Consider Fostering a Dog

I want to introduce you all to an amazing organization—Animal Care & Control of New York City. It is the only animal rescue group here in the city that is required by law to take in all homeless pets. Every day, they open their doors to animals that have nowhere else to go and would otherwise be left on the street. As a result, they often have more animals than the shelter can hold, and that lack of space places the animal at risk of being euthanized.

Blair, one of the dogs currently at Animal Care & Control

If you can, I hope that you’ll consider fostering an animal for AC&C. You’d be buying the animal more time and likely saving a life. Most of these dogs have been literally abandoned by their owners on the streets of New York. No, I’m not joking. It’s heartbreaking. Some are nearly starved; some have been abused; and some have been forcibly bread and then simply ditched.

As an AC&C foster parent, you would take care of an animal in your home until the animal has a permanent home. You could bring the foster animal to AC&C adoption events and, in conjunction, conduct your own adoption efforts. Throughout this entire period, AC&C will work with you to help you find your foster dog a permanent new family.

I know, we all have constraints on our time and money, especially now. But I think you will agree that this is just a good thing. And it would be incredibly fulfilling. If you can’t foster a dog, please forward this post along to any and everyone and tell them about AC&C’s efforts.

For more information, go to their website at www.nycacc.org/foster.htm or email Animal Care & Control’s wonderful foster coordinator directly. Her name is Maggie O’Neill, and her email address is moneill@nycacc.org.

Dog Blood Donors

On this week's Bonnie Hunt Show, there was a segment on dog blood donors. Who knew you could even do that? Um, not me. So I decided to look into it further...Turns out, dogs have a variety of blood types like people do, and 40-45 percent of dogs have the universal donor type. Typical donors are dogs between the ages of one and seven years old and are approximately 50 lbs or more.

Has your dog ever donated blood? If so, will you email me and tell me your story? I'd love to know more about it!

Virtual Volunteering

This past winter, I sponsored dogs at Best Friends Animal Society as Christmas presents for my family. Best Friends is featured on the National Geographic Channel show, Dogtown, on Friday nights. (They’re actually responsible for rescuing many of the Michael Vick pit bulls.) Ever since my donation, I’ve been getting their bimonthly magazine, and I saw this article in their latest issue on virtual volunteering.

AP Photo

I don’t know about you, but especially living in a city, I don’t have the space or resources to adopt another dog. But the article talks about how you can volunteer your time to help animals in need with just a few clicks. It discusses the power of virtual networking as well as the emotional benefits of volunteering. Check it out if you have a chance!