Dog Walks For Dogs In Need

Topic: Dog Walks Etc

Filed under Dogs

Tags:

 

There are some very staggering statistics provided by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) that outline the reason why spaying and neutering of all dogs and cats not used in specific, responsible breeding programs is so important. There are between four and six thousand shelters that are publicly funded in the United States, with at least as many breed rescues and private facilities that are run on donations and grants and staffed by volunteers. These shelters and facilities all rely on assistance from the general public to help rehome and treat animals brought into the shelters, but typically there is always a huge need for additional funds.

The mandate of public funded facilities includes housing, boarding and treating stray, abandoned and neglected animals for a short time, finding adoptive homes if possible and euthanizing those animals not rehomed within a set time frame. Some of the alarming statistics within these shelters include:

Between six to eight million animals are brought into shelters each year

Approximately 25% are purebred dogs that have been abandoned, neglected or seized by animal control officers

Only approximately 30% of dogs entering these shelters are claimed or adopted with the remaining 70% destroyed, often within 2 weeks of entering the shelter due to space restrictions and the huge numbers of dogs in need

At least three to four million dogs and cats are euthanized every year

Private rescue facilities that are run by breed clubs tend to have much lower numbers simply because they are non-kill facilities, which means that they will ensure the dogs have a safe, positive environment to live in even if they are not formally adopted. Often these dogs are older dogs with disabilities or dogs that have some other special needs or are not adjusting well to being away from their owners. These private rescues find a foster home that will work with the dog and continue to attempt to find a permanent home as long as the dog lives.

With these huge numbers of dogs in shelters and rescues it isn't hard to image how the cost of maintaining these facilities continues to rise. Unfortunately when public funding gets restricted or there is a closure of a shelter dogs in need are simply left abandoned by the community until another program or grant comes along. With increasingly difficult economic times many people simply turn out their pets, abandoning them in the country or even dropping them at shelters where there is simply no room.

One thing that dog owners can do is to band together to help to provide services for these dogs in need. These dogs didn't ask to be abandoned or left behind, but they are often treated as nuisance animals as they struggle to find food and someplace to live. Dogs often learn quickly that a great majority of humans are cruel and drive them off, leading the dogs to become less manageable, more aggressive and possibly be seen as "dangerous" by people that don't understand. Even if they don't become aggressive they still are a risk in the community since they are unvaccinated and may become carriers of different types of diseases that can be passed to other dogs.

Since most responsible dog owners support some type of management of lost, stray or abandoned dogs it is a great opportunity to get dog lovers together to help fund these programs. Hosting or organizing a dog walk to help other dogs can benefit the whole community and increase recognition of these worthwhile causes. It may be possible to encourage the change from a shelter that euthanizes animals to one that doesn't, or provide a non-euthanizing shelter option in the community.

Dog walks for shelters and dogs in need don't just have to focus on collecting money, although most are more than happy to accept cash donations to help with funding. Other options may be just to raise awareness in the community of dogs that are available for adoption. This type of dog walk may include local dignitaries or celebrities walking some of the dogs that are available for adoption and showing how well trained and loving they are. Often the interest in the dogs after these types of events really helps with finding loving, safe homes for these pets that would have never happened without the public exposure.

Other options include a dog walk that collects toys, bedding and even food for the shelter or rescue. Many of these facilities don't have money for anything above the essentials, so this type of fundraiser can help the dogs in the facility have a more comfortable stay until they are rehomed. Some walks may also be designed to gather volunteers to work on improvements, expansion or even building of new shelters that are designed for longer term boarding of dogs that may be difficult to rehome or adopt out. Walks may also focus on providing funds for low cost vaccination programs and spay and neuter clinics.

As with any type of dog walk the more participants and the more interest you can generate within the community the more successful your fundraising will be. Spend some time talking to local media, get a website developed and start raising public awareness of the need for support for dogs in need in your community. Work with dog breed clubs, dog trainers, groomers and vets in your area as they can be very influential in helping you get the idea for the fundraiser out in the dog owning part of the community.

There are different speakers that may also be able to come and work with your organization, breed club or group of volunteers. Often these individuals have amazing stories of dogs that have been obtained through adoption, dogs with special needs that have overcome their handicaps or even dogs that have become true heroes. This type of activity and event is a wonderful precursor to the dog walk, but it can also be part of ongoing efforts to sustain the funding for different programs that help dogs in your community. Incorporating as many different types of activities, events and attractions to your dogs in need charity walk will definitely pay off and will help make the event successful each and every year.

Other articles under "Dog Walks Etc"

comments powered by Disqus