DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – An animal shelter in Dorchester County is calling on the community to help keep animals safe and warm ahead of expected winter weather impacts this week. Dorchester Paws said it is proactively sending animals to foster homes to make sure they are safe as temperatures are expected to plummet to near-record lows. The shelter currently has roughly 50 dogs and five cats available to foster, including some that have medical needs. Those willing to help can complete an online application to foster animals and keep them warm this week. The shelter will walk you through the process and provide the necessary items. “Your support will make a huge difference in keeping them safe. Ideally, these animals will return by Friday at the earliest, but we will continue to monitor the weather and adjust as needed,” the shelter said. Dorchester Paws added, “While we can never predict exactly what the weather will bring, the safety of our staff and animals is our priority. Travel may become unsafe, and we want to ensure all animals are in safe, warm homes during the storm.” The shelter said it will close at noon Monday in anticipation of the winter storm.