Poor, poor baby Shar. Safe today, she was in danger in so many ways. First, she’s greatly underweight and may meet the criteria for emaciation.

Secondly, she was trying to survive on the streets in the freezing temperatures we are currently experiencing. Had she not been brought in by a Good Samaritan, there is no doubt she would have died within 24 hours.

No dog deserves what she is enduring. In her present condition, she did not have enough body mass to muster the heat she would need to survive another night. It’s hard to imagine the pain she was experiencing.

This mixed-breed Shar Pei should weigh 40+ pounds and be medium in size at her age; however, she’s much smaller today than she will be with some time, appropriate nutrition, and love.

We are grateful for the kind person who took the time, effort, and energy to get her to safety. At just 2 years of age, Shar needs a hero. Might that person be you?

Interested in adopting? Call 234-706-5501. Pets are fully vetted, spay/neutered. Pay It Forward for Pets is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Tax-deductible donations can be sent to 751 Delaware Ave., Akron, OH 44303. Visit us at www.payitforwardforpets.org

What we all should know about the cold temperatures and our pets:

Keep your pets inside.

If you can’t tolerate it, they can’t either.

Frostbite and hypothermia: Pets can get frostbite or hypothermia, which can be life-threatening.

Disorientation and injury: Pets can become disoriented, lost, injured, or killed if left outside.

Cars: Cars can act as refrigerators, trapping pets in the cold and causing them to freeze to death.

Provide shelter

Dry, draft-free enclosure: If you can't bring your pet inside, provide a dry, draft-free enclosure large enough for your pet to move around.

Raised floor: Raise the floor a few inches off the ground and cover it with straw or cedar shavings.

Waterproof covering: Cover the doorway with heavy plastic or waterproof burlap.

Warm bedding: Provide warm bedding for your pet to sleep on.

Check water:

Check your pet's water dish regularly to ensure it's not frozen.

Use pet-friendly ice melts: Use pet-friendly ice melts whenever possible.

Protect paws: Use paw protectants like petroleum jelly or booties to protect your pet's paws from salt and chemicals.

Check for health conditions: Health conditions like heart disease, kidney disease, and diabetes can make pets more susceptible to the cold.