Be the Change for Animals: You can Help!

I often hear people saying “What can I do? I’m only one person!” Okay, maybe you are only one person. And maybe you cannot change the world by yourself. However, even as one person, you can still make a difference. So, what are some of the things you can do?

• Are you thinking of purchasing a dog or cat? Rather than go the pet shop route, take a trip to your local pound or shelter. Do you have your heart set on a specific breed of dog or cat? Fine, there are rescue groups for any breed of dog or cat you could possibly be interested in. You may not change the world by adopting one animal from a pound, shelter or rescue but I promise, you will change that one pet’s life forever in a very positive way!
• Maybe you’re not ready to take in another pet right now but you would still like to help? There are lots of ways you can help animals. Volunteer at your local pound or shelter. Buy a bag of food and donate it to the pound or shelter. Donate your used towels and blankets to the pound or shelter. Better yet, collect towels and blankets from your friends and neighbors to donate as well. Ask your friends and neighbors to join you in your food donation. Feeling even more ambitious? Organize a fundraiser to collect money for your favorite animal group.
• Help educate the people you know about the joys of adopting a shelter pet. Many people look at shelter pets as cast-offs and worry that by adopting a shelter pet, they will be adopting a problem someone else created. While it is true that some shelter pets may have behavioral issues, many simply have had bad luck and ended up in the shelter because their previous owners simply could not afford to keep them any longer. This is happening more and more often. CNN reported today that shelters in Louisiana are being overrun with pets whose owners have been negatively affected by the gulf coast oil spill and these owners just cannot afford to care for their pets any longer. In recent months, many pet owners have also been forced to give up their pets due to home foreclosures or evictions. Many of these dogs and cats are wonderful animals and wonderful pets. They are just waiting for someone who is able to care for them. In a well-run shelter, the personnel will be aware of pets that do need special care because of behavioral issues or health problems and will make sure these pets are placed in appropriate homes. Speak to the shelter personnel openly and let them know about your personal limitations and what type of home you are able to provide. They will be more than happy to help you choose a pet that will fit into your lifestyle.
• Consider fostering a pet. Being a foster “pet parent” involves taking an animal into your home and caring for that pet until he is ready to move on to a forever home. But be forewarned: Many foster “pet parents” fail at fostering and end up adopting the pet themselves. It can be quite difficult to care for and bond with a pet and then say “goodbye” as the pet moves on to another home. However, the upside to being a successful foster “parent” is that you are then able to take in another foster pet, if you choose. Needless to say, a good foster home can provide a huge advantage for a homeless pet and make a significant difference in the life of that pet.

While it is true that one person cannot change the world by themselves, it is also true that one person can make a profound difference in the life of one (or even a few) pets. And when one person adds their efforts to that of several other people, the positive change progresses exponentially. Imagine what the cumulative efforts of hundreds or thousands of people doing what they are able to do as individuals can accomplish. So, go ahead. Take the plunge. Be the change you want to see happen, even if only in a small way. Everything effort counts.

Are you looking for more ways to help? Visit the blogs listed below in the blog hop. You’ll find lots of great advice and ideas in these great blogs too.