Woof, woof folks!
How’s it going in your neck of the woods. I’ll tell you what — it’s cold enough to freeze pee drips in place on my legs right now. (Is that too much information?) And although I’ve got a nice thick winter coat to keep me warm, I’m actually more of a fair weather friend. But hey, it’s January and winter is supposed to be in full effect, right?
Today I thought I’d talk a bit about something I’ve not really mentioned in the past — but it’s one of those really great causes that I think people all over the place should support locally. What I’m talking about are animal rescue associations — and although I’d certainly love for you to go out and adopt a Newfie who needs a good forever home, there are plenty of other ways you can help.
The Newfoundland Rescue Network is the official rescue association of the Newfoundland Club of America. The volunteers who run the club are extremely active in tracking down Newfies and Newfie mixes who wind up in adoption centers or newspaper ads, trying to keep these dogs from landing in the wrong hands. Then, people all over the country volunteer their time and resources to help these dogs be transported from their previous owners or shelters to either a foster home or other rescue facility. There they will spend time in training and/or rehab to make sure they are healthy before they move on to a new forever home.
There is actually a waiting list of families who are prepared to bring a great, slightly used Newfie into their homes. Sometimes the dogs have illnesses that the previous owners couldn’t afford. And other times, the old owners just mistreat the dogs and shouldn’t have had them in the first place. But one thing is certain — every potential new home is screened and there’s no way that one of these Newfs will later end up as a fighting dog. To be honest, I don’t even know what would be required to make a Newfie mad enough to fight — but I also really don’t want to find out. I mean we have some dogs around here that really just rub me the wrong way. But seriously — I’d never be willing to fight to the death. I just like to raise my voice back at them.
There are rescue organizations for nearly all dog breeds located across the world. So you can also show your love for any breed you choose. What are some ways you can help out besides adopting a dog?
- Foster a dog for a little while until it’s forever home is ready
- Donate pet supplies (food, bedding, medicine, toys, collars, crates, slings, etc) either that you’ve purchased new or that belonged to a dog which has gone to the rainbow bridge
- Donate gift cards, long distance calling cards or pre-paid gas/credit cards
- Donate your time to help transport a dog
- Make a purchase on Amazon via the links on the Newf Rescue website
- Donate money
If you’d like to know even more about how you can help, check out this list of over 100 ways to help rescue organizations. And trust me, they can always use your help and support!
I don’t know if you’ve maybe decided to give more back to others, but once you’ve see our faces, you know you’ve just got to help a Newf in need.
Bark at you soon!
