Bare Essentials Freeze Out

On Friday I had a late assignment to cover the Humane Society of Delaware County during their Freeze Out event held outside of their building on State Route 37. The event dared people to strip in freezing temperatures to get a message across. Being a pet owner (although, my cat would debate that word) I understand the message they want to get out.

Limit the exposure of your pets to the frigid temperatures and give them a safe warm place to find shelter from the elements. I would also add to make sure they have access to food and water (not ice) outside.

I hope pet owners already know this, but I also know that common sense seems to be on the endangered species list. I don't have to look too much further than my pantry or tooth paste label to realize that everything comes with common sense warnings or directions for the proper use of a product.

This event was essentially for the press so the humane society could get their message out. At least the 30 minute part I was photographing for the newspaper was the primary reason for media to send out photographers. The Freeze Out had humane society volunteers and employees staying outside from around 8 p.m. Friday to about 6 a.m. Saturday to bring attention to the care of your animals left outside in frigid temperatures. At 11 p.m. who ever wanted could strip down to their "bare essentials" for 30 minutes to give the media an attention grabbing image.

I enjoy these attention grabbing images but I wish we could do the stories about why this message is important. I think the stories from pet owners or veterinarians would be more compelling stories than flashing some skin to grab attention.