I try to assist animals and animal helpers/organizations when I travel. I just love them all, but frogs and toads… figure this one out. I was born in the land of one of the largest frogs in the world, the Argentine horned frog, and they make good pets! I am truly scared of them and I still have not gotten over it. However, I tolerate them in the name of being an animal lover. 🙂
Whatever we can do obviously depends on the length of time you are abroad and how much we can commit to the service (yes, another word I love). It doesn’t matter what you do to help, just do it!
1- SHARE THE ANIMAL’S LOVE
Sometimes people are not used to having animals, or their culture is not welcoming to pets. This is the case in Sinai, where dogs are not treated nicely by some folks. Teaching that animals are good is always positive. Unfortunately, even after you show people animals are good, they still throw rocks at them… bad karma!
Teaching kids dogs are not dangerous and they love a good pet. Dee is a real trooper
teaching kids love!
2- REPORT ANIMAL ABUSE AND BE AN ANIMAL RESCUER
Always report it. It does not matter how or where; I have put signs up and posted things online. Be an advocate against evilness. VIDA was thrown on the street by some folks I knew. She was lifeless on a burning pavement (46 Celsius) with bleeding paws and a burned face. My little Vidie survived at my home. Thanks to MichaelZ, who graciously volunteered to keep Vida until finding a home, Chris, and Shiima for her forever home.
Always report it. It does not matter how and where, I have put signs up and posted things online. Be an advocate against evilness.
3- HELP A LOCAL ANIMAL WELFARE ORGANIZATION OR NGO OR GROUP
A biggie here. Finding out the folks who work for the welfare of animals is a great way to learn about the needs of the place. You can also meet some keen people, to say the least. Help them with fundraising is a big one here.
4- HELP WITH A TNR!
Any organization or animal group will have a TNR once in a while. A TNR is Trap-Neuter-Return; animals are caught, fixed, vaccinated, and there is ear tipping of the feral and stray cats in a place. They are then returned to their colonies. There is a great need for help during these busy times, particularly a great need for animal catchers/trappers, cleaners, and helpers of all sorts! Ask the organization where you are going if they need help and when they have a TNR.
RULE OF THUMB: ALWAYS ASK IF HELP IS NEEDED AND THE TYPE OF HELP BEFORE LANDING!!
5- MAKE A DONATION
Donations are need the most, funds to buy food, medicine, cages, and to help with renting a refuge if they are able to do so.
RULE OF THUMB: the cost of a good cup of coffee!!!
6- FOSTER A PET
Helping to free up space at a shelter or organization helps acclimate an animal to have a home in the future. Fostering a dog was a great way to learn about myself more…even after all these years!
My Dee … now in her forever home!
7- ADOPT A PET
Many organizations and animal welfare groups have information about how to adopt a pet in your host community. These organizations can also guide you with all the documentation needed and can recommend you to visit vets they trust. Take advantage and give a beautiful soul a forever home!
8- LOVE THEM EVEN WHEN THEY SEEM DANGEROUS
All animals anywhere are great sources of inspiration and laughs!
