Five Helpful Ways to be ‘Santa Paws’ to Furry Friends
Operation Santa Paws is a nationwide effort during the month of December to promote awareness and provide much needed aid to animal shelters and rescue groups. Most animal shelters have tremendous needs to fill. They are beyond capacity by double and triple the numbers than they can typically accommodate. However, they persevere to do all they can to rescue, care for and re-home as many animals as possible. It’s always a good day to help out your local animal shelter/group but especially as winter approaches and they have even more furry friends coming in daily.
The boys pictured above are my own furry friends; my cat, Kramer, and my grand-dog, Ghost. I’m sure many of you also have a four legged member in your family who has your heart. I cannot remember a day in my life when I did not have a pet. They bring tremendous love, joy, and comfort. If you have ever loved a pet, or you are an animal lover in general, then you know the extent of all that is needed for their care. So, if you are looking for a way to help or give back this Christmas, then perhaps consider this worthy cause. Here are five ways that you can help out and make a difference for many furry friends.
Five Ways to Help
1. Buying Needed Supplies
Animal shelters/groups are always in need of supplies. Some of the most needed supplies are pet food, treats, cat litter, pet toys, leashes, collars, harnesses, and cleaning supplies. You may want to contact your local shelter/group and check on their current needs before making a donation of supplies. Our local Northeast Georgia shelter has a wishlist on Amazon so that anyone can go on and place an order and have it shipped straight to them. Check your local shelter’s Facebook page to see if they have one as well. What could be easier? Here is a link to the Northeast GA Animal Shelter Amazon list.
2. Donating Gently Used Items
Some shelter/groups will accept gently used items that are in good shape. They can use things like blankets, towels, sheets, unopened pet food or treats, leashes, collars, or harnesses, pet toys, large tubs for storage, and metal crates. Again, check with your shelter to be sure of the items they will accept before dropping off your donation.
3. Monetary Donations
Of course, monetary donations are always appreciated. Shelters and groups need funds to cover the many needs of the pets. Some need specialized care or have particular needs that need to be covered. They take care of the furry friends in every way, such as spaying/neutering, medications they need, grooming, and of course feeding and routine care. Donations are needed for all of this. If you wanted to help in this way throughout the year you could have a donation set up to go to the shelter on a monthly basis. Your donation could make a huge difference no matter the amount.
4. Be a Volunteer
Did you know that you can volunteer to help out at an animal shelter/group? You will have to fill out an application but they can always use more helping hands or simply hands and hearts to take animals out for walks, play with them, help with their care, or love and cuddle them. They need physical touch and care as much as humans do. This would be an awesome way to teach your older kids about community service. Many shelters will accept older children as long as they are accompanied by a parent. You can contact your shelter/group to find out their rules about the age requirements of volunteers.
5. Foster or Adopt a Pet
Some of the animals in shelters need specialized or more individual care. This is the time that a foster situation is needed. It could be an animal who is on medication, has an injury, needs a special feeding routine, and more. The animal would stay with the foster person, completely funded, until a forever home became available or they were able to return to the shelter. This is a commitment and it is greatly needed by shelters.
Of course, if you are ready for the long term commitment and responsibility of bringing a furry friend home, you can also adopt a pet from a shelter. Loving forever homes are the best outcome! There are many animals waiting for that blessing.
It's Always a Good Day to Help
I hope that this short overview of Operation Santa Paws had given you some ideas of how you can help your local animal shelter or animal groups. They really appreciate even the smallest donation of money or supplies.
If possible, it is also a good time to remember the workers at the animal shelters or rescues with something special this time of year: a plate of cookies or snacks or some thoughtful gift would be so encouraging. (These peanut butter cookies or chocolate oatmeal drop cookies would be perfect!)
If you would like to read some other posts about helping out then check these out.
Five Ways to Focus on Gratitude
You’ll Love Feeding the Birds and Making Sweet Memories
Or, if you’d like to read a post about the joy of pets take a look at this special post.
My Horses: A Lifelong Love That Brings Me Joy
Have a good day!
Karen
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