In this season of giving, who better to receive some love than our four-legged friends? We at BarkPost did some diggin’, and we’re here to share 9 good things you can (and should!) do for dogs during the holidays.
After all, how can you say no to a face like this?
1. Vet sends gift packages to military dogs
Military dogs working overseas during the holidays will receive a wonderful surprise thanks to Brooklyn-based veterinarian Dr. Chris Gaylord, who owns North Slope Veterinary Animal Hospital.
The hospital is accepting donations of treats, toys, and tools, which they will assemble into care packages for our heroes abroad. Partnering with Operation K9 Care, North Slope hopes to reach some of the approximately 3,000 service dogs currently deployed around the world.
2. Freshpet brings delicious, healthy food to rescue pets
Freshpet is making some serious good (and some seriously good food). This year, they’re collaborating with Target stores nationwide for their annual Giving Paws fundraiser. For every Freshpet purchase made at a Target store, Freshpet will match that by donating a bag to a shelter.
Last year, Freshpet treated 14 dogs and 1 cat – all shelter animals looking for furever homes – to a delicious holiday dinner. The video is pretty darn cute and I would totally eat this dog food.
3. When you book a dog-sitter, you help therapy dogs!
You don’t need to feel guilty anymore if your holiday travel plans require you to leave your pup behind for a few days. When you book a service through Rover’s “Sit a Dog, Save a Life” program, they will donate to Pet Partners, which helps connect therapy and companion animals with fantastic programs in hospitals and schools all over the country.
You can remind your dog about this when you’re packing your luggage and they give you the sad puppy eyes.
4. Chicago Animal Care and Control is giving their dogs a Christmas turkey AND a blanket.
Chicago Animal Care and Control wants to give their charges a holiday to remember. The group is asking for donations of Merrick Grammy’s Pot Pie Dog Food, which they’ll use to grant each of their shelter animals a delicious turkey meal and a snuggly blanket.
Jan Brown started knitting clothes for Greyhounds back in 2008. Since then, her business has grown and includes a range of apparel for breeds of all sizes and shapes. A portion of her profits are donated to greyhound rescue shelters.
If you’re like Jan and know your way around a needle, you can make a huge difference by designing items like blankets and sweaters and donating them to local organizations.
You can even make a sweater vest if you’re into that geek chic look. Obviously this guy is.
6. The Unexpected Pit Bull Calendar
When you buy this sweet Pit Bull calendar for the Pit Bull lover(s) in your life, a donation is made to Pit Bull rescue and advocacy organizations in North America. Each month features an adorable photo accompanied by inspiring true tales of the humans whose lives were changed furever by their Pit pal. Here’s a preview of 2016’s handsome Mr. December:
7. Adopt a Shelter lets your holiday gift-giving go the extra mile
Any time you purchase from participating vendors (ranging from Gamefly to Vans to Amazon to Best Buy), AdoptAShelter.com will make a donation to your selected shelter.
8. You can do some good for your dog, too!
And to ensure your own dog has a happy and healthy holiday season, you can consult this helpful guide from the ASPCA:
9. Scout
When your pet sitter uses Scout to run their business, you help feed pets in need. Scout donates 10% of all revenue to organizations like Colorado Pet Pantry (CPP). CPP partners with human food banks to provide meals to pets whose parents have fallen on hard times.
Happy and healthy holidays to you and your pup from BarkPost!!
