The most wonderful time of the year can also be the coldest. Dogs that spend time outdoors need shelter, which isn’t always affordable for their owners. The Animal Rescue League of Marshalltown has teamed up with the Humane Society of the United States to give away 50 brand new dog houses, worth $10,000.

“In the spirit of giving and community support, we want to ensure that every furry friend has a safe and warm place to call home during the chilly months ahead. Our focus is on those who may need a little extra help this year. If you or someone you know is in need of a new doghouse, we invite you to share your nominations to Director@arlmarshalltown.com and let us know why you or your nomination could benefit from this initiative,” Executive Director Austin Gillis said.

Nominations will be accepted now through Jan. 3.

“We are looking to support Marshalltown and the surrounding areas, but if someone wants to nominate someone outside the immediate area, we would still consider their individual needs,” he added.

Gillis said he learned of this opportunity from Preston Moore, a state rep with the Humane Society.

“He asked if we had a community that could benefit from this opportunity and if the ARL of Marshalltown was willing to be the boots on the ground to get them to those in need,” Gillis said.

Moore works with Iowa lawmakers to create commercial breeder regulations, stronger animal cruelty codes, animal-friendly business rules, local animal protection and public safety ordinances and programs and investigates animal neglect cases.

“It is paramount this time of year to make sure your outside pets are prepared for weather,” Gillis said. “Most animals can survive with their own body heat if they have a place to get out of the elements: wind, rain, snow, etc). We have to remember that, yes, huskies and shepherds are built for the cold — but they also most likely grew up in our climate, not the Arctic. So we need to think about how acclimated our pets are to where they live, not where their ancestors hail from.”

If more than 50 nominations are received, ARL staff will evaluate them and determine what applicants possess the greatest need.

“If someone is chosen, they will be contacted and told they can pick up the doghouse at the ARL. If there is a hardship to getting here, we will make arrangements to deliver,” he noted. “These are new in the box, so they will need to be assembled.”

Volunteers are welcome to assist with the building/assembling the houses.

He recommends straw for the houses, as blankets and towels can get wet and freeze, causing harm to the animal laying on it.

“Dry bedding is best. Blankets can work as long as they are changed out on a regular basis,” he added.

Ensuring outdoor water bowls do not freeze is also important.

• Put a microwavable heating pad under the bowl, or make your own by filling a fabric pouch with rice and heating it in the microwave.

• A dark-colored bowl absorbs more sun and helps keep the water from freezing.

• Deep, narrow bowls freeze more slowly.

• Add ping pong balls, as moving water freezes more slowly than still water, so floating ping pong balls in the water will help keep it from freezing.

Dog food should be stored in a cool, dry location. Avoid leaving dog food in the bowl all day or overnight.

While Gillis says he welcomes people adopting pets during the Christmas season, he wants them to do it the correct way, and not on impulse.

“Make it a family decision, research what breed or style of pet best fits your family. We would be happy to help anyone make that decision,” he said. “But please remember that the cute fluffy puppy is going to grow — it’s going to need, it’s going to want — if you are not prepared for that commitment, don’t commit.”

Dogs need time to trust a new family and adjust to a new environment.

National organizations provide financial assistance to pet owners in need. To learn more, visit: www.humanesociety.org/resources/are-you-having-trouble-affording-your-pet#finance.