Farm owners in sizzling California get creative to keep their animals cool

A dog cooling off in a plastic kiddie pool set in the shade. Photo: 123rf.com

The staggering, oppressive heat wave that has brought California’s Bay Area to its knees has caretakers of farm animals getting creative in their efforts to keep their charges relatively cool.

Most farm animals don’t have the luxury of escaping the heat inside air conditioned barns, coops or houses. Instead, they rely on shade, plenty of water and whatever methods humans can think of to ease the pain.