Season’s greetings, everyone! Niko and I hope that you are all experiencing a fabulous, festive time, getting ready for your Christmas celebrations! Today, we offer only a short read for you, but hopefully one that will encourage reflection and even a little action… A number of readers have recently got in touch with us, asking how they could help their local dog shelters and rescues this festive season. So, we have put together a few ideas and, who knows, you might feel inspired to give one or two a go!
1. Give up a couple of hours to help with dog walking!
If you want to help your local dog rescue this December time, but you are not sure how, then a great idea would be to consider volunteering to walk some darling pooches. Not only will those sweet doggos adore a lovely walkies (and maybe some cuddles), it is great exercise for you and it is something that your whole family could help out with – particularly at Christmas, when rescue centres might need your extra helping hands. Giving back does not always have to involve money or donations, so why not make a hound happy in this way? Perhaps reach out to your local dog rescue and see if you can help…
2. Buy some dog food as a contribution!
If you are not able to help with dog walking, why not donate some dog food to your local rescue? Next time you are wandering around a supermarket, add some dog food to your shop. After all, Christmas can be an expensive time all-round, even in animal shelters, so I am sure any delicious donations would be gratefully received!
3. Make a donation!
Another way to help some beautiful rescue dogs this Christmas would be to make a monetary donation to your local shelter. Rescue centres have numerous outgoings that do not stop just because it is Christmas – food, bedding, vet bills… the list goes on! So, why not make a donation? No matter how much, your contribution could help to make a dog’s Christmas. You could probably make your donation online or, even better, pop down to your local rescue centre and meet some dogs while you are there!
4. Consider adopting or fostering a dog!
Now, as I make this point, I want to be very clear that I am extremely supportive of the sentiment: a dog is for life, not just for Christmas. Indeed, far too many pooches come home as marvellous Christmas presents, and quickly lose their allure as their novelty wears off… However, if you and your family have been seriously considering adding a doggo to your lives for a long time, perhaps you could consider adopting a rescue dog. Or, if you cannot commit to the life of a dog, why not enquire about fostering a dog over the festive period, until he or she finds their forever home? Not only will the special dog experience a happy Christmas time, but you can be a key component in their adoption journey, as you can provide your rescue centre with lots of information about your foster dog, which will help to match them quicker with their perfect home!
So… there you have it! Four ways that you could consider helping your local dog rescue centre this festive season. Why not have a chat with your family or friends and see if you could give back to your local community by helping some hounds?
Until next time…
Love and snoot kisses,
Berry x
Berry's Wonder Hounds 