I’m WAAAAAAAYYYY behind on the 31 days to a better blog challenge over at Blog Paws.
My post for today will complete task 7 “Write a Link Post.” I am still working on task 6 while the rest of the crew is up on task 9. Geesh, I wish I could get it together! Do any of you need more time in your day?
Enough rambling; on to the task at hand. I was lucky enough to go to the Pet Exposition at our local convention center yesterday. I spent about an hour meandering about and what I found was a great deal of opportunities to help our furry friends.
If you want to get involved, here are some great organizations:
Vest-A-Dog – “We are committed in our mission to protect K-9 lives and build a community network that will learn, share, and grow. Whether you need funding for a K-9 vest, are interested in donating a K-9 vest or starting a local program, or are just plain interested, join us and with your support, we can make their protection a reality.”
Vitas (Paw Pals) “Registered Paw Pals bring joy to hospice patients by visiting them at home, in nursing homes and assisted living communities as well as hospitals.”
I couldn’t find a direct link on their website, but an internet search of Vitas Paw Pals and your state should bring up a list of local chapters.
Kado – “We provide lifetime care for animal companions living with low income seniors and those with serious medical conditions.” While this foundation appears to be exclusive to CT; they may be able to put you in touch with a similar organization in your area. Or maybe you can start your own local chapter!
I even found an organization supporting animal legislation. When I did an internet search it seems the groups devoted to improving legislation for animals is based at the state levels and doesn’t have a central website. In CT the website is www.CTVotesForAnimals.org; if you are interested in animal legislation; try an internet search with your state and votes for animals. You should some great resources.
If you have a breed passion (mine is labs) they probably have a rescue group. Most of these groups are volunteer based and need help with everything from bringing animals to vet appointments, training, fostering, adoption needs, event organizing; you name it. You can donate as much or as little time as you have. I saw at least four different rescue groups there yesterday; one of the lab groups even had dogs on site.
As you can see, there are many ways to get involved on a local level. Even if you only have an hour to two to spare each week; a little goes a long way.
2browndawgs says
Very good information. I had never heard of Vest-A-Dog. What a worthy cause. (However, I couldn’t get that link to work.)
Jodi Stone says
Thanks for that. I just checked it again and the link looks good. I will keep trying it to make sure it works.
Jen says
I’m so glad you posted about Vest-A-Dog! I’d heard about them before and then couldn’t remember what the organization was called.
Great post!
Jodi Stone says
Thanks Jen. I like the idea of protecting those that protect us.
Misty Shores Chesapeakes says
Great post and great links.
PS, definately need more time in my day 🙂
Jodi Stone says
Thanks Misty!
OMD I need a LOT more time in my day; and more weekend and less week. 🙂
Jan says
I read someplace that vests interfered with the dog’s ability to maneuver. Doesn’t make sense to me so I’m glad to see the link to know that there are those working on this project.
Jodi Stone says
I don’t know Jan, I wonder if it has to do with the job they are doing?
michelle says
Great post! & guess what? I actually won one of the many drawings we entered when we were there!
Jodi Stone says
Awsome!! What did you win?
Frankie Furter says
Super Post… as always… I think it is OK to do thingys in a different time frame. It is more creative that way.
Jodi Stone says
Thanks Frankie. Do you have any charities near and dear to your heart?
sassykassy says
Thanks Jodi, this was very interesting. I’ve been telling myself for quite a while that I need to donate some of my time to Our Companions, and I just looked at their website & they are desperately seeking volunteers http://www.ourcompanions.org/.
Kari says
Great info – didnt know about 2 of them. Sigh I am way behind on gathering up Freds stuff to do SAR….. I keep missing the class deadlines with the county cause life gets in the way. I need to make time 🙂
Jodi Stone says
Kari,
What is SAR?
Kristine says
These are some terrific organizations, Jodi. I hadn’t heard of any of them before and I am going to try to find out more. It’s incredible all of the different resources available once you start looking. I am very glad to hear there is an organization dedicated to covering medical costs for the pets of low income seniors. That is definitely a very large need and there is often a gap.
Don’t worry about being behind. I have only really completed three or four of the challenges myself. Some of them I just could not make the time for, or they didn’t interest me enough. Maybe it’s not right to pick and choose but I figure it’s my blog, I can do what I want! 😉
Jodi Stone says
I thought they were all worthy Kristine, how could you choose from one of those? So I put them all together.
The challenge is …..well….challenging and I am struggling to get a daily blog as well as do the assignment. I guess I will (like you) plug along at my own pace. I will need to go back and read your assignment posts. 🙂
michelle says
I won a $50 gas card!
Jodi Stone says
Excellent!! From Geico?