With freezing temperatures expected across Northwest Georgia later this week, Animal Advocates of Chattooga County is once again offering free wheat straw to Chattooga County residents who need help keeping their outdoor pets warm.

The organization is providing one free bale of wheat straw per household while supplies last. The straw can be used as bedding to help provide insulation and warmth for outdoor animals during cold weather.

Residents can pick up their free bale at either of two locations:

Pine Ridge Outdoor Supply
4999 Highway 114, Lyerly

Southern Living Farm and Garden
15734 Highway 27, Trion

The giveaway comes as the National Weather Service forecasts a significant drop in temperatures heading into the weekend, with overnight lows expected to approach freezing and potentially fall into the upper 20s in portions of North Georgia.

Animal Advocates of Chattooga County is encouraging pet owners to prepare now for the colder weather.

Straw can provide insulating bedding inside a dry, weather-protected outdoor shelter. However, pets should be brought indoors whenever possible during freezing temperatures, particularly animals that are young, elderly or vulnerable to the cold.

The free straw is available to Chattooga County residents in need, with a limit of one bale per household while supplies last.