The benefits that animals have provided to humanity are too numerous to even list. Here are a few of them: oxes have pulled plows so we could eat and live; horses have carried us around for centuries; mules and camels have carried our loads; dogs have been our eyes and ears and have led us by leash when we were blind or warned us of danger when we were asleep; cats have helped to clear our homes of unwanted vermin and birds have sung to us and given us hope. Animals are here for our benefit and yet some of us misuse and mistreat these divine gifts.
During a crisis, few of us think about the pets. When a child is removed from their home and the parent taken into custody, what happens to their pets? Many times nothing is done unless a social worker alerts animal patrol. When a fire devastates areas and homes are destroyed, many times the pets do not survive.
Animal shelters are usually the first on the list of budget cuts for municipalities and cities. Yet these very animals need our support. Some organizations have adopted abused horses and set up programs where these abused horses work with abused children. The healing effects are absolutely amazing both for the animal and the child. Other therapists are using dogs as a form of Pet Therapy in one on one counseling sessions with abused and neglected children. Most of us know about programs where dogs are trained to help law enforcement or work with disabled people.
Many of your local shelters need your support. Most of them can use items for the shelter itself. It can be blankets, towels, leashes, and/or dishes. It is a perfect way for you to "reuse and recycle" your worn out articles. You can call up your local shelter to find out their specific needs. You can also volunteer your time by helping at their clinics or other events that they are holding. Lastly, you can volunteer as a foster parent for these animals that need homes. By fostering a pet, you can save the animal's life since many shelters no longer can house all the abandoned and mistreated residents.
Call your local shelter and see how you can help!!
