According to the online weather experts hundreds of daily record lows, including all-time record lows, gripped many areas of the United States with dangerously cold conditions this winter. Guardians of Rescue, a national animal rescue organization, believes that leaving companion animals outside in freezing temperatures is one of the most common forms of animal cruelty.

Each morning, Guardians of Rescue’s “Gimme Shelter” program springs into action. Members go out and dig through the snow to distribute cat shelters, food, and fresh water to the many cats who have suffered through the winter blasts. Feral, and free roaming cats who have all come to depend on the team, make their way through the snow to greet team members. But many animals are not as fortunate. Such was the case of “Callie,” a cat left to live outside in February.

“Callie is just one of the many animals who died this winter from below zero temperatures,” said Dori Scofield, vice-president of Guardians of Rescue. “This weather has not let up, and we scramble each day to help animals seeking warmth, food and water.”

The little calico cat lived outside of a home, many would consider a “hoarding house,” where cats struggle to survive and continue to multiply. These cats seek refuge underneath porches, junked cars, in old tires and debris. It is a tough life for any cat, but when temperatures are sub-zero, it can prove deadly. By the time Guardians of Rescue were alerted to the situation, Callie was found frozen to death, in a basement window well.

Guardians of Rescue urges the public to do their part in helping the outside animals of the harsh winter.

“People need to realize these animals are so vulnerable,” explains Guardians of Rescue, founder and president Robert Misseri. “It is up to us as compassionate human being to provide the basic necessities to those suffering from the bone chilling cold. Animals get wet during the daytime thaw, can easily freeze to the ground and die that evening when the temperatures dip down, it’s a horribly cruel death.”

Guardians of Rescue encourages people to bring their pets indoors, and help others that aren’t fortunate to have loving homes, by providing safe, warm housing, food and water.

About Guardians of Rescue

Based in New York, Guardians of Rescue is an international organization whose mission is to protect the well being of all animals. They provide aid to animals in distress, including facilitating foster programs, rehabilitation, assisting other rescue groups and providing support to families, both military or not, who need assistance due to economic factors. The mission of Guardians of Rescue is to facilitate and foster programs and activities that further the unique benefits of interaction between people and animals. They are all about compassionate action, about People Helping Animals and Animals Helping People. At its core, they are an animal rights and welfare organization whose members work to protect the wellbeing of all animals and their owners, and come to the aid of those in distress.