Tis’ the season of giving, and many of of our dog friends could use a helping hand. Want to help homeless pets, fill empty bowls, brighten a shelter dog’s day, or sponsor a sweet senior pup? Whether by volunteering, donating, or spreading the word, here are five ways to help our furry friends today!
1. Help Feed Hungry Pets At Colorado Pet Pantry
Colorado Pet Pantry, a 501(c)3 non-profit charity based in Boulder, has been filling bowls of hungry pets across the state since 2013. When families fall on hard times, they are often forced to give up their pets. Colorado Pet Pantry has helped keep pets in their loving homes and out of shelters by providing pet food when their owners cannot.
By partnering with local human food banks, Colorado Pet Pantry helps ensure every family member gets fed, including the family pets! You can help by donating a bag of food at one of their drop off locations or by making a tax-deductible donation online.
They also need volunteers to help at food banks and distribution centers. They have several locations across Colorado, so spread the word to family and friends. Check out their ways to give page for more information on how you can help feed hungry pets!
2. Brighten A Shelter Dog’s Day With A New Toy
The Humane Society of Boulder Valley is a 501(c)3 non-profit charity that opened its doors to homeless animals in 1902! Since then, it has grown to provide shelter services, adoptions, veterinary care, and training help to the Boulder community.
On any given day, the Humane Society of Boulder Valley can have dozens of animals under its care. Shelter environments can be incredibly stressful on dogs no matter how well run. You can help brighten a shelter dog’s day by sending them a new toy!
You can pick a toy (or other much-needed items) from their online shelter wishlist. These items can be easily ordered from Amazon or Chewy and sent directly to the shelter. You can also make financial contributions online. All donations are tax-deductible and sure to brighten a shelter dog’s day!
3. Get Thrifty At The Animal Rescue Of The Rockies Thrift Shop
Animal Rescue of The Rockies (ARR) is a 501(c)3 non-profit rescue founded in 2003 on a mission to help homeless pets. They work with shelters and other rescues to foster and adopt pets in need of homes in Aurora and surrounding areas. To date, they have helped rescue over 10,000 animals!
You can help them with their mission by shopping at the ARR Thrift Shop in Breckenridge. Here you’ll find unique items, including gently worn clothing, books, art, housewares, and more. You never know what kind of treasures you’ll find, and all purchases go directly to help pets in need. It’s a win-win!
If you are looking for more ways to help Animal Rescue of The Rockies, they also need volunteers. ARR volunteers help in many ways, from working at adoption events, fostering animals, or providing transportation to veterinary appointments. You can learn more about their volunteer opportunities and apply on their website.
4. Sponsor A Hospice Care Dog At Brighter Days Dog Rescue
Brighter Days Dog Rescue is a 501(c)3 non-profit rescue based in Boulder with a unique and heartwarming mission. Their Brighter Days Hospice Program provides hospice dogs with foster homes to live out their final days in a peaceful and loving environment.
Sadly, many dogs are relinquished to shelters as they age or acquire medical ailments. These dogs are rarely adopted due to their age or high medical costs. That’s where Brighter Days comes to the rescue–placing these ill or senior dogs in foster homes where they will be loved and cared for in their end-of-life stage.
You can sponsor one of these sweet senior pups by visiting Brighter Days’ Meet Our Hospice Dogs page. Sponsorships go toward providing medical care and other necessities for the dogs. If you are interested in taking it one step further and providing foster care for a dog in need, check out their Become A Foster Parent page for more information.
5. Help Fund A Wheelchair For A Handicapped Dog In Need
The Handicapped Pets Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit charity that helps handicapped dogs (and other animals) across the US obtain a wheelchair. Like most medical equipment, dog wheelchairs can be expensive–especially ones that must be custom fitted. These can be difficult and costly for owners to obtain. The Handicapped Pets Foundation aims to help these pets live longer and more fulfilling lives by providing wheelchairs to those in need.
You can help fund a wheelchair for a pet in need by donating to the Handicapped Pets Foundation. Contributions can be made through their donations page and are tax deductible. You can also support the cause by purchasing one of their “Walkin’ Pets” calendars featuring adorable photos and stories of disabled pets who were given the gift of mobility by wheelchair.
Giving Is Always In Season
The number of dogs in need across our communities can sometimes feel overwhelming, but rest assured, there are always ways you can help! No donation or good deed is too small when it comes to helping out animals.
If you cannot donate, you can always help spread the word by sharing charitable causes on social media, organizing fundraisers, or donating your time at a local shelter. Programs like Amazon Smile are also easy ways to help fund charities with everyday purchases you already make.
Whether you choose something from this list or find another charitable cause near and dear to your heart–giving is always in season!
Written by Lauren Rey, December 2022
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