Cosmo predicts early spring during Ground Dog Day event

Published on February 2, 2026

Phil may be the nation’s most famous weather prognosticator, but in the Rocket City, the forecast today belonged to a dog named Cosmo.

Huntsville Animal Services (HAS) hosted its fifth annual Ground Dog Day, where Cosmo made his seasonal prediction by choosing between two treat bowls—one representing six more weeks of winter and the other an early spring. Cosmo initially moved toward the winter bowl, but he did a quick pivot and devoured the treats in the spring bowl meaning an early spring.

“Ground Dog Day has become a lighthearted event for our community while also highlighting the important work happening at Huntsville Animal Services,” said HAS Director John Fischer. “With this prediction, Cosmo still has a perfect record of choosing one bowl or the other—quite a respectable data point.”

Ground Dog Day kicks off a busy month at HAS, including two Kisses and Kibbles initiatives: From Feb. 9–13, HAS will offer $14 adoptions on all pets. On Saturday, Feb. 21, from 10 a.m. to noon, a Kisses and Kibbles Drive-Thru Food Pantry will be open providing one free bag of dog or cat food per household while supplies last.

District 4 City Council Member Bill Kling, who participated in the event, praised the shelter’s impact on the community.

“Huntsville Animal Services reflects the compassion of this city,” Kling said. “The staff, volunteers and community partners make a real difference for animals and the families who care for them.”

A full list of all currently available dogs and cats at Huntsville Animal Services can be found here.

Animal Services is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 256-883-3782, visit HuntsvilleAL.gov/Animal or visit their Facebook page to learn more.