USA Today Ad Encourages Americans to Say “Thank You” to Pet Shelter Workers
Washington, DC – The Humane Society for Shelter Pets (HSSP) is excited to announce the winners of its month-long Shelter Sweethearts Photo Contest. Out of over 650 entries, HSSP chose 6 winners and is preparing to give $10,000 to shelters and rescues in celebration of National Animal Shelter and Rescue Appreciation Week. See the full list of winners and shelter recipients here: https://humaneforpets.com/2012/11/and-the-winners-are/.
In conjunction with the shelter appreciation week, HSSP is encouraging everyone to take this opportunity to say “thank you” to those working tirelessly in their local communities to help homeless dogs and cats with a half-page ad in USA Today. With big challenges and small budgets, shelter professionals manage to improve the lives of millions of pets every year. View the ad here: https://humaneforpets.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/ThankYou.pdf.
“Humane Society for Shelter Pets couldn’t think of a better way to end a week honoring the work of America’s shelter professionals than to give them additional resources to help them better serve their communities,” said HSSP Director Diana Culp. “We want to remind Americans that even if you don’t have the time to work or volunteer at your local shelter, there are many things you can still do to help out.”
Below are five examples of simple things you can do to show your local shelter workers just how much you care:
- Give locally. Most people don’t realize that national organizations like the Humane Society of the United States aren’t affiliated with local pet shelters, and little of their money goes to help homeless pets or the local groups that care for them. By donating your time, money, or even some extra supplies to your local shelter, you will help ensure that the work done by these valuable organizations doesn’t go unrecognized — or unsupported.
- Adopt a pet. November is also Adopt a Senior Pet Month, and since pets over 5 years of age can be overlooked in a shelter, it’s worth considering the benefits of a more “seasoned” companion. Older dogs and cats often have more training than their younger counterparts, and can require less constant supervision and daily exercise.
- “Shelter-proof” your own pet. If you haven’t already done so, put an ID tag on your pet and make sure the fencing in your yard is secure. Get a dog trainer to help Fido learn to walk nicely on the leash or stop his early morning barking sessions. Not using shelter services for things you can take care of yourself is a great way to show your support, because it allows shelters to make their limited resources available for other things.
- If you can’t visit the shelter without taking home a pet, consider volunteering outside the shelter. Man a booth at a local event or put up flyers in your neighborhood or around town. Or, if you’re an internet junkie, you can help by posting pet profiles on Facebook or sharing your local rescue’s work by linking to their Facebook page or even creating one for them (with their permission).
- Just say “Thanks.” Shelter and rescue workers don’t need thanks for what they do. They work in the shelter because they care about animals too much to be anywhere else. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t grateful for the occasional pat on the back. Whether in a written note, an email, or in person, a simple word of thanks is sure to be appreciated.
While Shelter Appreciation Week ends November 10th, your support will make a lasting impact on the staff, volunteers, and most of all, the pets at your local shelter or rescue.
To find your local shelter visit: https://humaneforpets.com/find-shelters/
The Humane Society for Shelter Pets is not designed to raise funds for shelters from the public. Instead, the group’s primary mission is to educate the public about the importance of local giving. For more information visit, www.humaneforpets.com.
###
