See How To Help An Animal Shelter Right Now

Maybe you had a pet, like me, but they have crossed the rainbow bridge, and it just isn't the right time to open your home to another. Maybe you can't have a pet, but you still want to care for and love an animal. If either or both of these are true, I may have a solution.

Dutchess County Shelter in Need of Blankets

So many shelters and rescues require different things, and chances are you could contribute something that would make you feel rewarded at the same time you are helping a shelter animal. Nothing can match the unconditional love of a pet, but giving supplies and even giving your time could fill part of the void.

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The Dutchess County SPCA posted on Facebook this week that they need blankets. Every pet, whether they have a home or are currently waiting for one, loves a great blanket to snuggle up on. One of my favorite things to do with my Minnie Pearl was to cuddle up in a blanket on the couch.

So, as you are going through the linen closet this summer or trying to find a blanket for a picnic or concert, think about the tone that you might be able to donate. Much like the ones you have at home, the ones at the shelters can get threadbare, so instead of taking what you think is a worn-out blanket and tossing it out, why not take it to your local shelter?

Blankets, Food, and Your Time Are All Needed

If you are in Dutchess County, the SPCA would appreciate your donations this week. If you are located somewhere else, they would be thrilled with your donation as well.

Donating to shelters and rescues helps them keep doing all the good work that they do. One day, you will be ready to have a pet of your own, and the shelter should be the first place you look. Who knows if you stop by enough times with donations that you find the fur-baby you didn't know you needed.

A Few Other Ways to Make a Difference for a Shelter Pet

Supporting an event, Pets Alive regularly has Pet Adoption Events at local wineries, breweries, and at PetSmart in Middletown.

Making a food donation, which can include a bowl for it to go in, like these at the Ulster County SPCA.

Volunteering time is another great way to help a shelter animal. They get to socialize, and you get to hang out with an animal that will be so grateful for your time. Check out CARE of DC for opportunities they may have for you.

Hudson Valley SPCA in New Windsor, in Orange County, is always looking for your support. They even keep an ongoing Amazon wish list: Hudson Valley SPCA Wish List.

And one more way to help is to see if a shelter or rescue near you has a thrift shop. You can make a donation, which can help them raise money, or if you are a thrifter like me, put the shops on your shopping stop list for treasures.