The worldwide recession seems to have lasted much longer than anyone expected, and this has significantly impacted nonprofit organizations, including big and small animal shelters. In times of need, those who used to be regular donors have to scale back just to cover the rising cost of food and health care, resulting in fewer snuggle dog beds and other such comforts.
Much government funding has dried up and most shelters are not supported by a national organization – although many have “humane society” in their title, a majority are not financially supported by the Humane Society of the United States. If you know someone who loves pets but has everything they could ever possibly want, you can make a donation in their name to a shelter or other nonprofit that supports shelter pets or abused dogs.
The donation doesn't even have to be huge. Even $10 or $20 will be much appreciated, and almost all nonprofits survive thanks to the small donations of many donors, not the large donations from a few.
If you are stretched too thin this holiday season to give a cash donation, shelters are often looking for dog beds, blankets and toys to benefit their shelter dogs and you can either make yourself. To give an extra special gift, our snuggle dog bed would be a luxury to those poor pups.
Call the shelter to see what they need the most, and you can even volunteer your time. Getting to play with dogs and walk them around the block is considered a community service, so take advantage of the opportunity to bring some comfort to a shelter dog during this holiday season.
You don't have to take them home to show them a Merry Christmas -- whether you pick up snuggle dog beds or just put in a few hours, the shelter dogs and staff will appreciate the effort.
