January 24th is National Change a Pet's Life Day! – What Will You Do To Celebrate??

National Change a Pet’s Life Day is a day dedicated to encouraging all of us to focus on helping pets in need.  Here are my top three picks on ways you can celebrate the day!!

Just 5 more minutes please....
jremsikjr / Foter.com / CC BY-NC

Pet Adoption: Each year, approximately 8 million stray and unwanted animals are taken in by shelters across the country. Of those taken in nearly half or about 3.7 million are euthanized because good homes are never found. Shelter euthanasia is the leading cause of death for both dogs and cats in the United States.  Adopting a pet is just one way you can celebrate National Change a Pet’s Life Day.  If you or someone you know is interested in adopting a pet Petfinder, North Shore Animal League America, or Paws are here to assist you in finding the perfect match in your area.

Sad Lucy
CowCopTim / Foter.com / CC BY-SA

Foster Parenting: Maybe you’re passionate about helping save a pet, but being a permanent pet owner just doesn’t fit your lifestyle.  Foster parenting is a wonderful solution. Whelping mothers, young puppies, senior dogs and dogs with kennel stress are all vulnerable to the environment of a kennel and tend to do better in the quiet comfort of a loving home. Celebrate National Change a Pet’s Life Day by contacting your local humane society or animal shelter and find out how you can become a foster parent to a pet in need.   Keep in mind foster parenting is a temporary solution to finding a permanent home for a pet,  it is easy to become attached, so be prepared to shed a few tears when your foster pet finds his or her forever home.

Army on a red carpet
tanakawho / Foter.com / CC BY

Volunteering: If you’re busy and have only a few hours of time each week to dedicate, volunteering is another great way to celebrate National Change a Pet’s Life Day.   Walking dogs at a local shelter is just one of the many rewarding ways to volunteer.   Other ways of volunteering may include spending time at a local shelter or even helping with a fundraiser.  Contact your local humane society, animal shelter or  www.volunteermatch.org  for help getting started.

So what are you waiting for?  Let’s get the pawty started, and CELEBRATE National Change a Pet’s Life Day!!

By Michelle Thatcher

I am easy going, married and the mother of two adult boys. I love the Green Bay Packers, a good laugh and the change in seasons that the upper mid-west has to offer, although I am quietly dreaming of retiring in the warmth of the south someday. In my spare time you will find me traveling, motorcycling, doing crossword puzzles, or reading a good mystery.

2 comments

  1. I had no idea it was national change a pets life day!
    Funny though cuz I just got my newest member of the pack (my third husky) just a few days ago! My rescue boy!
    So it was a little early but I’d say we changed his life!
    Great post!
    ((Husky hugz frum da pack))
    “Love is being owned by a husky”

  2. That is pawsome! Everyone here got a few extra ear rubs to celebrate.

    Sometimes I think, instead of just National Change a Pets Life Day, we are celebrating the change we bring to our Mom and Dad’s life when we come into their homes too. Everyone wins when they rescue a pet. 🙂

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