As 'Dangerously High' Heatwave Hits, Shelter Worker Has a Plan for the Dogs
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
As a heat wave prompted the National Weather Service to issue a warning in Clinton County, Pennsylvania, a shelter served up a sweet surprise to its four-legged residents—a round of dog-friendly ice cream.
In a heartwarming video shared to the Clinton County SPCA Facebook page, the shelter shared various pups tucking into a frozen treat, Ben & Jerry's "Doggie Dessert," is specially formulated for canines. And judging by the wagging tails and eager licks, it was a hit.
"Nothing beats a cold ice cream on a hot day, especially when you're an adoptable shelter dog," the SPCA said in the caption. "These happy faces are ready for their forever families!"
The volunteer at the shelter paid for the doggy ice creams herself as a special treat to the pets on a hot day. Earlier this week, The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for Clinton County where temperatures were described as "dangerously high," exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime lows dropped only to the mid-70s.
Dogs in the video include Bruiser, a 7-year-old terrier mix who came from a home with children and other pups and has been waiting for a home since 2023. Hulk also enjoyed a treat; aged just 1 year old, he is a Siberian husky and pit bull mix.
Wilson has also been waiting for a home since 2023. A 2-year-old terrier mix, he has spent most of his life in the shelter and is looking for someone to give him the time and love he needs. And Prim Rose is a 1-year-old girl who is energetic yet a little shy and has been waiting for a forever family since January.
In 2024, approximately 7 million animals entered U.S. shelters and rescues, according to Shelter Animals Count—an increase of nearly 3 percent from 2023. By the end of the year, 103,000 more pets had entered shelters than had exited, contributing to an ongoing capacity crisis in U.S. shelters.
Pictures of some of the dogs enjoying an ice-cream treat on the hot day.
Pictures of some of the dogs enjoying an ice-cream treat on the hot day.
Clinton County SPCA/Facebook
Around 748,000 animals experienced non-live outcomes, including euthanasia, death in care, and being lost in care, in 2024. While this represents a 1.6 percent decrease compared to 2023 and a 20 percent drop from 2019, the number remains high. Dogs made up a growing share of these outcomes, with euthanasia rates rising to 9 percent, compared to 7 percent in 2019.
The sweet treat moment was a hit with Facebook users who shared their reactions in a series of comments. "What a nice treat. What a great volunteer," commented Cheryl, while viewer Wanda posted: "Thats so wonderful god bless all of them. They are all cute."
"This is awesome!!!" wrote viewer Britt. "So glad they all got a special treat on such a hot day!!! Keep up the amazing work!! God Bless all of these animals and God bless all of you at Clinton County SPCA rather staff or volunteers you are all doing amazing things for these pups and kitties and our community."
Newsweek reached out to Clinton County SPCA via email for comment.
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