There was an old woman who lived in a shoe...(Oh, wait, I AM the old woman, but I don't live in a shoe - I live at the rescue!) ...She had so many children, she didn't know what to do! For as long as I can remember, there have always been more babies in the Spring. It's a thing. Seems lately, we have had a non-stop revolving door of Pregnant Dog Moms, Young Mama Cats, puppies and kittens. You see, we work with over 30 county shelters in the State of Florida, and EVERY shelter has at least one mom (or two or three...). Have you ever been to a county shelter? Maybe some of you are fortunate enough to live near a major metro area such as Tampa or St Pete, where the county shelter is properly funded, staffed and healthy. Maybe you live in a more rural area, where the county shelter has only one or two animal control officers, and all of the animal runs are housed outdoors. I guess what I am trying to say is regardless of the shelter situation, we have a serious problem. There are more domesticated animals than there are homes and families to care for them. There are puppy mills and breeders who seem to think it is a good idea to continue to flood the pet shops with puppies and outdoor cats who are left to do what they do best in the wild...multiply! For the sake of argument, we want to assume that everyone is doing their best to help control the animal over-population issue. We are charged with the care and welfare of domesticated animals in our communities-well, because we domesticated them! If you are still reading this, you are probably a person who cares about the well-being of the animals in our communities, and you are probably wondering what you can do to help? If you are one of the people who is already actively involved in animal rescue in your community, we salute you! Rescue is no small task, and it is definitely NOT for the weak or faint of heart. Our tiny rescue, FLUFF Animal Rescue is home to over 135 animals on any given day! We house, foster and care for these babies as if they were our own, and we give them a second chance at a great life! We receive our animals from predominantly rural county shelters across the state of Florida. As much as we hate to admit it, we truly do not have enough resources (people, time and funds) to help all of the animals who desperately need us. Some days we take in 15-20 animals and feel great about the work we are doing, and some days, we feel as though we are drinking from a fire hose that won't shut off. Like I said before, rescue is NOT for the faint of heart.
If you are intrigued by the thought of helping out, and would like to be a part of the solution, here are a few ways YOU can Make A Difference in your local community:
Foster a shelter dog or cat-It is as rewarding as adopting a new pet, but without the lifelong commitment or expense of pet ownership. Most rescue organizations will pay for your expenses and provide supplies needed for you to foster a pet. Fostering is a short-term place for the animal to decompress and learn how to trust people again. It's a place where mamas can feel safe, babies can keep warm, and dogs can be dogs. When you foster a shelter dog or cat, you actually get to save two lives at the same time! (The one you take home, and the one who gets to take its space at the shelter). #fosteringsaveslives
Adopt a Shelter or Rescue Pet-There are so many beautiful animals who have been let down by their previous owners. There are so many shelters around the country who are euthanizing animals for space! There are so many people who are still shopping for a new pet at a local pet store or breeder. There are so many ways to be a part of the solution and stop the madness! Foster/Adopt/Spay/Neuter
VOLUNTEER-at your local shelter or find a great rescue nearby where you can spend a few hours a week loving on some kittens who desperately need socializing or taking a mama dog out on a walk to allow her some "me time" away from her pups. Rescues just like FLUFF exist all over the country, and we are all facing the same struggles together as we work tirelessly to solve a huge problem...Make a Difference, be a volunteer!
DONATE-We know that everyone can't foster a dog or cat in their homes, and there are many great reasons why others can't adopt a pet right now, but everyone can give up one cup of coffee a week and send $5 to the rescue of your choice. Just $5 will help a rescue or shelter vaccinate a dog or cat for Parvo or Feline Leukemia. If everyone donated just $5...
At the very least, spread the word that the animals need us NOW more than ever, and that we NEED to be their voice in a loud and crazy world. Let's Get Louder than the world and Save some wiggle-butts!
humbly,
~kimmy, CEO/Founder
FLUFF Animal Rescue, Pinellas Park, Florida
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