Making a Difference in Dogs' Lives....

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

We see many times on DK sad stories about neglect cases, puppy mills, and the DRC or other rescue groups needing our help to get these doodles and other dogs to safety and ultimately their furever homes.

 

I, for one, find myself feeling a little helpless sometimes because I am not in the position to be a hero like some of these volunteers.  I work full time, have a baby (human!) on the way and cannot foster these dogs in need.  And that is really what the groups need the most sometimes.

 

What I have found, though, is that people like me (and so many of you) can help in other ways.  Even though it may seem very very small, every bit helps.  You don't have to have a huge time committment or donate large sums of money.

 

I wanted to post some ways that I personally help that DO make a difference.  This may help you think about a small way you can help if you are one of those people that see these postings and think "I wish I could do something to help".  I really don't do much AT ALL, but if everyone did just a teensy bit, it would add up.

 

1. Give $5 to the DRC the next time they have an urgent need or fundraising goal.  If 1/10 of the DK members gave $5, that would be $5,000, which is a HUGE amount to a group like DRC that runs only on volunteer support.  $5 is the cost of a Venti sized Starbucks coffee.

2. Give a small monthly amount to your local Humane Society or rescue group.  My employer matches donations to local non-profits.  I chose our non-kill Humane Society and only give $7 of my paycheck a month, but that is $80 a year and covers the cost of a spay/neuter.

3. MOST IMPORTANT:  If you are a member of Facebook, lots of local rescues are on there now.  Peri's breeder has a good friend that runs a rescue org here in my hometown and I signed up for announcements on FB.  She takes in a lot of those dogs NO ONE will take. Blind seniors, dogs that have been flung from cars, etc...  Just yesterday I was on Facebook and saw that they have a litter of puppies that were dumped and have parvo. They are trying to save them and are in DESPERATE need of supplies. They listed a huge amount of items.  Guess what?  I was about to take 10 old towels to the Humane Society (which would have still made a difference), but when I saw this post, I got in my car and took all of my towels to the designated drop off area for the rescue group.  This may have cost me $3 in gas, because it was a drive, but other than that, just my lunch break.  I think this is one of the best ways you could help.  Even if you just bought a pack of baby wipes for $3 and dropped them off, every bit counts.  If you are not a Facebook member, you can sign up for email updates for most of these rescue organizations also I am sure.  It is purely SHOCKING to see the amount of dogs this local group takes in on a daily basis. They are a bigger one in my area and have tons of fosters lined up and support all over the US (also support from our country music stars), but still, they, like so many other wonderful groups, are literally saving dogs on a constant basis.

 

I just wanted to remind you that you do not have to go full-fledged into fostering or transporting dogs if you cannot undertake that right now.  You can do very small things in your community to make a difference in a dog's life. 

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

This is an excellent reminder, Allyson - "every little bit helps"!!!

[Jill, Woody & Maxi]

Great tips...thank you!!!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

These are great ways to make a difference.  Every small bit does help.  I think often we think we must donate bigger sums of money but you are correct, each little bit from others adds up.  Also needed are newspapers, dog food or treats that are failures at your house or perhaps an old crate, and newish collars and leashes.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks for this post, Allyson. It's so true that there are hundreds of easy, inexpensive ways people can help local rescue groups without getting deeply involved. Supplies for shelter and foster dogs like collars and leashes, food bowls, etc. are needed, too. Rescue groups that hold adoption days at local venues like Petsmart usually need help for a few hours, too. This might involve simply sitting at a table handing out information and holding a foster dog's leash while the foster takes a bathroom break. You can often bring your own dog along. Local shelters, especially the no-kill and private shelters, love volunteers who will just take a dog out for a brief walk or spend some time with him outdoors. Easy, pleasant things that cost nothing but an hour or two of your time and the gas to get there. My very first experiences in being involved with rescue were simply to drop by a local shelter when I had a little time and take one of the dogs for a walk.

Petfinder has listings of all the rescue groups and shelters arranged by state.

http://www.petfinder.com/shelters.html

Also, many communitites now have pet sections in their local food pantries. Contributions of food might make the difference between a family having to give up a dog or being able to keep him.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Great additions, thanks Karen!

[Christine & Camus]

A good reminder for all of us.  Camus' vet takes donations for a group that rescues dogs along the US/Mexico border.  In addition to the other items mentioned they also like gently used towels and blankets.  I given them dog beds, food, towels, kibble, treats, etc.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

And all of you cat people, the groups and shelters that rescue cats desperately need cat litter! The pet sections of the food pantries, too.

[BG and Gavin]

Great reminder Allyson!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Allyson, This is an excellent reminder. Thank you for posting.

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

Excellent,thoughtful ideas - if everyone helped as much as you do, the need would be much less.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thanks for this important reminder that we can all do something to help.

[Carol and Banjo]

Thanks for this thoughtful reminder Allyson.