Christmas is such a wonderful time of year! It is all about family, love, beauty, wonder, reflection, and hope. Unfortunately, this time of year is also one of the busiest times of year for shelters and rescues. So many dogs and cats are dumped on the streets during the holidays. It is so heartbreaking. Something we all know but do not like to think about is that in many shelters, the clock starts ticking the minute a dog or cat enters. At the end of a certain period of time, they are euthanized. Houston shelters and rescues are full all year long. During the holidays, the shelters and rescues do their best to help, but unfortunately resources just may not be available without help from humans willing to give a little.
Did you know there are so many ways you can help shelter and rescue dogs? Some of the animals have been so mistreated or made a life on the streets. Many had no exposure to love and a caring touch. Some of the animals can respond very well to a loving human just sitting with them, speaking to them in a soft loving voice, and giving treats. Animals have to invite humans to touch them. Given that, just sitting with them could provide some relief. I remember volunteering at a wonderful shelter that asked their volunteers to bring their lunch and just sit with a dog in the yard. Of course, I usually brought a doggie lunch of hot dogs or chicken for my visits! It was so interesting to watch trust develop in dogs that some folks would have previously considered unadoptable. Even rescues keep dogs in boarding facilities when there are not enough fosters. I have gone to a facility or two and just sat with a dog either outside the kennel door or in the kennel or outside in a yard. Where I sat with a particular dog depended on what made the dog more comfortable. I am certain that many shelters and rescues would be very grateful to a human offering to spend just a little time being kind to a dog in need. The shelters and rescues will guide volunteers to dogs that can handle and need loving human contact with or without actual touching or petting.
Besides time, many shelters and rescues are in need of treats, food (canned and dry), blankets, towels, toys, Kongs, lick mats, puzzle games, etc. Many shelters and rescues depend on private donations whether it be money or items for daily needs. When I volunteered at a particular shelter, I spent many hours stuffing Kongs for the shelter to store in the refrigerator. Believe it or not, if a dog inhales its food, meals can be given in a Kong to slow down the speed. Kongs are also good for things like building positive associations or providing a bit of enrichment. Ahhhh, the word “enrichment” is so important. Dogs need to think. They need stimulation. I am sure any and all enrichment toys would be greatly appreciated. The shelter environment is very stressful. Having strange humans walking by all the time and lots and lots of noise can be difficult for traumatized dogs. That’s why just sitting with a dog and talking to it in a soft loving voice can have an impact. Some of the dogs may have never been given a treat of any kind. Finding ways to give the dogs positive experiences can go a long way for some animals.
One last note, many shelters put out 911 posts on social media for animals running out of time in the shelters. Many times, the dogs and cats appearing on social media are days from being euthanized because they have not been adopted. Recently, my daughter saw a dog on Instagram that was days from being euthanized. The shelter needed a temporary foster to save the dog. In this case, a foster had been identified but unfortunately had to leave town for a few weeks. My daughter volunteered to foster until the original foster returned. My daughter kept the dog for a few weeks, even though she had a heavy work schedule and another dog. When the original foster returned, my daughter was able to move the dog back to the original foster. I watched the change in this dog while she was with my daughter. It was an incredible journey to watch. The dog was so scared in the beginning. She was scared to be touched. By the end of the few weeks, the dog was happy, affectionate, and wagging its tail (in a good way – tail wags are not always good). She was playing with balls. She was cuddling. Because of the kindness the dog experienced, she was able to relax. Because this dog was able to begin her journey to trust humans, that particular dog was adopted within two weeks. I’m not saying that every dog will respond in the same way to kindness and love. I am saying that it is possible that some dogs can begin a journey to heal in a short time in a loving and compassionate environment. If you have room in your home over the holidays for one of these poor animals, please consider being a temporary foster for a 911 call. It can be difficult, but it also can be rewarding.
If you live near a shelter or can contact a rescue, please do not forget these animals. Know that anything you can provide will more than likely be a treasure to an abandoned animal. Love, compassion, and hope is such a wonderful gift!
