Welcome to day one of 31 Ways, 31 Days To Celebrate the Holidays By Helping Animals. Each day in December I will post a new way to help animals. It's going to be like a virtual advent calendar (only it will last 31 days) filled with cuteness and fun, feel-good ways to improve the lives of our furry, feathered and scaly friends.
One of my goals in life (and with my blog) is to always live with compassion. Some days I am more successful than others. I created 31 Ways, 31 Days To Celebrate The Holidays By Helping Animals as a reminder to myself that little things make a difference - small changes lead to big changes, kindness matters. You can try one or all of the tips – or you can just read along and enjoy the cuteness. All four of our resident species - cat, dog, bunny, and mice - will be participating so there will be lots of cuteness.
I am going BIG on this one and will be posting daily on the blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. Additionally, I would love to share your ideas and photos on compassion and ways you help animals. #31ways31dayshelpinganimals. Please join us and share widely!
Day 1: Adopt A Homeless Animal From A Shelter Or Off The Street
According to the ASPCA, approximately 7.6 million companion animals enter shelters nationwide each year. Of those, approximately 2.7 million are euthanized (HSUS estimates it higher at 3.4 million). In spite of such grim statistics, only 29% of Americans looking for a pet choose to adopt from a shelter or rescue.
Is adoption right for everyone? Probably not.
Are shelters perfect places? No, they are not.
Do rescue animals have issues? Yes, some do.
Do I wish more people would consider adoption? Absolutely.
Am I going to keep repeating this until more people listen? Yes, I am.
If you are at capacity and unable to adopt another animal right now, there are still many ways to help. For example, our good friend Brian recently shared Einstein, a Russian Blue kitty in need of a home. Please share Einstein's story widely and help find him a home for the holidays! Let's do this!
