Bloggers Unite for Dog Rescue

Today we're participating in Bloggers Unite for Dog Rescue, a special online global event held on July 23, 2012 stressing the importance of dog adoption. The event is brought to you by Dog Rescue Success, Blog Catalog and BTC4animals.com and a global online community of bloggers who are joining forces to help save the lives of dogs in need.

The initiative is calling for dog lovers everywhere to spread the word about dog adoption so that less dogs will wind homeless or neglected.

There seem to be two related but distinct messages from today's initiative:

1. Spread the word about rescuing dogs from shelters instead of purchasing a dog from a pet store that may be getting their dogs from puppy mills
2. Continue to educate people so that they understand the time and commitment it takes to take care of a dog, so that dogs will remain in their forever homes, forever

We also want to point out that whether you rescue your pup from a shelter or choose to purchase a dog from a responsible breeder, it's important to do your research up front so that your furry friend will be a great partner for you and your family for the long haul. 

And, even if now is not the best time for you to welcome a new pup into your household, here are a few ways you can help doggies everywhere.

This sweet pup was looking for his forever home at a recent adoption event
at Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue in Atlanta, Ga.

• Volunteer at a local shelter or rescue organization. Rescue groups like Mostly Mutts in our area hold adoption events nearly every weekend and they rely on volunteers to help staff events like these and others. 
• Donate to your locate shelter or rescue group. While cash is always needed for vet bills and other needs, rescues often will list products they need on their websites. Also ask your locate rescue if they can use a donation of products or gift certificates that can be used for auction items at rescue  fundraising events.
• Foster a dog. Many rescue groups, including breed rescue organizations like Havanese Rescue rely on foster homes to care for pups before they can be adopted.

Sweet Bix, from Havanese Rescue, is available for adoption
and looking for his forever home

To see how everyone else is spreading the word, check out the other posts on the Bloggers Unite for Dog Rescue Blog Hop.