9th Week of Summer: Help an Animal in Need

It is said that charity will make your heart feel lighter.  Booker T. Washington said, “Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.”  John Holmes said, “There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.” And John Bunyan said, “You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.”   So this week, why not lift your spirit and your dog’s spirit by helping another in need.

August 17^th is International Homeless Animals’ Day, which seems like an appropriate time to help an animal in need.  What is it, you may ask?  In 1992, ISAR (International Society for Animal Rights) originated the idea that every year on the third Saturday of August, concerned citizens should come together to commemorate all the animals who lost their lives the previous year because there weren’t enough homes for them.  Activities held in honor of this day usually entail a community candlelight vigil while some organizations hold spay and neuter fundraisers, rallies, or even walks, to help raise awareness.

You and your pup can get involved too. Even though you may not have the time or resources to put on a community event, you can help in other ways, like helping your local animal shelter care for the hundreds of animals they currently have.   Every animal shelter has a ‘Wish List’ of supplies they are always in need of.  While some shelters may have very specific wants (such as specific food, treats, litter, or bed types) here is a list of some of the typical supplies needed by an animal shelter: 

·         Litter

·         Brushes or Combs for Cats and Dogs

·         Shampoo & Conditioner

·         Nylabones

·         Durable Toys (like Kong toys)

·         Cat & Dog Treats

·         Cat & Dog Food

·         Hot dogs

·         Chicken broth

·         Timothy Hay

·         New & Used Blankets

·         Small Animal Woodchips or Bedding

·         Cat Scratchers

·         Cat Toys

·         New or Used Towels

·         Slip leads

·         Food & Water Dishes

·         Newspaper

·         Bleach

·         Etc.

Look up the nearest animal shelter in your area to find out their specific needs.  And don’t feel like you have to go out and purchase these items or give away everything in your house.  You can ask neighbors, family, and friends if they have any of these items that they wouldn’t mind donating.  You and your pooch can go around making collections and drop-off the donations together.

Shelters are also in need of volunteers, so if you’re too shy to ask for donations, you could volunteer your time instead.  You can also help your community but participating in Trap-Neuter- Release (TNR) programs. These types of programs humanely catch feral cats, spay or neuter them, vaccinate them against rabies and then return them to live out their lives.  This has been shown to be the least costly, as well as the most efficient and humane way of stabilizing feral cat populations.  You can help by alerting your local animal shelter of the location of feral cats in your neighborhood. 

And one more way you can help a homeless animal is by spreading the word.  Share the importance of spaying and neutering pets to help reduce pet overpopulation and resulting euthanization.  Help find a homeless animal a new forever home by sharing a local shelter’s dog or cat of the week via e-mail or social network posts.  Become a fan of an animal shelter Facebook page or follow them on Twitter to be sure to get the latest updates and great information to help better the animal community. 

However you decide to get involved this week, remember this quote from Mother Teresa, “Charity and love are the same -- with charity you give love, so don't just give money but reach out your hand instead.”