Sir: In many areas of Pakistan, winter is a season of bitter and numbing cold. Extra precautions during winter months will make sure your four-footed family members stay safe and warm. Help your pets remain happy and healthy during the colder months. Do not leave dogs or cats outdoors when the temperature drops. Give your pets plenty of water. Warm engines in parked cars attract cats and they may crawl up under the hood. To avoid injuring any hidden animals, bang on your car’s hood to scare them away before starting your engine. I recently witnessed two dead cats lying on the road, which brought tears to my eyes. Probably the best prescription for winter woes is to keep your dog or cat inside with you and your family. The happiest dogs are those that are taken out frequently for walks and exercise, but kept inside the rest of the time. Dogs and cats are social animals that crave human companionship. If you have pets then you must realise that your animal companions deserve to live indoors with you and your family. AYESHA KALEEM, BISMA SARFRAZ Islamabad