By Heidi Dahms Foster
With supply deliveries backed up and ordered items sure to come in less than a timely manner, why not make a difference this holiday season by donating some used but much needed items and a bit of cash to local rescues?
Following are some ways to help pets in need during the holidays:
Towels, blankets and wash cloths: We all love to refresh our towel and blanket inventory from time to time, and most rescues desperately need your old ones. Rescued animals appreciate a soft bed, and towels and blankets can be easily washed.
Rebecca Horner, operations supervisor at the Yavapai Humane Society, said many people find that fleece blankets are often on sale during the holidays, so they buy extras to donate, particularly for small dog and cat beds.
Leashes and collars: Katrina Karr of Yavapai Humane Trappers said leashes and collars are always appreciated, as newly adopted dogs and fosters are sent home with them. Any rescue can use these items, whether gently used or new.
Dog and cat food: The Yavapai Humane Society has a program through Catholic Charities in which they donate dog and cat food to those who find themselves short of money and need to feed their pets. Other rescues and shelters can use bagged and canned food for dogs and cats at any time.
Check out the list of contacts at the far column of this article, and call ahead to find out what each rescue might need. Kitten and puppy formula is also appreciated – many tiny kittens and puppies come in and must be bottle fed.
Bleach and other cleaning supplies: Any time pets are involved, a lot of cleaning follows close behind, especially to stop the chance of sickness spreading. Shelters and rescues always need supplies such as bleach, hand sanitizer, disinfectant, buckets, mops, brooms and dustpans. Paper towels and toilet tissue are always welcome.
Gift certificates: Most rescues will not adopt out a dog or cat to be given as a gift. For a good fit, it’s imperative that the new owner pick out and bond with their new pet in person. If you have a family member or friend you know is looking for a new pet, rescues can provide a gift certificate that you can present in a nice card, or a gift basket filled with collar, leash, toys, shampoos, treats and bedding.
“Here at AARF Animal Rescue and Sanctuary we believe that no pet should be given as a gift,” said the rescue’s Liz Stegmeier. “The holidays are an especially busy time, and we don’t feel that it’s a good idea to bring home a new pet to the chaotic times. We will not adopt out any dog two weeks before Christmas and two weeks after Christmas. If you come out and meet a dog that you would like to have join your family you are welcome to take a picture to place under the tree, put down a holding deposit, and after the waiting period come and take your new forever best friend home.”
Pet gift items: Check out rescue websites for any gift items you might be able to purchase to benefit the organization. The Humane Society has a both a thrift store in Prescott full of great items of every kind, and the shelter on Sundog Ranch Road has fun pet-themed t-shirts and hats.
Memorial donations: Want to remember someone in a special way? Give a gift or donation in memory of a beloved friend or family member, or a pet. Perhaps the rescue has a need for a building or pet equipment item.
Monetary donations are always welcome and can be used for needs as they arise, such as veterinary care.
Building and specific needs: Heeling Heelers Hearts rescue in Surprise is forced this year to put up a six-foot block wall to satisfy neighborhood requirements, an $18,000 investment that they’ll need help with.
United Animal Friends is outfitting a new property off of Highway 89A, and their wish list includes: a garden shed that could house a riding lawn mower and garden tools, gas weed eater or brush hog, mom and puppy house (like a Tuff Shed) and concrete pad with fencing. Five and six foot no climb fencing to enclose paddocks to make more dog yards, ductless Mini Split for heating/cooling one room, and dog agility equipment.
Consider fostering a dog or cat: Foster parents are desperately needed at all times. Rescues will fit you with an animal you can care for, and you will be giving that pet a chance at a good life. In these cases medical care is taken care of – you provide the love and training to ready a pet for adoption.
Volunteer: Pick a shelter, and you’ll find needs. You can make a big difference by offering some time to walk, groom, and play with dogs, and cuddle cats. If you have a special skill, such as construction or mechanical knowledge, that is always welcome, too.
