In today's issue:

-Meet our adoptable dog of the day

-Learn about our Shelter of the Week

-Enjoy a laugh with our dog meme of the day

-Get great information in our featured article

-Take our action of the week

-Check out our family photo of the day

Join our Facebook group - Post Your Pooch!

Miri’s Haven Senior Dog Rescue is an all-volunteer, foster-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption of senior dogs. Operating primarily in the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) and surrounding areas, their mission is to create a kinder world for older dogs by providing them with comprehensive veterinary care, safe and loving foster environments, and placement into permanent, forever families. Guided by the promise that every senior dog matters and is worthy of love, the organization strives to ensure that older, neglected, or medically vulnerable dogs live out their final chapters in comfort, dignity, and deep affection.

What Makes Miri's Haven Special

• Specialized Focus on Complex and High-Need Senior Cases: Unlike organizations that focus primarily on younger or easily adoptable animals, Miri’s Haven routinely welcomes senior dogs with complex, costly, or terminal medical conditions—cases that many shelters or rescues often pass over or cannot accommodate.
• Foster-Centric and Sanctuary Support: Instead of being housed in stressful kennel environments, all rescue dogs live directly in loving foster homes where they are spoiled, closely monitored, and transitioned to good health. For dogs whose age or medical conditions make traditional adoption difficult, the rescue provides a permanent sanctuary program so they are never displaced.
• Entirely Volunteer-Run with a Community-First Philosophy: Operating with zero public funding, the rescue relies completely on a passionate network of volunteers, donors, and foster families. They are deeply committed to public advocacy, educating communities on the joys of older pets, and matching each dog thoughtfully to ensure the best possible fit for both the animal and the adopter.

How to Keep Your Dog Warm and Safe Around Winter Heating Devices

When cold winds start howling outside, there is nothing quite like the feeling of turning on the heat and curling up indoors. Our dogs agree—they are natural heat-seekers. If you have ever caught your pup curled into a tight doughnut right next to a cast-iron radiator, a space heater, or a warm baseboard vent, you know just how magnetic that warmth can be.

While keeping your dog comfortable is a top priority, indoor heating sources present real hidden dangers: thermal burns to delicate nose leather, singed coats, tip-over fire hazards, and slow-onset dehydration.

Here is how to craft a snug, worry-free living space where your dog can soak up the warmth without any of the risks.

The Hidden Hazards of Home Heating

Dogs do not experience heat the same way we do. Thick fur insulates their skin, which means a pup resting against a scalding radiator surface might not feel the burn until damage is already done to their skin or paws.

• Steam & Cast-Iron Radiators: Metal surfaces can reach temperatures well over 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Direct contact can cause contact burns in seconds, while escaping steam poses a facial and eye hazard.
• Portable Space Heaters: Wagging tails, zoomies, or playful tosses of a squeaky toy can easily knock over a tower or ceramic heater. Even models with auto-shutoff switches carry glowing heating elements that can ignite fur.
• Baseboard & Floor Vents: Dry, blowing air continuously aimed at a sleeping dog can dry out their eyes, skin, and upper respiratory tract.

4 Simple Steps to Pet-Proof Your Heat Sources

Protecting your pup doesn't mean keeping them out in the cold. A few smart adjustments let you create a safe zone for winter lounging.

1. Install Sturdy Radiator Covers: Wooden or metal radiator cabinets enclose hot pipes while letting heat circulate into the room. They transform a dangerous hot surface into a functional, safe piece of furniture.
2. Create a "Buffer Zone" for Beds: Place your dog’s bed at least 3 feet away from any active heating device. This gives them access to radiant warmth without putting them in direct contact with hot metal or dry forced air.
3. Choose Tip-Proof Space Heaters: If you use portable heaters, opt for oil-filled radiant radiators or cool-touch ceramic heaters equipped with 360-degree tip-over safety switches and fully enclosed heating elements.
4. Offer Safe Warmth Alternatives: Give your dog dedicated heat sources designed specifically for pets. This could include self-heating thermal blankets (which reflect their own body heat) or low-voltage, pressure-activated heating pads built with chew-resistant cords.

Dog Food and Supplement Recalls

Here are the recent recalls and advisories:

• FI - Pet Supplements: Potential Salmonella Contamination
• Northwest Naturals - Chicken Recipe: Potential Salmonella and/or Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination
• Fromm - Wet Canned Dog Food: Potential Metal Contamination
• Oma's Pride - Canine Food: Contaminated with Salmonella

Want to help find lost pets?

Download our RoverAlert app to receive notifications of missing pets in your area.

We want to feature your pup!

We want to share your pup with our pack. Email us your favorite doggy pic or video with your pup’s name, and we'll try to feature it as a family photo in one of our upcoming newsletters or on our Facebook page.