Good Causes for Four Paws
Chances are if you are reading this article, you are a pet owner.
If you are a pet owner, you must be a pet lover – compassionate,
caring and kind. Being all of these wonderful things must also mean
you are concerned about all of the issues facing us today in regards
to pets: homelessness, research and overpopulation to name a few.
Well, here are some ways to help:
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SHELTER!! If you are looking for a new pet to
add to your family, check out the selection at your local shelter
and give a home to a pet that really needs one. In addition, shelters
are always in need of supplies. Here is a partial list of what they
generally need:
- Cat & Dog food (dry and canned – call the shelter
to check on brands)
- Cat & Dog toys – especially Nylabones for those
teething puppies
- Laundry detergent & bleach
- Cat Litter
- Blankets
- Paper towels and garbage bags
- Office supplies: Polaroid film, Stamps, Pens, Note pads
(Post-It’s), Paperclips, Scotch tape and Paper (white &
colored).
Of course you can also donate your time as volunteers are always
needed. Or perhaps a monetary contribution. Perhaps as a gift for
someone (you know – that person in your life who is hard to
buy for because they “have everything”) or in memory
of a friend’s lost pet. Most shelters also have monthly giving
programs.
Another organization that is in dire need of donations is your
local humane society. These societies generally do not benefit from
any state or federal funding – instead sustaining and running
on memberships, private grants and donations. And by donating to
a local humane society, your community will reap the benefits!
SPAY/NEUTER YOUR PET!!! First and foremost this will help in the
ongoing battle against unwanted pets – and that is a major
cause for these organizations to be in place!! In addition, the
American Partnership for Pets is urging the US Postal Service to
re-issue the commemorative spay/neuter stamps. You can contact them
at: www.americanpartnershipforpets.org or at:
American Partnership for Pets
c/o Prevent A Litter Coalition, Inc.
PO Box 9294
Reston, VA 20195
And here are some additional ways you can help in the cause for
the protection of those with paws:
- Purchase pet products that donate a portion of their proceeds
to animal charities (for example, in my shop, you could choose from
Planet Dog toys and beds, Yellow Snow collars, Newman’s Own
Organics dog food and Breeders Choice dog food).
- Participate in dog walks that benefit charities.
- Have your dog be a therapy dog – you can help in
nursing homes and schools for a start!
- Help your senior neighbors that have pets – offer
to walk them or shop for them in inclement weather, or to bring
them to the vets for their check ups!
- Join a local resource group (for example: BARC –
Beverly Animal Resource Coalition – www.beverlybarc.com) or
a Dog Park organization.
You can check with your veterinarian or your local animal services
officer for local programs and ways to get in touch with them. And
here are some websites that are full of ideas and information: www.angell.org
(Angell Memorial/MSPCA); www.northeastanimalshelter.org; www.morrisanimalfoundation.org;
and http://members..aol.com/nsfr/frame.htm (North Shore Feline Rescue).
Go ahead –pass on some of the love and kindness that prompted
you to share your life with a pet in the first place!!
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