October is Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month

We should be thinking about adopting pets all year long, but when October rolls around, we have extra motivation. How can you help stop pet overpopulation and promote the pet adoption cause?

1. Adopt. Whether it's a cat or a dog, a mouse or a pig, a cow or a horse, there's a rescue organization for you. When you adopt, your pet's cost includes all necessary vaccinations and sterilization (if age allows). You can often save hundreds adopting a shelter pet than getting a 'free' animal that will end up causing a major dent in your pocketbook to pay for veterinary fees. But above all, adoptiong saves lives.

2. Foster. If your current situation doesn't allow you to adopt at the moment, consider fostering a pet. When you foster an animal, you take care of it until the pet is adopted. Shelters are constantly in need of foster homes, especially for litters and young animals. Older pets need foster homes too, though.

3. Donate. Even if you can't take a pet in, a donation is a perfect way to help. A monetary donation allows the organization to use cash as they wish. If you can't afford to give some money, look through your home for old but gently used towels or blankets that will give pets a softer place to sleep. Contact your local shelter for the supplies they need.

4. Volunteer. And, last but not least, no shelter can operate without volunteers. People of all ages can often volunteer to help out.

5. Visit freekibble.com daily. Also go to freekibblekat.com. Answer the daily trivia question, and whether your response is right or wrong, Halo Pet Foods donates 10 pieces of kibble to animal shelters.

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Get Ready For Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month!

October is coming soon... and with it, Adopt a Shelter Dog Month! It's the best time to adopt the dog you've wanted for a long time.
On the topic of animal shelters, here are ten ways to raise money for your local shelter:

1. Gather the seeds of the flowers in your garden. In the spring, plant them in old cups and pots and hold a plant sale. Or if your thumb isn't remarkably green, then have a seed sale. Be sure to make clear that profits are going to the shelter!
2. If you have lots of veggies or fruits from your garden now, you can sell them to neighbors. Or do the same next year. A pumpkin patch will work great because people will want pumpkins for Halloween, and you can even give one to the shelter for a decorative touch.
3. Write a book. This is quite far-fetched but if are about to publish a book, you may want for some of the profits to be donated to a shelter. This is great especially if the book is about pets.
4. Host a craft sale. Or a bake sale. Get your closest friends together for a night of baking and crafting then sell your creations the next day.
5. Take on a few odd jobs. This is great for the kids! They can rake leaves, walk someone's dog, or mow the lawn, accepting a dollar or so. After a while it really adds up!
6. Write articles for Triond. Pet-themed articles earn good money and once the cash is delivered in a monthly check or through PayPal it's great but small cash for donating.
7. Clean out your basement. Or your garage. Donate old but gently used towels- the pets will appreciate a softer place to sleep.
8. Go on a shopping spree! Got a gift card for PetCo but have no pet? Buy some much-needed toys and food or donate the whole card.
9. Raise awareness. Make flyers and brochures to give to people. Make them simple but show that shelter pets are great!
10. And, avoid pet stores and puppy mills. The greatest help to a shelter is actually adopting their pets!