As a citizen volunteer delivering cedar chips (for warmth) and dog food to dogs in need in Brunswick County I saw first hand this afternoon the effects of the extreme cold on domestic pets. This family had kept their pregnant dog chained outside to a plastic dog house. In the middle of the night she gave birth to a litter of puppies. By morning they had all died from the extreme temperature. The plastic dog house did not provide adequate shelter. At the very least, folks should bring outdoor animals in the garage where they are not exposed to the below freezing temperatures. Just using common sense makes a world of difference.