I can speak from personal opinion that often times the women who work in and manage animal shelters across the continent are unsung heros. Let me tell you, it's not a pretty job and you don't see a whole lot of men stepping up to the plate to care for the world's unwanted pets (although there are a few...).
Almost twenty years ago I remember standing with my mother in a trashed building as she looked around and scratched her head. She had decided, in her late twenties that she was going to establish an SPCA in our hometown. She took this on with little help and today works in that very same building. Her staff is mainly female and they work these dirty, low paying jobs because they want to. Because it is important to them.
This (and most) shelters also supports women who are the victims of domestic violence by caring for the pets of women who are forced to flee their partners due to abuse. Often times part of a woman's reason for staying has to do with her fear for the fate of the family pet. This relieves them of this fear and allows them to start over knowing that their pet is safe, and will be returned to them when they are able to care for it.
However, this time of year and with the economy so bad we often get wrapped up in other agendas and forget about NPOs that might be struggling to get by the holiday season. Shelters often experience a dramatic population increase following the holidays because of "pet gifting". Getting a puppy for Christmas may be a nice idea in theory, but when people aren't prepared to make a life long commitment to that pet, they are brought to the shelter. Sometimes they are even left on the doorstep in the cold.
This holiday season please keep a few things in mind. Animal rights (to the extent that they are safe and unabused at the very least) is a feminist issue. So is doing good in the world around you. This year, remember the animals who aren't spending the holidays chewing gift wrap and eating left over turkey. Remember the ones who are sitting in cages waiting for a home. Don't give any one a gift of a puppy or kitten, not unless you have talked it through at length and the person is ready to make the necessary commitment. Remember the hard working women who have taken it upon themselves to be the guardians of smaller creatures who can not speak for themselves. Donate a can of dog food, a chew toy, or a leash. Put on your parka and walk a dog.
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Wow, is this timely!
Just yesterday I emailed a bunch of rescue groups and shelters in my area about volunteer opportunities.
I have been looking at the flickr photographs of a woman who fosters dogs for a shelter in Indiana. One of her photos was featured on cuteoverload, which led me to her page I got sucked into her story.
I was heartbroken all day yesterday because her writing (about her fosters and the shelter) reminded me how many animals are suffering out there. This woman lives in a rural area; her shelter is run down and has very few resources. She is SO SO dedicated to the homeless animals in her area; it's amazing.
Feeling hopeless and depressed, I went home and wrote her shelter a check - not much - but hopefully it can buy a dog bed for one of the cages or something. And obviously I hope to donate some time to the animals in my own community.
My friend has a Xmas party every year, and asks that guests bring items to donate to this dog-adoption group she supports. I hope others will be inspired to do something to help, too.
A lot of shelters offer adoption gift certificates. Instead of buying a puppy or kittten for someone you can give them a certificate to pick out a shelter animal when and if they are ready. Maybe it doesn't have to cute appeal a furry little animal with a bow around it's neck does, but in the long run it's a lot more thoughful for all involved.
I never really get why people buy puppies or kittens for other people. It's a little like leaving a baby on someone's doorstep.