Whatever your feelings about Thanksgiving — a tradition steeped in kinship or colonialism — one thing’s for certain: many of us owe our lives to pets. Animal companions sniff out explosives, guide the blind, detect cancer or impending seizures, and lavish us with the unconditional love few humans can. Today is a perfect day to thank those who give us so much.
Love thy neighbor. Offer to walk and/or house sit a neighbor’s pets when a crisis calls them away. Animals sense the stress of their human parents and may be comforted by your presence, especially if you approach with kindness. Reluctant pets are more likely to warm up to relative strangers given time and space. If you’re a friend of the family, so much the better. If not, the gesture is a great way to make friends and build community.
Donate toys and/or blankets or volunteer at a local animal shelter. Budgets and staff are often stretched thin and your services would likely be welcomed. Observe the shelter’s protocols for interacting with the animals and other staff. Respect builds trust and more volunteer opportunities.
Medical Pet Charities. Contribute to groups providing medical interventions for pets of the underserved. Not everyone can rely upon pet insurance or a hefty bank account to pay for Fluffy’s medical emergency or cancer treatment. A lab panel, ultrasound and chest x-ray can run well over $1,000. It’s heartbreaking to imagine lives cut short and families broken due to a lack of resources. RedRover Relief, Paws 4 A Cure, The Pet Fund, The Banfield Foundation, and The American Veterinary Medical Foundation are among many reputable charities.
Shelter pet outing. We all need to escape daily life once in a while. The same is true for rescue animals who live much of their lives behind chain links. On August 23, hundreds of volunteers lined up at the East Valley Animal Shelter in Van Nuys, CA, to take 150 dogs to of-leash parks, beaches, or their own backyards. Clear the Shelters Adventure Day significantly reduced fear, anxiety, and stress in East Valley’s residents. Ask your local shelter whether they organize similar outings. Broach the idea, and help organize, if they do not.
Foster. Natural disasters and thoughtless humans swell shelter populations. Despite the rise in “no-kill” shelters, facilities are often bursting with displaced, abandoned, or surrendered pets. Finding temporary homes for such pets buys them time and a chance at a forever home.
Nix table scraps. One should never indulge that begging, furry face at the holiday feast. Table scraps such as fatty meats, spices, onions, and chocolate may trigger pancreatitis and liver disease in pets. Keep yummy, pet-healthy treats on hand to reward good behavior — especially NOT begging at the table!
What other ways can you think of to thank a companion animal?