While Punxsutawney Phil looked north for his forecast, Huntsville turned to a much closer source for Groundhog Day: Cosmo the dog.
Huntsville Animal Services hosted its fifth annual Ground Dog Day event this morning, inviting Cosmo to make his seasonal prediction by choosing between two treat bowls, one symbolizing six more weeks of winter and the other an early spring.
After briefly eyeing the winter option, Cosmo made a decisive pivot and devoured the treats in the spring bowl, signaling that warmer days may be on the way.
“This has become one of our favorite events of the year,” said John Fischer, director of Huntsville Animal Services. “It’s lighthearted, it’s fun, and it helps highlight the important work happening here at the shelter.”
Fischer joked that while Punxsutawney Phil may be the nation’s most famous weather predictor, Cosmo has earned his place as Rocket City’s top canine forecaster. With Sunday’s choice, Cosmo continued a streak of predicting an early spring in recent years.
Beyond the playful prediction, organizers used the event to spotlight upcoming adoption and community assistance programs at Animal Services. Fischer announced the return of the shelter’s annual Kisses and Kibbles initiatives, including $14 adoptions on all pets during Valentine’s week from Feb. 9 through Feb. 14.
Later in the month, the shelter will also host a Kisses and Kibbles Drive-Thru Food Pantry on Saturday, Feb. 22, from 10 a.m. to noon. During the event, pet owners can receive one free bag of dog or cat food per household while supplies last.
“These events are excellent opportunities to take care of your existing pet or maybe make a new love connection with a furry friend,” Fischer said.
District 4 City Council Member Bill Kling, who attended the event, encouraged residents to consider adoption and praised the role animals play in family life.
“They have unlimited love,” Kling said. “They listen to your problems all day, they never disagree, and very rarely do they talk back.”
Council Member David Little also addressed the crowd, sharing that his own family recently adopted a pet and urging residents to visit the shelter.
Cosmo, who is currently available for adoption, was the star of the show, with organizers playfully acknowledging the pressure placed on his prediction. As he finished off the spring bowl, cheers followed.
“So apparently spring is just around the corner,” Fischer said, thanking Cosmo for his forecast.
Huntsville Animal Services is located at 4950 SW Triana Blvd. More information about available pets and upcoming events can be found at HuntsvilleAL.gov/Animal or on the shelter’s Facebook page.
Cosmo was not the only Alabama animal forecaster weighing. Over in Northeast Alabama, Sand Mountain Sam made his annual prediction and did not see his shadow, also signaling an early spring.
