After watching this video of Edie before she was rescued, memories came flooding back of the time I was going to the YMCA to exercise before going to work. There was a dog cowering at the top of the stairs. When I got to the top of the stairs his owner appeared and told me to “mind my own business” and I did. To this day that memory haunts me for not having reported the incident to Marblehead Animal Shelter.
Fast forward to this past weekend in Columbus, Ohio where the first annual pet bloggers conference “BlogPaws” was held. Unfortunately I was unable to attend. But, I was glued to my computer last Saturday pining for any information attendees would share. Out of that conference emerged a movement, a mission: “Be the Change”.
A friend of mine and dog owner mentioned to me recently in conversation that anyone who does not like animals is not worth knowing. What I do know and believe is that there are many loving pet owners and animal lovers.
Shelter and rescue groups are overrun with homeless dogs and cats. Space is becoming more limited. And as a result animals are being euthanized at a record rate. “Be the Change” is a simple cause to action by fellow pet owners and animal lovers to help shelter and rescue groups save the lives of these many homeless dogs and cats.
- Volunteer
- Donate: Time, Pet Toys, Medical Supplies, Gift Cards from Pet Supply Stores or Supermarkets, Kennel Supplies, Office Supplies
- Foster a Pet
Giveaway:
How to enter: Leave a comment on this post (one per person and comments on this post only count toward the drawing) by noon EST on Friday, April 16.
Enter to win an Eco-Tech Dog Bed from pet-super-store.com. The contest was inspired by the “Be the Change” session, so add a link and comment (if you would like) to your favorite shelter or rescue (SEO) on THIS POST to be entered to win!
PS Don’t you just love happy endings I do?! Following is video of Edie’s adoption. There is some duplication the first minute so you can fast forward. I think Edie has a lot of MOXIE: “energy, nerve, courage and spirit”. Remember you too can help “Be the Change”.
I have only ever adopted shelter pets or rescues right from the street…Not that I have anything against pure breeds – but there are usually plenty of homes for them.
I could not be more grateful to every shelter administrator, volunteer, and foster family for what they do. How lucky are those of us who find the sweet souls they cared for when there was no one else who would.
I’d like to give a specific thank-you to Great Dog Rescue of New England (gdrne.com) for bringing my dog Tippi up from Tennessee, fostering her and her 6 puppies, and making sure they all went to fantastic (and grateful) forever homes. THANK YOU! I am an extremely happy Mom to an amazing rescue dog…
One more time:
Great Dog Rescue of New England
gdrne.com
Many thanks for being Tippi’s rescuer! Shelter pets ROCK!
NorCal Aussie Rescue is an awesome org and they help Aussies! I love that you are helping promote “Be the Change”
http://norcalaussierescue.com/aussies_shelter.htm
Thanks, Brent for including your favorite rescue. We really all can make a difference. Cheers!
Way to go Edie! We also adopted our beloved Ringo from a TN shelter – but at 2 yrs old he passed due to the tainted dog food from China. We waited a yr to mourn him – and then adopted Otis from a New Orleans shelter. He is on all natural food now and doing awesome. We got lucky with two great shelter pets!
Gotta love Edie! Thanks, Brian. What shelter or rescue would you like to acknowledge?
I love these videos! What a sweet heart. Talk about ‘be the change.’ Thank you so much for your great work.
Edie tugs at your heart doesnt she?! Many thanks for your kind words!
Marblehead Animal Shelter!
Thanks for bringing “be the change” to my attention! All animals are special and should be respected!
Thanks, Hazard’s mom! Yes indeed all animals are special!
Edie’s rescue brought tears to my eyes. If you love a breed, there’s probably a rescue group for it. We love German shepherds and have had many great experiences with German Shepherd Rescue of New England. We are now fostering and hope to adopt a dog who was found as a 4-month-old stray in the rain. He is a wonderful dog. Even if you can’t foster or adopt, there are many things you can do to help dogs–rescue organizations need people to do intake calls, visit shelters, donate money to feed sheltered dogs. If you’ve lost a dog, you can do things in their memory for a rescue group; not only are you helping animals, but you’re helping people who want to do the right thing for an animal.
What a moving video! Animals are so vulnerable.
I have a rescue dog and love her.
She has come a long way and is a sweet animal. I
am so glad to have her!
Sorry, the last one had a messed up URL…
I’m sorry you couldn’t make it to BlogPaws but I hope you get to go next year because I would love to meet you in person! Isn’t it awesome how fast & far #BeTheChange is spreading? It makes me very happy! I got 2 of my dogs & 2 of my cats from a pound in Wisconsin (others are strays – SO MANY rescues in our house) but the group I support most right now is Central Texas Feline Rescue which is a local TNRM group I volunteer for. Did you hear about the amazing thing Jo from enlightenedferret.com did for CTFR at BlogPaws? http://iloverescueanimals.org/2010/04/blogpaws-part-2-our-blogpaws-angel/ Anyway, awesome site and I really do hope to meet you in person in the future!
Awwwww… I LOVE Edie’s story! What a great example of “Be the Change” this is. Great post and I hope lots of people enter the great giveaway!
What a great video and inspiration! Thanks so much for being part of the CHANGE! xoxoxo
Yep, Edie does tug at your heart doesnt she? Thanks so much for insight regarding German Shepherd rescue
and other breed rescues. There are so many effortless ways we can help animals. And just feel so good
about it too…
Video speaks for itself I think doesn’t it?! Advocating for animals is a no brainer really. How fortunate your pup is for you rescuing her. Many thanks!
Yes, I too am sorry I could not attend BlogPaws but so very grateful for feedback from attendees like you.
Seems you have quite the menagerie of rescue animals. And yes I did hear about what Jo did. Kind of
how animal lovers are I think….compassionate, caring and generous. Cheers and look forward to meeting you at BlogPaws 2011!
How can anyone not love Edie’s story…right? Many thanks for your kind words and thanks for help spreading
word about giveaway where everyone benefits!
Yes, it is very inspiring. Having said that thank you for leading the charge for “Be the Change”! BEST!
Thanks for supporting the #BeTheChange initiative! What a wonderful way for all of us to help the shelters that work to save so many lives. I nominate Pets Without Parents her in Columbus, OH. I know they could put that bed to good use.
Thanks for your support as well! How powerful when people join together for positive benefit of animals….
An inspiring post!!! BlogPaws was an awesome event – already looking forward to next year!
My favorite shelter is the Humane Society of Knox County. I volunteered there for a long time being their secretary. It was extremely rewarding. I have also adopted a kitty from there named Harry.
Thanks for your support and volunteering at shelter in your local community. Grassroots efforts
make a big difference in animals lives…
I’m totally late on posting, but I love these examples.
Thank you for doing this! These folks have been so helpful to our county which severely underfunds animals in need.
http://www.apsofdurham.org
No worries and thanks for positive affirmation regarding examples. Have a great weekend!
Many thanks for noting your favorite rescue. So very many worthwhile rescues and shelters. Yes,
we can all “Be the Change”!
Thank you! Wished I was able to attend BlogPaws but will for sure next year!
How did I miss this post yesterday?? There was just so much to track with so many inspiring, empowering and just plain awesome engagement. I’m adding your post to the collection of events, promises, commitments and fantastic ideas folks came up with to Be the Change. You can find it here: http://thisonewildlife.com/pet-rescue/be-change
No worries and thank you! Be the Change has been inspiring!