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. 

[Camilla and Darwin]

Good reminders. I recently have started volunteering for a local shelter, and you would be surprised at the different things they need! Supplies, and some volunteer jobs you wouldn't expect. I'm taking photos of some of their pups, so that their online listings are as cute as possible and they can get adopted easier. Also  I've volunteered to bathe dogs, which is really needed! At my shelter, they are so busy that they just don't have time and someone coming in for an afternoon to wash dogs would help out so much! You are so right, go ask your shelter what you can do. Love the 5 dollar to the DRC idea.

[Anna and Achilles]

Camilla I have seen some of those pictures and they are awesome! What a lovely thing to do!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Photographs are SO important! People fall in love with a dog because of the photograph in the listing. The photo can make a difference in a dog's attracting interest and being adopted. One reason black dogs are the last to be adopted is because people can't see their features well in most photographs and gloss over their listings. There was an article in Bark magazine some time ago about a famous pet photographer (Amanda Jones, maybe?) who volunteered her services to local shelters to help get black dogs adopted by taking great photos of them.

And sometimes, the shelter personnel just can't find the time to take photos. What a great thing to do, Camilla!

The bathing is a great help, too!

[Camilla and Darwin]

So true about black dogs! Can you believe a pup as cute as this couldn't get adopted because of his color? Such an adorable dog. The only bad thing is wanting to take home every pup you interact with. :-)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

This reminds me of my last poodle; she was so black, you couldn't see any featrues on her face unless her mouth was open, lol.

Great photo, he looks so friendly, I'm sure someone will want him.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Brava to you Camilla.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

That's such an amazing thing to do Camilla - you are so talented also. This is great - thanks for adding this!

[Anna and Achilles]

Nice job, Alllyson, a great reminder thank you

[F, Calla & Luca]

I agree, we should all try to do what we can.

[Lynn D.]

If anyone is interested, I have the directions on how to make those kuranda dog beds. I think that is what they are called. My local shelter uses only those. It doesn't require any sewing and is built with fabric scraps from awnings and PVC. Looks pretty simple and fairly inexpensive. This is great item to donate to rescues and shelters!

[Sue & Lily Grace]

Thank you Allyson, it is always good to be reminded.