BALTIMORE — As some of the most bitter temperatures settle into our area, those in need are taking advantage of services aimed at protecting them. Those provisions go for people...and pets.
It's been brutal. Even to be out in this for a little bit can seem inhumane. Many homeless in our area are seeking shelter. In Towson, at least one veterinarian is saying the weather isn't fit for man nor beast.
“We are going to be taking pets in today and tomorrow, probably releasing them on Saturday or Sunday,” said Dr. John Fioramonti, who owns Towson Veterinary Hospital.
Fioramonti says he has opened up kennels to board the pets of homeless people who can't take their animals into shelters these next few nights. Often he says, shelters don't take pets, and it causes a real issue for the homeless.
“I just think it is important to be able to take care of animals that don’t have the proper environment where they can stay warm and they can stay healthy and this is one little way Towson Veterinary Hospital and Jarrettsville Animal Hospital can do that,” Fioramonti said.
Meanwhile in Baltimore, in addition to the homeless shelters, the city has set up several warming centers.
One on East Chase Street keeps its doors open during the day for folks to duck in and warm up. While there, residents can also fill out an application for energy assistance, keeping their lights and heat on during this brutally frigid cold snap.
There are five of these centers all together for people to dodge the oppressive cold, and maybe even tomorrow's snow.
