Dear Annie: During this horrible cold spell we are experiencing, I would encourage your readers who love animals to please make an effort to help animals in need. For instance, for those who take care of stray cats, put out a shelter for them until the weather is better. It’s now they need you the most. An old Igloo cooler with a hole to enter with straw (not hay or blankets) works great. Place under an evergreen or a secluded place.

I put a kitty door in our shed. In it we have a few boxes I threw together (Home Depot cuts lumber for free; all you need are dimensions and nails or screws). I even took a few very heavy boxes and filled them with straw, making sure it was not going to get wet.

When it comes to birds, it is now they depend on us most. They need high-quality food with protein, and water, so I suggest keeping water dishes open to drink.

Besides, this will help your own health, because all these efforts are good for your soul and healthy ways to keep moving when it’s -10, as it is where I live. Brr, gotta run — my suet feeders are running low! — Hungry Pets

Dear Hungry Pets: I love this letter encouraging us to take care of those who can’t take care of themselves. Children and animals need our help and protection. Thank you for your letter.

Read more Dear Annie and other advice columns.

“How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?” is out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology — featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit Creators Publishing for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to [email protected].

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