 15 minutes just to reach a veterinarian"
She calls this part of the Metro East a resource desert.
"There is nothing available for them," she said.
The straw and dog houses help, but in this freezing cold, the organization said it's best to keep your dogs inside.
"I'm wearing four layers right now and I'm freezing so I can't imagine these dogs and how they feel right now."
If you need help to keep your dogs warm this winter or if they need medical attention, you can visit Gateway Pet Guardians website.