Letters to the Editor

Happy Winter! The latest issue of The Guide is now available for download as a PDF, Word document, or MP3 (audio) file at: SeeingEye.org/guide. The Winter 2026 issue features Seeing Eye graduate Heather Davis and her Seeing Eye dog, a golden retriever named Briana. The text reads: ‘Law Partners’. Heather spoke at The Seeing Eye in October about her employer’s attempts to prevent her from bringing her Seeing Eye dog to work. Heather not only won that battle, but her experience convinced her to get a law degree to advocate for others! This issue also has The Seeing Eye’s Kirby Award for Volunteer Excellence winner Bob Frederick; a fundraiser to honor Steve Pangere’s first Seeing Eye dog, Hope; improvements to our exercise yards for dogs on the Chester Campus; and much more. And, on February 12^th at noon (eastern time), Seeing Eye President & CEO Karen Leies will be holding a webinar to update Seeing Eye graduates, puppy raisers, volunteers, and donors about our accomplishments in 2025, what’s in store for 2026, and a Q&A session. We hope you can join us! Webinar Details:Date: Thursday, February 12, 2026Time: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.Topic: CEO Update: A Year in Review and What’s NextZoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82957811554?pwd=5uHU5SkTNrZQaDE5p5EN2xctubRSBc.1Passcode: 622109 Phone one-tap:+13092053325,,82957811554#,,,,*622109# US+13126266799,,82957811554#,,,,*622109# US (Chicago) Join via audio:+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)+1 929 436 2866 US (New York)+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)+1 438 809 7799 CAN (Montreal)+1 587 328 1099 CAN (Alberta)+1 647 374 4685 CAN (Toronto) Webinar ID: 829 5781 1554Passcode: 622109 International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/keBXrrAIBN

🐾 Pet of the Week: Reese & Bouncy! 🐾

Meet Reese and Bouncy, an adorable bonded pair of 1-year-old male guinea pigs currently looking for their forever home at the Gloucester County Animal Shelter (https://gloucestercountynj.gov/177/Adoption-Services).

These two best friends thrive together and feel most comfortable as a pair, so they’re hoping to be adopted together. They’re past the baby stage but still young, curious, and full of personality! With gentle handling, cozy hideaways, and plenty of fresh veggies, Reese and Bouncy will make sweet and delightful companions.

Visit them at the shelter: 1200 N. Delsea Drive, Clayton, NJ

856-881-2828

If you’re looking to add double the love to your home, Reese and Bouncy might be the perfect match. Scan the QR code or stop by the shelter to learn more about adoption!

Essential Cold Weather Safety Tips for Pets from ACCT Philly

a dog lying down in snow — Photo by Femke Defrère on Pexels.com

Cold Weather Tips

Make sure pets have shelter. Keep all indoor cats inside, even if they like to roam outside during warmer weather.

You can let your dogs go out for a quick potty break and some exercise, but they should be kept inside for the rest of the time. Dogs like huskies and northern breeds with heavier coats can go out for longer periods but should be supervised

If your dog is outdoors for a long period of time during the day for any reason, they must have adequate shelter. That shelter must be protected by a dry, draft-free shelter that is large enough to allow them to move but small enough to hold body heat.

If your dog has a short coat, they may be more comfortable with a sweater– even if you are going out for a short walk. If you are bundled, think if they need to be!

Remember to always wipe down your dog’s feet after going out for a walk. With rock salt and other chemicals on the ground to clear the pathway, it can irritate the pads of your pets feet. Try to do so quickly so your pet doesn’t lick their paws! A warm washcloth works well if you can’t do more!
If you use antifreeze, remember to put it in an area your pet or other animals can not get too. It is a deadly poison to animals!
Speak up if you encounter a pet left in the cold without adequate shelter. If you are comfortable, inform the owner as they may not know the risk that cold weather has on their pets.

Continue reading →

GLOUCESTER COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER

Pet of the Week: Nae!

Meet Nae, a sweet 3-year-old girl who came to the Gloucester County Animal Shelter after her family could no longer care for her.

Nae can be a little shy at first, but once she feels safe, her gentle, affectionate personality really

shines. She just needs a patient, loving home where she can relax and bloom.

She’s anxiously waiting for her second chance and would thrive in a calm, quiet environment with someone who will cherish her.

Ready to meet Nae?

Gloucester County Animal Shelter

856-881-2828

Adoption applications available online!

Let’s help Nae find the loving home she deserves!

200 Dogs. 190 Cats. 8 Days. ACCT Philly Needs Help.

In just eight days, ACCT Philly has taken in 200 dogs and 190 cats—our shelter is at full capacity.

In 2025, we cared for 20,057 animals, a significant increase from the previous year. Despite this, 87% were reunited with families, transferred to rescues, or adopted, thanks to strong community support. However, the need hasn’t slowed. In less than two weeks of 2026, we’ve already taken in 390 animals.

Space is critically limited. We’re averaging 30 dogs a day and urgently need adopters and fosters.

With support from the BISSELL Pet Foundation, we’re offering $10 adoptions for all animals in foster care and at the shelter in an urgent effort to #EmptyTheShelter. Rescue partners can receive $750 for pulling dogs over 40 lbs, and foster families receive a $200 gift card for fostering a dog for four weeks.

We appreciate you considering covering this. I can be reached via phone at (267) 992-2181. I can also send b-roll. You can also view more on our website here.

Totally ‘paw-some’ 2026 TSA Canine Calendar Now Available For Download

WASHINGTON – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today unleashed the 2026 TSA Canine Calendar, an annual tradition honoring the agency’s more than 1,000 explosives detection canines working at airports across the United States.

The 2026 TSA Canine Calendar is now available for download. It highlights 13 extraordinary canines selected from 97 teams submitted nationwide. Each month features photos and fun facts about these dedicated heroes. This year’s lineup includes:

Continue reading →

Lost Pet Winter Tips

Cold weather increases the risk of pets getting lost—especially during winter storms.

Help keep your furry family members safe by:

Keeping microchip information up to date

Making sure collars and ID tags are secure

Reporting lost pets immediately

Preparing for storm-related panic escapes

Preparation saves lives.

Holiday Pet Safety: Gift This, Not That!

Continue reading →

REPORT ANIMAL CRUELTY – Protect Those Who Can’t Speak For Themselves

See something? Say something.

If you witness or suspect animal cruelty, don’t stay silent. Every moment matters when an animal’s safety or health is at risk.

How to Report:

Call your local police department — They handle all animal cruelty cases and have Humane Law Enforcement Officers who can take action.

You can remain anonymous — What matters is helping the animal.

Contact Gloucester County Animal Control — They can investigate but cannot sign criminal complaints.

Gloucester County Animal Shelter

856-881-2828

Important:

Do NOT take matters into your own hands or enter private property to remove an animal. This can be dangerous, considered trespassing, and may jeopardize the legal case.

Let the professionals handle it. Your role is to make the call.

Don’t wait until it’s too late.

Extreme temperatures — 90°+ heat or 32° and below cold — can be deadly.

If you’re concerned, speak up immediately.

Your quick action can save a life.

GLOUCESTER COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER

Pet of the Week: STARDUST!

Meet Stardust — a 3-year-old sweetheart whose sparkling personality is guaranteed to brighten any home!

True to her magical name, Stardust sprinkles joy everywhere she goes. She’s social, affectionate, and loves being part of whatever’s happening around her. This pretty girl is ready to trade in her shelter days for a warm home, a soft couch, and a family to call her own.