25 Ways to Give Back - From Fur to Feathers

Looking for a way you can truly give back?11. Support fur-free companies, cruelty free
Expand the circle of compassion to include all livingproducts, or other companies with "no animal
things by helping those who cannot ask-fromtesting" policies.
dogs and cats to whales, to the plight of frogs12. Build your own, or place a bat box or bee post
and bees-the animal kingdom needs our help. Herein your yard.
are 25 ideas for you and your family to show13. Raise/donate money to your favorite
your support by giving voice to the animals withorganization that helps abandoned pets, displaced
whom we share this world.wild animals, or endangered species.
Practice any one of these ideas and you will make14. Start an e-mail subscription service that sends
a difference in an animal's life, and your own! Manysubscribers a daily quote, link, or photo promoting
organizations have a "wish list" of items of whichrespect, kindness, and/or animal rights for all
they are in desperate need to replace, or keep oncreatures. Donate the proceeds to a responsible
hand. Check out their websites or call youranimal welfare organization.
favorites to find other ways to help (for shelters15. Become an animal ambassador and do
and humane societies, or veterinary facilities, it'severything you can to promote awareness and
best to call ahead and ask them what they need).education that helps to protect your chosen
Every little step helps, or you can go wild andanimal.
commit to more than one of these actions...16. Create a backyard habitat by landscaping with
native plants that help local animal species survive
1. Teach your child not to step on ants and otherthe destructive impacts of habitat fragmentation.
bugs.17. Take a pet first aid and CPR class.
2. Donate dog and cat food, toys, or blankets and18. Stay on marked hiking trails and/or OHV areas
towels to a local animal shelter (or a veterinaryto avoid collapsing burrows and destroying habitat.
office).19. Promote responsible animal rights messages.
3. Educators, you can help support a local bird20. Volunteer to take a shelter dog on walks with
rescue center or zoo by purchasing owl pelletsyou, or spend some time cuddling a shelter cat.
from these organizations directly.21. Spay or neuter your pet to help reduce the
4. Volunteer your time at a nature center,tragedies of pet overpopulation.
zoological park, or local animal shelter to present22. Lend your professional services to an animal
their educational outreach programs to schools.charity pro bono.
5. Educate yourself regarding animal treatment23. Collect unwanted furs (including fur trim and
and factory farming/agriculture, pet storeaccessories) to give to wildlife rehabilitators who
suppliers, breeders, and the like to makeuse them to comfort orphaned and injured wildlife.
thoughtful, informed lifestyle choices.The Humane Society has teamed up with Buffalo
6. Hang bird feeders up in your yard. Keep themExchange to collect used fur items. Details can be
filled as a reliable food source.found at humanesociety.org, click "coatsforcubs"
7. Start a neighborhood pet club or "go wild" andand 24. Hug your pet, play with them; make sure
start a reptile, insect, or arachnid club. Help othersthey're happy and all of their needs are met.
learn about the importance of these animals25. We've left this one blank for your own idea!
including their wild cousins in the naturalThink of at least one way to add to this list that
environment. Exchange animal pictures andwill help one of earth's creatures.
information.How will you make a difference today?
8. Adopt a desert tortoise, wild horse or burro, orAdopt Wild horse/burros:
retired racing greyhounds (if you have the meanswildhorseandburro.blm.gov
and are willing to make the life-long commitment!).Adopt Tortoises: tortoise.org
9. Attend a presentation on local wildlife and learnAdopt Greyhounds: adopt-a-greyhound.org
more about their role in our natural environment.Cruelty free products and companies: &
10. Share some of the information you learned inidausa.
#9 with at least four other people.