According to the ASCPA, approximately 3.3 million dogs enter shelters every year. Wednesday, May 20th marks National Rescue Dog Day. This holiday was founded by Tails That Teach, Inc., and its goal is to bring awareness to the countless four-legged friends that are waiting to be adopted. National Rescue Dog Day is also used to raise awareness on the importance of spaying/neutering and promoting a human education for young children about rescue dogs. When an abandoned or abused dog find their way to a shelter, they are then considered rescue dogs.
Each rescue dog needs a forever home and has limitless potential to the joy they can bring you and your family. Many rescue dogs often overcome obstacles in their life. Nonetheless, these canines can provide love, comfort, security, and friendship as a family pet.
Who Rescued Who?
Rescue dogs can get a bad reputation from media and pop culture as being “bad dogs”. But most often rescue dogs are just fun-loving pups looking for a family. When an individual adopts a rescue dog, they can form a sense of companionship which has been shown to improve people’s overall quality of life.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to adopting a rescue dog. With training, some rescue dogs can be a companion to an elderly or disabled individual and contribute to their independence. In addition to becoming a best friend, these dogs can be taught to be the eyes, ears, or legs of their owner.
Rescue dogs also offer a wide range of therapeutic benefits. As emotional support animals, rescue dogs can help people cope with depression, relieve anxiety, and those who experience PTSD or suffer from mental illness. Individuals, including children, teens, and adults, with autism, also benefit from a trained rescue dog. Rescue dogs can also be used as teachers for children or they can be trained for search and rescue missions!
How To Observe National Rescue Dog Day
There are so many dogs in shelters, luckily there are a lot of ways to observe National Rescue Dog Day:
- Spay/Neuter: If you already have a furry friend of your own and can’t handle any more puppies, spaying/neutering your dog is the best way to be a responsible owner. Overpopulation is the number one reason animal shelters exist.
- Adopt: If you have space in your home and your heart, consider adopting a canine companion. Give one of these love-filled puppies a forever home!
- Foster: The shelter environment is not ideal for every dog there. Some require special socialization or rehabilitation in a home setting. Fostering an animal can get them the care they deserve so an adoption can take place.
- Volunteer: Local shelters can use all the help they can get. Even if you don’t have the time or space to commit to owning a dog full time, helping at a local shelter can be very rewarding. Taking them for walks, grooming, and giving them love significantly improves their quality of life and chances of being adopted.
- Donate: Just like needing volunteer help, shelters can always use financial assistance. In addition to financial support, shelters accept other donations such as blankets, toys, leashes, treats, and more.
If you are interested in learning more about rescuing a dog or if you have rescued a dog and want to make sure they are taken care of properly, we are here to help. Call or contact the Animal Care Center and we can help make sure your new furry friend is healthy and happy!
