Animal Charities and Pet Adoptions

by Christy Carlyle

Lucy

There have only been a few times in my life when I didn't have a pet. Whether it be cat, dog, horse, or fish, I usually had a friend from the animal world to care for and in return be rewarded with companionship, loyalty, and affection. 

My two current pets, sister and brother shelter cats Finn and Lucy, have been with me since around the time I met my husband four years ago. They have lived with us on the Oregon coast, then moved inland, then across the country to the Midwest, and this year they made the trip back with us to the Pacific Northwest. They've logged more highway miles than many human beings do in their lifetime. Even with all of the travel we've subjected them to, my husband and I have tried to provide a loving and stable home. With no children of our own, they have become the “kids” in our little family unit. 

Finn

Unfortunately, not all shelter cats (and dogs) are lucky enough to find forever homes. If you’re looking for a pet, consider a shelter first. Though many shelters are no kill and do foster animals out to families willing to take them for a short duration, those cats and dogs are still in need of loving, long-term homes. You can find pets to adopt via the ASPCA.org online or just visit your local shelter. 

from ljworld.com

When I adopted Finn and Lucy, I only went in for one cat. I was teaching at a school near the shelter and heard they were discounting their black cats because they are the most difficult to adopt out. Apparently, outdated and unfounded superstitions regarding black cats linger and prevent them from finding the homes they deserve. I chose an all-black female kitten, but she had a cage mate, a black and white male kitten. When I found out they were brother and sister, I couldn't bear to separate them, and I’m so glad I didn't. They enjoy each other’s company as much (or more!) than they do ours. 

Even if you’re not looking for a pet right now, consider donating time or money to your local shelter, the Humane Society, or the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). You can donate to either organization online, or you can donate to your local shelter directly. If you are able, another option is to donate your time. Most shelters need volunteers to help keep facilities clean, feed the animals, or even just socialize with them or give them a bit of exercise through playtime. If you’re interested, contact your shelter to find out how you can help.

Animals cannot speak for themselves. They need human advocates, and most of all they need loving homes and owners who can provide the care, time, and attention they crave. I didn’t adopt Finn and Lucy with the notion of giving to charity, but I realize now that the money I paid to adopt them contributed to the shelter where they had been taken as strays. My adoption fees and the next adopting family’s fees might have paid for neutering or spaying future strays. When giving to an animal charity, you may not know the specific way your funds are used, but you can be sure they contribute to improving the lives of animals in need.

Giving Wisely

In my humble opinion…

Individuals who scam charities are the lowest sort of sewer-sucking scum. Still, scammers abound so it becomes essential for the generous to be skeptical.

 

BEWARE OF ORGANIZATIONS THAT:

·       Uses a name that closely resembles that of a better-known, reputable organization. These are often scams.

·       Thanks you for a pledge you didn’t make.

·       Spring up in response to disasters. Definitely donate to flood and fire victims, but often it’s better to route your funds through an organization trained to deal with these disasters—like the Red Cross.

·       Use high-pressure tactics to get you to donate immediately, without giving you time to think and research.

·       Asks you to wire money.

·       Offers to send a courier or overnight delivery service to collect the donation immediately.

If you’re not familiar with a charity, how can you make sure the organization is legitimate?

·       Get the exact name of the charity and Google. One of the quickest ways to find the “less than honorable” is to do a little online research. Enter the name of the charity and add the word “complaint” or “scam.”

·       Even if you’re familiar with a charity, the person on the phone may not “actually” represent that fundraiser. Call the charity. Is the organization aware of the donation campaign? Many scammers pretend to be legitimate fundraisers but direct your to send your money where it can be siphoned off by the not-so-charitable.

·       Donate via check. Never use cash. Not only will you have no official record of your donation, cash can be stolen.

·       See if the charity is registered by the state. Note: not all states require registration. Find out a charity must be registered in your state by contacting the National Association of State Charity Officials.

·       Ask how your donation will be used. Legitimate charities will be happy to provide that information.

·       Ask for proof that you contribution is tax deductible.

·       Verify the charity with the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, or GuideStar.

·       You can find out which organizations are eligible to receive tax deductible contributions on the IRS website.

·       If you get a call from an organization that claims to represent firefighters or police, call your local station(s) and ask if they’ve heard of the charity.

Above all, don’t let my warnings stop you from giving, and giving generously.  There are many people doing many good things.  Just make sure those are the ones who get your hard-earned moola.