Ways to warm pets limitless

Usually it isn't until you need something that you realize you don't have it, and, in keeping with the laws of the universe, cold weather is no exception.

When issues arise, one is often faced with making a trip to the store in uncomfortable or impassible conditions, or ordering online, knowing the weather will probably change before the item arrives.

Whether it's a drastic temperature plunge, power outage or just uneven heating in the house, one such moment may come when the humans dig out their long johns, only to look over and see the pets curled in tight little shivering balls or fighting for room under the blankets.

Such instances provide perfect opportunities for the person who likes to save a little money, work through a problem, and, who finds satisfaction in making things.

Here are some ideas using quick, easy tricks, materials that are already around the house, and a little creativity that will warm up the pets, help pass time on those stuck-indoors-days and give new purpose to old clothes you've been meaning to get rid of:

• Small dog or cat sweaters: Use anything with long sleeves — sweater, sweatshirt, jersey or T-shirt material — lay it flat with arms stretched out and start at the cuff of one arm.

Along the top line of the sleeve, measure a length of what will cover your pet's back from neck to the base of the tail, and on the underside, measure the length from your pet's neck to mid-abdomen, then cut a straight line from one point to the other at a 45 degree angle (this leaves the business parts exposed).

The cuff is now a turtleneck and the longest side will be the top. Calculate where your pet's legs are in relation to the neck, smooth out flat, pinch where the legs would be, cut through both sides at one time to create leg holes and your sweater is done.

• Sweaters for medium-large dogs: Re-purpose children's old shirts, dresses and sweaters for bigger pooches. To make them fit, cut shirts or dresses at a length to keep the hind legs free and trim and roll arms, or cut them off.

Another option is to cut either the front or the back of the shirt in a straight line from neck to waist and quickly stitch in a couple of small pieces of Velcro on each side for an adjustable fit.

• Legwarmers from old or odd socks — Cut a hole in the toes of old socks just big enough for your bigger pet's paw to fit through and slide on the legs for extra warmth. For smaller pets, do the same with old cotton glove fingers or infant socks.

• Itty-bitty sock-sweaters — For small dogs, puppies and kittens, cut the toe completely off an old or odd sock that can stretch to the diameter of your pet's widest point.

Smooth the sock flat, pinch where the legs would be, cut through both sides at one time to create leg holes and enjoy your new argyle critter.

• Ski masks — Cut a sock at the heel. The closed toe is now the top of the head. Cut a face-sized, round hole in one side of the sock just below the curve of the toe, cut two small slits for ears above the hole and use the bottom of the sock for a neck warmer.

Note: Be sure items fit comfortably.

Options for turning winter necessities into creative solutions are limitless and can even turn into fun family activities — what better way could there be to stay warm.

Sharna Johnson is always searching for ponies. You can reach her at: [email protected]