High Snow Banks Add to Winter Dangers for Pets

The relentless snow storms in New England this winter are causing added worries for pet owners. Seeing around 15 foot high snow banks is practically impossible and many drivers do not bother to slow down around these corners. Fox 25 News, Boston reported today ,"A Scituate family lost their family dog today when she ran from behind a snow bank and was struck by a car."

What You Can Do

Taking some extra time to clear the corners of the driveway from excess snow can save your dog's life. I know it is difficult to shovel the snow out of the driveway, let alone removing the snow from where the snow plows piled it into mammoth snow banks. I'm still chipping away at the snow banks in my driveway, trying to add more visibility to oncoming traffic, children, and pets.

I also bring a shovel with me when I walk my dog and try to knock down a few of the taller snow banks in my neighborhood and move the snow further back from the corners. Some snow banks are so high that this is an impossible task, so I take the added precaution of stopping before turning a corner with my dog and peering around the snow bank to make sure no cars are approaching.

If you have a snow blower or a truck with a plow in the front, make the effort to go around your neighborhood and push back the snow piled at the intersections and corners of the streets. You could save a family pet or even a child.

Some folks in the neighborhood dress their dogs in bright, colored sweaters or vests, so drivers can see them easier. Dog life jackets works perfectly for this because they are usually bright orange or yellow.

Making bright signs that say there are pets and children at play can be placed at the top of snow banks as a reminder to driver to slow down and be extra cautious when turning corners. If you are not agile enough to climb the snow banks, make it a game and have the neighborhood children go with you to place the signs at the top of the snow. They get to climb the snow banks while you direct them from the bottom.

Taking the time to make your neighborhood safe until the spring thaw is worth the effort if your pets are still safe in your home when the warm weather comes.
Resources:

Fox News, Boston, January 31, 2011

Personal Experience