Giving back ; shelters in need

As pet owners we tend to be involved in the animal community to an extent to realize that shelters and rescues are living in a perpetual state of need.
Go to any shelter or rescue website and you'll see a wishlist. Items that they go through so quickly that their relatively low cost adds up to monumental amounts.
Blankets and towels for the animals to snuggle up with while waiting to be chosen for a hopefully forever home.
Food to keep their bellies full.
Leashes to walk them when the chance presents itself.
The list goes on. Sometimes, the list much bigger. New donated land to build a larger shelter to attempt to allow more pets that chance at a home. A new vehicle to transport pets to and from adoption events.
Something you rarely ever see is a photographer.
Shelters are busy places. Many times the dogs and cats are photographed during intake and that's the face that the public sees of that animal. Many times they are scared and nervous. This is written all over their expression so it can be a bit difficult for someone to judge enough to go see the animal at the shelter. With a photographer's help and a bit of time, a new face can be presented. One that shows a bit of personality and may just win someone's heart!
I myself donate time to area rescues and shelters in an attempt to give pets an even better chance of adoption. It can tug on your heart strings to meet these guys and learn their stories. I can honestly say I've met so many I would bring home if I could.
So I ask you this. If you have a free day, contact your local shelter or rescue to see if they need dogs walked or cats played with. If you feel like pushing up your sleeves, some do happily accept volunteer help for kennel and cage cleaning.
Have old towels or blankets? Instead of throwing them away contact your area rescue or shelter. Most would be glad to have them.
RockyB is the adorable face at the top of this page. He has finally found a furever home. If you are in the northern Indiana area please contact the Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County to see the awesome pets waiting for their new families.
Go to any shelter or rescue website and you'll see a wishlist. Items that they go through so quickly that their relatively low cost adds up to monumental amounts.
Blankets and towels for the animals to snuggle up with while waiting to be chosen for a hopefully forever home.
Food to keep their bellies full.
Leashes to walk them when the chance presents itself.
The list goes on. Sometimes, the list much bigger. New donated land to build a larger shelter to attempt to allow more pets that chance at a home. A new vehicle to transport pets to and from adoption events.
Something you rarely ever see is a photographer.
Shelters are busy places. Many times the dogs and cats are photographed during intake and that's the face that the public sees of that animal. Many times they are scared and nervous. This is written all over their expression so it can be a bit difficult for someone to judge enough to go see the animal at the shelter. With a photographer's help and a bit of time, a new face can be presented. One that shows a bit of personality and may just win someone's heart!
I myself donate time to area rescues and shelters in an attempt to give pets an even better chance of adoption. It can tug on your heart strings to meet these guys and learn their stories. I can honestly say I've met so many I would bring home if I could.
So I ask you this. If you have a free day, contact your local shelter or rescue to see if they need dogs walked or cats played with. If you feel like pushing up your sleeves, some do happily accept volunteer help for kennel and cage cleaning.
Have old towels or blankets? Instead of throwing them away contact your area rescue or shelter. Most would be glad to have them.
RockyB is the adorable face at the top of this page. He has finally found a furever home. If you are in the northern Indiana area please contact the Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County to see the awesome pets waiting for their new families.