Did you know August 1st is also known as DOGust 1st? DOGust 1st was created by the North Shore Animal League America, the world’s largest no-kill rescue and adoption organization. The day was designed to universally celebrate birthdays of rescue dogs since most don’t have any paperwork on when their actual birthday occurred.

For those new to Wags, Wags ‘N Whiskers Rescue was founded in 2016. Wags Rescue is a nonprofit dedicated to the rescuing and rehoming of both dogs and cats. Since its inception Wags Rescue has found homes for over 25 rescues and is continuing its mission to find homes for animals across the southeast. As we celebrate the birthdays of all our rescue animals this DOGust 1st, we also want to remind everyone the different ways you can help these rescue dogs and cats.

Adopting

Every rescue dog and cat should have a loving family. Whether they’re young or a senior animal, they all deserve a home and parents that love them. If you or someone you know is looking for a pet, please consider a rescue animal. They will bring so much love and joy to your home, many are already house trained. For more information on adopting a pet from Wags ‘N Whiskers Rescue, call 205.902.WAGS (9247).

Fostering

Not everyone is ready or can take on a rescue pet as a new family member, but many people can still be foster parents to a rescue. Being a foster parent is essentially taking on the responsibility of another pet knowing that they won’t stay with you permanently. Financial burdens associated with a foster pet are typically covered by the rescue organization.  In terms of time commitment beyond home placement, Foster parents may be asked to bring the pet to special events to get more exposure to potential adopters. Foster parents also need to keep in mind that many of these animals may have never been in a home setting before and may take some time to adjust to a new environment.

Volunteering

Like all home pets, rescue dogs enjoy going for a walk; volunteer walkers offer a great service to further the adoption cause! By getting dogs outside, it allows them to be seen by potential adopters and builds social experience with new people, animals, and environments. It also helps keep them healthy through exercise and gets rid of pent-up energy, making them calmer, more well-behaved when they meet a potential adopter. If you are interested in volunteering with the rescue call us at 205.902.WAGS (9247).

Donating

An important and simple way to help our rescue friends is through donations. Monetary help is always accepted but there are also many specific items the rescue is grateful to receive. Items include:

• Towels
• Blankets/beds
• Metal bowls
• Cat litter
• Dog shampoo
• Grooming supplies
• Pill pockets
• Sensitive stomach dog food
• Dog treats
• Dog collars (sizes M, L)
• Cat
• collars
• Dog harnesses (sizes M, L)
• Heartworm & flea prevention
• Dog toys for power chewers (sizes M, L)
• Cat toys

Social Media

One of the best ways to help Wags ‘N Whiskers generate interest in our rescue pets is through social media. Posting and sharing pictures and information about our sweet furry friends helps us reach more people who might be looking to adopt a pet. If you would like to help post or share these lovely pets on social media…first, make sure you LIKE our Facebook page. “LIKING” our page allows you to see and share our rescue posts. Second, call us at 205.902.WAGS (9247) to learn additional ways that you can assist us in getting the word out to potential adopters.

(Pup)kins & Pints Fundraiser

A fun way to help Wags ‘N Whiskers Rescue is to attend our annual (Pup)kins & Pints fundraising event in October. This is always a fun event held at Cahaba Brewing Company. We’ll have a raffle, pet costume pictures, and lots more. All the details will be posted in the near future…so stay tuned!

With your help adopting, fostering, donating, and publicizing via social media sources, our Wags ‘N Whiskers Rescue will successfully continue its mission of rescuing and rehoming these deserving pets.