As animal shelters found themselves empty throughout 2020, it’s safe to say that many dogs will be celebrating their first official National Rescue Dog Day on May 20 this year. A day to celebrate the promise of a forever home, endless belly rubs, and eternal love.
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), over three million dogs make their way into shelters annually. These rescue dogs often face extreme conditions and difficulties on the street. Their basic needs are rarely met leaving them with no food, shelter, or safety. However, their luck typically changes when they’re rescued. This provides them a second chance for a home.
Tails That Teach
After adopting her dog Cooper in 2009, Lisa Wiehebrink came up with the idea of dedicating a day to rescue dogs. The inspiration was to highlight the countless number of incredible dogs in shelters looking for their forever homes. This would also allow the opportunity to further encourage spaying and neutering pets, while also continuing to promote humane animal education for young children.
Wiehebrink decided that a forever home and endless love wasn’t enough for these amazing furry friends. That is how May 20 became known as National Rescue Dog Day. Wiehebrink is the founder of Tails That Teach. TTT is a non-profit organization that aspires to teach children the importance of kindness to both pets and adults alike.
Wiehebrink has also authored a book series for Tails That Teach featuring her rescue dog Cooper as the main character. These books are used in animal education programs across the country. The programs aim to empower young children to make good choices and respectfully care for pets and people alike. She believes that if young children learn virtues such as kindness, patience, and empathy towards animals, it will benefit them for a lifetime.
More Than Just Adoption
Many people may want to help but are not in a situation to adopt and provide a permanent home for a dog. However, that is entirely okay. There are plenty of other ways someone can help.
Animal welfare organizations are always looking for foster homes for dogs that are awaiting their forever families. A foster home provides the opportunity for a rescue dog to receive the love and normalcy of a permanent home while waiting for their forever family. Not only does this allow for an easier transition when adoption time comes, but it also opens up space inside of the shelter for another dog to be given a second chance.
Animal shelters and welfare organizations are often volunteer-run and can typically take all of the help they can get. If fostering isn’t an option, time is just as priceless. These organizations need dogs walked, cages cleaned and various other duties filled.
If adoption and volunteering aren’t viable fits, financial donations will always be helpful. These donations allow the organizations to provide staggering amounts of veterinary care to rescue dogs annually. A little goes a long way and any donation will always be appreciated.
Here’s How You Can Help
Another way to help is by purchasing our wonderful paw ramp. For EVERY ramp sold, Alpha Paw will donate 10 pounds of dog food to a shelter dog in need through our partnership with The Greater Good’s Rescue Bank Program. Rescue Bank is a beacon of hope for dogs in need. It’s a notable program for Greater Good Charities which grants donated pet food and supplies to smaller pet organizations that could really use help.
If you don’t need a ramp, another way you can help is by purchasing a delicious bag of Victor’s Cookies. For every bag of treats sold, Alpha Paw donates a meal for a shelter dog in need. It’s a win-win situation for your furry family member and the shelter dog! Do you have a rescued furry family member? Share your thoughts in the comments.
