ASK EVOLVE: HOW CAN I HELP MY LOCAL ANIMAL RESCUE?
At Evolve, we believe that every pet deserves a home. It’s estimated that over 6.5 million pets enter animal rescues and shelters nationwide each year. This is an overwhelming number, so we spoke with Julie Oliverius from Heart of Alabama Save Rescue and Adopt (HASRA) in Florence, Alabama, about her experiences and how you can help.
Julie (pictured) has been fostering for over 5 years in multiple states. Over that time, she has fostered over 15 dogs and 7 cats. Julie began volunteering at a horse rescue while living in Nebraska, and became involved with a local rescue while living in Omaha. She currently serves on the board with HASRA, and volunteers at their facility.
Just last night, Julie said goodbye to two foster dogs who are moving on to their new home. It’s a bittersweet experience, she explains. “Fostering is about learning about their [dogs] temperament when they get into the house, what they’re good with, what they’re scared of… Information helps dogs become more adoptable”.
"SAYING GOODBYE NEVER GETS EASIER." - JULIE OLIVERIUS
Another volunteer at HASRA, Donna Jenkins, has fostered 78 puppies and 7 dogs since January 1st, 2017 alone. While this is an amazing number, it’s sad that so many pets are in the foster system. At HASRA alone, they have 40 dogs awaiting adoption in their facility, with over 40 more in foster homes surrounding Florence.
WHILE NOT EVERYONE HAS THE SPACE, TIME, OR RESOURCES TO FOSTER ON A LARGE SCALE, THERE ARE SOME EASY WAYS FOR YOU TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
Helping pets find fur-ever homes is easier than you’d think!
1. If you have time, but not money, you can spend time playing with pets at your local rescue or shelter. Several facilities just need people to help for an hour a week, which is great for those who have the time. Sitting with a scared dog in transition, or helping walk them can help with their socialization skills, and improve their adoption potential.
2. If you have money, but not time, you can contact your local rescue or shelter and ask about how to make a difference. Many groups, like HASRA, have Amazon wishlists of supplies they need. Others utilize Facebook donation pages to help raise money for supplies to keep operating.
3. Think before you throw away! If you’re getting rid of old towels, or other supplies, contact your local rescue shelter and see if they need anything.
4. Keep shopping! The easiest way you can help is to register with Amazon Smiles and do your online shopping this way. Choosing your charity as a shelter, and shopping as you regularly would will make a tremendous difference. It costs you nothing, and Amazon will write a check for the charity of your choice.
There is a tremendous need for help in animal rescues across the United States.
We love our pets. After all, you can’t spell Evolve without L-O-V-E. It is our desire and goal to see every pet find their fur-ever home. If you have any questions, or want to get involved, let us know on Facebook or Twitter, or send us a direct message on our Facebook page!
A special thank you to Julie Oliverius for telling us her story, and to Heart of Alabama Save Rescue and Adopt for the work they are doing in Florence, Alabama. You can learn more about HASRA at www.hasra.org.
