Help Homeless Dogs

• Donate excess dog gifts to a local animal shelter or rescue group.
• If you want a certain breed, adopt from a breed rescue group. Did you know that many rescue dogs are young puppies? The American Kennel Club has a large listing of breed rescues.
• Stop when you see a loose dog wandering the street. If he is friendly try to help him. If he has a collar his home may just be a phone call away, if he does not you can bring him to your local animal shelter or police station.
• Spend a little time at your local animal shelter giving the dogs there much needed attention.
• Report dog abuse when you see it.
• Encourage others to help.
• Patronize dog-loving organizations.
• Sponsor a dog at an animal shelter.
• Ask that your birthday or Christmas gifts be donations to animal shelters or rescue groups.
• Be a friend to those with dogs. If you neighbor is having surgery, offer to feed and walk the dog.
• Be outspoken. Write local lawmakers. Write the media. Write judges. Be sure to educate rather than rant.
• BE SURE that you have time for a dog if you are considering one. We don't all have time. For dog's sake, BE HONEST about this. There is nothing sadder than a neglected, lonely dog or one who is evetually given to a shelter because an owner didn't have time.
• Finally, if you have small children, Please Do Not Leave Them Alone With Any Dog - Not Even For One Second. Even if you have the best behaved kids and the best behaved dog, it is still a disaster waiting to happen.
  
  

• Know what you are getting into. A dog requires time, patience, money, and love.
• If you have children under five, think, think, and think again before getting a dog.
• Do you have a fenced yard?
• Are you allergic?
• Don't get a dog on impulse. Make sure you are prepared to take care of your new best friend.