2 Simple Ways You Can Help Dogs in Need This Winter

How many times this month have you asked yourself, “Wait, it’s December, ALREADY?!” We know how easy it can be to get caught up in the whirlwind of home, school, work, kids and fur-babies. At Bow Wow Labs, even though our mission to keep pets safe, happy and healthy centers us, we are no strangers to the push and pull of daily life.

Thankfully, the end of the year brings an opportunity to step back and reflect on all that we have, and give back to those that need us most. In particular, local and national shelters and rescue organizations need extra help over the holidays to comfort and care for dogs who haven’t yet found their forever home.

Here are two simple, yet meaningful ways you can help a pup in need this holiday season:

Short-Term Fostering

Year-round local pet organization and rescue groups, like the Michelson Found Animals Foundation, have dedicated pet foster volunteers that take dogs in when the shelter is over-capacity.

During the holidays, however, these generous pet fosters often need a break due to their own travel plans and busy schedules. This leaves many pups in need of some loving care and attention as well as warm places to sleep!

Consider becoming a short-term pet parent to help with the lack of fosters available this time of year. If you’re one of those smart people that has hacked a stress-free holiday by staying in town this season, contact your favorite local rescue to ask about temporarily lodging a pup.

Plus, you never know - you could end up with a #fosterfail and welcome the New Year with a new family member!

Volunteer Dog Walking

Feeling like you need to exercise after all the holiday cookies and treats? Another simple way to help dogs in need this holiday season is to volunteer at a local rescue to take adoptable dogs on walks.

Through programs like the Wags and Walks’ Wags Club, volunteers can sign up for shifts to take care of the dogs that are living at the adoption center and not in foster care. What better way to spend a holiday afternoon than taking a puppy for a lap or two around the block? They get the care and love they need, you get exercise, and you both go home feeling wonderful! It’s a win-win-win!

Related Resources

• Why Senior Dogs Can Be the Best Companions
• 8 Ways to Help Pets in Need During the Holidays and Year-Round
• Sydney & Max: A Gift that Came Right On Time