With more and more American’s struggling in the current economic climate charitable donations are on the decline. If you still want to help your community, but do not have the funds to do so, consider volunteering. While there are probably hundreds of worthwhile organizations in your city, if you love dogs then volunteering to help them is the obvious choice. By helping dogs you will also be helping your community. Dog ownership is an integral part of the human experience and there are many health benefits associated with their ownership and care. There are many ways to help the canine community without any financial commitment on your part.

Try volunteering at your local animal shelter. These dogs essentially live in cages until they are euthanized or adopted to new families. An hour or two of your time provides attention, love and exercise for these pooches in need. Walking pound puppies also increases their socialization skills and helps them become better candidates for adoption. You could also volunteer at the Humane Society or a similar organization to help care for the dogs and introduce them to perspective adopters. This can be heartbreaking for some, but it really makes a difference and can be an extremely rewarding experience for the right individual. The challenge in this work is not bringing home every stray that tugs on your heart strings.

You could also volunteer in a less formal fashion within your immediate neighborhood. Try finding out who might need help taking care of their animals and volunteer to walk or feed those dogs. The elderly and the disabled may have difficulties caring for their beloved pets and are sometimes forced to give them up because they can no longer take proper care of them. These individuals often live on a fixed income and can not afford to hire professional pet sitters. If you do not know of any such people in your neighborhood then try asking around at local churches or community centers. If you look around hard enough you might be surprised at how many people need this type of assistance.

If your family dog is well behaved and gentle with strangers you could try therapy dog training. Therapy dogs provide emotional therapy to those who are sick or elderly. They are not considered guide dogs nor is the training as rigorous. Once your dog is therapy trained try setting up visits at local hospitals, hospices, retirement communities and schools. You and your dog will provide the healing powers of emotional contact with an animal to the sick and dying. You can also visit elementary schools to promote responsible dog ownership and teach safety tips to children to avoid dog bites. This type of volunteer work can be extremely rewarding for you, your dog and your community and doesn’t cost a thing, aside fro a vest your dog might need to wear to show that he is a therapy dog!

If you do not have the money to donate or the time to volunteer you can still help in some way. Try donating your used pet supplies to families in need or to your local rescue group. Crates, bowls, blankets, leashes, etc. are expensive and rather than throw out your items upon replacement, simply donate them to dogs in need. Try searching the internet for local rescue groups or put a posting on your local internet classifieds. There are many groups in need of supplies to stay afloat; you just need to do a little work to find them. Do not get discouraged if you feel that you are not doing enough to help, even the smallest act of kindness or donation of time helps. If this isn’t enough for you try organizing your friends, neighbors or co-workers to get them involved. People will often give of their time if someone else takes the lead in doing the research and planning.

Visit pet super store for more on hidden fences

By Brian S.
Published: 4/21/2009

CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT REAL DOG FOOD DANGERS BEFORE YOU FEED YOUR DOG ANOTHER MEAL!

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