Pet Charity Events and Support Our Way

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

No more telethons or door-to-door solicitation. Those days are over. Today's animal welfare events have the wonders of the Internet on their side--secure online donations via Paypal and credit card make it easier than ever for pet lovers like us to raise funds for our favorite charities.


What's more we now have a new invention--the Twitter Party--which allows us to attend a party in our pajamas, not worry about cleaning house, creating tasty appetizers, or fixing our hair. I'm loving this new frontier!

A recent report by NPR indicated that a small amount of growth is forecast for 2012, making things likely to look up for pet charities as well. This is positive news for rescues, humane societies, the SPCA, and adoption groups like Petfinder Foundation.


If donating is not in your budget, think about getting involved on the other side--organizing a charitable event. Since I am midway through a Petfinder Foundation campaign with Dogtipper currently, I can tell you it is a great feeling to climb into bed each night, knowing that although I'm totally fatiqued, I'm doing something to help homeless pets find new homes.


There are other options as well. Volunteering at a rescue is tremendously fulfilling to most animal lovers. And I can tell you from personal experience that fostering is time-consuming and challenging, yet still gratifying, especially when a forever family signs the adoption papers and you know you've helped that new furry friend get through the transition to a new home.


Charity does not necessarily have to come from your wallet. Look for ways to support the charity of your choice without breaking the bank; it's a Win-Win!

Are you itching to try out a Charitable Twitter Party for the first time? Join us for #SuperDogPics January 22 from 3-4:30 PM EST. Be sure to RSVP at the link so you'll be eligible to win prizes. Petfinder, Dogtipper and All Things Dog Blog thank you for your support.

Be the Change for Animals: Try These Tips for Long Term Pet Health

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

Our family lives a largely green and organic lifestyle and, as a result, I get a lot of questions. I share many of my strategies in my blog, but here's a few tips that may help your Fido or Fluffy live a longer, healthier, more robust life.

• Supplement kibble with organic, lean meats and vegetables that have been simmered in your slow cooker--no effort, just great results. A few scoops on top of a lessened amount of kibble means reduced toxins, hormones and antibiotics in your pet's meal. Make it even better by using an organic kibble like Organix.
• Know your pet supplier's savings programs and take advantage of sales by stocking up on the best food you can afford. Read our article at the link for all the big chain ins and outs.
• Check your manufacturer's Facebook page or website for coupons.
• Offer organic vegetables from your local farmers market as nutritious snacks: juice carrots, broccoli, berries, bananas, apples, green beans and more. Mashed organic sweet potatoes make a wonderful filling for a frozen Kong or Busy Bone, alternated with bits of crunchy kibble.
• Watch the savings add up at the vet when your pup regularly gets good checkups with no health issues. Toxin residues eventually add up to illness.
• Try switching to natural pest control for home, yard and pets. No poisons means no poisoned pets. We completely annihilated Xena's hot spots when we switched up to all organic pest and lawn care.

If you missed my April installment, you may enjoy Drown Proofing Your Dog on Blog the Change Day. I'm sure the sweet Pit Bull I save from near drowning will agree; it's a worthwhile read, especially with Summer here. Happy tails!