We can make change! But only together.
In my previous blog post, I wrote about the need for creativity in finding solutions to the current crisis for animal companions in the community and at the shelter.
Building progressive programs and practices is a popular concept in industry discussions about improving welfare and outcomes for shelter animals, as is providing more community resources to keep them from ending up there in the first place. Wading through the mire of bureaucracy to access resources and enact policy, though, is a formidable challenge. It can feel insurmountable. As popular as the desire is to move forward, how do we make it happen?
As many in sheltering say, we need the community.
But the burden can’t be all on them, especially while many in the community are dealing with their own challenges. We need to work together to leverage every resource and opportunity available (and make some new ones!). Shelters have already asked the community to step up and help by holding onto lost animals, fostering and adopting. But we haven’t adequately tapped into the most important contribution that the community can provide, which is their active support for more progressive sheltering practices and for community resource programs that help prevent animals from entering the shelter system.
What I’m suggesting is that the public bring their voices and votes for these programs that focus on addressing the causes of the crisis and the way animals live while they’re in the shelter. Those able to step up to foster or adopt are limited; but everyone can be involved in pursuing and bringing about change. And it's the only way it will happen.
Besides everyone's involvement in putting these issues consistently on the public agenda and in conversations with policy makers, what participation looks like depends on your skills, your time and your comfort level.
You can be a part of efforts to work towards reducing housing discrimination against certain breeds or pets over a certain weight limit (see us about this!). Maybe you can spearhead a fundraising idea for spay and neuter of large dogs in your community. Or you can lend your skills in photography, social media posting or organizing events to organizations like ours. Most essentially, we all can get informed about what needs to happen to improve the lives of animals and their people in our community—send letters to local and state governmental offices, go to city council for concrete requests. Show them animal welfare is a priority to you and that the status quo just is not acceptable.
This blog series isn’t written for industry insiders. It’s for the community members who love animals and are not okay with them suffering from isolation and a lack of resources.
Stay tuned for the nuts and bolts of what we need to move forward. I hope I can guide you a bit through the problems and suggest ways for you to contribute to a more humane city that can inspire others striving to do right by animals.
(Artwork inspired by adoptable Luna from Long Beach Animal Care, ID #A718384)
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