Old Dominion Humane Society Recognizes ‘Change A Pet’s Life Day’ On January 24 And Throughout The Year
- Lenora Kruk - Mullanaphy
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
With millions of stray, neglected and abandoned dogs in animal shelters and rescue facilities, a day was created to encourage adoption and fostering. Bringing home a new best friend gives rescue dogs a second chance at happy lives. “Change a Pet’s Life Day” is January 24, but Old Dominion Humane Society (ODHS) recognizes the annual observance throughout the year.
Severely neglected, mistreated and hoarded dogs are cases that happen all too often, and dogs arrive at ODHS scared of a human touch. Others dogs are surrendered because the owner moved or was sick and could no longer provide care. ODHS, a nonprofit organization, rescues dogs from inhumane conditions, providing medical attention when needed. In recent neglect cases, dogs were treated for coccidia and other parasites, wounds and fleas, as well as being fed a nutritious diet for those that were malnourished to the point where their ribs showed prominently. Though each situation is sad, it’s heartwarming for volunteers to watch the dogs blossom and learn that humans can be trusted.
“It’s always great to hear updates about dogs that were adopted,” said Chrissy Hamilton, ODHS founder. “The volunteers spent time nurturing and socializing them so they could be available for adoption. It’s rewarding to read stories and see photos showing the dogs now living wonderful lives, bonding with their families and finally finding a place to call home.”
Changing a rescue dog’s life is one of the best gifts a person can give, and the four-legged friend will pay back its humans in numerous ways. The happiness, love and loyalty from a dog makes it a win-win situation.
The following are ways to help on “Change a Pet’s Life Day” on January 24 and every day:
Adopt: Check out the ODHS website at www.olddominionhumanesociety.org to view the dogs available for adoption, and fill out an adoption survey. Visit ODHS to meet the dogs and find the perfect match during adoption events.
Sponsor a Puppy Litter: Businesses, companies and groups can sponsor a litter of puppies for $300. The sponsorship is used to care for the new pups with examinations, vaccinations, flea and tick medication and more. The sponsoring business can name the litter of puppies and reap the benefits of gaining positive social media exposure, including on the ODHS Facebook page that consists of nearly 30,000 followers. It’s fun to keep up to date about puppy litters by joining the ODHS Alumni Facebook group, where adopters share photos and talk about the pups.
Foster: Fostering is a wonderful way to get a dog out of the facility and into a caring home until its matched with an adopter. Foster families are a lifeline to ODHS, as every dog that’s taken out of the rescue makes room for another one. Visit the ODHS website to find out more about fostering, and fill out an application.
Volunteer: Cleaning, doing laundry, washing dishes, transporting dogs to and from veterinarian appointments, walking and socializing the pups and so much more is needed to run a rescue. ODHS is entirely led by volunteers who make their own schedules—come in for five minutes or five hours. Every bit of help is appreciated. For those better suited to a routine, join the Puppy Crew, Sunday Cleaning Crew, Puppy Pawties and adoption events on and offsite.
Donate: Each dollar helps, whether it’s for providing food, medical care or keeping the facility clean. Donations of any size will be put to good use to care for the dogs. Visit the ODHS website to find out about the Rescue, Food, Grooming and Dental funds, as well as a list of items needed.
