Nov. 5-11 is National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week. This annual event is sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States to celebrate the wide variety of services that animal shelters provide for their communities. Animal shelter professionals care for
Nov. 5-11 is National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week. This annual event is
sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States to celebrate the wide
variety of services that animal shelters provide for their
communities.
Animal shelter professionals care for stray and abandoned
animals, rescue injured and abused animals, reunite lost pets with their
people, and work to help people resolve conflicts with companion animals
through training and behavioral counseling. Regardless of your area of
expertise or your schedule, you can help homeless animals. Here are just a few
ideas:
* Donate your time to your local shelter. Walk dogs, socialize cats,
transport animals to and from the veterinarian’s office, answer phones, write
thank-you notes to donors, design/maintain a shelter Web page, promote the
shelter at community events.
* Donate resources to your local shelter.
Monetary donations are always appreciated, but most shelters also have wish
lists that include such necessities as cat litter, pet toys, blankets, towels,
laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, photographic film, office supplies, etc.
Contact your local shelter to find out what their needs are.
* Encourage
legislators to vote in favor of the animals. We need effective animal control
and animal cruelty laws. Existing laws need to be stringently enforced.
Educate friends and neighbors. We can all be animal advocates. Educate others
about the importance of responsible pet care, including spaying/neutering their
animals.
The Humane Society encourages everyone to support their local
animal shelter and learn more about their role in the
community.
CYNTHIA STITELY, outreach coordinator
Humane Society of
the United States
Washington, D.C.
