Change a Pet’s Life Day began in 2009 to bring attention to the fact the there are many homeless pets and to encourage adoption. Not only will you change a pet's life when you adopt them but your life changes as well for the better. There are many ways to change a pet's life:
Volunteering at a shelter/rescue
Fostering a pet
Teaching your pet a new activity
Visiting an animal shelter/rescue
Donating items to an animal shelter/rescue
Giving your pet more exercise
At Morris Animal Inn, we think we have changed many pets' lives for the better and we’d like to hear from you in honor of this special day. How have you made a difference in a pet’s life?
As we celebrate National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week,
we want to recognize the many ways you can give back to shelters in your area.
These amazing organizations make a difference in the lives of countless animals
every day. Even if you don’t have the resources to rescue a pet of your own,
you can still make a contribution to these worthy causes. The
Humane Society offers a list of ways for you to give back this week, or any
time you’re looking to make a difference in an animal’s life.
The Humane Society suggests making "Adopt Me" vests.
Get to know your
local shelters and rescue groups. Get started by learning what groups are
in your area. You may be surprised at just how many shelters and rescues are
nearby. Websites like The Shelter
Pet Project can help you locate and learn about rescues in your
neighborhood.
Volunteer or get crafty.
Shelters are often operating on limited funds or resources, so anything you can
contribute will be welcome. Whether you donate your time at the facility or make
donations of food or other supplies, you really can make a difference! Check
out your local shelter’s website or call to see if they have a wish list of
things they need. You can also create your own donations by making toys out of
household materials or even decorating your own “Adopt me” vests. Get creative!
Help out at home.
You can help ensure that one more pet doesn’t join the shelter ranks by making
sure your own pets are microchipped and have ID tags. Have all your pets spayed
or neutered, and always keep your dog on leash when off your own property.
Say “thanks.”
Taking a moment to express your thanks to the volunteers and staff at your
local shelter can make all the difference. They work tirelessly to improve the
lives of pets, and have earned our appreciation.
Rescue a pet! If
you’ve done your research and think you might be ready to add a pet to your
family, visit your local shelter to start the adoption process! There are
always pets waiting to find their forever homes, and yours could be life
changing for one of them.
Thinking of adopting? We are currently helping one-year-old
Lucky look for a home! This adorable hound mix is great with kids and dogs and
LOVES to play. He is available for adoption through Eleventh Hour Rescue. For
more information on Lucky, visit his “Adopt Me” page, here!
When Hurricane Sandy made landfall, it left much devastation in the New Jersey/New York area. Homes were left shattered and in the dark, and families were left with the painful task of having to put the broken pieces back together of what was left of the destruction. With many homes still deemed unlivable in the wake of the clean-up, homeowners are being forced to find alternate residences. Already having to leave their homes, the idea of finding a new place to live is an added burden for these families who have lost so much.
With everything that has happened, some families are also facing the reality of not being able to care for their pets during these trying times. Temporary living situations, lack of resources, and tight financials are impacting pet owners all over the area and they need our help. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is taking huge strides in trying to provide for these families and animals while they try to rebuild. For thousands of families, pets are the only thing they have left and the ASPCA has responded in the best way. By providing food, cat litter, temporary shelter, and other supplies for these pets, they are eager to find all the help they can get.
Longtime pet lover and celebrity chef Rachel Ray recently donated $500,000 to the ASPCA to help the animals affected by Sandy. A true philanthropist, Ray is setting an example of just how much help these victims need.
If you would like to contribute to the cause and help out these poor animals, every cent counts. Donate here and help make the lives of these families a little easier.
We are pleased to have Vin, as a contributing writer for If They Could Talk. Vin is a passionate dog owner. We look forward to sharing his contribution on interesting and educational pet topics.
Have you been thinking about adopting a new dog for some time now?Well this month is your perfect chance to quit speculating and take action!
There are endless benefits for both you and your dog.Here are just a few to think about when you adopt…
1.Save a Life
The most obvious, and yet most important thing is that you are saving a life.A shelter dog is well aware of the commitment you have made to them, and will be forever grateful.The loyal bond that can be formed between an abandoned dog and their owner is unlike anything else in the world.Help save one of the millions of dogs looking for a home, and you will both be rewarded for it.
2.Help a Shelter
Not only will you be saving the life of your new dog, but you are also doing a huge service to the shelter. By rescuing a dog, you will be freeing up a spot for the shelter to place a new abandoned dog looking for a home.If they could, shelters would take in every stray dog from the street, but overpopulation is one of the biggest problems they face.With only very limited resources, shelters depend on people to free up space in order to make room for another unfortunate dog.
3.Enhance Your Life
Owning a dog can be a life-long rewarding experience.Above everything else, a dog is going to put a smile on your face.The happiness that is gained from the love of a dog is something truly unique that cannot be duplicated.It has been proven that dogs help people feel better when they need an uplift.They teach children responsibility and give people the ability to love and care for another living thing.For everyone involved, a certain sense of purpose is gained through the addition of a shelter dog.
Still a little frightened about bringing your new friend home?These tips are sure to help you out during the first month to make the transition smoother.
We are pleased to have Vin, as a contributing writer for If They Could Talk. Vin is a passionate dog owner. We look forward to sharing his contribution on interesting and educational pet topics.
