---

Cold Weather Pet Tips

---

With the temperatures dropping below the freezing point its not only important to take precautions for yourself, but also your pets. The Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has some tips to keep your pets safe this time of year.

Food:  Outdoor pets need more food in cold weather to produce body heat. Indoor pets get less exercise during the cold months, so ease off the food a bit.

Shelter:  Outdoor animals need a dry house that's large enough for them to stand, sit, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so large that normal body heat is lost. Line the bottom with dry, nonabsorbent material that won't get wet, matted, and frozen. Marsh hay works well; leaves and fabric do not.

Water:  Make sure outdoor pets have fresh water daily; fill the bowl with fresh water at least twice a day.

Antifreeze:  Clean up antifreeze leaks as soon as possible. Its sweet taste attracts animals, but it is also deadly.

Walking:  Rub petroleum jelly on your pets' paws before heading out for a walk. It protects them from salt and de-icers. When back from the walk, wipe down your pet to remove any de-icers or antifreeze that the animal might lick off. Remove snow and ice between the paw pads to prevent bleeding. Sweaters and coats should also be used for short-haired dogs when outside on walks.

Grooming:  Wet, dirty, matted coats can't insulate against the cold, so keep animals well-groomed, but never shave a dog's coat in winter.

For all of the tips for getting your pet ready for the cold as well as yourself you can go to the DATCP website.
 

---

Student Applicants for UW System Board of Regents

---

 

Governor Scott Walker announced he is seeking applicants for the traditional student representative on the University of Wisconsin (UW) System Board of Regents. The position is a student representative over the age of 18 who will serve a two-year term. The representative must be enrolled at least half-time in a UW institution, be in good academic standing, be a Wisconsin resident, and be enrolled for their entire term. UW-Whitewater and UW-River Falls have recently been appointed to the board. Therefore, no applications will be accepted from these institutions.

The Board of Regents is responsible for establishing policies and rules for governing the UW System, planning to meet future state needs for collegiate education, setting admission standards and policies, as well as reviewing and approving university budgets. Regents are charged with establishing the regulatory framework within which the individual units are allowed to operate with as great a degree of autonomy as possible. Board members attend eight regular meetings per year, serve on special committees, serve as liaisons with at least two UW institutions, and perform related duties.
 

If you would like to apply for the position submit a cover letter, résumé, and application (found at www.walker.wi.gov on the right side, hover over "Contact," "Apply to Serve," and click on the "Boards and Commissions" tab) to govappointments@wisconsin.gov or mail to Office of the Governor; Attention: Dan Sievert; Appointments Director; 115 East, State Capitol; Madison, WI 53707-7863.
 

---

Stay Safe on the Ice

---

 

Wisconsin again is witnessing winter's annual sudden and severe arrival, dropping snow and temperatures to form early-season ice on ponds, lakes and rivers. The Department of Natural Resources reminds winter enthusiasts that ice should never be considered safe and early season ice conditions varies from waterbody to waterbody.

Outdoor enthusiasts - cross-country skiers, ice fishers, hikers and snowmobilers - are urged to ask local businesses and sporting organizations about the area's ice conditions before they go on the ice and be prepared if they do venture out.

The recent storms have brought sub-zero temperatures into the state, which are just starting the process of forming ice on lakes, flowages and ponds.
The DNR does not monitor ice conditions, making it individual's responsibility to learn those conditions. Good sources of local ice conditions include bait store operators, fishing clubs around lakes, ice fishers and snowmobile clubs. These are the places locally most likely to have the most current information about the lakes and areas.

The ice conditions on any lake can vary from location to location. Remember, even though it may look thick on the surface, moving water from streams, rivers and springs can cause ice to form unevenly.

People who do venture out on the ice should:
• Dress warmly in layers and consider wearing a life jacket or vest.
• Not go alone. Head out with friends or family. Take a cell phone and make sure someone knows where you are and when you are expected to return.
• Know before you go. Don't travel in areas you are not familiar and don't travel at night or during reduced visibility.
• Avoid inlets, outlets or narrow that may have current that can thin the ice.
• Look for clear ice, which is generally stronger than ice with snow on it or bubbles in it.
• Carry some basic safety gear: ice claws or picks, a cell phone in a waterproof bag or case, a life jacket and length of rope, and a spud bar to check ice while walking to new areas.
• Wear creepers attached to boots to prevent slipping on clear ice and take extra mittens or gloves so you always have a dry pair.
If you go through the ice:
• Carry a set of ice picks in your pocket to help you climb out of the ice hole.
• Once out of the water, do not stand up. Rather, walk on your forearms until the majority of your body is on solid surface.
• Try to remain calm, call for help and take steps to get out of the water as soon as possible.
 

The DNR also has information on its website about what to do should you fall through the ice and how to make ice claws. Learn more by searching the DNR website for "ice safety."