In cold weather, hummingbirds often use a type of hibernation

DEAR JOAN >> What

I thought was a soggy dead leaf turned out to be a drenched hummingbird hanging upside down from stalk of grass.

I got a soft towel, and began gently drying it. The bird soon let go of the grass stalk. I wrapped it in the towel, set it in the grasses and went inside. About 30 minutes later, he was sitting up and then he soon flew away.

— Stu Glaxier, Antioch

DEAR STU >> What you encountered is a weird but wonderful trait of hummingbirds. When it’s very cold, they often go into a state of torpor, a sort of temporary hibernation. They slow their metabolism down and fall into a deep sleeplike trance to conserve their energy.

They usually pick a spot of safety and then go into their deep sleep. Their feet become rigid, locking into place, which keeps them from falling off their perch, but sometimes they end up hanging upside down.

Although a stalk of grass seems an unusual place for a long nap, I’m guessing your hummer friend decided the cold rain was too much and it needed to check out for a while. Torpor can last for a few minutes or several hours, and it can take a bird a few minutes or up to an hour to fully wake up.

When they do, the first thing they do is head for is some food. Your bird likely would have been just fine without your assistance, but it was kind of you to help, and you certainly did assist the bird in warming up.

DEAR JOAN >> You had a letter recently from a reader whose Chihuahua had chronic bad breath that wasn’t caused by bad teeth. Our girl, Pi, had bad breath that seemed to come and go regularly. Her teeth were good and her overall health seemed excellent. Our dogs always had good veterinary care.

When she did some coughing, we took her in fearing a foxtail problem. Imagine our surprise when we found out she had tonsillitis. Her tonsils were very bad, which explained the long-term bad breath. It can’t be diagnosed without putting the dog out so they can get into the throat.

I felt horrible when we realized how long she’d been suffering with this. We certainly didn’t even realize that dogs have tonsils. — Doris Quick, AlbAny

DEAR DORIS >> I’d never pondered whether dogs have tonsils, but I’m glad to know they do. Thanks for sharing your story and alerting us to another possibility for foul breath.

Last-minute giving

I’ve had a few letters from readers asking for recommendations for donating some last-minute gifts to rescue groups, and asking about giving to some national ones.

I’m all for giving to rescues that tirelessly work to save animals, treat their ailments and find them new homes, plus those that care for wildlife (including the Oakland Zoo), but I do suggest that instead of giving to a national organization where the impact might not be felt as keenly in the Bay Area, that you find a group in your own community to help out.

Check with Charitynavigator.org to see how much money goes into programs, fundraising and administrative costs. For smaller groups not included in the database, ask them about their practices. Then give as generously as you can. Thank you.