Beagle & Puppies Found in the Snow

Last Wednesday, Chris Demoret was walking across his farm when something caught his eye. It was a beagle, outside his barn, along with her newborn litter of seven puppies. The emaciated beagle was trying to keep the puppies warm in the snow, but Demoret knew they would not survive in the cold temperatures, so he called the Animal Friends Humane Society.

The shelter's director, Meg Stephenson, told the Middletown Journal the dog had made a nest of straw on top of the snow. "She was keeping the tops of the puppies warm, but the bottom half of their bodies were in the snow and straw. We had gotten 13 inches of snow that week," she said.

The shelter took the dog and the puppies in and while there, she gave birth to an eighth one. Unfortunately, three of the puppies died, but the other five are being cared for - along with their mother, who has been named Valentine - at a foster care home.

The dog had been dumped in the snowstorm just a day before she was found. A man has come forward to admit he was the owner of the dog and he had indeed dumped her at the farm. Stephenson said the dog weighed only 23 pounds, which is extremely underweight for a dog of her size, especially one who has just given birth and is nursing puppies.

The puppies will be up for adoption in April.

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Remember to call 513-422-1907 for Security Camera Systems in Middletown, Cincinnati, or the Dayton, Ohio areas.

February Fun in Southern Ohio

There is a lot to do in South and Central Ohio in the month of February. Whether you are looking for some family fun, an educational experience, or just a romantic day with your significant other, there's something for everyone!

Valentines by Candlelight (Ohio Village, Columbus, February 12-13) Enjoy what is one of the most romantic times of year with dinner for two at the Ohio Village and greeting at the American House Hotel by costumed interpreters. Before dinner, the Ohio Village singers will present a concert of historic love songs, including songs performed on the violin and hammered dulcimer, and humorous songs, as well as romantic poetry readings. You will also receive a handmade valentine. Call 614-297-3200 for more information. Reservations are not required, but are recommended.

United States Air Force Band of Flight: Hearts, Heroes, and Heritage Concert (National Museum of United States Air Force, Dayton, February 13) The United States Air Force Band of Flight presents a concert to celebrate three holidays at once: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Valentine's Day, and President's Day. Enjoy the patriotic music, along with a free tour of the museum. The concert is free but seating is first-come, first-served. The concert starts at 7:30 PM.

Sweethearts Hike at Ash Cave (Hocking Hills State Park, Logan, February 13) What better way to spend Valentine's than hiking with your sweetheart? Hold hands as you enjoy the beautiful landscape as dusk sets. The hike includes a stop at the famed Ash Cave, as well as refreshments and a cozy fire afterwards.

Appalachian Culture Fest (Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal, February 13 - 14) Celebrate the unique Appalachian culture with skilled mountain crafters selling their handmade wares, traditional arts demonstrations, storytellers, bluegrass performances, and more! Learn about the music, folklore, crafts and other aspects of the Appalachian culture with hands-on experiences or purchase woodcrafts, jewelery and art to take home.

Maple Sugaring in the Hills (Hocking Hills State Park, Logan, February 13-14) Behind the Hocking Hills' Old Man's Cave Visitor's Center is the Naturalist Cabin which will be hosting this year's Maple Sugaring event. Watch the process of maple being extracted from the trees and boiled down to make syrup. Learn about how maple syrup is made and try a free sample before you go!

Central Ohio Home and Garden Show (Ohio Expo Center, Columbus, February 27 - March 7) This year's theme is "Art in Bloom" which is appropriate considering the event features full-size gardens! Enjoy over 400 exhibits, events, attractions, yards, and gardens, and tons of home decorating tips along with cooking demonstrations, workshops, and several celebrity appearances.

Fine Arts Fund Sampler Weekend (throughout Cincinnati, February 20-21) For the 24th year in a row, the Fine Arts Fund offers a weekend of over 100 free events. The take place throughout Cincinnati and most of them are at popular area attractions. Free admission or free events are available at the Taft Museum of Art, Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Opera, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra and more.

For more ideas on how you can have fun in South Ohio in February, visit DiscoverOhio.com!

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Remember to call 513-422-1907 for Security Camera Systems in Middletown, Cincinnati, or the Dayton, Ohio areas.