Tips to make 2014 a Happy New Year for homeless animals
A
new year has begun! It’s time to resolve to change our lives for the
better. How would you like to be a positive change in the lives of our
animal friends, too? It’s not hard and it doesn’t have to take a lot of
time or money, either. Consider these simple ideas that can improve the
lives of our animal friends in 2014.
Have an extra hour to spare every other week? Some free time on your lunch break from work?
Offer to walk dogs at your local animal shelter. You’ll get some exercise and fresh air while the dogs will enjoy stretching their legs and the pleasure of your company. Bet you can’t resist giving a few belly rubs before they return to their cages, too!
Let’s not forget our feline friends, too. Ask your local PetSmart or Petco which rescue groups keep cats in their Adoption Centers. Then give them a call and offer to scoop litter boxes for those cats on display. Most groups gladly welcome folks willing to lend a helping scoop. While you’re scooping the litter boxes, you’ll also get a chance to play with the kitties as they wait for their Forever Homes.
Ready for the big leagues? How about fostering?
Most rescue groups do not have a physical building to house their potential pets. They rely on people who agree to open their homes to an extra dog on a temporary basis until a Forever Home can be found. Most groups will pay for the cost of any medications or vet visits that are needed while the foster parents pay for food and provide a loving environment. Having a rescue dog in a home setting can help identify whether Fifi is compatible with other pets or children. A financial bonus may be possible as the IRS has ruled that the cost of fostering an animal can be tax deductible. There are special rules and regulations, of course, so be sure to contact the IRS or a tax professional for guidance.
Do you shop online?
If so, you can put extra money in the pockets of your favorite animal charities. First, go to AdoptAShelter.com before you start shopping. Select the animal charity you’d like to receive a portion of the purchase you’re about to make. (If you don’t see your favorite rescue group or organization, you can provide some basic info about the group for future purchases.) Then click the SHOP NOW button to select the online store for your shopping. Companies such as Amazon, Best Buy, iTunes, PetSmart, Expedia, and many more will then donate a portion of your purchase to your chosen animal group. You don’t spend an extra dime and you don’t have to create usernames or passwords!
Are you on Facebook? Do you Tweet?
Many shelters and rescue groups use social networks to post photos of adoptable dogs and cats. Sharing a photo of an adoptable dog with your “virtual friends” could lead to a Forever Home. Who knew you could do so much with just a click of your mouse?
Did you know your spring cleaning and recycling can help, too?
Old blankets, towels or sheets will cheerfully be taken by rescue groups. Puppies and kittens will appreciate curling up on them rather than a cold floor. Many rescue groups post a Wish List on their web sites. Common items include cat and dog toys, collars, leashes, food bowls, and scratching posts. Shelters always need paper towels, bleach and similar items to help keep cages clean. Speaking of cages, rescue groups can never have enough crates, pet carriers or pens. Not sure what to give to a shelter that doesn’t have a Wish List online? How about a gift card from Petco, PetSmart or WalMart?
Some groups accept aluminum cans which they can then sell to recycling companies. Your old soda cans could help pay for the medicines needed to make a sick pooch feel ready to romp again! Have some empty cardboard boxes? Dallas Animal Services often asks people to drop them by so they can use them for their cats to curl up and snuggle in.
Are you or employer upgrading your office equipment?
Any supplies a charity does not need to purchase means they’ll have more money to spend on services for their animals. Have a printer or any other computer equipment that is perfectly good but you’ve bought a newer, faster model for your office? Fido and Fluffy may not be able to use it but it will be a dream come true to most rescue groups. Better yet, you or your employer can get a receipt from a non-profit group to use as a tax deduction! (Be sure to check with a tax professional if you have any questions.)
Planning a birthday party this year?
Instead of traditional presents, ask for dog or cat toys. Then take them to your nearest animal shelter where they will be lovingly played with for hours on end.
Are you an animal lover who is allergic to dogs or cats, but you still want to help?
Don’t give up yet! Animal rescue groups and charities are always in need of financial assistance. Gift cards from Office Max, Target, or WalMart will enable a group to purchase paper, paper clips, ink cartridges, pens or a zillion other supplies needed to run their operation.
See how easy it is? There are plenty of homeless animals waiting to have a “pawsitive” New Year so please do as much as you can to make their dreams come true in 2014.
—————————————————————–
Have an extra hour to spare every other week? Some free time on your lunch break from work?
Offer to walk dogs at your local animal shelter. You’ll get some exercise and fresh air while the dogs will enjoy stretching their legs and the pleasure of your company. Bet you can’t resist giving a few belly rubs before they return to their cages, too!
Let’s not forget our feline friends, too. Ask your local PetSmart or Petco which rescue groups keep cats in their Adoption Centers. Then give them a call and offer to scoop litter boxes for those cats on display. Most groups gladly welcome folks willing to lend a helping scoop. While you’re scooping the litter boxes, you’ll also get a chance to play with the kitties as they wait for their Forever Homes.
Ready for the big leagues? How about fostering?
Most rescue groups do not have a physical building to house their potential pets. They rely on people who agree to open their homes to an extra dog on a temporary basis until a Forever Home can be found. Most groups will pay for the cost of any medications or vet visits that are needed while the foster parents pay for food and provide a loving environment. Having a rescue dog in a home setting can help identify whether Fifi is compatible with other pets or children. A financial bonus may be possible as the IRS has ruled that the cost of fostering an animal can be tax deductible. There are special rules and regulations, of course, so be sure to contact the IRS or a tax professional for guidance.
Do you shop online?
If so, you can put extra money in the pockets of your favorite animal charities. First, go to AdoptAShelter.com before you start shopping. Select the animal charity you’d like to receive a portion of the purchase you’re about to make. (If you don’t see your favorite rescue group or organization, you can provide some basic info about the group for future purchases.) Then click the SHOP NOW button to select the online store for your shopping. Companies such as Amazon, Best Buy, iTunes, PetSmart, Expedia, and many more will then donate a portion of your purchase to your chosen animal group. You don’t spend an extra dime and you don’t have to create usernames or passwords!
Are you on Facebook? Do you Tweet?
Many shelters and rescue groups use social networks to post photos of adoptable dogs and cats. Sharing a photo of an adoptable dog with your “virtual friends” could lead to a Forever Home. Who knew you could do so much with just a click of your mouse?
Did you know your spring cleaning and recycling can help, too?
Old blankets, towels or sheets will cheerfully be taken by rescue groups. Puppies and kittens will appreciate curling up on them rather than a cold floor. Many rescue groups post a Wish List on their web sites. Common items include cat and dog toys, collars, leashes, food bowls, and scratching posts. Shelters always need paper towels, bleach and similar items to help keep cages clean. Speaking of cages, rescue groups can never have enough crates, pet carriers or pens. Not sure what to give to a shelter that doesn’t have a Wish List online? How about a gift card from Petco, PetSmart or WalMart?
Some groups accept aluminum cans which they can then sell to recycling companies. Your old soda cans could help pay for the medicines needed to make a sick pooch feel ready to romp again! Have some empty cardboard boxes? Dallas Animal Services often asks people to drop them by so they can use them for their cats to curl up and snuggle in.
Are you or employer upgrading your office equipment?
Any supplies a charity does not need to purchase means they’ll have more money to spend on services for their animals. Have a printer or any other computer equipment that is perfectly good but you’ve bought a newer, faster model for your office? Fido and Fluffy may not be able to use it but it will be a dream come true to most rescue groups. Better yet, you or your employer can get a receipt from a non-profit group to use as a tax deduction! (Be sure to check with a tax professional if you have any questions.)
Planning a birthday party this year?
Instead of traditional presents, ask for dog or cat toys. Then take them to your nearest animal shelter where they will be lovingly played with for hours on end.
Are you an animal lover who is allergic to dogs or cats, but you still want to help?
Don’t give up yet! Animal rescue groups and charities are always in need of financial assistance. Gift cards from Office Max, Target, or WalMart will enable a group to purchase paper, paper clips, ink cartridges, pens or a zillion other supplies needed to run their operation.
See how easy it is? There are plenty of homeless animals waiting to have a “pawsitive” New Year so please do as much as you can to make their dreams come true in 2014.
—————————————————————–
Debbie Waller is a freelance writer and award-winning pet journalist
whose work has been recognized by the Dog Writers Association of America
and the Cat Writers’ Association, Inc. A dog and 3 cats graciously
allow Debbie and her husband, Bobb, to share their home in the DFW area.
