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Give Back When You Give Your Dog the Boot
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.
Wild Animals Need Furs
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?
Registry Alert! Hasani Has a Ball . . . But Needs More
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.
Save Shivering Kittens on Your iPhone and Actual Kittens at the ASPCA at the Same Time!
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.
Give Back: Feed the Birds in Your Backyard
Aren't you just loving all the great ways to Give Back?! I know I'm not the only one who likes to pretend the birds that come visit my windowsills are like my pets so I've rounded up eight types of feeders, treats, and the types of feathered friends each will attract. See my high-flying suggestions to give back in your own backyard when you start this slideshow.
Give Back: Gifts For Them, Not Just For You
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.
Give Back: Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Was
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.
Give Back: Offer Your Skills and Knowledge to Shelters
Next up, let's focus on a way to Give Back something you love – Have any passions you could share with your local shelter, animal care and control, humane society or rescue? Say, for example, you tried to find volunteer or donation information on their website . .
Give Back: Kuranda Dog Beds
You may recognize this Kuranda from visits to animal shelters in your town: chewproof with no corner gaps to bite (all fabric's encased in a poly-resin sleeve), these beds are built to last. I'm thinking another reason they're so popular is how easy they are to clean and keep clean, raised off the ground in case of "accidents."
Which brings up my latest Give Back suggestion – purchasing this product for your local establishment.
Give Back: Gift Cards Put Your Money Where Their Mouths Are
Times are tight and it's important to know where your dollars are going! Not that I'm discouraging cash, credit card, or check donations to reputable sites, sometimes you just want to help the shelter down the street, not the nationwide organization.
If you're unsure of your local facility's current (or future) needs, consider a gift card or certificate to local pet supply or grocery stores or even office supply or home improvement chains.
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