What You Can Do To Help Dogs
Stormy is in the middle of moving this weekend and without computer access so I'm posting her stories for her for a couple of days. Here's one I really liked.
What You Can Do To Help Dogs
I've often been told, I would love to help lost dogs, or strays that no one wants, but I'm not allowed to have a dog in my home. How can 'I' help?
There are a number of ways to give a helping hand to recued dogs and their foster homes, or even put a few hours in at your local shelter or pound.
Food! It is a huge expense. It doesn't have to be top of the line expense wise, just not the cheapest stuff out there either. Some dogs require special diets if they have been starved, abused, or old. In the rescue work I've been involved in, sometimes if I was lucky, a dog came to my home with enough for a few weeks, then it was up to me to buy the kibble, or canned goods. Locate your nearby dog shelter, or SPCA, ASPCA and ask what they need. Don't feel bad if they ask for money. They can usually buy dog food at a discount, the money you spend to buy one bag, may stretch to three for them. If you aren't comfortable handing over money, go for a large bag of kibble, for adult dogs. If you can afford it, add a bag for small dog's, kibble that comes in smaller bites. Or a bag of puppy kibble. It will all get used.
Dry food is used, but canned dog food is needed as well. For puppies, dogs who's teeth are poor, old dogs like the softer food. Again, you don't need the most expensive, but look for canned dog food that can be fed to puppies, adult and senior dogs.
Toys are a sure bet. Anything cuddly to squeaky to Frisbee's. Try and make sure soft toys don't have any plastic eyeballs, or pieces the dog can nibble off and swallow. Toys that can have treats placed inside, making the dog work to get them out helps prevent boredom when they are caged.
Beds. Check with the shelters. Some have a desperate need, others have enough. The ideal bed is one that has four legs, a frame with a piece of canvas like material stretched over it. It keeps the dog from laying on the cold floor. Blankets are appreciated. Large towels, dog shampoo plus rinse, grooming tools, all of those dogs need a bath now and then. Phone ahead and ask what they prefer.
Have a yard sale and donate the money you earn to a shelter. You'll be their friend forever. Offer to walk a dog, or go in and romp with the puppies.
Sit beside an old dog and brush him, or just stroke him. Dogs in shelters are hungry for a loving hand, soothing voice and a bit of attention. Ask what the rules are before you go to make sure you are comfortable with the atmosphere. Staff work very hard at making dogs lives easier, but it is still stressing to see cage after cage with dogs who are all begging you to please take them home. You can go to the front desk and ask that a dog be brought out for you to walk it.
Get your friends together and hold a bake sale. Advertise that the money is going to a shelter. Every cent helps. If you know of someone who is fostering dogs, approach them as ask if you can run errands for them, if they can't get out of the house. Offer to walk their foster dog to give them a break. People who foster dogs are on 24/7 duty. It can be exhausting and extremely stressful. Don't be shocked if they haul you into their house to have a coffee and just talk to you.
Get involved. Ask how you can help, see if you have special skills that you can use to provide those unfortunate dogs a bit of comfort. One lady who I know is in her early 90's spends her time knitting sweaters for dogs. Every one gets used. Another helps by taking photo's to put on posters, even your children can help by organizing a dog party, with the idea of bringing an item of dog food for the gifts. Take the kids and the presents to the shelter, phone ahead to let them know you are bringing a mob of excited youngsters. It's wonderful when kids get to see just how many dogs there are that don't have homes. Be prepared for each child to want to take a dog home.
Stormy
