10 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO HELP ANIMALS IN NEED

If you're anything like me, you have a real soft spot for animals, especially those who haven't been treated fairly. Ever felt helpless, wondering what you can do to help? 

Well lucky for you, I've got a list of 10 easy things you can do to make a real difference in the lives of the animals who need your help. 

(this little guy was named Samson. A volunteer from Megan's Rescue Efforts called about a tiny little pup they found who was in terrible shape! This photo was taken during Samson's first few days at the rescue. Wait until you see the handsome pup he was transformed into!!)

1. ADOPT

Although this seems like a no brainer, it still needs to be said. There are hundreds of animals waiting in a shelter to find their forever homes, and believe it or not, there are purebreds as well. Staff and volunteers work tirelessly to learn the personalities of each animal, and work to make the best matches between adopter and animal. This is a life time commitment, so take your time, but please don't pass on the wonderful animals waiting in the shelters for someone just like you! 

In the Calgary area, here are a few rescues/shelters to check out if you are on the search for your next best friend:

Megan's Rescue Efforts

Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society

Calgary Humane Society

 * don't be afraid to ask questions, the volunteers/staff who work with the animals only want the best for them! 

2. SHARE POSTS

This step is one that takes the least amount of effort from you, but can change the life of an animal forever. All it requires from you is sharing Facebook/Instagram posts about animals available for adoption, events put on by the rescues, or information that could greatly benefit the rescues/shelters. I have seen multiple animals find their homes through a simple Facebook share, it really is that simple. You never know which of your friends are looking for a furry friend, maybe the animal you share a post about would be a perfect match! If not, at least you gave that animal more exposure and a better shot at finally finding their perfect family. 

This is a photo that I personally took of Bailey, a foster cat I had in my care, which was ultimately shared by a Facebook user. This photo was seen by a woman who knew that she had to meet Bailey, and within minutes of meeting she made the decision to adopt! 

This is an updated photo of Bailey in his new home. One Facebook share changed this kittens life forever. One button push, that's all it took to make a difference. 

3.Dog Walker

This is probably one of my favorite ways to make a difference! It includes spending quality time with the animals, exercising, and getting outside with a purpose! 

At most shelters/rescues, staff are overwhelmed with daily cleaning tasks, or intakes, so regular walks for all the animals in care are not often possible. This is where you come in! 

You can volunteer to be a dog walker/exerciser. In doing so, you are able to pick up a dog (or two!) and go on an adventure, just you and the animal. Some rescues also offer day passes for certain dogs, which means you can take them on bigger adventures, such as hikes in the mountains! This step not only motivates you to get outside and explore, it provides you with an adventure partner, and one who is so deserving of such an adventure. 

These photos were taken on a camping trip that we took over a long weekend. We chose to take a pup with us, and Indie was the lucky companion! Although from the outside looking in, it appeared that Indie was the lucky one on the trip, it ended up being us. During a hike, we came across 2 grizzly bears, and with all thanks to Indie we managed to diffuse the situation and avoid what could have been a mortifying experience. His heroic story was shared on the rescue page, and he found a forever home of his own! 

4. Foster

This is the perfect option for anyone wanting to welcome an animal into their care, but aren't sure if they are ready or if they have the lifestyle that will match having an animal in their home. This option allows you to welcome a deserving animal into your home, all costs covered by the rescue/shelter, and you are able to experience what it would be like to have an animal without the risk of making that big commitment before you are 100% sure! 

This also allows animals to display their unique personalities, that may not normally present themselves in a shelter, one more opportunity for that animal to find their family!

This is Midnight, our adopted cat. He became known as the Foster Dad, as he would welcome any kitten into our home. See the adorable photos below of just some of the kittens he helped us welcome and love. 

 All kittens pictured below have found their forever homes!

This is a very special photo to us! That kitten on top is Sasha, our foster fail! A foster fail is when you foster an animal and end up adopting them! She was one that we just could not let go of, so she joined our family and we couldn't be happier!

5. Donate

This next step is also quite simple! Just like you would donate to any other cause that you deem worthy, rescues and shelters are constantly looking for donations. These can range from cash donations, to donations for bake sales/garage sales, and all the way to supplies for the rescues. A dollar goes a long way, and every penny counts! 

6. Support 

This next step entails showing your support. This could be as simple as speaking highly of a rescue to friends and family, encouraging them to get involved with the worthy cause. Furthermore, it could be as simple as showing up to events put on by the rescues/shelters and purchasing goods sold by them, or simply showing a supportive face. Volunteers and staff work tirelessly to help the animals in their care and often they go without receiving a thanks. In showing up to events, and helping out any way you can, you are showing the staff and volunteers that they are appreciated, and the work they do is important. 

7. Volunteer

This step is perfect for people who aren't able to donate goods, or money, but still wish to help. There is always a need for volunteers at the shelter/rescue base, as well as events. Volunteering at the base allows you to interact with multiple animals, and get your "animal fix" as I like to call it. There is always work to be done, and there is always a need for help, so do not hesitate to apply for a volunteer position. I have met some of my best friends through volunteering at Megan's Rescue Efforts, and I am forever grateful that I took that leap. Did I mention that you often get to play with puppies and kittens?! (p.s. it also looks great on a resume!)

To apply for a volunteer position at Megan's Rescue Efforts, click here!

8. Advocate

This is a sad, but necessary post! If you ever see a situation or hear of a situation where an animal is being mistreated, please do something! You can make a report anonymously, and even if there ends up being no mistreatment at least you can be sure that you did your due diligence. 

If you need to make a report here is the link:

Animal Abuse Reporting

9. Sponsor 

Sponsorship involves sending money to a rescue of your choice, and in return they will send you a record, photo, etc of an animal that you personally helped. The sponsorship can be used for s a spay/neuter, a surgery, medications, or anything the animal may need while in care. 

10. Educate

This last step involves simple education! Many people have preconceived opinions about dogs, rescue dogs in particular. There are many organizations that provide education, and training seminars to people wishing to expand their animal knowledge. 

Through Megan's Rescue Efforts, as a volunteer I was able to attend seminars at Dogma for free! These seminars educated me on how to handle animals correctly, how to read their body language, and provided me the opportunity to ask any questions and have them answered by dog training professionals. 

There are many perks to volunteering with an animal shelter/rescue, but I think this was one of the most beneficial to me! Not only did it help me to better understand animals, it also helped me to develop an understanding and ability to educate others. 

This beautiful shot is of Samson just before he went to his new home! This was taken by the very talented Lisa Pearl who does a lot of the photography for Megan's Rescue Efforts. 

Rescue works, they are worth it, so please help in any way you can! 

Til' next time friends, 

<3 Char