Please don't forget the animals this Christmas!
By joerhonda
@joerhonda (476)
United States
December 17, 2008 5:30pm CST
I know that things are tough for a lot of people this year, but I ask that you please don't forget your local animal shelters and rescues! I used to donate a bag or two of food and I would bring my daughter with me, but now I do it with my grandbabies. The shelters really appreciate the donations and it doesn't cost much. With the economy the way it is, so many people have been forced to give up their pets or just let them loose and the shelters and rescues are overwhelmed! It's a great thing to do with the kids and it teaches them to give. When my daughter got older she would pitch in money she had earned to buy the food. It made her feel so good about herself! The grandbabies are to young yet to do this, but we will carry on the tradition when they get old enough, if they want to participate. Do you do this or something like it at Christmas time?
Rhonda
2 people like this
5 responses
@joerhonda (476)
• United States
18 Dec 08
Excellent idea! I know a lot of these places rely on volunteers!
Rhonda
@coolseeds (3919)
• United States
17 Dec 08
No I don't give to animal shelters once a year. I give every day by feeding stray and feral cats in my neighborhood. I've been able to tame some of the feral cats. This spring I'm going to see if the vet will give me a deal on getting them neutered and spayed. So I can make sure they don't make the problem worse.
@joerhonda (476)
• United States
17 Dec 08
That's awesome! I commend you! Sometimes the vets and the animal shelters will work with you on this! We have a few here too that I feed, but they still are very cautious.
Rhonda
@coolseeds (3919)
• United States
18 Dec 08
One of the easiest ways to "tame", if you want to call it that, a feral cat is to feed them the same time every day. They will be waiting for you. Then feed them and stay there. They will get used to your presence. When they do make your way closer. When you are able to be close enough to touch them let them get used to you. Don't rush anything. Now that they are comfortable with you try to touch one in a place they would like. Naturally it is going to back off. I don't recommend a full stroke from the head to tail. You might get scratched. Let them get used to you touching them. In time you will be able to stroke them from head to tail.
When they trust you, try to pet both sides at the same time. Remember at 1st short strokes are better. Once they are used to that, you can try to pick them up. They will not like it. LOL But you can get them used to you picking them up an inch or two. And eventually far enough to be able to put them into a box or carrier to take to the vet.
Feral cats are not the same as stays. Once a kitten passes a certain time in its life it will never be like a domesticated cat. But it is possible to tame them enough to love you.
Patience is the key. You don't want to rush anything or the cats will think you are up to something.
@LittleMel (8742)
• Canada
20 Dec 08
I will see what we can do. I haven't been able to donate anything for the last 2 years we are living on tight budget. but I will set aside something to donate. we give old clothes to salvation army and unused electronic stuffs now and then. but for animals aside from donation to humane society 2 or 3 years ago I haven't given anything yet. but this year I will see what we can do.
@joerhonda (476)
• United States
18 Dec 08
Your welcome! Glad I was able to help...Merry Christmas!
Rhonda
@zukichucha (991)
• United States
17 Dec 08
This is a great idea! Any animal lover can certainly sympathize with the people who have to give up their pets. It's hard to take care of an animal if you can't even take care of your family. If you can afford just one bag of food or even a can it would really help. Like the old saying goes every little bit helps!!
@joerhonda (476)
• United States
17 Dec 08
that's right! Lots of times you can get coupons online too and save a little bit. They also like to get cat litter. A lot of them take newspapers too and if you already get the paper all it takes is the time to drop them off. Calling and seeing what they are in need of is the best thing to do. Some shelters have other pets as bunnies, ferrets and etc. that need special items.
Rhonda
