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Sheltering an Animal’s Perspective
by Gregory M. Simpson
The number one reason why someone donates to a charity is simple. It’s because he or she is asked. So, I’m asking.
According to the Humane Society of the United States, there are 48 municipal shelters, 15 private shelters, and another 145 non-sheltered animal welfare groups in Connecticut. They all have one thing in common. They all could use your support.
Americans love their companion animals. For 2007, Americans were expected to spend 48.7 billion dollars on them, according to Packaged Facts, a consumer research company. This exceeds the gross national product of about 120 nations. Yet there are thousands more animals awaiting homes in Connecticut’s animal shelters.
A donation to a shelter of unrestricted funds is always appreciated as it allows an animal welfare group to spend as needs arise. Restricted funds, such as for spay/neuter, are also gratefully accepted, as an estimated 80% of the kittens born annually come from feral and stray cats. Another way to contribute is to remember a shelter in one’s will and estate planning.
The greatest gift of all is to give of oneself. Volunteers see their efforts as labors of love and the opportunities to volunteer are as varied as one’s talents, interests, and available time. Animal welfare groups need adoption counselors and volunteers for animal care, rescue, dog walking, cat socialization, transportation, and grooming. Volunteers are also needed for fund raising, such as grant writing, soliciting at stores, and organizing events. Also helpful are office tasks such as phone work, keyboarding, filing, web-site maintenance and correspondence. Animal shelters will train on these responsibilities. Or organize your own tag sale or bake sale to benefit a shelter. Foster homes are always needed and invaluable, especially for non-sheltered animal welfare groups. Regardless of what you choose, become a dedicated volunteer who commits to consistently and competently fulfill a responsibility.
Public education is another vital role. Perhaps your contribution can be to educate through the media. Write a letter to the editor, an Op. Ed. piece, or a magazine or newspaper article. Place your name on an e-mail list to be alerted for legislative or other advocacy. Appear on radio or television, organize a petition drive, or help publish a shelter’s newsletter.
Set a good example for youth. Research has shown that young Americans will volunteer if they have a parent who does. Seeing respected peers volunteer is also motivating for teenagers.
If you would like to donate something tangible to an animal shelter, consider the following: dog and cat food or treats, cat litter, blankets, towels, cat and dog toys or bedding, dog collars and leashes, latex gloves, kitten milk replacement (KMR), and heating pads. For shelter’s laundry and cleaning needs, consider giving laundry detergent, bleach, fabric softener, paper towels, garbage bags, tissues, laundry baskets, hampers, disinfectant spray, and dryer sheets. A shelter’s office could use postage stamps, envelopes, copy paper, and other stationery supplies.
True concern for animals needs to be demonstrated through commitments of time and donations. Volunteer work and contributions are at the core of charity work for animals. Shelters could not survive without both.
In the 1700s, Connecticut’s Noah Webster defined a volunteer as a person who enters any service of his own free will. So, I’m asking. The animals in shelters all want the same things that each of us wants – to love and be loved, have a home, and live a life without pain and misery. They do not ask for much, but give unconditional love in return. Will you please help a Connecticut animal shelter through volunteering or making a contribution today? Homeless animals are waiting. To find a shelter or rescue organization near you, visit petfinder.com or pets911.com. Thank you in advance for whatever support you can provide.
For the animals, Gregory M. Simpson
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