beyond the arch
4 | Get involved 3 | Go Green
Recycling through local animalwelfare organizations is another way of incorporating animalfriendly efforts into daily routine. Dropping off recyclables at local shelters or animal groups not only helps the environment, but also supports the efforts of local organizations that rescue and care for animals in need. Petco Foundation collects old cell phones and phone accessories nationwide, and uses the proceeds to help rescue, rehabilitate and vaccinate animals, as well as provide grants to local animal-welfare programs. They even provide a free printable mailing label on their website, which patrons can use to mail in old phones. You can also make an impact locally with the Athens Area Humane Society by recycling aluminum cans and printer cartridges. These proceeds directly benefit their programs in the Athens community. “We send the recyclable items to Recycle America, who then donates a check to us according to what we send,” says Amanda Newson, outreach coordinator for the Athens Area Humane Society.
Volunteering is a hands-on and rewarding way to care for homeless animals in the community without the commitment of taking one home. Contact local animal rescues and ask about volunteer positions; organizations rely on volunteer work to support their programs and typically take any help they can get. “Volunteering is also a form of donating; you’re donating your time to help us,” says Newson. “You can volunteer at either of our locations, at special events, and we also have some clerical or special-projects that you can help out with too.” Volunteers are also responsible for caring for the animals, which will give you plenty of belly rub and scratch-behind-the-ear time. “Many shelters use volunteers to bathe and walk dogs, and to help socialize puppies and kittens,” says Wood. Schedule doesn’t allow for a lot of extra time to help out? Money donations are always appreciated as well. Ask your family and friends for donations in your honor for birthdays or holidays, or just start saving up all your couch coins. Shelters use extra funds to give pro-bono animal surgeries, buy food and fund outreach programs.
5 | Buy (and save) local When volunteering just isn’t cutting it anymore and you’re ready to take the ultimate step and adopt, start with your local shelter. Rescuing is the most ethical way to help because you bypass the pet stores that often supply animals through breeders. “By rescuing an animal you are choosing not to support puppy mills and you are not adding to the out-of-control pet population,” says Tabitha Phillips, president of the University of Georgia Speak Out For Species club. “And of course, you are also doing that individual animal a favor by saving it from being euthanized. And you are doing yourself a favor by committing to help an animal that needs time and care to adjust.” Even if your heart is set on a specific breed or age group, do research beforehand because shelter advertisements often include specifics and pictures that will help you narrow down the search for the perfect german shepherd or golden retriever. Just don’t forget to keep an open mind and go check out the shelters in person—no one would ever know that a cockapoo was cute and not a mash-up gone wrong except by total accident and Google Images.
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