Volunteering With Dogs

Your dog is the love of your life, but sadly, not all of our furry friends are as fortunate. Volunteering time at a shelter may provide a dog the love she needs until she can find a good home of her own. Shelters have all different types of jobs with which they need help.

Become a dog foster parent. Often shelters have too many dogs and not enough room. Opening your home to a dog and teaching him socialization skills will improve the chances your foster friend can find a good home of his own.

Hit the road. Become a volunteer dog walker.

Socialize with your friends. Being in a cage most of the day, some shelter animals lack the socialized skills need to live with a family. Volunteering as an animal socializer enables the dog to get out and play while learning to adapt to people and surroundings.

If you don’t have the time to lend a hand, consider donating supplies such as collars, leashes, food, blankets or beds. Call your local shelter to inquire what they need. Even the smallest contributions can help a dog have a happier life.

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Day Care for Your Dog

In these hustle bustle days, sometimes we can’t be home with our dogs as much as we would like. But the advent of doggie day care offers an option to leaving your dog home alone. Here are a few ideas to help make the search a little easier.

Research the facility before you register your dog. Ask other dog owners if they are familiar with good day care facilities.

Visit the day care and take the tour. Check for a clean, well ventilated, hygienic facility. How often do they play with the dogs? Do they leave the dogs unattended with other dogs? Do they crate the dogs; if so for how long? What is the number of dogs to people? Do dogs share beds and toys or can you bring your own? Do the other dogs at the facility look healthy? Does the facility require any certificates of health for the dogs?

Some doggie day care facilities have really gone glam and hi tech offering grooming, massage, and training. If you are the one suffering from separation anxiety, ask if the day care facility has online monitoring. Outfitted with web cameras, online monitoring allows you to log onto a web site and watch your pup at play.

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