Unfortunately, dog abuse and neglect remain a big issue in today’s society. Besides it being cruel to a defenseless animal, dogs that have been abandoned and mistreated can actually place hardships on our communities. This is why we have dog rescue initiatives, but they can’t do everything alone.

 

MONA Payment Solutions is a proud sponsor and volunteer for one such local program. Our organization was introduced to the Downtown Dog Rescue by our longtime partners, SCVMA, and after learning about their mission and impact, we knew we had to get involved. Since 2006, they have offered a number of different programs like free spay/neutering, vaccinations, and other health services. We are appreciative to be a part of a beautiful and noble cause, and are pleased with the significant difference their programs are making in the community.

 

Here’s a little more information on what dog rescue involves and how you can do your part in preventing dog abuse.

 

What Is Dog Rescue?

 

Dog rescue can refer to any effort to save dogs from abuse. A dog rescue operation recovers dogs from poor conditions, identifies dog cruelty, offers dog care services to low-income owners, and generally makes the world a better place for our four-legged friends. Most of these operations accept neglected, abused, abandoned, or malnourished dogs.

 

This is a bigger issue than you may think: every year in the United States, approximately 3.3 million dogs enter shelters. Of those, 670.000 are euthanized because they’re too ill or simply to prevent overcrowding at shelters.

 

Why Dogs Need Our Help

 

Dogs arrive at shelters for various reasons. Some are found by the side of the road, others are surrendered by people who allowed their unaltered pets to spawn, and many are mistreated or neglected. Some of the worst cases involve dogs who arrive with bruises, lesions, sores, protruding ribs, or snarled hair that needs shaving.

 

These dogs range in age from newborns to seniors, which is one of the main problems with rescuing dogs. Most people who come to dog shelters for adoptions are looking for puppies, and many senior dogs go ignored. Certain breeds, such as German shepherds and pit bulls, are also left without homes due to biases against them.

 

Despite the overcrowding issues, the world needs dog rescue organizations. Without them, mistreated dogs that get away would be dangerous to society. When dogs get abused, they become reactive and start to look at all humans as potential threats. If they find themselves on the streets, they can bite people, run in front of cars, and breed more unwanted dogs.

 

How You Can Get Involved

 

Now that you know why dog rescue is important, you may be interested in how you can help. Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do. Here’s a quick list:

 

• Adopt a dog. If you have room in your home, adopting a dog from a shelter is the best thing you can do for these animals. As mentioned above, there are millions of dogs without homes, and each one you adopt makes more room in the shelter for another dog.

 

• Donate to trusted organizations. All dog shelters could use money, supplies, and donations. These operations tend to depend on the kindness of others, so consider doing your part in ensuring they continue to fight the good fight.

 

• Volunteer at a local shelter. Other than money, dog shelters need help with cleaning, intake, exercising dogs, and so on. Some shelters have gift shops you can work in from time to time, while others need help introducing dogs to prospective families.

 

• Share information about shelters. Your local dog shelter likely has a website that contains information on incoming dogs. Share that information on social media to raise awareness of pets in need of a home.

 

• Foster dogs until they find a home. Fostering is a key part of any dog rescue program. With shelters filling up so fast, foster homes can expand their capacity and prevent needless euthanization. You can foster a dog for a day, a month, or even longer.

 

If you would like to learn more about the Downtown Dog Rescue organization or volunteer opportunities, please get in touch with our office and we can connect you with one of their team members.

 

 

Downtown Dog Rescue – https://downtowndogrescue.org/

 

Donate to Downtown Dog Rescue – https://downtowndogrescue.org/donate/

 

 

Downtown Dog Rescue Contact Information:

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 90035 Pasadena, CA  91109

Adoptions: 818.407.4145
Pet Support Space: 213.403.0129
Fax: 213.402.5064