Giving back during the Holidays doesn’t have to cost one dime! While you make your yearly list of gifts for loved ones, consider wrapping up some donations for those pets in need. Here are five ways to give back to animals by opening your heart and not emptying your pocket! ‘Tis the season for hot chocolate, tree decorating and most importantly, giving.
1. Save and donate used goods
With the receiving of new gifts and household items, instead of tossing your old stuff, donate those goods to a shelter/ foster network. Used towels, blankets, and sheets are always in need to keep those pups warm in the winter. Anything dog or cat related they can most likely reuse. Set aside those old dog collars, sweaters, leashes and toys that your dog outgrew or lost interest in. If your dog could use it, so can others. Betcha didn’t know empty cereal boxes can be used as enrichment toys for homeless dogs!
During the Holiday season at Wag ‘N’ Tails, we partner with local businesses and dog rescues to host a donation drive with Detroit Animal Care and Control. This drive grows each year and watching the love grow from filling a pickup truck years ago to now filling U-Haul trucks is quite a sight to see and a feeling of pure goodness to look forward to every year.
2. Harness the power of social media and share, share, SHARE.
If it seems as though you have nothing to give, don’t forget about the one place where you can ask ALL your friends and family to help – social media. So many people want to help during the holiday season, but just don’t know how. By sharing a rescue’s fundraiser or donation drive you’re reaching dozens of potential happy-dog loving helpers! Being there for a needy pet is as easy as a mouse click away and the events are so much fun. You might even consider hosting an event with all proceeds going to your rescue of choice. Check out our Foster Friday dogs and as always we appreciate your shares!
3. Become a foster parent for a rescue pet
If your heart is melting for a furry friend to help, consider opening your home to foster dogs. Rescue leagues and shelters are always looking for loving people willing to take in a foster pup for long-term or short-term periods. A simple google search of ‘local animal rescue’s/fosters’ will bring up networks you can help in your area. Fostering is a great way to prepare a dog for their forever home, all while giving you a temporary cuddle bug, how great is that? The foster program we proudly offer at Wag is called, Teach and Reach. Learn more here!
4. Donate
Shelters and Rescues are always in need of common groceries and supplies. While you’re out buying a family dinner and household goods, consider throwing in an extra pack of laundry pods or dog treats. While you’re shopping for holiday gifts for your own pets, throw in an extra bowl, a warm sweater or other dog-necessities for a rescue/ shelter pup. I heart dogs even has coffee you can purchase and proceeds go towards feeding homeless dogs. “Best enjoyed with wet noses and wiggle butts!” Check it out!
5. Volunteer your time
The holidays are a busy time for rescue organizations. Rescues and shelters are always looking for volunteers to run adoption events, transport dogs or even just to cuddle up a pup! Contact local rescues and ask about volunteer opportunities they may have. It can be as easy and fun as a car ride with an adorable fur baby.
It’s that time of the year that people love to shop, while you’re out and about this holiday season, consider helping out your local animal rescue or shelter, because these guys are so worth it.
[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]https://wagntails.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/author-image.png[/author_image] [author_info]About the Author Christine Fox, APDT, CTDI and a Pet Sitters International member, is the founder of Wag ‘N’ Tails Dog Activity Center with two locations in Michigan. She has been involved with many pet dog trainer certification initiatives, all based on learning techniques that involve humane practices and the latest in scientific research. Christine also raised a service dog for Paws With a Cause and plans to train her newest pup in therapy work. Through her work with dogs and their parents, Christine has developed many happy and healthy relationships with both humans and dogs in the community.[/author_info] [/author]
