PetSugar

Give Back When You Give Your Dog the Boot

PetSugar — Thu, 14 May 2009 13:20:23 -0700

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!

Wild Animals Need Furs

PetSugar — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:46:52 -0700

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!

Source

Registry Alert! Hasani Has a Ball . . . But Needs More

PetSugar — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 13:00:29 -0700

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.

View 10 Photos ›

Photos: SFZoo.org

Save Shivering Kittens on Your iPhone and Actual Kittens at the ASPCA at the Same Time!

PetSugar — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 04:15:33 -0800

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.

Give Back: Feed the Birds in Your Backyard

PetSugar — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 04:30:59 -0800

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.

View Slideshow ›

Give Back: Gifts For Them, Not Just For You

PetSugar — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 12:00:04 -0800

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.
Source

Give Back: Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Was

PetSugar — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 04:30:25 -0800

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!

Source

Give Back: Offer Your Skills and Knowledge to Shelters

PetSugar — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 04:30:14 -0800

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 . . . only to realize that they don't have one. Here are a couple talents you could use to help them get the word out:

Web designers: Offer to help improve or set up a website for needy shelters. PS, it's easier than ever to get them started using our very own OnSugar platform.

Find more suggestions when you read more.

Photographers/Graphic designers: Volunteer to take photos of the pets for a newsletter, website or simply to display the cute faces needing forever homes.
Advertising/Marketing professionals: Make fliers, offer to man temporary adoption locations, or come up with other creative ways to get the word out there. Contact alumni organizations, businesses or other groups looking for volunteer opportunities to see if you could set up a fundraising drive or event to benefit the shelter itself.
Writers: Help write or edit newsletters, mailers, newspaper ads or even clever captions and bios for the organization's website or pamphlets.

Any other skill sets I've forgotten? Share them in your comments below.

Source

Give Back: Kuranda Dog Beds

PetSugar — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:00:24 -0800

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. Kuranda’s “Donate A Bed” program lets you buy at 30 to 35 percent off retail prices, and send directly to the rescue organization of your choice in your name. It's super easy, too, as they've created an extensive, searchable database to pick and ship the bed directly to a shelter near you!

Give Back: Gift Cards Put Your Money Where Their Mouths Are

PetSugar — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 07:15:37 -0800

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. While many post specific, evergreen requests, most any will be able to use this gift to buy exactly what's topping their list at any given time, taking out the guesswork, and leaving your good deed in their hands.

Source