Have your ever considered visiting your local animal shelter as a local excursion? Not to look for an animal for adoption, but simply to visit the abandoned animals there with some fruits as treats for them? All animals have a sweet tooth, as far as I know. And shelters usually can't afford anything other than the basic food and necessaties. With an apple or other fruit in hand, you'd be looking a lot like Santa Claus to these helpless animals. I understand that an animal shelter might be a depressing place to be, but do consider the following as motivations:
1. Shelter animals usually lack socializing opportunities, probably fewer than the average pigeon in a park. By offering something they like, you may provide a tiny boost for them to trust people again.
2. Bring a little joy into their lives. A couple of treats may give them a taste of life's benefits. Who knows? Perhaps you can make a difference to spiff them up and some other person could adopt them because of that.
3.Comfort in knowing that you did a little something for them. Being abandoned and then locked up in a shelter is not the best of life. Many shelter animals sucuumb to the loneliness, and even the sweetest animal can become depressed or even violent. I think the greatest joy in bringing treats to the shelter animals is to witness an otherwise listless animal perk up at the smell of your treat in hand.
If you are thinking of what to do one day, please consider bringing a few sliced apples or any other fruit and visit your local animal shelter.
The reason that I suggest regular fruits is because they are healthier, and the staff there will know what you are feeding the animals. If you bring something like pellets or biscuits, there's no telling what's in them. Bringing fruits help the staff keep a watch on the animals' diets and minimize foul play. Be sure to ask before giving food to any animal though, just as a courtesy and for safety reasons for the animal. You'd never know when an animal is allergic to some particular food, as harmless as it might seem to you.
I visit my local animal shelter often and bring apple slices to the rabbits and small animals. The dogs and cats get more attention and might even have a chance to walk outside. I feel that it's the small animals that suffer the most because they have to stay in their cages all the time. I love doing this because I can see that the animals are happ. I hope you can give this a try and find joy in it too.
Fri, 2007-08-10 07:20
Paul: I love the idea, but how many animals eat fruits? I've never known a dog or cat who did, and I've owned a lot of them.
How about suggesting an advance call to the shelter to ask what the animals would like for treats--and to check whether the staff will allow outside treats at all. In Chicago, I suspect that outside treats, unless prearranged, are not allowed at all--although I admit I haven't checked. I got that idea from an old friend who once worked at a local shelter.
Also, you can sometimes be more helpful by bringing much-needed supplies (ask), taking them in personally, and then playing with or "talking to" the animals. By all means, it's a good idea to remember these animals in some way, but be sure that your efforts will be accepted and appreciated.
Sat, 2007-08-11 10:42
I agree. Not all animals like fruits actually. One thing I learned over the years is that pets have personalities. They have their likes and dislikes just like people. The few dogs and rabbits that I know love fruits. They would literally try to jump on you if you have any fruit in hand. But then, there also pets that don't eat fruit at all as you've said.
Some shelter would just say no if you ask on the phone about bringing treats. They are very protective and very busy. I got the most success when I have the treats in my hand and asked in person. That way, they know your intention and is more willing since you're there already. Of course, it's better to call ahead if you don't want to make an extra trip. There's no guarantee that they would let you even if you're there at the shelter already.
As for the supplies, if you have extras, then by all means, please donate them. However, I personally wouldn't go out to buy them and then donate them. You might as well just donate money because why let the pet store take a chunk of your donation? The shelter can usually buy items cheaper than retail. That's just my opinion. Any donation to them is good nevertheless.
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