Top 10 Ways to Save a Life

As we grabbed our morning beverage at the neighborhood coffee shop, we were struck by the front page of the local paper: the image of a sorrowful dachshund behind bars along with the headline GOAL IS GETTING CRITTERS OUT OF SHELTERS-ALIVE. Reading further, we were shocked to find that 4,000 of the nearly 12,000 animals that entered the featured King County shelters last year were considered too hostile or sick for adoption, these animals were put to death. While we understand that not all of these animals will find homes, this percentage seemed outrageous. As we continued to scan the article, we were encouraged to learn that many steps are being taken to reduce this number, including improving living conditions and adding workers and volunteers to understaffed locations. Not to mention that as recently as 1990, the euthanasia rate was at 80% for incoming strays. So it seems that we are making headway.

This got us thinking, while we may not be able to head right out and adopt our very own pack of dogs or progeny of cats, there are still many ways to help with the crisis of overpopulation. Here's our top 10:

1. Adopt {Your certain someone is waiting for you, just be sure you do your research!}
2. Volunteer {Lots of duties to be done, not just the poopy ones!}
3. Foster (There is always a shelter or purebred rescue near you in need}
4. Spay & Neuter {The cat pin above says it all...}
5. License- yes cat's too! {hefty discounts if your pet is already altered, hefty fines if they're not licensed}
6. Microchip {It's the easiest way for your lost pet to be found}
7. Attend fund-raising events like fun runs and auctions {check out the CityDog Magazine event calendar}
8. Donate items {Most shelters have wish lists on their websites with needed items such as new towels and pet food.}
9. Purchase from retailers who donate to animal causes such as Delia's House of Canine Couture on Etsy.com {click the cat pin above to purchase}
10. Give cold hard cash, it's always warmly excepted. {Check with your employer, many corporations will match your donations.}


And of course stay tuned to dane + dane studios, we plan to launch our successful "Operation Portrait PAWSitive" program in Seattle this Summer!