Show your support for animal shelters and rescuers

As the official Animal Shelter and Rescuer Appreciation Week (1 to 7 November) is drawing to a close, Ridge Times, Standerton Advertiser and Highvelder are saluting the reputable animal shelters and the rescuers who work so hard for those without a voice, without asking for recognition.

Petfinder.com, an internet company that operates the largest online pet adoption website, sums it up in the following post:

One of the toughest jobs to do is certainly animal welfare. It is not an 8 to 5 job and it is physically and emotionally draining. Volunteers in animal welfare have their heart shattered almost every day and feel like giving up a few times a day. Bringing together hopeful animals and loving homes is one of the things that your local shelter does best, but it’s by no means the only thing. From taking in homeless animals and giving them food, water and shelter to rescuing injured or abused animals to reuniting lost pets with their families, your local animal shelter spends 365 days a year saving animals.

Animal Shelter & Rescuer Appreciation Week is the perfect time to recognise the organisation in your community dedicated to animals.

Here are ways to show shelters you care this week and throughout the year:

1. ADOPT AN ANIMAL. Every adoption makes us all happy and makes us go on one more day.

2. TAKE A TOUR. Never been inside an animal shelter? Take an hour or two out of your day to stop by your local shelter during public hours and see firsthand how things work. If you’d like to become more involved, find out how you can become a volunteer. You can even use your skills as a graphic designer, plumber and more to help them out.

3. KEEP DONATING. Many animal shelters struggle financially so every penny helps. Donating to your local shelter is as simple as doing an EFT, dropping of food or picking up an item on the shelter’s wish list during your next shopping trip.

4. EDUCATE CHILDREN. Help children learn about the importance of being kind to animals. Find out how easy it is to educate, whether it’s an entire classroom or a single child.

5. BE A RESPONSIBLE PET OWNER. Providing quality food, water and shelter is important, but it’s not the only thing involved in being a responsible and caring pet owner. It’s also essential that your pet has current micro-chip/identification tags and is properly confined to their yard. Keep your pet healthy and up-to-date on all vaccinations by visiting the veterinarian regularly and give your pet lots of love and attention. Sterilise your pets to prevent further overpopulation.

6. PREPARE FOR THE UNEXPECTED. Local shelters are most often on the front lines during natural disasters such as storms, fires and more. Would you know what to do in the event of a flood or fire? Learn how to help animals in your community, including your own pet, whether it’s a disaster, an emergency or an accident. You can have rescue packs (food/blanket/water) and first aid kits in your car.

7. STAY ALERT. Your local animal shelter and animal control agency not only takes in homeless animals, but also rescue injured, abused or neglected animals. Assist them by helping injured animals in your neighbourhood and by reporting suspected animal cruelty in your community.

8. SPREAD THE WORD. Tell your friends, family, co-workers and neighbours about the importance of supporting animal shelters and their staff. Save the emergency numbers on your phone and share their posts, especially adoption posts.

9. REMEMBER THE RESCUERS. Even though many give to the shelter, they sometimes forget about the rescuers. Without them, nothing in the shelter is possible. If you have a friend or family member that rescues, check in on them or take them for a coffee, buy them lunch or send a gift. Don’t scream at them, because they could not help you right away, because you are probably call number 20 that day and saying no to you is a no that haunts them forever.

10. TWO SIMPLE WORDS. The words “THANK YOU” are powerful. But since animals can’t speak, it’s up to community members to let shelter workers know just how much their commitment to animals is appreciated. Send a letter, card or e-mail to your local shelter and let them know you care.

Source: petfinder.com