More Ways You Can Help Animals This Holiday

Hey everyone! First, I wanted to start off by apologizing for not updating this blog for awhile. Things have been pretty hectic, so I hadn't really found the time to go on here. Anyhow, if you want to help animals in some way this upcoming holiday and need ideas, the ASPCA lists 10 ways you can help.

Also, you can shop on the Animal Rescue Site, where every product you purchase funds at least 14 bowls of food for animals in need. In addition, the site offers free clicks, which helps animals as well.

On a final note, here is a quote that should inspire us even more to help animals in need:
"I looked at all the caged animals in the shelter...the cast-offs of human society. I saw in their eyes love and hope, fear and dread, sadness and betrayal. And I was angry. "God," I said, "this is terrible! Why don't you do something?" God was silent for a moment and then He spoke softly. "I have done something," he replied. "I created you." ~ Jim Willis

How to Choose the Perfect Furry Companion for You

Many people take home a new pet, only to find out later on that they might have chosen the wrong animal. As a result, it ends up going back to the shelter and becomes yet another unwanted pet. To prevent this from happening, you should look into your lifestyle and get to know the animal more before deciding to adopt.

Some things to consider include:

• Finances: How much money can you spend on your pet? Can you afford vet bills in the situation that your pet develops health problems, in which the tests and treatments can be extremely expensive?
  
• Time: Are you working a 12-hour job or are away on business a lot? Do you know anyone who is willing to care for your pet while you are away, such as on vacation? If you are looking to get a dog, would you have enough time to walk it regularly and play with it, especially if it is a high energy breed?
  
• Space: How large is the home you reside in? How large is your yard, and is it fenced? Would your home be more appropriate for a cat, small breed of dog, or one that is low energy, or is it large and "spacey" enough to accommodate a larger dog breed or a breed that is known to have a high energy level?
• Kids and other pets: Is the particular animal you are seeking to adopt good with young children or any of the additional pets that reside with you?
  
• Allergies: Do you or anyone else who resides with you have allergies to certain animals, especially dogs and cats?
• Are you able to own a pet where you currently reside: Does your rental community (if you live in an apartment, condominium, or other rented home) prohibit pets or have restrictions on which animals and how many they allow?

You should also spend some time with an animal you are considering to adopt, such as by taking it on a walk and/or holding and petting it, especially a dog or cat. This way, you can get to know its personality and temperament before bringing it home, so you will able to see how it behaves around you, other people and animals, and spot any aggression issues.

Help Animals Affected By the Oil Spill

The Gulf of Mexico oil spill has still not been put under control, and as a result so many animals are in need of aid. If you would like to help the animals, you can check out this page on abc World News. It lists a variety of ways you can help out the animals and also people who have been affected by the spill. Whether you are able to make a donation or volunteer on site, every little bit helps.

Help Out Unwanted & Homeless Pets

There are so many homeless pets out there, and although you cannot help all of them, you can save at least one. Even if you do not have a lot of time on your hands, you can still help out in some way.

A few ways you can do your part include:

• Donating pet items and volunteering at your local animal shelter: Animal shelters are always in need of various items, including pet food, treats, blankets, towels, cat litter pans, cat litter, and grooming items such as combs, brushes, and shampoo. Volunteers are also very much in need, and you will feel good doing it.
• Becoming a pet foster parent: Many animal rescue organizations need people to foster abandoned, ill, baby animals, and those recovering from surgery or some other procedure. You can contact your local humane society, SPCA, or animal rescue organization, where you will receive an application and training.

Help Out Pets & Wild Animals with Free Clicks

Believe it or not, there are completely free ways you can help out animals in need. Websites, such as Care2, offer free donation clicks to help out pets and other wild animals. It takes only a few seconds and is the easiest way to do your part to help animals, so there is no excuse not to do it. You can click daily and feel good that you are doing your part in helping out a pet or animal in need.

Adopt Your New Companion with Petfinder

If you are seeking a new furry addition to your home, searching on Petfinder is an excellent way to find the perfect companion. Some people adopt pets without knowing what their specific traits are, so when they bring them home they are shocked to find out that they may not be as “perfect” as they previously thought. When searching for a pet on Petfinder, it will list important information that you should know before deciding to adopt, such as if they are friendly with other dogs/cats you may also have and if they are appropriate if you have young children.

Remember to always ask questions and to get to know the animal more by spending a bit of time with them before you decide to adopt. If you already know the animal’s personality and other important information, it will greatly increase the chances of success when bringing your pet home and ensure that he or she really is the perfect companion, as well as prevent one less homeless animal.