Sweepie Contest CatIf you’re a proud pet parent, every day is a celebration of your furry besties! Our pets bring us joy, make us laugh, keep us company and enrich our lives on a daily basis simply by being their silly selves!
National Pet Day, celebrated on April 11th, is a day to honor the special pets in our lives, who give us unconditional love and enrichment every day. It’s also a day to bring awareness to the many thousands of pets waiting in shelters for a loving home and family to call their own.
Founded in 2008 by Colleen Paige, a staunch animal advocate, this day sheds light on encouraging people to adopt from shelters, rather than shop at a pet store or buy from a breeder. There are so many wonderful pets waiting for a home, and many more are euthanized every day for lack of space, funding to care for them, and willing adopters to rescue them from the miserable life they are living, often riddled with fear and uncertainty.
Animal advocates and rescue groups throughout the country are in a continuous battle to save these amazing pets. There simply is not enough personnel or space to keep up with the influx of pets that need homes and, as a result, many are put to death through no fault of their own.
National Pet Day serves as a reminder to get involved to help save them. Visit a local shelter if you are in a position to adopt a new pet and make them a part of your family. If you are not ready to adopt, consider fostering to help some of these pets get out of the shelter environment so they can decompress and adjust to a household life, which can make them more ready to transition to a permanent family home.
Other ways you can help involve donating money and supplies to local shelters and rescue groups, sponsoring a shelter pet to ensure their needs are met while they await a foster or adoption. Volunteering at a local shelter or rescue organization can also be of great benefit to these lonely pets. Simply taking a dog for a walk, or spending time visiting with a cat, or other small pet, can make a difference in their overall wellness.
Share photos and videos on social media to help spread the word on the needs of these pets. Add #NationalPetDay to bring awareness to others who may be willing to foster, adopt, donate or give of their time.
This day also brings attention to the need for responsible pet ownership. That includes spay and neuter to help curb the overpopulation, where many unwanted pets end up in shelters or worse, become euthanized. It also means taking proper care of pets with veterinary care, meeting their nutritional needs, and giving them a happy and fulfilling life by making them a part of your daily activities. Play time and exercise are also crucial to the well-being of any pet.
Of course, this is also a day to spend extra time and give extra love to your own furry best friends to show how much you appreciate having them in your home and in your life. Whether you already have pets in your life, or would like to help those in need, spread the word to bring awareness to the needs of all pets who don’t always get the attention, love and companionship they all deserve!
While you’re here, be sure to enter SweepsPet Giveaways for the chance to win amazing prizes to help pets in need and dote on your own furry besties!
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