A Gift from You and Patrick

Patrick the pit bull has become the face of hope for many animals. The story of abuse and gross neglect he suffered at the hands of his owner made headlines in New Jersey, where he was found, and quickly spread across the United States and even internationally. He remains in the care of the GSVS Pet Hospital in Tinton Falls, New Jersey, and is recovering splendidly. Patrick's story has helped launch a grassroots movement to highlight cases like his and lobby for tougher laws. But it doesn't stop there. Patrick's story has also inspired many to support their local shelters and rescue organizations. Training Humans has prepared a handy list of things you can do to help your local shelter or rescue, and you might not even have to spend much, or any!, money doing so. Read on.

But what can I do?

• Check that linen closet. See those blankets and towels taking up precious space that you KNOW you haven't used in ages? Stick them in a bag and take them to your local shelter or rescue organization. Live too far away from one? See if a friend will do it for you or if a volunteer can come pick stuff up from you.
• Check your closet or attic. Have spare kennels that you don't use anymore? Perhaps a crate that you haven't used in ages? Why let it collect dust and take up space (especially you New York tiny-apartment dwellers!), when you can take it to your local shelter or rescue organization. They can always use it, especially if you aren't!
• Want to donate but feel funny sending cash? No problem. Support local pet supply stores: buy a bag of kibble and some toys and take them over to your local shelter or rescue organization. One of the biggest expenses for shelters and rescues that house animals on premises is food. They will appreciate it.
• Donate money! You can donate via PayPal or with a major credit card. Be sure you are donating to a shelter or rescue directly. Training Humans has assembled a short list of rescue organizations that will appreciate the help. 
• Volunteer your time. Live close to a rescue or shelter? You can volunteer to walk the dogs and spend time with them. Offer to add to their assessment files by writing up profiles of the dogs with which you work. 
• Volunteer to foster a dog. Every rescue has different rules and time-limit specifications. If you are interested in fostering a dog and can offer it a warm, safe haven while a forever home is found for it, do it. Talk to a rescue, fill out an application, and save a life today. 
• Can't foster or adopt? No problem. Offer to print out and distribute flyers promoting rescues and shelters and soliciting fosters and make sure to pass them out in libraries, local businesses, and even your church if you go to one. Leave flyers in pet supply stores and veterinary offices. You can be their PR and marketing guru. 

Via one of the many Facebook pages created in his honor, Patrick is lending his name to an event taking place this weekend, encouraging people to buy some food and perhaps toys as well for local shelters and rescue groups in his name. It's called A Gift from Patrick Day. Training Humans encourages you to check out the event on the link provided and participating. 

There are countless shelters and rescue organizations in need. We have listed just a few shelters below for you and encourage you to check them out. 

• Sean Casey Animal Rescue, Brooklyn, NY. Sean and his pals rescue everything from dogs and cats to birds, turtles, rabbits, and snakes. We have linked you directly onto the donations page, but check out his site. He's always in need of newspaper, plastic bags, bleach, dish soap, paper towels, old pillow cases, and towels. Can you give money? Awesome! Can you adopt a pet? Even better!
• Our Best Friends Rescue, Valley Stream, NY. This takes you to their Facebook page where you can find information on many of the pets they have rescued and placed in foster homes. A few of their most recent rescues are special-needs animals. They took in Benny, a little white dog that should be 20 pounds and was only 8 when they got him. He's thriving and recovering. They also took in Babs, a deaf pit bull mix that spent the first year and a half of her life in a cage at a shelter. Look for their stories here on Training Humans in the near future. We love sharing the happy news! 
• AmsterDog, NY. Another New York rescue organization, these guys keep busy. If you can donate food, money, or time, they will greatly appreciate it.
• Rebound Hounds Rescue, NY.  Another awesome rescue organization, these gals are always looking for available fosters. Check out their site, put your page-maker skills to the test, and help distribute flyers promoting them and their need for fosters. 
• Posh Pets Rescue, NY. Check out their site and see what you can do to help. 

A special shout-out to two out-of-state rescues and friends of Training Humans:

• OC Chihuahua Rescue, California. This hard-working rescue is in the process of receiving its non-profit status. They network hard to place the staggering amounts of chihuahuas abandoned in California. We have linked you directly to their donations page (which plays awesome chihuahua-centric music that Training Humans' own Atticus enjoys wagging his tail to) and encourage you to give a little something. Every dollar helps. 
• SoCo Animal Rescue, Georgia. Friends of Training Humans, the humble and hard-working folks at SoCo suffered a tremendous loss over the weekend. A fire destroyed the home from which they ran their rescue. Thanks to the efforts of the fire department, only three animals perished of the more than 60 that were kept on the property. While they have found fosters and adopters for most of these animals, we encourage you to read their page and get to know them and, of course, consider making a donation. During this difficult time, it will be especially appreciated as they begin to rebuild. 

We will continue suggesting rescues and shelters to you. Did we leave one out that you particularly love? Let us know and we will welcome them into our growing network.