Donating Time, Money And Pet Items Saves Lives

Many people are becoming aware of the humane work accomplished every day at animal shelters and by animal rescue groups

. Natural disasters in recent years have helped bring the plight of helpless animals to light, and given people a desire to help and to share what they have for these precious animal companions. Although not everyone is in a position to do the physical rescue, everyone can help. Financial donations or adopting a pet are always welcome, of course, but in hard economic times, not everyone has money to spare. Other ways to help are by volunteering time or donating pet items, such as dog beds or dog crate beds, cat beds and dog crates to shelters and animal rescue groups.

Even though it was once widely believed that local, state or federal government agencies funded animal shelters, this is just not the case. Most shelters and rescue groups depend on fundraisers and the generosity of people who love animals and care about their welfare.

Financial donations help in providing for the everyday needs of homeless dogs and cats such as food, dog beds or dog crate beds, dog crates, kitty litter and veterinarian care. The average cost of these basic needs is between $700 and $875 per year per animal. Whether you can contribute monthly, annually or one time you are helping an animal in need and every little bit helps.

The sad truth is that the number of homeless animals is astounding. According to the ASPCA, Approximately 5 million to 7 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year, and approximately 3 million to 4 million are euthanized (60 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats). Five out of ten dogs and seven out of ten cats in shelters are destroyed simply because there is no one to adopt them. Adopting a dog or cat is literally saving a life.

Most animal rescue groups are no kill shelters. However, they rescue one animal at a time so to speak. They have limited resources and rely on kind hearted people to help by fostering these animals until they find their forever home. Fostering is a great way to help because it opens up resources so that rescue groups can help more dogs and cats in need.

Animal rescue groups also count on volunteers to help with feeding times, socializing and training animals and public awareness of animals seeking permanent homes. They rely on volunteers to take care of rescues that were not placed in foster homes. Volunteers come in several times a day to feed these animals, give them fresh water and to socialize them. Other volunteers maintain and update the groups website while others put together and publish monthly newsletters.

Donating pet items is another way to help. Shelters and animal rescue groups have a constant need for supplies and welcome all good, clean items such as dog beds, dog crate beds, cat beds, fleece blankets, gently used towels and wash cloths and dog crates. Items do not need to be new, but must be clean and in good condition. Consider contacting family members and friends to ask if they have any items they no longer need. Gathering these items and taking them to an animal shelter or animal rescue group is a wonderful way to help. A bonus is the good feeling it brings and the satisfaction of helping the helpless. Just as human shelters are in need of beds, animal shelters must provide a place for pets to sleep, and comfortable dog and cat beds are a wonderful way to help homeless animals.

Our beloved friends depend on us to watch over and protect them but so many die before they have a chance to live. More lives can be saved by donating time, money and pet items to shelters and animal rescue groups. Consider donating dog beds, dog crate beds and dog crates that you no longer need. Or better yet, consider adopting a dog or cat in need or foster one as he awaits his new forever home. Contact your local shelter or animal rescue group to see how you can help.

by: Bernadette Degnan

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