This makes me wonder, where exactly are my tax dollars going these days? Bailing out big banks, auto companies and CEO bonuses? While a possible dog park fee is by no means the biggest detriment caused by drastic state budget cuts, it’s ridiculous to think tax paying citizens are being asked to fork out more money just to go to the dog park! I would gladly pay a dog park fee if a fee was set up to support local dog shelters or help animals in need. But a mandatory dog park fee that is a direct result of government and big business financial irresponsibility is just too hard to swallow.
I understand we are in difficult times, and proposals such as the one in Novato, California are likely to pass. Can we at least make some good of it? Can dog park registrants be forced to provide proof that their dogs are up to date on vaccinations? Can a portion of the fees be used to support animal population control?
I would assume most dog owners wouldn’t deprive their pets of the joys of the dog park despite the fees, but the bone would be a lot easier to swallow if we know the program will do some good for the local pet community.
Times are tough for our four legged friends as well as the non-profit organizations dedicated to finding homes for an increasing number of homeless pets. Donations are shrinking and populations are rising. A study of current giving trends conducted by Dogpile.com found that Americans who typically give to charities are cutting back on their donations by nearly half from last year, and they expect that animal charities will suffer among the most compared to other organizations and civic causes. The situation is compounded by the fact that nearly one in five Americans has had to give up a pet – or know someone who has – due to financial hardship.
Additional information from the Dogpile.com Study:
Animal welfare organizations appear second on a list of charities that will suffer the most this year. They fall just two percent below The Arts, Culture and Humanities.
Four in five Americans studied are concerned about animal welfare and 62 percent claim they’re dedicated to animal welfare causes, but they can’t afford to give to animal welfare charities.
Eighty percent of people surveyed agreed that if they knew there was a way to donate money to charity through their actions – instead of actually spending their own money – they would do it. And, 91 percent said they would give more money to organizations and civic causes if they were in a better place financially.
Now more than ever, organizations like the ASPCA are in need of our help and are getting creative to bring in funding. Do you have something to sell or donate? If you want to support a worthy cause, forget ebay and craigslist. The ASPCA has set up a Facebook application for buying and selling items with proceeds to benefit the ASPCA.
If your heart is in the right place, but you can’t afford to make monetary donations, buy or sell something at the ASPCA Marketplace. In the meantime, spread the word! Post a link to the marketplace on your Facebook profile and encourage your friends and family to do the same.
The economy is bad, I get it. In fact, if the news could stop reminding me for awhile, that would be great. I promise not to forget. Times are tough, but it’s times like these that make us appreciate the things we do have – and I have a wonderful dog.
Studies show that animals provide anxiety relief and support for stressed out college students and that’s even more of a reason to love that a growing number of colleges are offering animal friendly dorms. There is no denying that animals can reduce stress. During a hardship, it’s good to remind ourselves of that, and use the opportunity to reconnect with our four-legged best friends.
Stay home! So what if you can’t afford to go out to dinner and a movie tonight. Your dog loves when your home, so curl up on the couch with your latest Netflix arrival and spend some quality time with your pooch.
Your dog is your best exercise partner. Need an excuse to get off the couch? Dogs let us know when it’s time to go outside and play. Instead of hitting the gym, take your buddy hiking, for a long walk or a trip to the dog park. You’ll get some exercise, a chance to socialize, feel less stressed and your dog will love you for it.
They don’t know that toy isn’t new. Gather up your dogs toys, run them through the washing machine, and then give them back to your dog one by one. You can even take the old toy out of a PetSmart bag if you think you’re dog is on to you. I’m wondering if this would work for my closet as well. Maybe I’ll throw an old top in a Nordstrom bag and see if I can fool myself.
Remember that money isn’t everything. The thought of being broke may stress you out but your dog doesn’t care. Belly rubs are the highest form of currency in their world, and belly rubs never lose their value. I realize no one is going to walk around thinking money doesn’t matter, but when the anxiety kicks in, try thinking like your dog – even if for only an hour. Enjoy the simple things.
You are everything to them. Your dog loves you – unconditionally. Nothing makes your dog happier than you walking in the door. Watch how your dog reacts to seeing you at the end of the day. Even if you’ve been ridiculed by your boss, you’re feeling worthless or you just got laid off, your dog thinks no less of you. You are still the best thing in their lives.
Like I said before, times are tough – there’s no denying it. But the love between a girl and her dog is recession proof.
Times are tough for our four legged friends as well as the non-profit organizations dedicated to finding homes for an increasing number of homeless pets. Donations are shrinking and