give back

Strong chompers take note: this toy's a sturdy option that will not only live up to powerful teeth, but also give back with each bite. You see, Vibram, the leading provider of military footwear for the most conditions on earth has teamed up with FetchDog to create a nontoxic rubber shape from the same molds used to make the soles of military boots and added a mountaineering rope for toss and tug times, too. Two bucks of every Chewy Shoe purchase goes towards the DogTags program at Puppies Behind Bars.

Now you may remember seeing Glenn Close honor members of the first New York DogTags graduating class back in November and tomorrow she'll be on Oprah to talk more about this program where prison inmates train puppies to become service dogs for soldiers returning from Afghanistan and Iraq. So tune in and give your own dog the boot . . . toy, that is!

Maybe you were doing some Spring cleaning in grandmother's attic and you uncovered an old fur coat. Now I'm betting most animal lovers wouldn't choose to wear it, but thrifting or selling the pelt isn't the best solution. Even if you donate the proceeds, do you really want to encourage someone else to wear it either?

Instead, ship the coat to the Humane Society's Coats For Cubs program for a tax deductible donation. Upon receiving old furs, organization staffers cut up and distribute to comfort a variety of animals in wildlife rehabilitation efforts – I know I'd feel better having orphaned creatures snuggling or playing with this for their own feel better moment as well!

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This baby gorilla lives up to his name's meaning for sure – I can't get enough of Mr. "Handsome!" He's nearly four months old and can now make his way around the exhibit, giving keepers his winning gaze and grin. Since it's not yet time for Hasani to come on public display (but count me there!), this zoo offers a Nursery Cam on site from 12 to 2 p.m. daily if you live in SF.

Since he's been seen around the world in that naming contest, if you want to give him a treat, check out Oscar Jonesy and Monifa's online gift registry. They've got plenty of requests (big and small) and for each $25+ donation, you'll get an electronic photo and footprint of the little love to tide you over 'til you can see the real thing.

See more piccys of baby Hasani when you read more

I've yet to get an iPhone, despite all the cool things geek's told me so far but this game's high on my list if I do. After all, ShiveringKittens looked totally adoro even before the big fundraising announcement yesterday.

GiantCrayon Games has joined with the ASPCA to raise money for animals with a promotion during March and April – for every game purchased on iTunes ($3), the company will donate $1 to the ASPCA. From what I can tell it's like cat Tetris where you free adorable kittens from the icy bottom, but check out a video of the game in action when you read more

Instead of receiving things you don't want or don't really need, ask guests to make a donation to a shelter or wildlife fund of your choice in lieu of birthday presents or wedding/baby shower registries. Simply choose an organization such as the ASPCA or Humane Society or even the location where you adopted your own precious pal.

My best friend did this for her wedding, requesting donations to the Paw'd Squad, where they adopted a beloved pit bull, Baby. Some rescue groups, such as this one, already have PayPal links set up – simply tell your guests what name to memo the donation with and they're good to go.
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Do you have something you could go without? Even if you can't sacrifice your daily caffeine fix, think about other consistent things you spend money on. For me, that meant deciding I don't really need a daily, afternoon frozen yogurt break. Whether you say no to a second cup of coffee, cocktails or one less meal out, take the extra money and put it aside. Save it up, then use it to put food in the mouths of needy pets at a shelter near you. I bet even my pals Fit and Savvy would approve of this!

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