Holidays are a time of giving and spreading joy, not just to our friends and family but also to those who need it the most. And who better to receive generosity and love this season than pets in high-kill shelters?
This is why, in the spirit of giving, Ruggable has teamed up with two of the most powerful forces supporting pet adoption shelters and rescue initiatives: Wags and Walks and Grounds & Hounds Coffee. As part of our One Week of Giving, we are hoping to bring more awareness to their causes and help our furry friends find permanent homes and families who will take them in as part of their own.
To learn more about their causes and how pet lovers like us can help, we sat down with Kathryn Hurley of Wags and Walks and Brittan Smith of Grounds and Hounds Coffee.
Ruggable: Why should people consider adopting a pet this holiday season?
Wags and Walks: Bringing a pet into your home is a life-long commitment. It should always be a family decision, not a gift, to bring a pet home. Choosing to adopt will not only save that pet’s life but open up another space for a pet to be safe. The shelters can be very crowded around the holidays and there are so many incredible animals that would love a family of their own.
Grounds and Hounds Coffee: There’s nothing better than giving a shelter pup a warm home and new start right before the new year. Pets bring smiles, laughter, and endless entertainment, especially when they’re opening their gifts under the tree!
However, we caution giving a pup as a gift, as it’s essential to meet the potential new family member pup and ensure it’s the right fit for the whole family. Reports have shown that up to 40% of pets given as Christmas presents are “returned” in the months following the holidays. Please remind your friends that pups are not objects, and there is no 30-day return policy.
R: How important is getting more people and private companies like Ruggable involved in your projects?
W & W: As a 501c3 non-profit, we would not exist without the support from companies like Ruggable and the public. From donations to awareness, to adopters and fosters, it takes a village to help each pet find its forever home.
G & H: We love partnering with people and companies like Ruggable that are passionate about helping and advocating for pups! Since Grounds & Hounds Coffee Co. launched in 2014, we have understood that we need to help solve significant societal issues. It truly requires the entire community working in unison.
With nearly 3 million dogs entering into shelters each year, there is no magic wand or quick-fix solution. We need to coordinate non-profit, for-profit, private, and public efforts to achieve our dream of a no-kill country.
R: How else can people help rescue dogs this holiday season?
W & W: All local shelters and rescues are in need this holiday season. Whether you can donate $5 or a few blankets—everything adds up. You can also open your home as a foster to let a dog have a warm bed in your home while waiting for their forever home. You can also volunteer to walk, transport, or bathe dogs!
G & H: Dog shelters strive to give their pups amazing holidays! Some of the best ways to help rescue pups are to donate toys, blankets, and money to your local shelters. These will help keep the pups warm and engaged while they wait to meet their forever family.
Even simply volunteering to walk pups or support shelter activities is a rewarding and amazing way to give back and keep the pup’s spirits high during the holiday season. As an added bonus for shelter staff: Purchasing coffee, cocoa, or little gift baskets for the shelter can go along way as these individuals work tirelessly (and often through the holidays) to give these pups a second chance.
READERS: Ready to spread love and cheer this season? Visit Wags and Walks and Grounds and Hounds Coffee’s websites to find out more. To learn more about and participate in Ruggable’s One Week of Giving initiative, visit our Instagram page.
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