But have we thought about the less fortunate ones? It doesn't have to be the Holiday Season to help out...
In this poor economy, an alarming number of pets are being abandoned.
Too many people cannot afford to pay their mortgage, lose their homes, sometimes jobs, and therefore, cannot care for their pets any longer.
Pets have been found in vacated homes, sometimes alone but healthy, other times ill, dying or even dead.
Not knowing what to do with their pets, some owners have set them free to roam the neighborhood, or even left them at the local animal shelter's doorsteps.
We are now facing a real epidemic of unwanted animals.
How Can We Help?
Being informed and willing is the key.
If you know someone who needs help with their pet(s), talk to them. Let them know what their options are, how and where to get help. Abandoning their animal(s) is not the only solution. You can even offer to foster their pet(s).
If you are thinking about getting a pet, adopt one from a local shelter:
ASPCA has a wonderful program, called "Meet Your Match" (MYM), which is used by hundreds of rescue groups and animal shelters around the country. They will match pets and owners based on compatibility.
Adopt A Pet is also a wonderful organization which will help you search by breed, size, age, and location for your new companion.
Best Friends Network (which has launched a new campaign to convince the Obama's family to adopt a dog), offers wonderful advice and resources.
And, of course, we all certainly can donate money, time, supplies and toys to a local rescue group or a shelter. We, at Whiner and Diner have a few favorite charities, for pets and people...
Whatever you do, it's easy to make a pet happy! And the favor will be returned in a way only a pet knows how to!
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